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4 THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1900. PRESIDENT SMESSAGE (Continued from First Page.) the Yang Tse and with the coilusion of many notable officials, inciuding some in the immedlate councils of the throne itself, became alarmingly aggressive. No for- elgner’s lite outside of the protected treaty ports was safe. No forelgn interest was sccure from spoliation. The diplomatic representatives of the powers in Pekin strove in valn to check this movement. Pro- test was followed by demand and demanc by renowed protest, to be met with per- functory edicts from the palace and evasive and futlle assurance from the tsungli-ya- men. The circle of the Boxer Influence nar- rowed about Pekin and while nominally stigmatized as seditious, it was felt that its | spirit pervaded the capital itself, that the tmperfal forces were imbued with its doe« trines and that immediate counselors of the empress dowager were In full sympathy with the anti-forelgn movement The Increasing gravity of the conditions tn China and the {mminece of peril to our own diversified.interests in the emplre, as well as to those of all the other treaty governments, were soon appreciated by this government, causing it profound solcitude. Tho United States from the earliest days of forelgn intercourse with China had follow a policy of peace, omitting no occasions to tostify goodwill, to further tho exten- sfon of lawful trade, to respect the sover- eignty of its government and to insure by all legitimate and kindly, but earnest means, the fullest measure of protection for the lives and property of our law-abiding citizens and for the exercice of their beno- ficent callings among tHe Chinese people. Note of 1808, Mindful of this, it was felt to be appro- priate that our purpose should be pre- nounced In favor of such a course as woult hasten united action of the powers at Pe- kin to promote the administrative reforms so greatly necded for strengthening the mperial government and maintalning the integrity of China, in which we belleved the whole western world to be allke con- cerned. To theso ends I caused to be ad- dressed to the several powers occupylng territory and maintaining spheres of in- fluence In China the circular proposals of 1899 Inviting from them declarations of thelr fntentions and views as to the desirability of the adoption of measures Insuring the benofits of equality of treatment of all for- eign trade throughout China, With gratifylng unanimity the responses colncided in this common policy, enabling me to see in the successful termination of these negotiations proof of the friendly #pirit which animates the various powers interested In the untrammeled development of commerce and industry In the Chinese empire as a source of vast benefit to the whole commercial world. In this conclusion, which T had the grat- ification to announce as a completed en- gagement to the Interested powers, on March 20, 1900, I hopetuMy discerned a po- tential factor for the abatement of the dls- trust of forelgn purposes, which for a year past had appeared to Inspire the policy of the imperial government and for the effect- ive exertion by it of power and authority to quell the critical anti-forelgn movement in the northern provinces most immediately influenced by the Manchu sentiment. Confidence Was Misplaced. Seeking to testify confidenco in the wil- llogness and ability of the imperial admin- istration to redrcss the wrongs and prevent tho evils we suffered and feared the marine guard, which had been sent to Pekin in the autumn of 1899 for the protection of the le- gation, was withdrawn at the earllest prac- ticable moment and all the pending ques- tions were remitted, as far as we are con- cerned, to the ordinary resorts of diplomatic 1ntercourse. The Chinese government proved, however, unable to check the rising strength of the Boxers and appesred to be a prey to inter- nal dissensions. In‘the unequal contest the anti-foreign influences soon gained the as- cendancy under the leadership of Prince Tuan. Organized armles of Boxers, with which the imperial forces afliated, held the country between Pekin and the coast, penerated into Manchurla up to the Rus- slan border, and through their emissarie threatened a like rising throughout northern China, Attacks upon forelgners, destruction of property and slaughter of native converts were reported from all sides. The tsungli- yamen, already permeated with hostile sym- pathies, could make no effective response to the appeals of the legations. At this critical juncture, in the early spring of this year, a proposal was made by the other powers that a combined fleet should be assembled in Chinese waters as a moral demonstration, under coyer of which to exact of the Chinese government respect for forelgn treaty rights and the suppression ot the Boxers. The United States, while not participat- ing in the joint demonstration, promptly sent from the Philippines all ships that could be spared for service on the Chinese coast. A small force of marines was landed at Taku and sent to Pekin for the pratec- tlon of the American legation. Other pow- ers took similar action until some 400 men were assembled in the capital as legatton guards. Actual Warfare Commenced, Still the peril increased. The legations reported the development of the seditious movement in Pekin and the need of in- creased provision for defense against it. While preparations were in progress for a Iarger expedition to strengthen tho leg: tion guards and keep the railways open an attenpt of the forelgn ships to make a