The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-12-04

4 ~ ~ J llI%- -
favors prohibition of the use of firearms
In seal hunting without the proposed
area, and n longer closed season for
pelagic sealing. 5t.s
The SRnionn Agreement. ~
In my last two annual 3messuges 1
called the attention OF Congress to the.
position we coupled as one of the par
ties to n treaty or agreement by which,
we become. jointly bound with England
and Germany to so Interfere with the
Government and control of Samoa as in
effect to the management OF
It's affairs.
On the 9th day of May, 1894. I trans->
mitted to the Senate n special message
with ccompanying documents giving
Information on the subject, and en-
phasizing the opinion 1 have at dill
times entertained. that our situation in
his matter was Inconsistent with he
mission and traditions of our govern
ment, In violation OF the principles I'VE
profess, and in all It's phases mischiey-
GUS and vcxatiDus.
1 again press this subject upon the at
tention Of Congress and ask for such
Legislative action or expression as will
lead the way to our relief from obliga-
lions both irksome II unnatural.
II Cuban "Insurrsctfon. +.
Cuba is again gravcly disturbed. An
insurrection, In some respects more nc
Nv than the last preceding revolt,
which continued from 1868 to 1878, now
exists I'm O large part of the Eastern
interior of the island, menacing even
some populations on the coast, besides
~deransing the commercial exchanges
of the island OF which our country takes
the predominant share. This nagrant
condition of hsstilities, by nrousilg,
sentimental sympathy and melting ad-i
Venturous support among our people:
has entailed earnest effort on the
part of this government to enforce
obedience to our neutrality laws, and
to prevent the territory of the United
States from being abused as n van
tage ground from which to aid those.
in arms against Spanish sovereignty. ?
Whatever may he the traditional
sympathy of our countrymen as indi-
viduais with n people who seem to be.
struggling fer larger authority and
greater freedom, deepen as such SYM
: pathy, naturally must be in behalf of
Il ~neiGhbors, yet the plain duty of
their government Is to observe in good
ialth the recognized o~biigations ofiins
ternntional relationship. The perform-
ance of this duty should not ba mad
more difficult by q disregard on the part
OF cur citizens of the obligation grow
Ing out of their allegiance TO their
country. which should restrain them
from violating as individuals the ncu7
trality which the nation of which
they are members Is bound to observe
In It's relations OF friendly sovereign
Estates. Though neither the warmth of
WI pGpptt . ~ IiIltluN Will vie IubIll
Insurgents, nor our loss and material
damage consequent upon the futile en-
deaVorS. thus far made 10, restore peace
and order, nor any shock our humane
scnsibiities may have received from
he cruelticS Which appear to especially
characterize this ~sanguinary and fierce-
ly conducted war, ave in the least
shaken the determination of the gov
eminent to honestly fulnll every inter
national obligation, yet II il to be
| M NC ntN 49,, at-nR.V ,.,... ill.,.
the devastation OF armed conflict may
be speedily stayed and ordcr aid
quiet restored to the distracted islatd,
bringing in their train the activity and
thrift of peaceful pursuits, =
One notable instance of interference
by Spain with passing American shirs
has occurred. On March Sth last the
Alliance. while bound from Colon to
New York, and followinGth customary
track for vessels near the Cuban shore
but outside the three mile limit Nas
fired upo by IL Spanish Eunboat. Pro.
test was promptly made by the United
States against this act us not being
justified by a state Of war. nor per
niissiblc In respect of vessels on the
usual paths of commerce.. nor tolcrable
IN view OF the want or peril accustomed
to innocent life and property. The act
was disavowcd with fun expression of
regret, and assurance of non-recur-
renee OF such Just cause of compiaiut.
" 'hsS 'hN AtlS "Sn . IL.
lieved of his m Military ar
rest Of citizens Of the United States
In Cuba have accustomed frequent re-
CARNATIONS. Where held, on criminal
charges their delivery to the ordinary
civil jurisdiction for trail has been de-
manded and obtained In conformity
with treaty provisions, and where
merely detained by way of military
prccaution under n proclaimed state Of
siege, without formulated accusation.
their release or trial has been insisted
upon. The right of American onsular
officers in the island to prefer protests
and demands in such cases having been
questioned by the consular authority
their enjoyment of the privilege stipu-
lated by the treaty for the consuls
of Germany was claimed under the
most favored nation provision OF our
own convention and was promptly rec
OgpiHcd.
The long standing demand of An
tonic Maxine Mora against Spain
has at last been settled by the pay
ment on the 18th of September last
of the sum originally agreed upon in
, liquidation of the claim. Its distribu-
ton among the parties entitled to re-
ccive ii has proceeded as rapidly rs
r the rights of those claiming the fund
could be safely determined.
enforcement of D~eic.cntinl Duties.
The enforcement of differential dutiey
against products of this country re-
, ported to Cuba and Puerto Rice
l prompted the immediate claim on ON
. part to the benefit Of the minimum tariff