The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-12-06

them. but simply because the laws
themselves as interpreted by the courts
do not reach the difficulty. The decision
Of our highest court On this PRECISE ques-
ton renders II quite doubtful whether
the evils OF trusts and monopolies can
be adequately treated through federal
action. unless they seek directly and
purposeiy to~include In their objects
transportation OF 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. II 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 am sure no part of II will be lightly
considered.
OUR RELATIONS ABROAD.
The claim OF the Austro- Hungarian
government for indemnity for the kill
iik VI ttiAAAii thbltttb W thN atthtiA~
ties at I.attimer, Pa, while suppress
ing an unlawful tumult of miners. Sept.
10. 1897. In view Of the verdict of ac-
quittal 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.
THB 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 protest. The Nicaraguan
canal commission having completed its
labors. was dissolved on May 81. and on
June 10 new commission. the Isthmian
canal commission. was organized. This
commission entered promptly upon the
work intrusted to 1t, 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.
CoRDIALITY WITH GERMANY.
Our relations with Germany continue
to be most cordial. The increasing in
timacy has been marked by permission
for the landing on our shores OF cable
from Borkum Emden. and the con-
clusion 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 i'm
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 I 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 IL 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 an
attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between Great Britain and the
Boer states OF South Africa The United
States representative at Pretoria was
arlx the 20
American interests be respected by the
combatants. Upon the withdrawal Of
the British agent from Pretoria the
United States consul was authorized to
exercise the customary good offices of a
neutral for the care OF British interests.
In the discharge of this function oppor-
tunity has been afforded to show the i'm
Partially of this government toward
both the combatants.
THE ITALIAN LYNCHING.
For the fourth time in the present dec
ade question has arisen with the gov
eminent of Italy in regard TO the lynch
ing Of italian subjects. The latest of
these deplorable events occurred in
Tallula, La. whereby five unfortunates
of italian origin were taken from Jail
and hanged. The authorities of the
state and representatives of the Italian
embassy have separately investigated
the occurrence, A satisfactory solution
will doubtless be reached.
The president refers to the necessity
of cable TO Manila, mentioned in his
message of last February. He recon-
mends that in case congress should not
take measures to bring about this re-
suit the postmaster general be author
ICED to invite competitive bids for the
establishment OF cable.
OUR PLEDGE TO CUBA.
My annual message of last year was
necessarily devoted to the results of the
Spanish war and the conditions II inn
posed for the future. The treaty of
peace has restored friendly relations be-
tween the two powers. The withdrawal
Of the authority of Spain from the island
of Cuba was effected by the LIST of Janu-
airy, SO that the full re-establishment of
peace found the relinquished territory
held by us in trust for the inhabitants,
under the direction of the executive to
build up that TRANQUIL deyelonment NJ