landing at Taku was met by a fire from the Chineso forts. The forts were thereupon shelled by the forelgn vessels, the Ameri- can admiral taking no part in the attack on the ground that we were not at war with China and that a hostile demonstration might consolidate the anti-foreign elements and strengthen the Boxers to oppose the relleving column. Two days later the Taku forts were capiured sfter a sanguinary con- flict. Beverance of communication with Pekin followed and a combined force of ad- ditional guards, which were advancing to Pekin by the Pol Ho, was checked at Lang Fang. The lsolation of the legations was complet The siege and the rellef of the legationn has passed into undying history. In all the stirring chapters which records the herolsm of the devoted band, clinging to hope in the face of despair. and the un- daunted spirit that led thelr relievers through battle and suffering to the goal, it 1s & memory of which my countrymen may be justly proud that the honor of our flag was maintained alike in the siege and t| rescue, and that stout American hearts have again set high in fervent emulation with true men of other race and language, the indomitable courage that ever strives for the cause of right and justice, Murder of Baron Von Ketteler, On June 19 the legations were cut off. An identical noto from the yamen ordered each minister to leave Pekin, under a prom- tsed escort,,within twenty-four hours. To gain time, they replied, asking prolonga- tlon of the time, which was afterward granted, and requesting an interview with the tsungli-yamen on tho following day. No reply being recelved, on the morning of the 20th the German minister, Baron von Ketteler, set out for the yamen to obtain a response, and on tho way was murdered. An attempt by the legation guard to re- cover his body was foiled by the Chinese Armed forces turned out agalust the lega tions. Thelr quarters were surrounded and attacked. The mission compounds were the British legation, where all the other legations and guards gathered for more effective defense. Four hundred persons were crowded in its narrow compass. Two thousand mative converts were assembled in a nearby palace under protection of the foreigners. Lines of defense were strength- ened, trenches dug, barricades raised and preparations made to stand a eloge, which at once began. “From June 20 until Jul 17, writes Minister Conger, ‘‘there was scarcely an hour during which there was not firing upon some part of our lines and into some of the legations, varying from a single shot to a general and continuous attack along the whole line” Artillery was placed around the legations and on the overlooking palace walls, and thou- sands of 3-inch shot and shell were fired, | destroying some bulldings and damaging | all. thickly did the balis rain that, when the ammunition of the besieged ran low, five quarts of Chin bullets were gathered in an hour in one compound and recast Legation Buildings Burned, Attempts were made to burn the lega- tions by setting neighboring houses on fire, but the flames were successfully fough' off, although the Austrian, Belglan, Itallan and Dutch legations were then and sub- sequently burned. With the ald of the native converts, directed by the misslon- arles, to whose helpful co-operation Mr Conger awards unstinted praise, the British logation was made a veritable fortress. The British minister, 8ir Claude Ma:Don- nld, was chosen general commander of the defense, with the secretary of the Ameri- can legation, Mr. E. G. Squlers, as chiet of saff. To save lite and ammunition the besieged sparingly returned the incessant fire of the Chinese soldiery, fighting only to repel at- tack or make an occasional successtul sortie for strateglc advantage, such as that of fitty-five Americans, British and Russian marines, led by Captain Myers of the United States Marine corps, which resulted in the capture of u formidable barricade on the wall that gravely memaced the American position. It was held to the last and proved an nvaluable acquisition, because com- manding the water gate through which the relief column entered. During the slege the defenders lost sixty- five killed, 136 wounded and seven by dfs- » On July 14 the besieged had thelr first communication with the tsungli-yamen, from whom a message came inviting to a conference, which was declined. Corre- spondence, however, emsued and a sort of armistice was agreed upon, which stopped the bombardment and lessened the rifle firo for & time. Even then no protection what- wver was afforded, nor any ald given, save to send to the legations & small supply of fruit and three sacks of flour. Chinese Government Impeached. Indeed, the only communication had with the Chinese government related to the oc- casional dellvery or dispatch of a telegram or to the demands of the tsungli-yamen for the withdrawal of the legation to the coast uader escort. Not only are the protesta tions of the Chinese government that it pro- tected and succored the legations post- tively contradicted, but irresistible proot accumulates that the attacks upon them were made by imperial troops, regularly uniformed, armed and officered, belonging to the command of Jung Lu, the imperial commander-in-chief. Decrees encouraging the Boxers, organizing them under prom- inent imperial officers, provisloning them and even granting them large sums in the name of the empress dowager are knowa to exist. Members of the tsungli-yamen who counsoled protection of the foreigners were beheaded. Even in the distant provinces men suspected of forelgn sympathy were put | tor to death, prominemt among these