The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-12-04
washington, d. C.. Dec. 2d. lso

Washington, d. c.. Dec. I'd, 1895
The Congless of the United States:
The present assembIage of the legis-
lative branch of our Government occurs
at time when the interests Of our peo-
pie and the needs OF the country give
especial prominence to the condition OF
our foreign relations and the exigiences
OF our national finances. The reports
OF the heads of the several administra
i've departments of the Government
luliy and plainly exhibit what has been
accomplished within the scope Of the
respective duties and present such re-
commemorate tons for the betterment oil
or country'S condition as patriotic and
Intelligent labor and observation sug-
Eests.
J. therefore, deem my executive duty
adequately performed at this time by
presenting to the Congress the import
ant phrases Of our situation as related
TO our Intercourse with foreign nations
ana Il statement Of the financial prob
lens which confrontS us. omitting eX-
cept as they are related to these topics
my reference 10 departmental opera
lions. L earnestly invite, however. not
only tlic carSful consideration, but the
severely critical scrutiny of the Con-
Srcss and nay fellow countrymen to the
reports concerning these departmental
opera tions. If justly and fairly exam
incd. they will furnish proof of assd-
uous and painstaliinE care for the pub
lie welfare. press the rcco. lmendn-
tons they contain upon the respectful
attention of those charged with the
duty of legislation, because | believe
their adoption would promote the puo-
Pies good. BY amcndatory tariff leg
islation In Janury last. the Argentine
Kcpublic recognizing the value of the
lafSe market opened 10 the free i'm
portation OF It's woods under our last
inriif act. has admitted certain products
OF the United States At entry at rcduc-
ed duties. II is pleasing to note that
,ntt T.
exchanges of trade on a sound basis of
mutual benefit are I'm this instance APP
preciated by the country from which
our woolcn factories draw their need
ful supply of raw material.
Entcrnationai boundary Disputes.
The missions boundary dispute be-
tween the Argentine Republic and
HraHll, referred to the President of the
United States as arbitrator during the
term of my predecessor. and which was
submitted to me for determination, re-
suited i'll an award in favor of Brazil
upon the historical and documentary
evidence presented. thus ending Il long
protracted controversy and again dem
onStratinE the wisdom and desira bill
~ of settling international boundary
disputes by recourse to friendly arbi-
1ration negotiations are progressing for
:; revival OF the United States and Chill
can claims commission. whose work was
abruptly terminated last year by the
expiration OF the stipulated time within
which awards could be made.
Oar Relations With Foreign Govern.
ments.
the resumption of specie payments
by Chile is Il step of greater interest
and Importance. both in Its direct CON
sequences upon her own welfare and rs
evincing the ascendency of sound fnan-
cial principles in one of the most in
tluential of the South American Repub-
lies. The close of the momentous strug-
gle between China and Japan, while
relieving the diplomatic agents of this
government from the delicate duty
they undertook at the request of both
countries, of rendering such service to
the subjects of either beligcrent with
the territorial limits of the other as
our neutral position permitted, devel-
oped domestic condition In the Chi
neSe Empire which has caused much
anxiety and called for prompt and care
ful attention. Either as n result OF a
weak control by the central Govern
ment over the provincial administra-
tions, following diminution Of tratii-
tional governmental authority under
the stress of an overwhelming national
disaster. or as Il manifestation upon
good opportunity OF the aversion of the
Chinese population To all foreign ways
and undertakings, there have occurred
In widely separated provinces of Chi
IN serious outbreaks Of the old fanatf-
val Splilt dEalilSt lorelSHerS, Wnlch, UNI
checked by the local authorities, If not
actually connivcd nj by them, have
eliminated in mob attacks on foreign
missionary stations. causing much de-
atiuction of property and attended
with personal injuries, as well as loss
of life.
Although but one American citizen
was reported to have been actually
wounded, and although the destruction
OF pronery may have fallen more
hedyily upon the missionaries of other
. nationalities than our own, 1t plainly
behooved this Government to take the
most prompt and decided action to