Evening star., 1898-12-05

serve oui large interests in that quarter by
all reans appropriate to the constant poll
Icy of our government. The territories of
hfac-chow Of Wei-hai-wai and of Port Ar
thur and Talienwan, leased to Germany,
Great Britain and Russia respectively. for
terms of Years, will, 1t is announced, be
open to international commerce during such
alier. occupation; and if no discriminating
treatment of American citizens and their
veloped, 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 the expansion in the normal course of
trade, ] refer to the communication ad-
dressed to the Speaker of the House of Rep
rsentatives by the Secretary of the Treas
ury on the 14th of last June vSh its ac-
companyins letter of the Secretary of State,
recommending an appropriation for COM
mission to study the commercial and in
dustrial conditions in the Chinese Empire
and report as to the opportunities for and
obstacles TO the enlargement of markets
in China for the raw products and man
ufactures of the United States Action was
not taken thereon during the late session.
/ cordially urge that the recommendation
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 in
the case of the attacks upon our citizens
in Szechuan and at Kutien in 1895, the
United States Minister has been instructed
to secure the fullest measure of protection,
both local and imperial, for any menaced
American interests, and to demand, in case
of lawless injury to person or property in
slant reparation appropriate to the case.
War ships have been stationed at Tientsin
for more ready observation of the disorders
which have invaded even the Chinese cap
ital, SO as to be in position to act should
need arise, while a guard of marines has
been sent to Peking to afford the Minister
the same measure of authoritative protec-
ton as the representatives of other nations
have been constrained to employ.
Following close upon the rendition OF the
award of my predecessor 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 eX-
tension of the award, of which certain ar
ticles were contested by Colombia, while
Italy claimed their literal fulfillment The
award having been made by the President
of the United States, as an act of friendly
consideration, and with the sole view to
an impartial composition of the matter IN
dispute. l could not but feel deep concern
at such a miscarriage, and, while unable
to accept the Colombian theory that l. In
my official capacity, possessed continuing
functions arbitrator, with power to in
terpret or revise the terms of the award
my best efforts were lent to bring the par
ties to harmonious agreement as to the
execution of its provisions.
A naval demonstration by Italy resulted
claimed upon their ascertainment; but this
followed by rupture of diplomatic inter
course between Colombia and Italy which
still continues, although fortunately with
out acute symptoms having supervened
Notwithstanding this. efforts are reported
to be CO ntinuing for the ascertainment of
Colombia's contingent liability on account
of Cerutis debts, under the fifth article
Of the award
claim Of American citizen against
the Dominican Republic for a public bridge
over the Ozama River, which has been IN
diplomatic controversy for several years,
has been settled by expert arbitration and
an award in favor of the claimant amount
ing to about $4,000. 1t however remains
unpaid despite urgent demands for It's set
tlement according to the terms of the COM
pact.