belng Chang Yen Hoon, formerly Chinese minister in Washington. ‘Wu Ting Fa; 's Part. With the negotiation of the partial armis- tice of July 14, a proceeding which was doubtless promoted by the representations of the Chimese envoy in Washington, the way was opened for the conveyauce to Mr. Conger of a test mes: e sent by the secre- tary of state through the kind offices of Minister Wu Ting Fang. Mr. Conger's reply, dispatched from Pekin on July 18 through the same channel, afforded to the outside world the first tidings that the inmates of the legations were still alive and hoping tor succor. This news stimulated the powers for a Jolnt reliet expedition i numbers suffcient to overcome the resistance which for a month had been organising betweea Taku and the capital. Relnforcements sent by all the co-operating governments were con- stantly arriving. The United States con- tingent, hastily assembled from the Philip- pines or dispatched from this country, amounted to some 5,000 men, under the ablo command firat of the lamented Colonel Lis- cum and afterward of General Chaffee, Taking of Tien Taln and Pekin, Toward the end of July the movement be- an. A severe coufiict followed at Tien Tetn, in which Colonel Liscum was killed. The ity was stormed and partly destroyed. Its capture afforded the base of operations from which to make the final advance, which began in the first days of August, tho expedition being mede up of Japas Russlan, British and American troops at the outset. Another battle was fought and won at Yang Tsun. Thereafter the disheartened Chinese troops offered little show of resist- ance. A few days later the tmportant posi- tion of Ho 8i Woo was taken. A rapld march brought the united forces to the pop- ulous city of Tung Chow, which capitulated without a contest. On August 14 the capital was reached. After a brief conflict beneath the walls the rellef column entered and the legations were saved. The United States soldiers, sallors and marines, officers and men alike, In those distant climes and unusual su: roundings, showed the same valor, discip- line and good conduct and gave proof the same high degree of Intelligence and ef- fictency which have distinguished them 1n every emergency. The imperial family and the government had fled a few days before. The city was without visible control. The remalning im- perial soldiery had made on the night of the 13th a last attempt to exterminate the besieged, which was gallantly repelled. It fell to the occupying forces to restore order and organize a provisional administration. thern and Eastern Viceroyws. Happlly, the acute disturbances were con- fined to the northern provinces. It 18 a rellef to recall and a pleasure to record tho loyal conduct of the viceroys and lo- cal authorities of the southern and eastern provinces. Their efforts were continuously directed to the pacific control of the vast populations under their rute and to the scrupulous observance of foreign treaty rights. At critical moments they did not hesitate to memorialize the throne, urgleg the protection of the legatlons, the restora- tion of communication and the assertion of the imperial authority agatnst the sub- versive elements. They maintained excel- lent relations with the officlal representa- tives of forelgn powers. To thelr Windly disposition 1s largely due the success of the consuls in removing many of the mis- slonarfes from the Interior to places of safety. In this relation the action of the consuls should be highly commended. 1n Shan Tung and eastern Chi Li the task was dificult, but, thanks to their energy and the co-operation of Amerlean and foreign naval commanders, hundreds of foreigners, including those of other nationalities than ours, were rescued from imminent perll, Poliey of the United States. The policy of the United States through all this trying period was clearly announced note to the powers dated July 3, pro- claimed our attitude. Treating the condli- tlon in the north as one of virtual amarchy, in which the great provinces of the south and southeast had no share, we regarded the local authorities in the latter quarters as representing the Chinese people with whom we sought to remain in peace and friendship. Our declared alms involved no war against the Chinese nation. We ad- hered to the legitimate office of rescuing the imperiled legation, obtaining redress wrongs already suffered, securing wherever possible the safety of Ameri- can life and property in China and pre- venting spread of the disorders on their recurrence. As was then sald, “the policy of the gov- ernment of the United States 1s to seek a solution which may bring about perman- ent safety and peace to. China, preserve Chinese territory and administrative en- tity, protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty and international law and safeguard for the world the prin- ciple of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese empire.” Trend of Present Effort. Faithful to those professions which, proved, reflected the views and purposes of the other co-operating governments, all our efforts have been directed toward end- ing tho anomalous situation In China by negotiations for a settlement at the earli- fest possible moment. As soon as tho sa- ered duty of relleving our legation and its dependents was accomplished we withdrew from active hostilitles. leaving our lega- tion under an adequate guard In Pekin as a channel of negotlations and settlement— @ course adopted by others of the inter- ested powets. Overtures of the empow- ered representatives of the Chinese em. peror have not been considerably