Year: 1871




have so long existed between the United
States and Russia continue undisturbed, and
the visit of the third son of the Emperor is
a proof that there is no desire on the part
of his government to diminish the cordiality
Of these relations. The hospitable reception
which has been given to the Grand Duke
is proof that on our side we share the
wishes of that government. The ilexcusa-
bic course of the Russian Minister 1T Wash
ton rendered it necessary TO ask his recall,
and to decline to longer receive that frInc-
tionary as a diplomatic representative. 1t
was impossible, with self-respect or with a
just regard to the dignity of the country, TO
permit Mr.. Catacazy to continue
to hold intercourse with the govern
ment after his abuse of government
officials, and during his persistent interfer-
ence through various means with the rela-
tiOns between the United States and other
powers. In accordance with my wishes
this Government has been relieved of fur
ther intercourse with Mr.. Catacazy, and the
management of the affairs of the Imperial
legation passed into the hands of a gentle
man entirely unobiectionable.


Japan.


With Japan, we continue in somewhat irti-
mate relations. The Cabinet of the Mikado
has since the close of the last session of Con
gress selected citizens of the United States
to serve in offices important in several de-
partments of the government. have rea-
son to think that this selection is due to
an appreciation of the disinterestedness
of the policy which the United States has
pursued toward Japan 1t is our desire to
continue to maintain this disinterestedness
and just policy with China as well as with
Japan. The correspondence transmitted
herewith shows that there is no disposition
on the part of this government to sWerve
from its established course.


COrea.


Prompted by desire to put an end to
the barbarous treatment Of our shipwrecked
sailors on the Corean coast, l instructed
our minister at Pekin to endeavor to con-
clude a convention with Corea for Sc
curing the safety and inhumane treatment
Of such mariners. Admiral Rogers
was instructed to accompany him
with sufficient force to protect him in case
Of need. a small surveying party sent out
on reaching the coast was treachously at
tackled at disadvantage. Ample opportu-
nifty for explanation and apology for the in
suit was given; but neither came. A force
was then landed. After an arduous march
over rugged and difficult country, the forts
from which the Outrages had been commit
ted were calamity assaulted and DESTROYED.
Having thus punished the criminals, and
having vindicated the honor of the flag, the
expedition returned, finding il impracticable
under the circumstances to conclude the de-
sired consummation. l respectfully refer
to the correspondence relating thereto here
with submitted, and leave the subject for
such action as Congress may see fit to take.


MexfcO-ZOnR Libre.


The republic of Mexico has not vet re-
pealed the very Objectionable law establish
ing what is known as the free zone on the
froAtier of the United States. 1t is hoped
that this may yet be done, and also that
more stringent measures be taken by that
republic for restraining lawless persons on
its frontiers. | hope that Mexico, by its
own action, viii soon relieve this govern
ment Of the difficulties experienced from
these causes.


The Venezuelan Claims.


Our relations with the various Republics
Of Central and South America continue,
with one exception, to be cordial and
friendly.


l recommend some action by Congress
regarding the over due installments under
the award Of the Venezuela Claims Com
mission Of 1866. The internal dissentions
of this Government present no just Occa-
siop for absence Of effort to meet their
solemn treaty obligations.


Nicaragua.


The ratification of an extradition treaty
with Nicaragua has been exchanged.


II-Emancipation.


1t is a subject for congratulation that the
great Empire of Brazil has taken the initia-
tory steps toward the abolition of slavery.
Our relations with that Empire, always cor
dial, will naturally be more so by this act.
II is not too much to hope that the govern
ment Of Brazil may hereafter find it for its
interest as well as intrinsically right, to ad-
vance toward entire emancipation more
rapslly than the present act cOntemplates


The true prosperity and greatness of a
T.atiOn is to be found in the elevation and
education of its laborers. 1t is subject
for regret that the reforms in this direc.
ton which were voluntarily promised by the
Statesmen of Spain have not been carried
out in its Indian colonies. The laws and
regulations for the apparent abolition Of
slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most
Of the laborers in bondage with no hope ot
release until they become burden to then
employer.


American STAKEHOLDER rs Abroad.


| desire to direct your attention to the
fact that citizens of the United States art
large holders in foreign lands of this species
of property forbidden by the Fundamental
law of their adopted country. l recon-
mend to Congress to provide by stringent
legislation suitable remedy against the
holding, owning or dealing in slaves, or be.
ing interested in slave property in foreign
lands, either as owners, hirers or mortgager'
by persons of the United States.


The Cuban Rebellion


# is to be regretted that the disturbed
condition of the Island of Cuba continues tC
be a source of annoyance and Of anxiety
The existence of a protracted struggle il
such close proximity to our own territory
without apparent prospect of an early term
nation, cannot be other than an object O
concern to a people who while abstainini
from interference in the affairs of othel
powers, naturally desire to see every coun-
try in the undisturbed enjoyment Of peace
and liberty, and the blessing of free insti
tUtionS.


Relations with Spain.


Our naval commanders in Cuban waters
have been instructed in case it should be-
come necessary, to spare no effort to protect
the lives and property of bona fide Ameri.
can citizens, and to maintain the dignity Of
the flag. 1t is hoped that all pending
questions with Spain, growing out of the
affairs of Cuba, may be adjusted in the
spirit of peace and cOnciliatiOn which has
hitherto guided the two powers in theil
treatment Of such questions.


China and Japan.


To give Importance, and to add to the
efficiency of our diplomatic relations with
Japan and China, and to further in re-
tanning the good opinion of those people,
and to secure to the United States its share
of the commerce destined to flow between
those nations and the balance of the COM
mercial world, l earnestly recommend an
appropriation be made to support at least
four American youths in each Of these
countries to serve as a part of the official
family of our Ministers there. Our repre-
sentatives would not even then be placed
upon an equality with the representatives
of Great Britain and som eother powers. As
now situated our representatives in Japan
and China heve to depend for Interpreters
and translatOrs upon natives of those coun-
.;,o ,,-lc Iyr,o.r- pur 1anCfrora iu,rorfa Of X