The true northerner., 1898-12-07
Our EXTRADITION LAWS.
Notice from Mexico of Terminat ton
of the Terms of the Convention.


The Interpretation OF certain provisions
Of the extradtion convention of Decem-
Der IL, 1861, has been at various times the
occasion OF controversy with the govern
ment OF Mexico An acute difference arose
in the case of the Mexican demand for the
delivery of Jesus Guerrero, who, having
led a marauding expedition near the border
with the proclaimed purpose of initiating
an insurrection against President Diaz,
escaped into Texas. Extradition was refused
on the ground that the alleged offense was
political in its character, and therefore
came within the treaty proviso OF non
surrender. The Mexican contention was
that the exception only related TO purely
political offenseS and that, as Guerrera's
acts were admixed with the common crime
CT murder, arson, kidnapping and robbery,
the option of nondelivery became void, a
position which this government was unable
to admit, in view of the received interna-
tional doctrine and practice In the mat
ter. The Mexican government, in view of
this, gave notice January "a, 1898, Of the
termination OF the conven ton, to take ef-
feet IL months from that date, at the same
time inviting the conclusion of a new con-
vention, toward which negotiations are on
foot.
In this relation, may refer to the neces
sity of some amendment OF our existing
extradition statue. 1t is a common stip-
ulation of such treaties that neither party
shall he bound 70 give up its own citizens.
with the added proviso in one of our
treaties that with Japan, that it may sur
render If IL see fit. 1t Is held in this country,
by an almost uniform course of decisions
that where treaty negatives the obliga-
tion to surrender the president is not In
vested with legal authority to act. The
conferment to such authority would be I'm
the line OF that sound morality which
shrinks from affordlng secure asylum to
the author OF a heinous crime. Again.
statutory provision might be we'll made for
what is styled eXtradition by way OF tran
sit whereby a fugitive surrendered by one
foreign government to another may be con-
veyed across the territory of the United
States to the jurisdiction OF the demanding
state. A recommendation in this behalf,
made in the presidents message OF 1886
was not acted upon, The matter is pre-
sented for your consideration.
The problem OF the Mexican free zone
has been often discussed with regard to its
Inconvenience as provocative or SNUG
Cling into the United States along an eX
tensive and thinly guarded land border.
The effort made by the joint resolution of
March /, 1885, to remedy the abuse charged
by suspending the privilege of free trans
portation in bond across the territory of the
United States to Mexico failed Of good re-
suit as is stated in report No. 7O2 of the
house Of representatives, submitted in the
last session, March il, 1898. AS the ques-
tion is one to be conveniently met by wise
concurrent legislation of the two countries
looking TO the protection of the. revenues
by harmonious measures operating equal
ly on either side of the boundary, rather
than by conventional arrangements, / sug
gest that congress consider the advisability
q
representatives OF the treasury depart
ments OF the United States and Mexico TO
consider the subject In all It's complex bear
ings, and make report with pertinent rec
concentrations to the respective govern
ments for the Information and the consid-
Grafton Of thei rcongress.
Mexican Water Boundary.
The Mexican water boundary commission
has adjusted all matters submitted to 1t
TO the satisfaction OF both governments,
save in three important cases; that OF the
Chamizal at El Paso' Tex, where the two
In, for this case only, this government has
proposed to Mexico the addition of a third
member: the proposed elimination Of what
are known as "Bancos," small isolated is
lands formed by the cutting off of bends
in the Rio Grande, from the operation OF
the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended
by the commissioners and approved by this
government, but still under consideration
by Mexico; and the subject of the. "equita-
BILE distribution of the waters of the Rio
Grande," for which the commissioners rec
commended an international dam and reser-
Noir, approved by Mexico but still under
ing these questions il is necessary to ex-
tend the life Of the commission, which ex-
pires December % next.
The coronation of the young queen of
the Netherlands was made the occasion of
fitting congratulations.
The claim of Victor II. McCord against
Peru, which for a number of years has been
pressed by this government, and has on
several occasions attracted the attention
of the congress, has been satisfactorily ad-
justed. protocol was signed May II, 1898,
whereby the fact of liability being admit
ted, the question of the amount TO be
award was submitted to the chief justice
of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award
sets the indemnity due the claimant at $4O,-
600.
Treaty with Peru.
The government of Peru has given the
prescribed notification OF its intention to
abrogate the treaty Of friendship. COM
merce and navigation concluded with this
country August 81. 1887. AS that treaty
contains many important provisions neces-
sary to the maintenance Of commerce and
good relations, which could with difficulty
be replaced by the nomination OF renewed
provisions within the brief u months inter-
vening before the treaty terminates have
invited suggestions by Peru as to the par
ticular provisions 1t is desired to annul
I'm the hope of reaching an agreement
whereby the remaining articles may be
Professionally saved.
Ambassador to Russia.
His majesty, the czar, having announced
his purpose to raise the imperial Russian
mission at this capital to the rank of an
arn ha \ racnondad under the authority