enter- tained. The Russian propositions looking to the restoration of the imperial power in Pekin has been accepted as In full conso- nance with our own desires, for we have held and bold that effective reparation for wrongs suffered and an enduring settlement that will make thelr recurrence impossible, can best be brought about under an authority which the Chinese nation reverences and obeys. While so doing, we forego no jot ot our undoubted right to exact exemplary and deterrent punishment of the respon- sible authors and abettors of the criminal acta whereby we and other nations have suffered grievous injuries. For the real culprits, the evil counselors who have misled the imperial judgment and diverted the soverelgn authority to thelr own gullty ends, full explation becomés im- perativo within the rational llmits of retributive justice. Regarding this as the Initial condition of an acceptable settle- ment between China and the powers I said in my message of October 18 to the Chinese emperor: T trust that negotiations s00n as we and the other offended govern- ments shall bo effectively satisfied of your majesty's abllity and power to treat with just sternness the principal offenders, who are doubly culpable, not alone toward the forelgners, but toward your majesty, unde; IWhoto ruls the purposs of China to dwell in concord with the world had hitherto found expression in the welcome and pro- tection assured to strangers. Negotiations Now Under Way, Taking as a point of departure the im- perial edict appointing Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching plenipotentiaries to ar- range a settlement, and the edict of Sep- tember 25, whereby certain high offictal wero designated for punishment, this gov- ernment has moved, In concert with the other powers, toward the opening of nego- tlations, which Mr. Conger, sted by Mr. Rockhill, has been authorized to conduct on behalf of the United States. General bases of negotlation formulated by the government of the French republic have been accepted with certain reserva- tions as to detalls, made necessary by our own circumstances, but, like similar reser- vatlons by other powers, open to discussion in the progress of the negotiations. The disposition of the emperor's government to admit Hability for wrongs done to foreign governments and thelr national representa- tives and to act upon such additional designation of the gullty persons as the forelgn ministers at Pekin may be in a position to make, gives hope of a complete settlement of all questions Involved, as- suring foreign rights of residence and in- tercourse on terms of equality for all the world. I regard as one of the essential factors of a durable adjustment the securement of adequate guaranties for liberty of faith, since insecurity of those natives who may ombrace alien creeds is a scarcely lees of- fectual asssult upon the rights ef foreign worship and teaching than would be the direct invasion thereof. Serious Prob! of In y. The matter of Indemnity for our wronged cltizens s & question of grave concern. Measured in money alone, a sufclent reparation may prove to be beyond the abil- ity of China to meet. All the powers conour in emphatic dlsclalmers of any purpose ot aggrandizement through the dismembe: ment of the empire. I am disposed to think that due compensativn may be made in part by increased guaranties of security for forelgn rights and Immunities, and, most important of all, by the opening of China to the equal commerce of all the world. These views have been and will be earnestly advocated by our representa- tives. The government of Russ has put for- ward a suggestion that, in the event of protracted divergence of views In regara to Indemnities, the matter may be relegated to the court of arbitration at The Hague. I favorably incline to this, believing that high tribunal could not fail to reach a solu- tion no less conducive to the stability and enlarged prosperity of China itself than immediately beneficial to the powers. begin so ON GENERAL FOREIGN RELATIONS, Information Concerning Dealings with Nations of the World, Ratifications of a treaty ‘of extradition with the Argentine Republic were exchanged on June 2 last. While the Austro-Hungarian government has in the many cases that have been re- ported of the arrest of our naturalized cit- fzens for the alleged evasion of military service falthfully observed the provisions of tho treaty and released such persons from military obligations, it has in some fn- stances expelled those whose presence in the community of their origin was asserted to have a pernicious Influence. Rep- resentations have been made against this course whenever its adoption has appeared unduly onerous, Wo have been urgently solicited by Belglum to ratity the international conven- tlon of June, 1809, amendatory of the provious convention of 1890 in respect to the regulation of the liquor trade in Africa. Compliauce was necessarily withheld, in the absenco of the advice and consent of the senate thereto. The principle involved has the cordial sympathy of this government, which In the revisionary negotiations ad- vocated more drastic measures, and T would gladly see its extension, by internatfonal agreement, to the restriction of the liquor traffic with all uncivilized peoples, espectally in the western Pacific. Protection for Inventors. A conference will be held at Brussels De- cember 11, 1900, under the couvention for the protection of industrial property, con- cluded at Parls March 20, 1883, to which delegates from this country have been ap- pointed. Any lessening of the dificulties that our Inventors