Gilpin observer., 1900-12-06

preservation of public order, the right
of discussion, the integrity of courts
and the orderly administration of JUS
tice must continue forever the rock Of
safety upon which our government Sc
curely rests
This 1 most urgently reiterate and
again invite the attention of my coun-
trymen to this reproach upon our civili-
zation.
WGOOD WORD FOR JAPAN.
"The closing year has witnessed 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 II, 1890, has
proceeded without international fric-
ton, showing the competence of the
Japanese to hold foremost place
among the modern peoples.
MEXICAN RELATIONS.
No noteworthy incident has occurred
in our relations with our southern
neighbors. Commercial intercourse
with Mexico continues TO thrive, and
the two governments neglect no oppor-
tunity to foster their mutual interests
in all practicable ways.
Pursuant to the declaration of the
Supreme Court that the awards of the
late joint commission in the La Abra
and We'll claims We're obtained through
fraud, the sum awarded in the first
case, S403 ,O3OOS. has been returned to
Mexico, and the amount of the We'll
"A convention indefinitely extending
the time for the labors for the United
States and Mexican International (wa-
teri Boundary Commission has been
signed.
HAGUE PEACE TREATY
"It is with satisfaction that l am
able to announce the formal notifica-
tions at The Hague, on September 4th,
of the deposit of Publications of the
convention for the pacific settlement
of the international disputes by sixteen
powers, namely. the United States,
Austria, Belgium. Denmark, England,
France, Germany, Italy, Persia, Portu-
gal, Roumana. Russia, Siam, Spain,
Sweden and Norway and the Neither
lands. Japan also has since ratified
the convention.
The administrative council of the
permanent court of arbitration has
been organized, and has adopted rules
of arbitration and constitution for
the international arbitration bureau.
In accordance with article Nil. of the
convention, providing for the appoint
ment by each signatOry power of per-
sons of known competency in questions
of international law as abitrators, l
int, ,1np of 10
court Hon. Benjamin Harrison of In
diana. ex-president of the United
States; Hon. Melville w. Fuller of Ill
inois, chief justice of the United
States; Hon. John w. Griggs of New
Jersey, attorney general of the United
States, and Hon. George Gray of Del
aware. Il judge of the Circuit court of
the United States.
NICARAGUA CANAL.
An all-important matter of an inter-
oceanic canal has assumed new
phase Adhering to its refusal to re-
open the question of the forfeiture of
the contract of the Maritime Canal
Company, which was terminated for
alleged non-eXecution in October, 1899,
the government of Nicaragua has since
supplemented that action by declaring
the so-styled Eyre-Cragin option void
| for non-payment of the stipulated ad-
vance. Protests in relation to these
acts have been filed in the State De-
| partment and are under consideration.
Deeming itself relieved from existing
contracts, the Nicaraguan government
shows disposition to deal freely with
| the canal question either in the way of
negotiations with the United States
/ hx.t taIy i'm, In thp
| waterway.
"Overtures for n convention to eff
| feet the building of canal under the
auspices of the United States are under
| consideration. In the meantime the
views of Congress upon the subject.
| in the light of the report of the COM
| mission appointed to examine the COM
parative merits of the various trans
isthmian ship canal projects must be
awaited.
Il commend to the early attention of
| the Senate the convention with Great
Britain to facilitate the construction
| of such II canal and to remove any OBJ
lection which arises out of the COM
mission, commonly called the Clayton
| Bulwer treaty.
RUSSIAN AGREEMENT.
Another illustration of the policy of
this government to refer international
disputes to impartial arbitration is
seen in the agreement reached with
Russia to submit the claims on behalf
of American sealing vessels seized in
Bering sea to determination by Mr.. T..
NJ. G. Asser. n distinguished statesman
and jurist of The Netherlands.
"rhanks are due to the imperial Rus
sian government for kindly aid rend-
cred by its authorities in eastern Sibe-
ria to American missionaries fleeing
| from Nunphuriu