The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1909-12-11

the cases which for % long voXed our
relations with Venezuela have been set
tied within the past few months and that,
under the enlightened regime now direct
Ing the government OF Venezuela, provi-
sion has been made for arbitration of the
remaining case before The Hague tri-
bunaI.
On July %. 1909. tho government Of
Panama agreed. after considerable nego-
tiation. to indemnify the relatives of the
American officers and sailors who were
brutally treated. one of them having. in
deed. been killed by the Panama police
this year.
The sincere desire of the government Of
Panama to do away with a situation
where such an accident could occur IL
manifest In the recent request in compli-
ance with which this government has
lent the services Of an onicer of the army
to be employed by the government Of
Panama as instructor of police.
This government was obliged to inter-
vene automatically to bring about arbi-
tration or settlement of the claim of the
Emery Company against Nicaragua,
which II had long before been agreed
should be arbitrated. A settlement OF
this troublesome case was reached by
the signature OF a protocol on September
49, 1909.
Many years ago diplomatic Intervention
became necessary to the protection of the
interests in the American claim of Alsop
& Co. against the government of Chile.
The government of Chile had frequently
admitted obligation in the case and had
promised this government to settle it.
There had been two abortive attempts to
do SO through arbitral commissions.
which failed through lack of Jurisdiction.
Now. happily. as the result of the recent
diplomatic negotiations, the governments
of the United States and Of Chile. actu-
ated by the sincere desire to free from
any strain those cordial and friendly re-
lations upon which both set such store.
have agreed by protocol to submit the
controversy to definitive settlement by
his Britannia majesty. Edward VII.
Since the Washington conventions OF
1867 were communicated to the govern
ment of the United States as . consult
ing and advisory party. this government
has been almost continuously called upon
by one or another, and in turn by all OF
the nve Central American republics. to
exert itself for the maintenance Of the
conventions Nearly every complaint has
been against the Zelaya government of
Nicaragua, which has kept Central
The responses made to the representa-
tons of Central American republics, ~
| due from the United States on account
of Its relation to the Washington conven-
tions. have been at all times conservative
and have avoided. 80 far a. possible, any
semblance OF Interference. although It IL
very apparent that the considerations Of
geographic proximity to the Canal Zone
and of the very substantial American in
terests In Central America give to the
United States 4 special position in the
zone of these republics and the Carib
bean sea.
need not rehearse here the patient sf-
forts Of this government to promote
peace and welfare among these republics.
efforts which are fully appreciated by
the majority of them. who are loyal to
their true interests. It would be no less
unnecessary to rehearse here the sad
preston alleged to have been committed
by the Zelaya government. Recently two
Americans were put to death by order of
President Zelaya himself. They were Of
fcers In the organized forces Of revo-
luton which had continued many weeks
and was in control OF about half Of the
republic. and as such. according to the
modern enlightened practice OF civilized
nations. they were entitled to be dealt
with as prisoners Of war.
At the date when this message 10 print
ed this government has terminated dip
lomatic relations with the Zelaya govern
ment, for reasons made public in a COM
munication to the former Nicaragua
charge d'afaires and IL intending to take
such future steps as may be found most
consistent with Its dignity. its duty to
American interests and It's moral obliga-
tions to Central America and to civiHxA-
ton.
The Far East.
In the far east this government pre-
serves unchanged its policy Of support
ing the principle Of equality Of opportu-
nifty and scrupulous respect for the inteE-
rity of the Chinese empire. to which pol
Icy arc pledged the interested powers Of
both east and west.
Mention Is made of the sending of
students to America by the Chinese
government, Of China's progress
toward the eradication Of the opium
evil, and of this governments con.
tinued cordial relations with the jap
anese empire.
The Department ~ state.
Favorable action by congress on the
estimates submitted by the depart
ment Of state Is urged, especially lesis-
lation for the development and reor-
ganization of the department to make
1t efncient in furthering our foreign
trade. improvement in the consular
service is noted. Mr.. Taft then says:
Under 4 provision Of the act Of Au-
gust s. 1903. 1 have appointed three
officials to assist the officers of the
government in collecting Information
necessary to wise administration of
the tariff act Of August s. 1903. AZ to
questions of customs administration
they are cooperating with the omcials
Of the treasury department and as to
matters OF the needs and the exigen-
cies of our manufacturers and export
ers. with the department Of commerce
and labor. in Its relation to the domes-
tic aspect of the subject of foreign
commerce. In the study of foreign
tariff treatment they will assist the
bureau of trade relations of the de-
partment of state. It 10 hoped thus to
coordinate and bring to bear upon this
most important subject all the agencies
of the governu snt which can contrib
ute anything 60 its ef1cient handling
As q consequence Of Section Of
the tariff act Of August s, 1903, It be-
comes the duty of the secretary of
state to conduct as diplomatic business
all the negotiations necessary to place
him in q position to advise me A. to
whether or not particular country