encounter in obtaining patents abroad for their inventions and that our farmers, manufacturers and merchants may bave in the protection of thelr trade- marks is worthy of careful consideration, and your attention will be called to the ro- sults of the conference at the proper time. In the Interest of expanding trade between abandoned, thelr Ilr:-‘.u taking refuge in and scrupulously carried out. A circular this country and South Amerjca efforts have been made during the last year to con- clude conventions with the southern re- publics for the enlargement of postal tacilities. Two such agreements were signed with Bolivia on April 24, of which that establishing the money order system 18 undergoing certain changes suggested by the Postoffice department. A treaty of ex- tradition with that country, signed on the same day, is before tho senate. A boundary dispute between Brazil and Bolivia over the territory of Acre is in a fair way of friendly adjustment, a protocol signed In December, 1899, having agreed on a definite frontier and provided for its demarcation by a joint commission, Trade with Brazil, Conditlons in Brazil have weighod heavily on our export trade to that country In marked contrast to the favorable conditions upon which Braziltan products are admitted into our markets. Urgent rep- resentations have been made to that govern- ment on the subject and some amelloration has been oftected. We rely upon the reciprocal justico and good will of that gov- ernment to assure to us a further improve- ment in our commercial relations. The convention signed May 24, 1897, for the final wettlement of claims left in abeyance upon the dissolution of tho com- mission of 1863 was at length ratified by the Chillan congress and the supplemental commission has been organized. It remains for congress to appropriato for the neces- sary expenses of the commission. Tho nsurrectionary movement which dis- turbed Colombia in the latter part of 1899 has been practically suppressed, although guerrillas still operate In some departments. The exccutive power of that republic changed hands in August last by the act of Vico President Marroquin in assuming the reins of government during the absence of President San Clemente from the capital. The change met with no serious opposition, and, following the precedents in such cases, the United States minister entered fnto relations with the new de facto government on September 17. 1t is gratitying to announce that the residual questions between Costa Rica and Nicaragua growing out of the award of President Cleveland in 1858 have been ad- justed through the choice of an American engineer, General E. P. Alexander, umpire to run the disputed line. His task has been finished to the satistaction of both coutestants, A revolution in the Dominican republie toward the close of last year resulted in the installation of President Jiminez, whose government was formally recognized in January. Since then final payment has been made of the American claim in regard to the Ozama bridge. AMERICA AT THE PARIS FAIR. United States Shows Its Friendly Atti- tude Toward France, The year of the exposition has been fruit- ful in occasions for displaying tho good will that exists between this country and France. This great competition brought together from every nation the best in natural prcductions, industry, sclemce and the arts, submitted in generous rivalry to a judgment made all the more searching be- cause of that rivalry. The extraordinary fncrease of exportations from this country during the past three years and the activity with which our inventions and wares had invaded new markets caused much interest to ecnter upon the American exhibit and every encouragement wi oftered in the way of space and facilities to permit of its being comprehensive as a whole and com- plete in every part It was, however, not an easy task to assemble exhibita that could fully illus- trate our diversified resources and manu- tactures. Bingularly emough, our national prosperity lessened. the incentive to exhibit. The dealer in yaW materials knew that the user must como to him; the great factorles were contented with the phenomenal de- mand for their output, not alone at home, but also abroad, where merit had already won a profitable trade. Appeals had to be made to the patriotism of exhibitors to {nduce them to make outlays promising no immediate return. This was especially the case where it became needful to com- plete an industrial sequence or illustrato a class of process. One manufacturer after another had to be visited and importuned, and at times, after a promise to exhibit in & particular section had been obtained, it would be withdrawn, owlng to pressure of trade orders, and a new quest would have to be made. Imstallation Was Unsatistactory. The finstallation of exhibits, too, en- countered many obstacles and invol expected cost. The exposition was far from ready at tho Jate fixed for its open- ing. The French transportation lines were congested with offered freight. Belated goods had to be hastily installed in un- finished quarters with whatever labor could be obtained in the prevailing confusion. Nor was the task of the commisslon 1ight- ened by the fact that, owing to the scheme of classification adopted, it was impossible to have the entire exhiblt of any one coun- try In the same bullding or more than one group of exhibits in the same part of any bulding. Our fnstallations were scattered on both sldes of the Seine and In widely remote suburbs of Paris, so that additional assistants wore needed for the work of supervision and arrangement. Despite all