Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-04
trymen to this reproach upon our civ
GOOD WORD FOR JAPAN.
She Acted in Concert with Other Power
f,G


as to China.
The closing year has witnessed a de-
cided strengthening of Japan's rela-
tions to other states. The DEVELOPMENT
Of her independent judicial and admin
istrative functions under the treaties
which took effect July IL, 1899, has pro-
ceeded without International friction,
showing the competence of the Japa-
nese to hold foremost place among the
modern peoples.
In the sSeatment of the difficult Chi
nese problems, Japan has acted in har-
monious concert with the other pow
ers, and her generous cooperation ma
terially aided in the joint RELIEF of the
heleaguered legations in Pekin and in
bringing about an understanding pre-
liminary to settlement of the issues
between the powers and China.
Japan's declarations in favor of the
integrity of the Chinese emperor and
the conservation of open world trade
herewith have been frank and posi-
tive. As factor for promoting the
general interests of peace order and
fair commerce in the far east. the in
fiuence of Japan can hardly be over
estimated.
The valuable aid and kindly courte-
sizes extended by the japanese govern
ment and naval officers to the battle
ship Oregon are gratefully appre-
ciated.
Complaint was made last summer of
the discriminatory enforcement of a
bubonic quarantine against japanese
on the Pacific coast, and of interfer-
ence with their travel in California and
Colorado under the health laws of those
states. The latter restrictions have
been adjudged by a federal court to be
unconstitutional. No recurrence of
either cause of complaint is appre-
hended
No noteworthy incident has occurred
in our relations with our important
southern neighbors. Commercial in
tercourse with Mexico continues to
thrive and the two governments ne
elect no opportunity to foster their
mutual interests in all practicable
ways.
Pursuant to the declaration of the SUI
preme court that the awards of the
late Joint commission in the La Abzra
ana We'll claims were obtained through
fraud, the sum awarded in the fret
case, S403, o30.0S has been returned to
Mexico, and the amount Of the We'll
award will be returned in like manner
A convention Indefinitely extending
the time for the labors of the United
States and Mexican international
(Water) boundary commission has been
signed.
1t is with satisfaction that I am able
70 announce the formal notification at
of notifications of the convention for
the pacific settlement of international
disputes by sixteen powers namely.
the United States, Austria, Belgium,
nenmark, England, France, Germany,
Italy. Persia, Portugal. Roumania, Rus
sia, Siam. Spain, Sweden and Norway
and the Netherlands. Japan also has
since ratified the convention.
The administrative council of the per-
manent court of arbitration has been
organized and has adopted rules. Of or
der and a constitution for the fnterna-
tional arbitration bureau. In accord
ance with article 10 Of the convention
providing for the appointment. by each
signatory power of persons Of known
competency in question of International
law as arbitrators have appointed Is
members of this court Hon. Benjamin
Harrison Of Indiana, ex-presdent Of
the United States; Hon. Melville w.
Fuller Of Illinois, chief justice of the
United States: Hon. John W. Griggs
Of New Jersey, attorney general of the
United States, and Hon. George Gray
OF Delaware. Judge of the circuit
court of the United States