Year: 1871

has been given to the Grand Duke is proof
that on our side we share the wishes of that
Government The inexcusable course of the
Russian Minister at Washington. rendered il
necessary to ask his recall, and to decline t0
longer receive that functionary as diplomatic
representative. 1t was impossible, with self
respect or with just regard to the dignity
of the country, to permit Mr.. Catacazy to con.
tinue to hold interviews with this Government
after his abuse of Government officials, and
during his persistent interference, through
various means, with the relations between the
United States and other powers. In accord
ance with my wishes, he has been relieved OF
further intercourse with our Government, and
the management of the affairs of the I'm
perial nation has passed into the hands Of a
gentleman entirely unObjectionable.


With Japan we continue to maintain inti-
mate relations The Cabinet of tho Mikado
has, since the close of the last session of Con
grcss, selected citizens of the United States
to serve in Offices Of importance in several
Departments of the Government. l have rea-
son to think that this selection is due to an
appreciation of the disnterestedness of the
policy which the United States has pursued
toward japan. 1t is our desire to continue to
maintain this disinterested and just policy
with China as well as Japan.


The correspondence transmitted herewith
shows that there is no disposition on the part
of this Government to swerve from its estab-
lshed course. Prompted by desire to put
an end to the barbarous treatment of our ship
wrecked sailors on the Corean coast, il
structed our Minister at Pekin to endeavor to
conclude convention with COrea for recur-
ing the safety and humane treatment OF such
marines Admiral Rogers was instructed to
accompany him with sufficient force to &C.
company him with sufficient force to protect
him in case of need. A small surveying
party was sent out, and on reaching the coast
was trcacherously attacked at disadvantage.
Ample opportunity was given for explanation
and apology for the insult, but neither came.
A force was then landed, and, after an ardu-
GUS march over rugged and difficult country,
the forts from which the outrage, had been
committed were gallantly assaulted, and
were destroyed. Having thus punished the
criminals and having vindicated the honor of
the flag. the expedition returned finding it
impracticable, under the circumstances, to
conclude the desired convention. l respect
fully refer to the correspondence relating
thereto, herewith submitted, and leave the
subject for such action as Congress may see
fit tn take.


The Republic of Mexico has not yet repealed
the very Objectionable laws establishing what
is known as a free zone on the frontier of the
United States. 1t is hoped that this may yet
be done, and also that stringent measures
may be taken by the Republic restraining
lawless persons upon the frontier. l hope
that Mexico, by its own action, will soon re.
licve this Government Of the difficulties ex-
pericnced from these causes.


Our rela ions with the various Republics of
the continent and South America continue,
with one exception, to bc cordial and friendly.
recommend some action by Congress regard
ing the overdue installments, under the award
of the Ncn2ucla Claims Commission Of 1866.
The internal dissensions OF this government
present no justification for the absence of
efforts to meet their solemn treaty obligations.
The ratification OF an cXtradition treaty with
Nicaragua has been exchanged. 1t is a sub
ject for congratulation that the great empire
of Brazil has taken the intiatory steps toward
the abolition OF slavery. Our relations with
that empire, always cordial, will naturally be
made more SO by this act 1t is not too much
to hope that the government of Brazil may
hereafter find it for its interest, as well as in
ternationally right, to advance toward entire
emancipation more rapidly than the present
act contcmplates The true Prosperity and
greatness OF nation is to be found in the ele.
walton and education Of its laborers.


SLAVERY IN THE WEST INDIES


1t is subject for regret that til, reforms in
this direction which We're voluntarily promised
by Spain have not been carried out in the
West india colonies. The laws and regula.
tions for the apparent abolition of slavery in
Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the labor
ers in bondage. with no hope of their release
until their lives become burden to their EN-
poyers desire To direct your attention to
the fact, that citizens of the United States are
large holders in foreign lands of this species
of property forbidden by the fundamental law
OF their own country. | recommend to Con-
gress to provide by stringent legislation. q
suitable remedy against the holding, owning
or dealing slave property in foreign lands.
either as owners, hirers or mortgages by
citizens of this Government.


1t is to be regretted that the disturbed con.
dition of the island of Cuba continues to be
source of annoyance and of anxiety The ex.
istence of a protracted struggle in such close
proximity to our own territory, without appa-
rent prospect OF an early termination, cannot be
other than an object of concern to a people who
while abstaining from interference in the affairs
OF other powers, naturally desire to see every
country in the undisturbed enjoyment of peace,
liberty, and the blessings of free institutions.
Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have
been instructed, in case it should become neccs
sary, to spare no effort to protect The lives and
property OF bona tide American citizens; and to
maintain the dignity of the flag. 1t is hoped
that all pending questions with Spain growing
out OF the affairs in Cuba may be adjusted in
the 81 irit of peace and Cancellation which has
hitherto guided the two powers in their treat
ment of such questions.


To give Importance and to add to the eff
cheney of our diplomatic relations with China
and Japan. and to further in obtaining the
good opinions of ese people. and to secure to
the United States its share of the commerce
destined to flow between these nations and
the balance of the commercial world, | ear.
Desily recommend that an appropriation be
made to support at least four American youths
in each of those countries to serve us part of
the official family of our Ministers there.
Our representatives would not even then be
placed on an equality with the representatives
of great Britain and some other powers AS
situated. our representatives in Japan and
China have to depend for interpreters and
translators upon the natives of those coun-
tries. who know our language impcrfcctly, OF
procure for the occasion the services Of en-
ploycs in foreign business houses or the in
tcrpreters to other foreign Ministers


would also recommend liberal measures
for tho purpose of supporting the American