these drawbacks the contribu- tion of the United States was not only the largest forelgn display, but was among ihe carllest in placo and the most orderly in arrangement. Our exhibits were shown in 101 out of 121 classes and more completely covered tho entire classification than those of any other nation. In total number they ranked next atter those of France and the attractive form in which they were pre- sented secured general attention, Awards to Americans, A criterion of the cxtent and success of our participation and of the thoroughness with which our exhibits were organized s soen in the awards granted to Amcrican exhibltors by the International jury, namely: Grand prizes, 240; gold medals. silver medals, 776; bronze medals, 641 honorable mentions, 2,476 In all—being the greatest total number glven to the exhibit of any exhibiting nation, as well as the largest number in each grade. This significant recognition of merit in competi- tion with the choeen exhibits of all othor nations and at the hand of juries almost wholly made up of representatives of France and other competing countries is pot ouly most gratifylng, but is especlally valuable since it sets us to the front in interna- tional questions of supply and demand, while the large proportion of awards in the classes of art and artistic manufacturcs afforded unexpected proof of the stimula- tion of national culture by the prosperity that flows from natural productivemess Jolned to industrial excellence. Apart from the exposition several occa- slons for showing international good will occurred. The inauguration in Paris of tho Lafayette monument, presented by the school chuldren of the United States, and the designing of n commemorative coln by our mint and the presentation of the firat pleca struck to the president of the re- public, were marked by appropriate cere- monies, and the Fourth of July was es- peclally observed in the French capital, ON GOOD TERMS WITH GERMANY, Some Dusiness Disputes Adjusted, but the Meat Q fon In Ope Good will prevails In our relations with the German empire. An amicable adjust- ment of the long pending question of the admission of our life insurance companies to do business In Prussia has been reached. One of the principal companies has aiready been re-admitted and the way is opened for the others to share the privilege. The settlement of the Bamoan problem, to which I adverted is my last me has accomplished good result: contentment prevall i the nd, clally in Tutlla, where & conv t admin- istration that has won the confidence and esteem of the kindly disposed natives has been organized under the direction of the commander of the United States naval sta- tion at Pago-Pago. An imperial meat inspection law has been enacted for Germany. While it may simplity the inspections, it prohibits cer- taln products heretofore admitted. There is still great uncertalnty as to whether our well nigh extingulshed German trade in meat products can revive under its new burdens. Much will depend upon regula- tions not yet promulgated, which we con- fldently hope will be free from the dis- criminations which attended the enforce- ge, Peace and | ment of the old statutes. The remaining link in the new lines of direct telegraphie communication between the United States and the German empire has recently been completed, affording a gratifying occasion for exchange of friendly cougratulations with the German emperor. RELATIONS Wi iMBAT BRITAL Still Friendly, Although Many Im- portant Questions Are Involved. Our friendly relations with Great Brit- ain continue. The war in southern Africa introduced Important questions. A condi- tion unusual in intermational wars was pre- sented in that while one belligerent had control of the seas, the other had no ports, shipping or dircct trade, but was only ac- cessiblo through the territory of a neutral. Vexatlous questions arose through Great Britain’s action in respect to neutral car- goes, not contraband in thelr own nature, shipped to Portuguese South Africa, on the score of probable or suspected ultimate des. tination to the Boer states. Such con- signments, in British ships, by which alone direct trade is kept up hetweem our ports and southern Africa, were d in application of a municipal law prohibiting British vessels from trading with the en- emy, without regard to any comtraband character of the goods, while cargoes shipped to Delagoa Bay In neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground of alleged destinction to ememy's country. Appro- priate representations on our part re- sulted In the British government agreeing to purchase outright all such goods shown to be the actual property of American cit- izens, thus closiag the incident to the sat- istaction ef the immediately interested par- ties, although, unfortunately, without s broad settlement of the question of a neu- tral's right to send goods mot contraband per se to & meutral port adjacent to & The work of making certain provisional boundary points, for convenience of ad- ministration around the head of Lynn canal, in accordance with the temporary arrange- ment of October, 1899, was completed by a Joint survey in July last. The modus vivend! has so far worked without friction and the Dominion government has provided rules and regulations for ‘securing to our citizens the bemefit of the reciprocal stipu- lation that the citizens or subjects of elther power found by that arrangement within the temporary jurisdiction of the other shall suffer no diminution of the rights and privileges they have hitherto enjoyed. But however necessary such am expedient may have