Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-12-08
FULL TEXT PRESI=
DENTS MESSAGE.

, March 4, 1909 the United States was
represented at the International Con-
ference on Maritime Law at Brussels.
The Conference met IN the 2Sth of Sep
tembcr last and resulted in the sig
nature ad referendum OF a convention
for the unification Of certain regula-
ticns with regard to maritime assis-
lance and salvage and "a convention
| for the unification of certain rules with
regard to collisions at sea.
| Two new projects of conventions
which have not heretofore been con-
sidered in a diplomatic conference,
namely, one concerning the limitation
of the responsibility of ship owners,
and the other concerning marine mort
cages and privileges, have been sub
mitted by the Conference to the differ
ent governments.
The Conference adjourned to meet
again on April II, 1910.
The International Conference for the
purpose of promoting uniform legisia-
tipn concerning letters of exchange,
which was called by the Government
of the Netherlands to meet at The
Hague in September, 1909, has been
postponed to meet at that capital in
June, 1910. The United States will be
appropriately represented in this Con-
ference under the provision therefor
already made by Congress.
The cordial invitation of Belgium to
be represented by a fitting display Of
American progress in the useful arts
and inventions at the Worlds fair to
be held at Brussels in 1910 remains to
L. l., ind
full of the advantages to accrue to our
artisans and producers in competition
with their Continental rivals, I renew
the recommendation therefore made
that provision be made for acceptance
of the invitation and adequate repre-
sentation in the Exposition.
The question arising out of the Bel
gian annexation of the Independent
State of the Congo, which has so long
and earnestly preoccupied the atten-
ton of this Government and enlisted
the sympathy of our best citizens, is
still open, but in a more hopeful stage.
This Government was among the fore
most in the great work of uplifting the
uncivilized regions OF Africa and urg-
ing the extension of the benefits of
civilization, education. and fruitful
open commerce to that vast domain.
and is a party to treaty engagements
Of all the interested powers designed
to carry out that great duty to hui
lmanity. The way to better the Origi-
nal and adventitious conditions, so
burdcnsome to the natives and so des-
tructive to their development, has
been pointed out, by observation and
Ipynpripncp not nf Anoariooy,
representatives, but by cumulative
evidence from all quarters and by the
Investigations of Belgian agents The
announced programs of reforms
striking at many of the evils known
to exist, are an augury of better
things. The attitude Of the United
States is one of benevolent encourage
ment, coupled with a hopeful trust
that the good work. responsibility I'M
dertaken and Zealously perfected to
the accomplishment of the results so
tardentfy desired, will soon justify the
wisdom that inspires them and satisfy
the demands of humane sentiment
throughout the world.
convention between the United
States and Germany, under which the
nonWorking provisions of the German
patent law are made inapplicable sto
the patents of American citizens, was
concluded on February %, 1909, and is
now in force. Negotiations for SINH
lar conventions looking to the placing
of American inventors on the same
footing as nationals have recently
been initiated with other European
governments whose laws require the
local working of foreign patents
Under an appropriation made at the
last session of the Congress. a COM
mission was sent on American crus-
ers to Monrovia to investigate the in
terests of the United States and it's
citizens in Liberia. Upon it's arrival
at Monrovia the commission was en-
Enthusiastically received and during it's
stay in Liberia was everywhere met
with the heartiest expressions of good
Will fer the American government and
people and the hope was repeatedly
expressed on all sides that this gov
eminent might sec it's way clear to do
something to relieve the critical posi-
ton of tho Republic arising i'm a
measure from external as we'll as in
iernai and financial embarrassments
me Liberian government afforded
ioNiillS 10 the commission for
ascertalning the true state of affairs
rne commission also had conferences
WIN representative citizens, interest
[ed foreigners and the representatives
oI IorelSn governments in Monroyia.
NiSits were made to various parts of
the republic and to the neighborine
British colony of Sierra Leone. where
the commission was received by and
conferred with the governor
1t will be remembered that the in
terest OF the United States in the Re-
public of Liberia springs from the his
toricai fact of the foundation of the
Republic by the colonization of
American citizens of the African race
In an early treaty with Liberia there
Is provision under which the United
States may be called upon for advice
or assistance. Pursuant to this pro-
vision and in the spirit of the moral
relationship of the United States tn
Liberia, that Republic last wear asked
this government to lend assistance in
the solution of certain of their ma
tlonal problems. and hence the com.
mission was sent
The report of our commissioners
InsN.-