Year: 1872

CtUeS 2


In transmitting to you this, my fourth an-
nual message, it is with thankfulness to the
Giyer OF all good that as a nation we have
been blessed for the past year with peace at
home, peace abroad and a general prosperity
'vouchsafed to but few people


With the exception of the recent devasta>
ting ire which swept from the earth with
breath as it were millions of 5aacumuiated
Wealth IN the city OF Boston, there has been


oyershadowing calamity within the year to





is gratifying to note how, like their fell
low>citizens of Chicago under similar circum-
stances, year earlier, the citizens of Boston
are rallying under their misfortunes, and the
prospect that their energy and perseverance
will overcome all obstacles and show the same
prosperity soon that they would had no dis
aster befallen them. Otherwise we have been
Tree 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 press
sent peace.


THE GENEVA TRIBUNAL.


When Congress adjourned in June last a
question had been raised by Great Britain.
and was then pending, which for time se
rtously imperiled the settlement, by friendly
arbitration, of the grave differences between
this government and that of her Britannia
majesty, which by the treaty of Washington
had been referred to the tribunal of arbitra-
ton which had met at Geneva, in Switzer>
land. The -arbltrators, however, disposed of
the question which had jeopardized the whole
OF the treaty and threatened to involve the
Two nations IN most unhappy relations to each
other, In manner entirely satisfactory to
this government, and in accordance with the
views and policy which it had msintained.-
The tribunal, which had convened at Geneva
in December, 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 a
sum in gross, it made its decision whereby it
awarded the sum of fifteen millions five hun
dred thousond dollars in gold as the indem-
nifty to be paid by Great Britain to the Uni>
ted States for the satisfaction of all the claims
referred to in its consideration. This decision
happily disposes of a long standing difference
between the two governments, and in con-
hectIon with another award made by the Gers
man Emperor under reference to him by
the same treaty, leaves these two governs
ments without shadow upon the friendly re-
iatlons, which it is my sincere hope nav for


L
of the agent OF the United States appointed
to attend the Geneva tribunal, accompanied
10y the protocols of the proceedings of the ar
bltrators, the arguments of the counsel of
both governments, the award Of the tribunal.
and the opinions given by the several arbitra,
tors, is transmitted herewith.


| nave caused to be communicated to the
heads OF the three friendly powers who COM
pied with the joint request made to them nm
der the treaty the thanks of this government
Tor the appointment of arbitrators, made by
them respectively, aud also my thanks to the
emlnent personages named by them, and NV
appreciation of the dignity, patience. impar-
tIallty, and great ability with which thew dis
charged their arduous and high functions.


Her Majesty government has communi-
Gated TO me the appreciation by her Majesty
9t the ability and indefatigabIe industry dis
played by Mr.. Adams, the arbitrator named
on the part OF this government during tho
protracted inquiries and discussions of the
tribunal, cordially unite with hor Majesty
1n this appreciation. 1t is due to the agent
OF the United States before the tribunal to re-
cord my appreciation of the marked ability.
"unWearied patience and the prudence and dis
cretlon with which he has conducted the very
responsible and delicate duties committed to
him, it is also due to the learned and emi-
nent counsel who attended the tribunal on
the part of this government tosexpress nv
sense of the talents and wisdom which thew
brought to bear in the attainment of the re-
suit so happily reached. 1t will be the prov
lnce of Congress to provide for the distribu>
ton 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
until year from the date OF the award. it is
deemed advisable that no time be lost in
making proper examination of the several
cases, IN which indemniGcation NAV be due.
| consequently recommend the creation of a
board OF commissioners for the purpose.


THE SAN JUAN BOUNDARY.


BY the thirty fourth article of the treaty of
Washington the respective claims OF the Uni
ted States aud of Great Britain in their con>
structlon OF the treaty of the 18th of June.
1916, defining the boundary line between
their respective territories were submitted to
the arbitration on an award of his majesty the
Emperor of Germany to decide which of those
claims is most in accordance with the true in-
depreciation of the treaty of 1916 His Ma
iesty the Emperor of Germany having been
pleased to undertake the arbitration, has the
earnest thanks of this government and of the
people of the United States for the labor,
pains and care which he has devoted to the
consideration of this long-pending difference
l have caused an expression of my thanks to
be communicated to his Majesty. Mr.. Bans
croft, the representative of this government
at Berlin, conducted the case and prepared
the statement on the part of the United States
with the ability that his past service justified
the public in expecting at his hand, as a
member OF the cabinet at the date of the trea-
ty which has given rise to the discussion be-.
tween the two governments. As the minister
to Great Britain when the construction now
pronounced unfounded was first advanced and
as the agent aud representative of the gov
ernment to present the case and to receive
ths s-z,,,.1 !, - -