The bee., 1898-12-08

outcome to the great project that has for
so many years engrossed tine attention Of
the respective countries.
AS THE MATTER STANDS.
As the scope, of recent inquiry en-
Of making plans and surveys for a canal
by the most convenient route, II neces-
sagy included review of the results OF
ticular those adopted by the Maritime
Canal Co, under its existing concessions
from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so that
to this extent these grants necessarily
held an essential part In the deliberations
and conclusions, of the canal commission,
as they nave held, and must neec hold, In
the discussion of the matter by the con-
gress. Under these circumstances. and
governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica
by other parties for new canal conces-
sion predicated on the assumed approach
Ing lapse of the contracts of the Maritime
Canal Co. with those states, have not
hesitated to express my conviction that
considerations of expediency and inter.
national policy as between the several
governments Interested in the construc-
ton and control of an inter-oceanic canal
by this route require the maintenance OF
the status quo until the canal commits
sion shall have reported, and the United
States congress shall have had the OPP
portunity to pass finally upon the whole
matter during the present session, with
out prejudice by reason of any charge In
the existing conditions.
NICARAGUA'S SECOND GRANT.
Nevertheless 1t appears that the gov
eminent of Nicarauga, as one of its last
sovereign acts before merging rs powers
into those of the newly-formed United
states OF Central America, has granted an
optional concession to another associa-
ton, to become effective on the expiration
OF the present grant. 1t does 70. appear
route Is proposed under this contingent
grant, so that an examination OF the feas-
Utility, of its plans Is necessarily not en-
N ha nNaf NJ nj
mission. All these circumstances suggest
the urgency OF some definite action by
the congress at this session II the labors
OF the past are to be utilized, and the
linking of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
by practical waterway Is to be realized.
That the construction OF such q maritime
highway Is now more than ever indispen-
sable TO more intimate and ready inter-
communication between our eastern and
western seaboards, demanded by the an
nexation of the Hawaiian islands, and
the prospective expansion of our influence
and commerce in the Pacific, and that
our national policy, now more Imperative
government, are propositions which i
doubt not the congress will duly appre-
ciate and wisely act upon.
UNITED STATES AND GILLIAN
CLAIMS.
A convention providing for the revival
of the late United States and Gillian
claims commission, but not considered be-
tied for the duration Of the commission,
was signed May "a, 1897, and has re-
manned Enacted upon by the senate. The
term therein fixed for effecting the ex-
change of Publications having elapsed,
the convention falls unless the time be
extended by amendment, which am en-
deavoring 20 bring about, with the friend
ly concurrence of the Gillian govern
ment.
EVENTS IN THE CHINESE EMPIRE.
The United States has not been an indif-
events transpiring I'm the Chinese empire,
whereby portions of its maritime provin-
ces. are passing under the control OF va
rtous European powers but the prospetc
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 pref
udiced through and executive treatment by
the new occupants, has obviated the need
or our country becoming an actor In the
scene.
Our position among nations having a
large Pacific coast and constantly ex-
panding direct trade with the farther
orient gives us the equitable claim to
consideration and friendly treatment I'm
this regard, and It will be my aim to SUBJ
serve. our large interests in that quarter
by all means appropriate to the constant
policy OF our government. The territories
OF Kiao Chau, of Wei-Hai-Wei, and OF
Port Arthur and Talien Wan, leased to
Germany, Great Britain and Russia re-
spectively for terms Of years, will, II Is
announced, be open to international COM
merce during such allen occupation: and
II no discriminating treatment OF Ameri-
can citizens and their trade be found to
exist. or be hereafter developed. the de-
be realized.
ACTION RECOMMENDED.
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
communication addressed to the speaker
of the house of representatives by the
IA rNy Of IA ira nF
last June, with its aecompai-s ing letter
or the secretary of state, recommending
an appropriation Tor a commission to
ditions 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 manufactures
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 mer-
JUST GROUND TOR DIsQUIETUDE.
Meanwhile there may be just ground for
disquietude of the unrest. and revival OF
the old sentiment of opposition and preju-
dice to alien people which pervades GER
tain Of the Chinese provinces. AS in the
case of the attacks upon our citizens In
Szechuan and at kutien, In 1885, the Unit
ed States minister has been instructed to
secure the fullest measure of protection,
both local and imperial, for any menaced
American interests, and TO demand. I'm
case of lawless injury to person or prop
erty, instant reparation appropriate TO
the case. Warships have been stationed
at Tien-Tsin for more ready observation
of the disorders which have invaded even
the Chinese capital, so as to be in posi-
ton to act, should need arise, while a
guard of marines has been sent to Picking
to afford the minister the same measure
Of authoritative protection as the repre-
sentatives of other nations have been
constrained to employ.
THE CERRUTI CLAIM ARBITRATION.
Following close upon the rendition of
the award of my predecessor as arbitrator
OF the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti,
against the Republic or Colombia, differ
ences arose between the parties to the
arbitration In regard to the scope and ex-
ticles were contested by Columbia. while
Italy claimed their literal fulfllment. 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
I'm dispute, L could not but feei concern
at such a miscarriage and, while unable
TO accept the Colombian theory that /.
In my official capacity, possessed continu-
ing function as arbitrator, with power to
award. my best efforts were lent to bring
ing the parties I'd q harmonious agree
ment as to the exe| on OF its provisions.
ITALY'S NAVAL DEMONSTRATION.
A naval demonstration by Italy result
ed In an engagement to pay the liabilities
claimed upon their ascertainment, bur
this apparent disposition of the contro-
versy was followed by rupture of diplo-
matte intercourse between Colombia and
Italy, which still continues. although, for
tunately, without acute symptoms having
supervened. Notwithstanding this, ef-
forts are reported to be continuing for
the ascertalnment of Colombia's contin-
gent liability on account of the Cerrutti
debts, under the fifth article of the award
AN AMERICAN CLAIM UNPAID.
A claim of an American citizen against
the Dominican Republic for a public
bridge over the Ozama river which has
been in diplomatic controversy for sew
eral years, has been settled by expert ar
filtration, and an award In favor of the
claimant amounting TO about $4,000. 1t.
however, remains unpaid despite urgent
demands for Its settlement according to
the terms of the compact.
THE PARIS EXPOSITION IN 1900,
There is now every prospect that the
participation OF the United States in tho
universal exposition to be held IN Paris
in 1900 will be on scale commensurate
with the advanced position held by our
products and industries in the worlds
chief marts.