The true northerner., 1898-12-07

proposed under this contingent granted. 80
that an examination OF the feasibility OF
its plans Is necessarily not embraced In the
rerort OF the canal commission. All these
circumstances suggest the urgency of
some definite action by the congress at
this session. IL the labors OF the past are 10
he utilized and the linking OF the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans by practical water
way Is 10 he realized. That the construc-
tion OF such maritime highway is now
more than ever indispensable TO that init
mate and ready intercommunication be-
tween our eastern and western seaboards
demanded by the annexation of the Iia-
wailan islands and the prospective ex-
pansion OF our influence ard ccrar.erce 70
Pacific, and that our national po4cy row
more imperatively than ever calls for it's
control by this government, are PROPOSE
tions which ] doubt not the congress- will
duly appreciate and wisely act upon
a convention providing for the revival
OF the late United States and Chiian
claims commission and the consideration
or claims which were duly presented 10 the
late commission but not considered because
Of the expiration OF the time limited for the
duration OF the commission, was signed
May "a, 1891 and has remained unacted
upon by the senate. The term therein fixed
for effecting the exchange OF ratificatlons
having elapsed, the convention falls unless
the time be extended by amendment, which
| am endeavoring to bring about, with the
ment
Events In China
The United States has not been an in
different spectator OF the extraordinary
events transpiring In the Chinese empire.
whereby portions of its maritime prov
inces are passing under the control Of vari-
Gus European powers; but the prospect
that the vast commerce which the energy
OF our citizens and the necessity Of our
staple productions for Chinese uses has
built up I'm those regions may not be preju-
diced through any exclusive treatment by
the now occupants has obviated the need
OF our country becoming an actor I'm the
scene. Our position among nations, having
a large Pacific coast and a constantly ex-
orient, gives Us the equitable claim 10 con-
sideration and friendly treatment I'm this
regard, and II will be my aim to subserve
our large interests in that quarter by all
means appropriate to the constant policy of
our government The territories OF Kiao
Chow. of Wei-Hai-Wei, and of Port Arthur
and Talien Wan, leased to Germany, Great
Britain and Russia respectively for terms
OF years. WILL IL is announced, be open TO
international commerce during such alien
occupation; and II no discriminating treat
ment of American citizens and their trade
be found 10 exist, or be hereafter developed,
the desire Of this government would appear
to be realized.
In this relation, as showing the volume
and value of our exchanges with China and
the peculiarly favorable conditions which
exist for their expansion In the normal
course of trade, refer to the communica-
ton addressed TO the speaker OF the house
of representatives by the secretary OF the
accompanying letter of the secretary of
state, recommending an appropria ton for
"a commission TO study the commercial and
Industrial conditions in the Chinese en-
pire and report fas to the opportunities for
and obstacles to the enlargement of mar
kets in China for the raw products and
manufactures OF the United States. Ac-
ton was not taken thereon during the
late session. / cordially urge that the rec
omme ndation receive at your hands the
consideration which its importance and
timelineSS merit.
Meanwhile, there may be just ground for
disquietude in view of the unrest and re-
vival of the old sentiment of opposition and
prejudice to alien people which pervades
certain of the Chinese provinces. AS i'm the
case of the attacks upon our citizens in
Szechuan and at kutien in 1885, the United
States minister has been instructed to Sc
cure the fullest measure of protection, both
local and imperial, for any menaced Amer
lcan interests and to demand, in case of
ldwleSs injury to person or property, in
slant reparation appropriate to the case.
Warships have been stationed al Tien Tsin
Tor more ready observation of the disor-
ders which nave invaded even the Chinese
capital, so as TO be ia a position to act,
should need arise, while guard of ma
rineS has been sent TO Peking to afford the
minister the same measure of authorita-
tive protection as the representatives of
other nations have been constrained 10 en-
ploy.
The Cerruti Affair.
Following close upon the rendition of the
OI my predecessor as arbitrator OF
the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti
against the republic of Colombia differ
ences arose between the parties 10 the ar
bitration in regard TO the scope and extern
sion of the award, of which certain articles
were contested by Colombia, while Italy
claimed their literal fulfillment. The award
having been made by the president of the
United States an act of friendly consid-
Grafton and with the sole view to an i'm
partial composition Of the matter I'm dis
pute, j could not but feel concern at such
miscarriage, and, while unable TO accept
the Colombian theory that |, in my official
capacity, possessed continuing function as
arbitrator, with power to interpret or re-
wise the terms of award, .my best efforts
were lent to bringing the parties to a har-
monious agreement as to the execution of
its provisions A naval demonstration by
Italy resulted in an engagement TO pay the
liabilities claimed upon their ascertain
ment; but this apparent disposition of the
controversy was followed by a rupture of
diplomatic intercourse between Colombia
and Italy which still continues, although
fortunately without acute symptoms hav-
Ing supervened. Notwithstanding this ef-
forts are reported to be continuing for the
ascertainment of Colombia's contingent
liability on account of Cerruti's debts, un-
der the fifth article OF the award
claim Of an Aperican citizen against
the DOMINICAN republic for a public bridge
over the OZama river, which has been i'm
diplomatic controversy for several years,
has been settled by expert arbitration and
an award I'm favor of the claimant amount
ing to about $4,000. 1t, however remains
unpaid, despite urgent demands for its set
tlement according to the terms Of the com
pact.