The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-12-06

with this matter by legislation, the laws
passed for that purpose thus far have
proved ineffective not because of any
lack of disposition or attempt to enforce
them, but simply because the laws
themselves es interpreted by the courts
do not reach the difficulty. The decision
of our highest court on this precise ques-
ton renders it quite doubtful whether
the evils of trusts and monopolies can
be adequately treated through federal
action, unless they seek directly and
to include in their objects
transportation or intercourse between
states or between the United States and
foreign countries"
The state legislation to which Presi-
dent Cleveland looked for relief from the
evils of trusts has failed to accomplish
fully that object. 1t is apparent that
uniformity of legislation upon this sub
ject in the several states is much to be
desired. 1t is to be hoped that such uni
formity may be obtained and that means
may be found for congress TO supple
ment state legislation. The whole ques-
ton is so important and far reaching
that 1 am sure no part Of it will be lightly
considered.
OUR RELATIONS ABROAD.
The claim of the Austro- Hungarian
government for indemnity for the kill
ing of certain subjects by the authori-
ties at Lattimer, Pa, while suppress
ing an unlawful tumult of miners, Sept.
10, 1897, in view of the verdict of ac-
uuittal rendered by the court before
which the sheriff and his deputies were
tried for murder, has been declined.
1t is gratifying to know that the Bel
gian government has mitigated the re-
strictions on the importation of cattle
from the United States.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
The contract of the Maritime Canal
company of Nicaragua was declared
forfeited by the Nicaraguan government
in October on the ground of non-fulfil-
ment. The Maritime Canal company
has lodged a protest. The Nicaraguan
canal commission having completed it's
labors, was dissolved on May 81, and on
June 10 a new commission, the Isthmian
canal commission, was organized. This
commission entered promptly upon the
work intrusted to it, and is now carrying
on examination in Nicaragua along the
route Of the Panama canal. The work
will be prosecuted as eXpeditiously as
possible. The Importance of this work
cannot be too strongly pressed upon
congress.
CORDIALTTY WITH GERMANY.
Our relations with Germany continue
to be most cordial. The increasing in
timacy has been marked by permission
. NIL
from Borkum Emden, and the con-
cluson of a parcel post convention with
the German empire. The several gov
ernments of the empire seem reluctant
to admit the natural excellence of our
food productions. 1t is to be hoped that
in time the two governments will act in
common accord to insure the purity and
wholesomeness of all food products inn
ported by either country from the other.
Efforts to obtain for the American life
insurance companies a full hearing as
to their business operations in Prussia
have happily succeeded.
THE CANADIAN COMMISSION.
In my last annual message referred
to the pending negotiations with Great
Britain in respect to Canada. A joint
high commission had been created for
the purpose of adjusting all unsettled
questions between the United States and
Canada, embracing II subjects. Apart
from these questions the most friendly
disposition has marked the intercourse
of the United States with Great Britain
THE BOER WAR.
This government has maintained ar
attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between Great Britain and the
Boer states of South Africa The United
States representative at Pretoria wa.
early instructed to see that all neutra
American interests be respected by the
combatants, Upon the withdrawal o
the British agent from Pretoria tn,
United States consul was authorized t.
exercise the customary good offices of
neutral for the care of British interests
In the discharge of this function oppor
tunity has been afforded to show the i'm
r Partially of this government towar,
both the combatants
THE ITALIAN LYNCHING.
For the fourth time in the present dec
, ade question has arisen with the gov
E eminent of Italy in regard to the lynch
Ing of Italian subjects. The latest o
these deplorable events occurred l.
) Tallula, La, whereby five unfortunate
: of italian origin were taken from jat
and hanged The authorities of tn
= state and representatives, of the Italia
5 embassy have separately investigate
the occurrence. A satisfactory solutio
t will doubtless be reached.
i The president refers to the necessit
' of cable to Manila mentioned in hi
= message of last February. He recon
n mends that in case congress should nc
O take measures to bring about this re
t suit the postmaster general be author
q lied to invite competitive bids for IL
v establishment of cable.
: OUR PLEDGE TO CUBA.
. My annual message of last year wa
k necessarily devoted to the results of I'll
e Spanish war and the conditions it in
posed for the future. The treaty
+ peace has restored friendly relations b.
d tween the two powers. The withdraw
n of the authority of Spain from the islar
If of Cuba was effected by the LIST of JAM
d airy, so that the fun establishment
# peace found the relnquiShed territol