The Forrest City times., 1896-12-11
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
The Armenian Mas,acres

At the outset OF reference TO the more i'm
portant matters affecting our relations with
foreign powers IL would afford me satisfaction
II could assure congress that the di turbed
condition in Asiatic Turkey had uuring the
past year assumed less hideous and bloody
aspect, aud that either as a consequence OF
the awakening of the Turkish government to
the demands OF humane civilization. or as the
result of decisive action on the part OF the
great nations having the right, by treaty. 10
interfere for the protection OF those exposed
TO the rage OF mad bigotry and cruel fanatf-
ciSfn, the shocking features Of the situation
had been mitigated.
Instead, however, of welcoming a softened
disposition or positive intervention, we have
been aff1lcted by confirmed ana not unfreu uent
reports of the wanton destruction of homes
and the bloody butchering OF men, women and
children, made martyrs to their profession OF
Christian faith. While none of our citizens in
Turkey have thus far been killed or wounded
though often in the midst of dreadful scenes of
Danger. their safety in the future is by no
means assured. Our government at home and
our minister at Constantinopse have left moth
ing undone To protect our missionaries in OF
toman territory. who constitute nearly all the
individuals residing there who have right to
citizenship.
Several naval vessels are stationed IN the
Mediterranean as a measure of caution and to
furnish all possible relief and refuge in case of
emergency.
The Cuban InsurrectIou.
The president reviews the situation Of af-
fairs. ON island of Cuba in "a calm, dIspassionate
the struggle that has been maintained by the
insurgents. they have not as yet earned the
right 10 recognition as bell getents, inas-
much as they have established no de-
1actO government. lie also says the United
states government has offered its friendly
ofices TO spain IN the matter OF guaranteeing
TO Cuba such reforms spain may promise If
the Cubans Jay down their arms. 10 which no
answer has been received, ana concludes:
When the inability Of spain to deal success
fully with the lnsurlectton has becgme mani
fest, and IT is demonstrated that her sOVer-
eighty is extinct in Cuba for all purposes OF its
rlghtfpl existence, and when hopeless strug-
gle for its re-establshment has Cegeneruted
into strife which means nothing more than
the useless sacrifice OF human life and the Ut
ter destruction Of the very subject matter OF
the eonnlct, a situation VIII De presented in
which our obligation to the sovereignty OF
Spain wlll be superseded by higher obligations
by which we can hardly hesitate TO recognize
and discharge.
Deferring the choice of ways and methods
until the time for action arrives we should
make them depend upon the precise conditions
then existing. ana they should not be deter
mined upon without giving careful heed to
every conSiderati involving our honor and
interest, or the International duty we owe to
Spain. Until we face the contingencies sug-
gested or tie situation is by other incidents
lmperatlvely changed, we should continue in
the line Of conduct heretofore pursued, thus in
all circumstances exhibiting our obedience to
the requirements OF public law and our regard
for the duty enJoined upon us by the position
We occupy IN the family OF nations
A contemplation of emergencies that may
arise should plainly lead US to avoid their
creation. either through a careless disregard of
present duty or even an undue stimulation and
tll-tmed expression OF feeling. But have
deemed II not auilsS to remind the congress
that time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests. as well a regard
for the interests of other nations ana their
citizens, joined by considerations OF humanity
and desire To see richand fertile country in
timately related to as saved from
complete devastation, will constrain
our government to such action as
will Subserve the interests thus involved and
at the same time promise to Cuba and its ln-
habtants an opportunity to enjoy the bless
ings OF peace
The Venezuelan boundary Question.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be matter OF difference between
Great Britain ana the United States, their re-
speetiye governments having agreed upon the
substantial provisions Of a treaty between
whole controversy TO arbitration. The pro-
visions of the treaty are SO eminently just and
fair that the assent Of Venezuela thereto may
confidently be anticipated.
Negotiations for "a treaty OF general arbitra-
tion Tor all differences between Great Britain
and the United states are far advanced and
promise to reach successful consummation at
an early date.
Seal Life In Behring Sea
We have duri' G the last year lahored faith
fully, and against unfayora0le conditions, to
secure better preservation OF seal life in the
Behring sea. Both the United States and
Great Britain have lately dispatched commits
sioners to these waters 10 study The habits and
condition OF the seal herd and the causes Of
their rapid decrease. Upon the reports OF
these commissioner, soon to be submitted,
and with the exercise Of patience and good
sense on the part OF ali interested parties, IT IS
earnestly hoped that hearty cooperation may
be secured for the protection against the
ayffv ~ n ~ H.