Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1899-12-08
reasons then presented Tor early action
are even stronger now.

Alaskan Boundary and Other Matters
In my last annual message referred to
the pending negotiations with Great Brit
ain in respect to the dominion of Canada
By means of On executive agreement q
joint high commission had been created
for the purpose of adjusting all unsettled
questions between the United States and
Canada, embracing twelve subjects,
among which were the questions of the
fur seals, the fisheries of the coast and
contiguous inland waters, the Alaskan
boundary, the transit of merchandise in
bond, the alien labor laws, mining rights,
reciprocity in trade, revision of the agree
ment respecting naval vessels in the Great
Lakes, q more complete marking of parts
of the boundary. provision for the con-
veyance of criminals, and for wrecking
and salvage.
Much progress had been made by
the commission toward the ad-
justment of many of these ques-
tions where it became apparent that
an irreconcilable difference of views was
entertained respecting the delimitation of
the Alaskan boundary. In the failure of
an agreement as to the meaning of arti-
cles 8 and of the treaty of 1926 between
Russia and Great Britain, which defined
the boundary between Alaska and Can
ada. the American commissioners pro-
posed that the subject of the boundary
be laid aside and that the remaining
questions of difference be proceeded
with, some of which were 80 far
advanced as to assure the probability
Of u settlement. This being de.
clined by the british commissioners, IN
adjournment was taken until the boun-
Diary should be adjusted by the two gov
ernments. The subject has been receiv-
Ing the careful attention which it's inn
portance demands, with the result that q
modus vivendi for provisional demarca-
tions in the region about the head of
Lynn canal has been agreed upon; and it
is hoped that the negotiations now in
progress between the two governments
will end in an agreement for the es tab
lishment and delimitation of permanent
boundary.
Apart from these questions growing out
of our relationship with our nothern
neighbor, the most friendly disposition
and ready agreement have marked the
discussion of numerous matters arising in
the vast and intimate intercourse of the
United States with Great Britain.
This government has maintained an at
titude of neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between Great Britain and the
Boer states of Africa We have remained
faithful to the precept 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 u the hope of the American people
that war might be averted, good offices
would have been gladly rendered.
Violence Against Aliens.
For the fourth time in the present de-
cade question has arisen with the govern
ment of Italy in regard to the lynching of
italian subjects. The latest of these de-
plorable events occurred ut Tallulah, Ll !,
whereby five unfortunates, of Italian
origin, were taken from Jail and hanged
Because of defective federal jurisdiction
the president recommends legislation
giving federal courts power of prosecution
in similar cases.
The Pacific Cable.
Without repeating tho observations Of
my special message Of Feb. 10, 1699 con-
cerning the necessity of u cable to Manila,
respectfully invite attention to it. l
recommend that in case the congress
should not take measures to bring about
this result by direct action of the govern
ment, the postmaster general be author
lied to invite competitive bids for the
establishment of a cable; the company
making the best responsible bid to be
awarded the contract; the successful
company to give ample bonds to insure
the completion of the work within rea-