Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1900-12-07
OTHER FOREIGN RELATIONS
Rel.tion. With Germany

Good will prevails In our relations with
the German Empire. An amicable adjust
ment of the long pending question OF the
admission of our life insurance compa-
MES to do business in Prussia has been
reached. One OF the principal companies
has already been readmitted. and the way
is opened for the others to share the priv
iege.
The settlement Of the Samoan problem,
to which l adverted in my last message.
has accomplished good results. Peace and
contentment prevail in the islands, espe-
cially in Tutuila, where a convenient ad-
ministration that has won the confidence
and esteem OF the kindly-disposed natives
has been organized under the direction
of the commander OF the United States
naval station at Pango Pango.
An imperial meat inspection law been
enacted for Germany. While II may SIM
plify the inspections. II prohibits certain
products heretofore admitted. There Is
still great uncertainty as to whether our
well-nigh extinguished German trade in
meat products can revive under its new
burdens. Much. will depend upon reguIa-
tons not yet promulgated, which We con-
fidently hope will be free from the dis
ordinations which attended the enforce
ment of the old statutes.
The remaining link in the new line OF
direct Geographic communication between
the United States and the German En-
pire has recently been completed, afford
ing a gratifying occasion for exchange of
friendly congratulations with the German
Emperor.
The BOer War.
Our friendly relations with Great Brit.
ain continue. The war in South Africa
introduced important questions. A condi-
ton unusual In international wars was
presented in that while one belligerent
had control of the seas the other had
no ports. shipping or direct trade. but
was only accessible through the territory
OF a neutral. Vexatious questions arose
through Great Britain's action in respect
to neutral cargOes not contraband In
their own nature. shipped to Portuguese
South Africa. on the score OF probable or
suspected ultimate destination to the
Boer states. Such consignments in Brit
ish ships, by which alone direct trade Is
kept up between our ports and South
Africa. were seized in application OF a
law prohibiting British vessels from trad
ing with an enemy without regard to any
contraband character of the goods. while
cargoes shipped to Delagoa Bay in neutral
bottoms were arrested on the ground OF
alleged destination to the enemys coun-
try. Appropriate representation on our
part resulted In the British Government
agreeing to purchase outright all such
goods shown to be the actual property of
American citizens. thus closing the Incl
dent to the satisfaction of the Immediate
ly interested parties. although unfortu-
nately without a broad settlement of the
question of a neutrars right to send
goods not contrband per Sc to a neutral
port adjacent to belligerent area.
Alaska boundary.
The work of marking certain provis-
ional boundary points for convenience Of
administration around the head Of Lynn
Canal, in accordance with the temporary
arrangement of October. 1899 was COM
pleted by joint survey in July last. The
modus vivendi has so far worked without
friction and the Dominion Government
has provided rules and regulations for