The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-12-07

President Tafts message to-day, but
there were comparatively few members
who were willing to concede the prob
ability of favorable action at the pres
ent session on many of the Iecommen,
dations contained therein. The general
opinion was that time would not per.
nit OF action, in view OF the fact that
the session will close March 4.
The message vas delivered to both
houses by Secretary Latta soon aiter
they convened at noon.
The reading of the document. when
was of Unusual length. was begun az
1870 p. NJ. in the Senate. At first most
of the Senator'S listened attentiVe,y 10
the reading, but gradually this atten-
ton ceased on the part of most OF them.
and those who remained III the ehain-
her devoted themselves to printed cop
les before. them. 49,,
was paid to the reading clerk. The In
terest soon Jagged, however, and those
who remained in their seats did SO 70
PLACED on every desk. he message FOL
lows: .,ta-
During the past year the foreign rela-
lions Of the United States have con-
tinued upon a basis of friendship and good
understanding.
Tho wear has been notable as witnessing
the pacific settlement of two importah'
international controversies before the Per
manent Court of The Hague.
The arbitration of the hsherles olspute
between the United states and Great
britain, which has been the source OF nearly
continuous diplomatic correspondence since
tho fisheries convention OF ISIS. has gwen
an award which is satisfactory to both par
ties. This arbitration is particularly note
worthy not only becaVse OF the emihen'is y
inst results secured. but also because IT is
tho first arbitration held under the general
arbitration treaty OF AprM 4. 1908. between
I.n. ~ Gfufns and Great ESrlIaln, anu
disposes OF a controversy, tho settlement
OF which has resisted every other resources
OF diplomacy. and which for nearly nihsss
years has been the cause of friction pc
tween two countries whose common intereS
lies in maintaining the most friendly ana
cordial relations with each otner.
Tho tribunal constituted at The liasus
nv the governments of the United states
and Venezuela has completed Its dehoera-
lions and has rendered an award in the
case of the orinoco steamship COM
pany against Venezuela. The award may
be regarded as satisfactory since II has;
pursuant 10 the contentious of the united
pincipal making 70 a judicial attitude IN
the of International disputes.
Peace Commission.
The Congress at its last session passed a
law providing for the appointment OF a
commission of Ave members ito be ap,
pointed by the President OF the United
states to consider the expediency OF utll-
izing existing International agencies Tor the
purpose of limiting the ornaments OF the
nations Of the world by international agree
ment, and of constituting the compiheu
nayies of the world an international force
for the preservation OF universal peace. ana
to. consider and report upon any other
means to diminish the expenditures OF gov
eminent for military purposes ana 10 lessen
The probabilities OF war;
have not as yet made appointments 10
this commission because L have invited anu
am awaiting the expressions OF iofeigh
operate with us in the appointment OF SIM
liar commissions or representatives VINO
would meet with our commissioners ana
by joint action seek 10 mahe hei wa
effective.
several important treaties have been ne.
rotiated with Great Britain in the past
we've months. A preliminary diplomatic
agreement has been reached regarding the
arbitration of pecuniary claims whtch each
arreement, with the schedules of claims
annexed. Will. as soon as the schedules are
arranged, be submitted to the Senate fot
approval. 1000
between tho United States and Great
Britain providing for the settlement OF IN,
ternational differences between me o nao
tionment between the two countries OF
certain OF the boundary waters ana me
appointment OF commissioners to aaJus.
certain other questions, has oeen rotiueo
by both governments and proclaimed.
Portugal.
In october last the monarchy IN foftuset
WAS oyerthrown. a provisional republic was
nrocla!med, and there was set up a de
facto government, which was promptly
recognized by the government OF the uhlteo
States for purposes OF ofanhary I, MS and
other bowers OF the governmental entity
10 be duly established by the national SOW
ereiGnty.
A disturbance among the native tribes OF
Liberia in a portion of the republic during
the early part of this year resu4teo IN IRE
sending, under treaty of 1867 OF an Amer
.can Vessel Of war to the disafected dis-
,r!ct, and the Liberian authorities. assisteu
by the good 'stfices of the American ha Tsa
officers. were -abic to restore order. The
neeotiattons which have been undertaken
for the amel!oration of the conditions found
in Liberia by the American commission
whose report I transmitted to Congress on
march e5 last. are being brought TO con-
ciusion. and 1t is thought that within q
short time practical measures OF reiiel may
be put into effect through me gooa Sii' : :
operation of other governments interested
IN Liberals welfare.
THE NEAR EAST.
r .,r, the visit of the special embassy
x.nt 10 announce the accession OF AIS
ssaiestv. Mehemet ". Emperor OF the otto-
mans. sent TO Constantinop.e a spestai
a,ahassador who. in addition TO this mis-
stan of ceremony, was charged with tho
dmtv Of expressing TO the Ottoman govern
ment the value attached by the govern,
,nent of the United states to Increased ana
more important relations between the eoun-
-ries and the desire of the United states
IN contribute to the larger economic ana
commercial development due TO me new
regime in Turkey.
Montenegro.
THE National Skoupchtina having express
ed its will that the principally Of Monte
negro be raised 10 the rank OF Kingdom,
the Prince OF Montenegro on August 10
las. assumed the title OF King of Monte
negro. 1t gave me pleasure to accord 70
the new kingdom the recognition OF the
The Far East.
The centre of interest in far Eastern az
fairs during the past year has again peefs
China.
,,ons for a loan to the Chinese govern
,nent for The construction OF the trunk
railway lines from Hankow. southwark 10
Canton. and westward through the fangtse
VALLEY. known as the Hukuans loan. were
concluded by the representatives OF the va
rious financial groups in May last and
HE results approved by their respective
governments. Tho agreement. already mi
fiated by the Chinese government, Is now
awaiting formal ratification. The basis OF
the settlement of the terms of This loan
was one OF exact equality between Amer
,-- IT Ip..,aI,H r. Irrl r. ~ and - {ir rnla Il n a.