been to tide over the grave emergen- cles of the situation, it 18 at best an unsatis- factory makeshift, which should not be suf- tered to delay the speedy and complete es- tablishment of the frontler Mne to which we are entitled under the Russo-American treaty for the cession of Alaska. In this relation T may refer again to the need of definitely marking the Alaskan boundary where it follows the 14lst meridian. A convention to that end has been before the senate for two years, but as no action has been taken, I contemplate negotiating a new convention for a joint determination of the meridian by telegraphio observations. These, it 18 believed, will glve more ac- curate and unquestionable results than the sideral methods herotofore independently followed, which, as 18 known, proved dis- crepant at several points on the line, although not varying at any place more than 700 feet. DEALINGS WITH OTHER NATIONS, Incidents of Intercourse with Mamy the Minor People The pending claim of R. H. May agalunst the Guatemalan government has been set- tled by arbitration, Mr. George F. B, Jen- ner, British minister at Guatamels, who was chosen as sole arbitrater, baviag awarded $143,750.50 1a gold te the claimant. Various American claims against Haytl Lave been, or are being, advamced to the resort of arbitratios. As the result of negotiations with the government of Honduras in regard to the indempity demanded for the murder of Frank H. Pears in Honduras, that govern- ment has pald $10,000 in settlement of the claim of the heirs. The assassination of King Humbert called forth sincere expressions of sorrow from this government and people, and occasion was fitly taken to testify to the Italian nation the high regard here felt for the | memory of the lamented ruler. In my last message I referred at con- siderable lensth to the lynching of five Italians at Tallulab. Notwithstanding the offorts of the federal government, the pro- duction of evidence tonding to inculpate the authors of this grievous offense against our civilization, and the repeated inquests set on foot by the authorities of the state of Louislana, no punishments have followed. Successive grand juries have failed to in- Qict. The representations of the Itallan government in the face of this miscarriage have been most temperate and just. Above Pecuniary Indemnity. Sotting the principle at issue high above all consideration of merely pecuniary In- demnification, such as this government | made in the three previous cases, Italy has | solemnly invoked the pledges of existing treaty and asked that the fustice to which she 18 entitled shall be meted in regard to her unfortunate countrymen in our terri- tory with the same full measure she herselt would glve to any American were his re- clprocal treaty rights contemned. 1 renew the urgent recommendations I mado last year that the congress appro- priately confer upon the federal courts jurisdiction in this class of Internationat cases, where the ultimate respongibility of the federal government may be involved, and I fnvite action upon the bills to mo- complish this which were introduced in the senate and house. It s incumbent upon us to remedy the statutory omission which has led, and may again lead, to such unte- ward results. I have pointed out the neces- sity and the precedent for legislation of this character. Its emactment is a simple measure of previsory justice toward the na- tions with which we as & soverelgn equal make treatles requiring reciprocal ob- servance, While the Itallan government naturally - | regards such action as {he primary and in- |deed the most essential olement (n the | @isposal of the Tallulah incideat. I advise that, in accordance with precedent, ana 1n view of the improbability of that par- ticular case being reached, that In the bilt | now pending congress make gracious pro- | vision for Indemnity to the Itallan sufferors in the same form and proportion as hereto- fore, In my inaugural adds 1 reforred to the general subject of lynching mn these words Lynching be tolerated in a {l t and eclvilizged o aten; Courts, not moba, must penaities of the law. The public , the right of ntegri of courts, and the minis N of justice must ¢ ever the rock of safety upon government securely reste This T most earnestly refterate and again invite the attention of my countrymen to | the reproach on our clvilizatio Jupun's Advanced I The closing year has witnessed a declded strengthening of Japan's relations to other states. The development of her independ- ent judiclal and under the treatios which took effect July 17, 1899, has proceeded without International friction, sNowing the competence of the Japanese to hold a foremost place among tho modern peoples. In the treatment of the different Chinese problems Japan has acted in harmonious concert with the other powers, and her gen- must not usston, derly ad- Jolut relief 8f the beleagured legations in Pekin and in bringing about an unders fssues between the powers and China, Japan's declaration in favor of the integrity of the Chinese empire and the conservation of open world trade therewith have been frank and positive. As a factor for pro- and falr commerce in the far east, tho fnflu- ence of Japan can bardly be overestimated The valuable ald and kindly courtesies extended by the Japanese government and naval officers to the battleship Oregon are gratofully appreciated. Complaint was made last summer of dls- criminatory enforcement of a bubonic quar- antine against Japanese on the Pacific coast and of interference with their travel in California and Colorado under the health laws of those states. The