Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1899-12-14
with its probable cost and other essential


work intrusted to il, and is now carrying
on examinations in Nicaragua along the
route Of the Panama canal, and in Da-
rien from the Atlantic in the neighbor-
hood of the Atrato river, to the Bay OF
Panama, on the Pacific side. The great
Importance of this work cannot be too
often or too strongly pressed upon the at
tention OF the Congress.
American Interests i'm China.
The interests of our citizens in that
vast empire have not been neglected dur
ing the last year. Adequate protection
has been secured for our missionaries and
some injuries to their property have been
redressed. In my message to Congress
of Dec. 5, 1898, l urged that the recon-
mendation which had been made TO the
Speaker of the House of Representatives
by the Secretary of the Treasury the
14th OF June, 1898, for an appropriation
for commission to study the commercial
and industrial conditions in the Chinese
Empire and report as to the opportunities
for, and obstacles to, the enlargement or
markets in China for the raw products
and manufactures of the United states,
should receive at your hands the consid-
Grafton which it's Importance and time
illness merited, hut the Congress failed to
take action. l now renew this recon,-
mendation.
Paris Exposition of 1900.
Preparations for the representation OF
the industries, arts and products or the
United States, at the worlds exposition
to be held in Paris next year continue
on an elaborate and comprehensive scale,
thanks to the generous appropriation pro-
yided by Congress and to the friendly in
terest the French Government has shown
in furthering q typical exhibit of Ameri-
can progress. There has been allotted to
the United States a considerable addition
of space The American exhibit at Paris
should, and l am confident will, be an
open volume, spreading abroad clearer
knowledge of the worth of our produc-
tions and the Justice of our claim TO an
important place in the marts of the
world.
Cordial Relations with Germany.
Our relations with Germany continue to
be most cordial. The increasing Intimacy
OF direct association has been marked dur
ing the year by the granting permission In
April for the landing on our shores or a
cable from Borkim, Emdem, on the North
Sea- by way Of the Azores, ana also by the
conclusion Sept. OF u parcels post conven,
tion with the German Empire. The several
governments of the empire seem reluctant
to admit the natural excellence OF our FOOD
products and to accept the evidence we CON
stantly tender Of the care with which their
purity is guarded by rigid inspection from
the farm, through the slaughter-house ana
the packing establishments, TO the port or
shipment. 1t Is To be hoped that In time the
two governments will act in common accord
toward the realization OF their common pur'
pose to safeguard the public health and TO
the insuring OF the purity and wholesome
ness of all food products imported by either
country from the other.
Joint High Commission.
In my last annual message | referred to
the pending negotiations with Great Britain
in respect TO the Dominion of Canada. BY
means OF an executive agreement joint
high commission has been created for the
nm of al In lfi nj nm Caft M u
between the United States and Canada. en-
bracing twelve subjects, among which were
the questions of,fur seals. the fisheries OF the
coast and contiguous inland waters, the
Alaskan boundary, the transit of merchan-
disc in bond. the alien labor laws, mining
rights. reciprocity In trade, revision Of the
agreement respecting naval vessels In the
great lakes more complete marking OF
parts OF the boundary, provision for the
conveyance OF criminals and for wrecking
and salvage.
Much progress has been made by the com
mission towards the adjustment OF many of
these questions when IL became apparent
that an irreconcilable difference of view
was entertained respecting the delimtation
OF the Alaskan boundary. An adjournment
was taken until the boundary should be
adjusted by the two governments. The sub
ject has been receiving the careful attention
which Its Importance demands, with the re-
suit that mOdus vivendi for provisional
demarcations In the region about the head
Of Lynn Canal has been agreed upon.
Neutrality in Boer War.
This government has maintained an atti-
tude Of neutrality in the unfortunate CON
test between Great Britain and the Boer
States of Africa. We have remained faithful
TO the precept or avoiding entangling ALL
ances to affairs not of our direct con
cern: Had circumstances suggested that the
parties to the quarrel would have welcomed
any kindly expression of the hope OF the
American people that war might be averted
good Offices would have been gladly ten
dered.
Tnop tbo withdrawal NJ tho RritIsh agent
from Pretoria the United States consul was
authorized. upon the request OF the British
government and Win the assem- OF the nouth
African and Orange Free State Govern
ments. to exercise the customary good offices
OF n neutral for the care OF British interests.
In the discharge of this function am happy
to say that abundant opportunity has been
offered to show the impartiality OF this gov
ernment toward both the combatants.
Treaty with Japan.
The treaty of commerce and navigation be-
tween the United States and Japan Nov. 22,
1894 took effect In accordance with the
terms Of its nineteenth article the 18th OF
July last. simultaneously with the enforce
ment of hike treaties with the other powers,
except France. whose convention did not go
into operation until Aug. 4, the United States
being, however, granted up TO that date all
the privileges and rights accorded to French
citizens under the old French treaty.
Cable to Philippines.
The japanese government has shown a
lively interest In the proposition OF the Pa
eiflc Cable Company TO add TO Its projected
cable lines to Hawaii, Guam and the Phil
ippines a branch connection with the coast
of Japan. Without repeating the Observa'
tions OF my special message OF Feb. 10. 1900
concerning the necessity of cable to Ma.
Mia. respectfully invite attention to Il. l
recommend that. I'm case the Congress should
not take measures TO bring about this result
by direct action "f the government, the post
master general be authorized to invite com.
petitiye bids for the establishment OF q
cable.
Events i'm Samoa.
Important events have occurred In the
Samoan Islands. The election, according to
the laws and customs OF Samoa, OF n sue
cessor to the late king. Malietoa Laupepa,
developed contest as to the validity of
the result, which issue, by the terms of
the general act, was to be decided by the
chief Justice. Upon his rendering a judg.
ment In favor of Malietoa Tanu, the rival
chief Mataafa, took up arms. The active
Intervention OF American and British war
ships became Imperative to restore order,
at the cost Of sanguinary encounters. In
this emergency q joint commission OF rep
rescntatiyes OF the United States. Germany
and Great Britain was. sent to Samoa to
investigate the situation and provide a tenn
porary remedy. BY Its active efforts
peaceful solution was reached for the time
being. the kingship being abolished and a
provisional government established.
Recommendations unanimously made by
the commission for permanent adjustment
of the Samoan question were taken under
consideration by the three powers parties
10 the general act But the more they were
examined the more evident IL became that
radical change was necessary In the rela-
tions of the powers TO Samoa.
A satisfactory arrangement was concluded
between the governments of Germany and
England, by virtue OF which England re.
tired from Samoa In view OF compensations
In other directions, and both powers re-
m IN nf hn tod IL