The Owosso times., 1898-12-09

speedy and practical outcome to the great
project that has for so many years en-
crossed the attention OF the respective
countries.
As the scope Of recent inquiry embraced
the whole subject. with the aim OF making
plans and surveys for canal by the most
convenient route. II necessarily Included q
review OF the results of previous surveys
and plans. and In particular those adopted
existing concessions from Nicaragua and
grants necessarily held an essential part
canal commission as they have held and
must needs hold In the discussion of the
matter by the congress Under these CIR
to the governments of Nicaragua and
Costa Rica by other parties for q new
canal concession predicted on the as
sumed approaching lapse OF the contracts
of the Maritime Canal company with those
states, l have not hesitated to express my
conviction that considerations of expedi-
ency and international policy as between
the several governments interested in the
construction and control OF an inter-
oceanic canal by this route require the
maintenance or the status quo. until the
canal commission shall have reported and
the United States congress shall have had
the opportunity to pass finally upon the
whole matter during the present session.
without prejudice by reason of any change
In the existing conditions.
nevertheless II appears that the govern
ment OF Nicaragua. as one of Its last sover-
eign acts before merging Its powers in
those OF the newly-formed United States
OF Central America, has granted an option
al concession to another association, to be-
come effective on the expiration of the
present grant. 1t does not appear what
surveys have been made, or what route is
proposed under this contingent granted, so
that an examination of the feasibility of
Its plans Is necessarily not embraced in the
report OF the canal commission. All these
circumstances suggest the urgency of
some definite action by the congress at
this session. If the labors of the past are to
be utilized and the linking of the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans by a practical water
ton of such a maritime highway is now
more than ever Indispensable to that inti-
mate and ready intercommunication be-
tween our eastern and western seaboards
demanded by the annexation of the Ha-
waiian islands and the prospective ex-
panSion OF our influence and commerce to
Pacific, and that our national policy now
more imperatively than ever calls for its
control by this government, are PROPOSE
tions which l doubt not the congress will
duly appreciate and wisely act upon
or the late United States and Chiian
claims commission and the consideration
OF claims which were duly presented to the
Of the expiration of the time limited for the
duration OF the commission, was signed
May "a. 1897, and has remained unacted
for effecting the exchange of ratifications
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 transpring in the Chinese empire,
whereby portions Of its maritime prov
inces are passing under the control of vari-
that the vast commerce which the energy %
Of our citizens and the necessity of our
staple productions for. Chinese uses has
built up in those regions may not be preJu-
the new occupants has obviated the need
OF our country becoming an actor in the
scene. Our position among nations, having
large Pacific coast and a constantly ex-
panding direct trade with the farther
orient, gives Us the equitable claim to con-
sideration and friendly treatment In this
regard, ana 1t 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
and Talien Wan, leased to Germany, Great
Britain and Russia respectively for terms
OF years. will. 1t is announced. be open to
international commerce during such allen
occupation: and IL no discriminating treat
ment of American citizens and their trade
be found to 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
Tile ldNOTtDle COuuttlOUa WHICH
exist for their expansion In the normal
course of trade, l refer to the communica-
tion addressed to the speaker of the house
Of representatives by the secretary OF the
treasury on the 14th Of last June with its
accompanying letter of the secretary of
state, recommending an appropriation for
industrial conditions in the Chinese en-
pire and report as to the opportunities for
and obstacles to the enlargement of mar
kets In China for the raw products and
m a n ha ifaA of
tion was not taken thereon during the
late session. l cordially urge that the rec
ommendation receive at your hands the
consideration which its Importance and
timeliness merit.
Meanwhile, there may be just ground for
dtsquietude 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 in the
case OF the attacks upon our citizens in
Szechuan and at kutien in 1885, the United
States minister has been instructed to se-
cure the fullest measure of protection, both
local and imperial, for any menaced Amer
lean interests and to demand, in case of
lawless injury to person or property, in
slant reparation appropriate to the case.
Warships have been stationed at Tien Tsin
ior more ready observation of the disor-
ders which have invaded even the Chinese
capital, so as to be liz position to act,
should need arise, while a guard of ma
rines has been sent to Peking to afford the
minister the same measure of authorita.
i've protection as the representatives of
other nations have been constrained 10 em-
ploy
The Cerruti Affair.
Following close upon the rendition of the
award OF my predecessor as arbitrator of
the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti
against the republic of Colombia differ
ences arose between the parties to 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 fulfllment.. The award
having been made by the president of the
Grafton and with the sole view to an i'm
partial composition of the matter in dis
pute, / could not But feel concern at such
q miscarriage, and, while unable to accept
the Colombian theory that l, 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 bringin., the parties to har-
Its provisions. naval demonstration by
Italy resulted in an engagement to pay the
liabilities claimed upon their ascertain-
ment; but this apparent disposition Of the
was followed by q rupture Of
diplomatic intercourse between Colombia
and Italy which still continues, although
without acute symptoms hav-
Ing supervened Notwithstanding this, ef-
forts are reported to be continuing for the
of Colombia's contingent
liability on account of Cerruti's debts, un-
der the fifth article Of the award
A claim of an American citizen against
the DOMINICAN republic for a public bridge
Dvar the riuar which hoo 10