Year: 1872

nual message, it is with thankfulness to the
Giver of all good that as nation we have
been blessed for the past year with peace at
home, peace abroad, and general prosperity
vouchsafed to but few peoples.


With the exception of the recent devasta-
ting fire which swept from earth with a breath
as it we're, millions of accumulated wealth in
the city of Boston, there has been no over
shadowing calamity within the year to record.
1t is gratifying to note how like their fellow
citizens of the city Of Chicago, under similar
circumstances year earlier, the citizens OF
Boston are rallying under their misfortunes,
and the prospect that their energy and perse-
verance will overcome all obstacles and show
the same prosperity soon that they would had
no disaster befallen them. Otherwise we have
been free from pestilence, war, and calamities
which often overtake nations, and as far as
human judgment can penetrate the future no
cause seems to exist to threaten our present
peace.


THE ALABAMA CLAIMS


When Congress adjourned in June last a
question had been raised by Great Britain,
and was then pending which for time seri-
ously imperiled the settlement by friendly ar
bitration, of the grave differences between this
Government and that of Her British Majesty,
which, by. the Treaty of Washington had been
referred to the tribunal of arbitration which
had met at Geneva, in Switzerland. The ar
bitrators, however, disposed of the question
which had jeoparded the whole of the treaty
and threatened to involve the two nations in
most unhappy relations toward each other in
a manner entirely satisfactory to this Govern.
ment, and in accordance with the views and
the policy which it had maintained The tri-
bunal, which had convened at Geneva, in De-
cember concluded its laborious session on the
18th day of September last, on which day,
having availed itself of the discretionary
power given to it by the treaty to award sum
in gross, it made its decision, whereby it
awarded the sum of s15,5OO,0OO in gold as
the indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to
the United States for the satisfaction of all
the claims referred to its consideration. This
decision happily disposes of long-standing
difference between the two Governments, and
in connection with another award made by the
German Emperor under a reference to him
by the same treaty, leaves these two Govern
ments without a shadow upon the friendly re-
lations, which it is my sincere hope may for
ever remain equally unclouded. The report
of the agent Of the United States appointed
to attend the Geneva tribunal, accompanied
by the protocols of the proceedings of the ar
bitrators, the arguments Of the counsel of
both Governments, theaward of the tribunal,
and the opinions given by the several arbitra-
tors, is transmitted herewith. have caused
to be communicated to the heads of the three
friendly Powers who complied with the joint
request made to them under the treaty, the
thanks of this Government for the appoint
ment of arbitrators made by them respective
ly, and also my thanks to the eminent person
ages named by them, and my appreciation of
the dignity, patience, impartiality, and great
ability with which they discharged their ar
duous and high functions. Her Maesty's
Government has communicated to me the
appreciation by Her Majesty of the ability
and indefatigable industry displayed by Mr.
Adams, the arbitrator named on the part of
this Government, during the protracted inqu-
ries and discussions Of the tribunal. cor
daily unite with Her Majesty in this appre-
citation. 1t is due to the agent of the United
States before the tribunal to record my high
appreciation of the marked ability, unwearied
patience, and the prudence and discretion with
which he has conducted the very responsible
and delicate duties committed to him. and it
is due to the learned and eminent counsel who
attended the tribunal on the part Of this Gov
ernment, to express my sense of the talents
and wisdom which they brought to bear in
the attainment Of the result so happily
reached 1t will be the province of Congress
to provide for the distribution among those
who may be entitled to it of their respective
shares Of the money to be paid. Although
the sum awarded is not payable nntil year
from the date of the award, it is deemed ad-
visable that no time be lost in making prop
er examination Of the several cases in which
indemnifcation may be DUE I consequently
recommend the creation Of board of COM
missioners for the purpose.


OUR RELATIONS WITH OTHER POWERS.


With France, our earliest ally ; Russia, the
constant and steady friend ofthe United States
Germany, with whose government and people
we have so many causes of friendship and so
many common sympathies; and the other
Powers of Europe, our relations are main
tanned on the most friendly terms


Since my last annual message the exchange
has been made Of the ratifcations of treaty
with the Austro-Hungarian Empire relating
to naturalization also of treaty with the
German Empire respecting consuls and trade.
marks; also of treaty with Sweden and
Norway relating to naturalization all of which
treaties have been duly proclaimed.


THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC


Since your last session the President Of the
Mexican Republic, distinguished by his high
character and by his services to his country,