Mexico weekly ledger., 1899-12-14

subject has been receiving the careful at
tention which its Importance demands
with the result that q modus vivendi for
provisional demarkations in the region
about the head Of Linn canal has been
agreed upon; and it is hoped that the ne
gotiations now in progress between the
two governments will end in an agree
ment for .he establishment and delimita-
ton Of a permanent boundary.
Neutrality Regarding Transvaal War.
This government maintained On atti-
tude of neutrality in the unfortunate con-
test between Great Britain and the Boer
states Of Africa. We have remained
faithful to the prccept Of avoiding en-
tangling alliances as to affairs not OF our
direct concern. Had circumstances sug-
gested that the parties to the quarrel
would have welcomed any kindly express
sion Of the hope Of the American people
that war might be averted, good offices
would have been gladly rendered. The
United States representative at Pretoria
was early instructed to see that all neu-
trail American interests be respected by
the combatants. This has been an easy
task in view Of the positive declarations
of both British and Boer authorities that
the personal and property rights Of our
citizens should be observed.
Upon the withdrawal Of the British
agent from Pretoria, tho United States
consul was authorized, upon the request
Of the British government and with the
assent Of the South African and Orange
Free State governments, to exercise the
customary good Offices Of a neutral for the
care OF British interests. In the discharge
Of this function, l am happy 10 say that
abundant opportunity has been afforded
to show tho impartiality Of this govern
ment toward both the ~combatants.
samoan Agreement.
A satisfactory arrangement was con-
cluded between the governments of Ger
many and OF Great Britain, by which we
retired from Samoa in view Of compensa-
tions IN other directions, and both pow
ers renounced In favor of the United
States all their rights and claims over
and in respect 10 that portion Of that
group lying to the east Of the hist degree
Of west longitude, embracing the islands
Of Tutuila, Ofoo, O~losenga aud Manua.
! transmit TO the senate, for its constitu.
tional action thereon, a convention, which
besides tho provisions above mentioned
also guarantees US the sAme privileges
and conditions in rcspoctt 10 comfnerco and
commercial vessels in all OF the islands Of
Samoa as those possessed by Germany.
Cuban Policy 10 Told.
The withdrawal Of tie authority Of
Spain from the island Of Cuba was eff
fected by Jan. /, so that the full re-estab-
lishment Of peace found the ~relinquished
territory held by as In trust for the in
habitants, maintaining under the direc-
ton Of the executive such government
and control therein as should conserve
public order, restore the productive con-
diti0ns Of peace so long disturbed by the
instability and disorder which prevailed
for the greater part Of the preceding three
decades and build up that tranquil de-
velopment Of the domestic state whereby
alone can be realized the high purpose, as
proclaimed in the Joint resolution adopted
BY the congress on the 10th Of April, 1898,
by which the United States disclaimed
any disposition or intention to exercise
sovereignty, Jurisdiction or control over
Cuba, except for the pa~ciacation thereof,
and declared its intention when that was
accomplished to leave the government and
control Of the island to its people. The
pledge contained in this resolution is Of
the highest honorable obligation and
must be sacredly kept.
I believe that substantial progress has
been made In this direction. All tho ad-
ministrative measures adopted in Cuba
have aimed to ft it for q regeuerated ex-
istenee by enforcing the supremacy Of
ta~ and 4aa4fuaa hr ,1.nfA- -Llw~-~.
practicable the machinery Of administra~
ton In the hands Of the inhabitants; by
instituting needed sanitary reforms; by
spreading education; by fostering In
dustry and tradei By inculcating public
morality, and, in short, by taking every
rational step to aid tie Cntin reople to
attain to that plane VI seif-canselous re-
spect and self-reliAnt unity which fits an
enlightened community for self-govern-
ment within Its sphere, while enab-
ling IL 10 fuldll all outward obligations.
This nation has assumed before tho
world a grave responsibility for the fut-
ure good government Of Cuba. We have
accepted a trust, the ful6llment Of which
calls for the sternest integrity Of purpose
and the exercise OF the highest wisdom,
The new Cuba, yet 10 arise from the ashes
Of the past, must needs be bound to us By
ties Of singular intimacy and strength II
It's enduring welfare is 10 be assured.
Whether those ties shall be organic or
conventional, the dsstinies of Cuba are In
some iRhtful form and manner ~irrevooa-
bly, linked with our own, but how and
how far Is for the future to determine IN
4 sripeness Of events. Whatever be the
outcome, we must see to Il that free Cuba
be q reality, not q name, a perfect entity,
not . hAsty experiment. bearing within
itself the elements Of failure. Our mis-
sion, 70 accomplish which we took up the
gage Of battle, Is not to be fulfilled by
turning adrift any loosely framsd com.
monwsaith TO face the vioissitudos which
too often attend weaker states whose nat
ural wealth and abundant resources are
Offset by the incongruities Of their polit-
ical organization and the recurring ocoa-
sions for international rivalries to sap
their strongthand dissipats their energies.
The greatest blessing which can como 10
Cuba is the restoration Of her agricultural
and industrial prosperity, which Will give
employment 10 idle men aud r~e-aseAbiish
the pursuits Of peace. This is her chief
and immediate need
First step Toward Free Cuba.
On the 10Th Of August last an order
was made for the taking Of the census In
the island, to be complsted on the s0th OF
November. By the treaty Of peace the
Spanish people on the island have until
April II, 1900, to elect whether thsy win
remain citizens Of Spain or become citi-
zen Of Cuba. Until then IT cannot be
definitely a~sccrtained who shall be entl-
tied to participate IN the formation Of the
government Of cnba. BY that time the
results Of the census viii have been tab
ulatsd and we shall proceod 10 provide for
elections which will commit the munioi-
pal governments Of the island 20 the ole
ers elected By the people. The expert
enee thus acquired Will prove Of great
value In the formation Of a representa-
tive convention Of the people 70 Draft n
constitution and cstabiish . general sys-
TEN Of independents government for the
Island. In the meAntime and 80 long a.
We exercise control y 9 the island the
products Of Cuha should have . market In
The Enitsd States on " good terms and
WITH - favorable rates Of duu a. are
given % the Wen india Islands under
treaties o. rcciprocity which shall BE-
made.
A. 10 the RihIippinss
After reviewing he history ef ths trou-
be IL he RAiipP4es thglea6sni n5Iil