Iatter restric- tions have been adjudged by a federal court to be unconstitutional. Ne recurrence of either cause of complaint is apprehended. Intimacy with Mexico, No noteworthy incident has occurred in our relations with our important southern meighbors. Commercial intercourse with Mexico continues to thrive and the two governments neglect no opportunity to fos- ter their mutual {aterests in all practicable way Pursuant to the declaration of the su- preme court that the awards of the late joint commission {n the Labra and Weil clalms were obtaimed through fraud, the sum awarded in the first case, $403,030.08, has been returned to Mexico, and the amount of the Well award will be returned in like manner. A convention {indefinitely extending the labors of the United States and Mexican international (water) boundary commission has been signed. Permanent Court of Arbitration. It s with satisfaction that I am able to announce the formal notification at The Hague, on September 4, of the deposit of ratifications of the convention for the pa- cific settlement of the international dis putes by sixteen, namely, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Persla, Portugal, Roumania, Russia, Slam, Spain, Sweden and Norway, and The Netherlands. Japan also haa since ratified the couvention. The administrative council of the per- manent court of arbitration has been or- ganized and has adopted rules of order and a constitution. In accordance with article xxiil of the convention providing for the appolntment by each signatory power of persons of known competency in questions of international law as arbitrators, 1 have appoloted as members of this court Hon. Benjamin Harrison of Indiana, ex-president of the United States; Hon. Melville W. Ful- ler of 1llinols, Hon. John W. Griggs of New Jersey, attorney gemeral of the United States, and Hon. George Gray of Delaware, & judge of the circuit court of the United States. Complication with Nicaragua. As an incident of the revolution in the Mosquito district of Nicaragua, early in 1899, the insurgents forcibly oollected from American merchants duties upon imports. On the restoration of order the Nicaraguan authorities demanded a second payment of such duties on the ground that they were due to the titular government and that their diversion bad aided the revoit. Their position was not accepted by us. After (prolonged discussion a compromise was ef- fected, under which the amount of the sec- ond payments was deposited with the Brit- ish consul at San Juan del Norte in trust uitll the two governments should determine whether the first payments had been made under compulsion to a de facto authority. Agreement as to this was not reached, and the point was walved by the act of the Nicaraguan government In requesting the British consul to return the deposits to the merchants. Meonaciug differences between several of the Central American states have been ac- commodated, our ministers rendering good offices toward an understanding. Transisthminn Canal Matters. The all-lmportant matter of an iuter- oceanic canal hus assumed a new phase. Adhering to its refusal to reopen the ques- tion of the forfeiture of the contract ef the Maritime Canal company, which was terminated for alleged non-execution in October, 1899, the government of Nicaragua has since supplemented that action by de- claring the so-styled Eyre-Cramin optlon vold for noupayment of the stipulated ad- vance. Protests in rolation to these acts have been filed in the State department and re under consideration. Decming itselt felieved from existing engagements, the Nicaraguan government shows a disposition to deal freely with the canal question, either in the way of negotiations with the United States or by taklug measures to promote the waterway. Overtures for a convention to effect the bullding of a canal under the auspices of the United States are under consideration. In the meantime the views of the congress upon the subject, in the light of the re- port of the commission appolated to ex- amine the comparative merits of the va- rlous transisthmian ship canal projects, may be awalted, 1 commend to the attention of the sen- ato the convention with Great Britaln to facilitate the constructiom of such a canal and to remove any objection which might arise out of the convention commonly called the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. standing contentiom with Portu- gal growing out of the seizure of the Del- Doctors and Midwives Recommend “Mother’s Friend” ‘because it is ed externally In cases of the delicas ?‘ltrflnn of -x'ficl-m mothers. It {s obbing ch pre daagerou da 1o & bottle. < m;‘f’-"-l'nh: et cbisined her fourh comfocment, aad was ulckdy. Sent by espaess pud on raceipt of price. 01 SOLD BY ALL DRUGGISTS. "Al motbers whe oA her s Fricod " o e bl thgt s 0 "here is nothing like it. - + The mother of three children, who suffered greatly Iu the birth of Lottle of * Mother's Friend’ at my drug store Lof. ree ther labr wis shor OLHILL, Macon, Ga, the, Book, * Metherhood, mailed free to ladies, e und testiinonials, THE BRADFIELD KEGULATOR CO., Atlaata, Ga. intry like the United pxecute the atlon of the administrative functions orous co-operation materially aided in the standing proliminary to a settlement of the moting the general interest of peace, order agoa Bay rallway has been at last de- termined by a favorable award of the tribunal of arbitration at Berne, to which It was submitted. The amount of the award, which was deposited in Londom awalting arrangements by the governments of the United States and Great Britain for Its disposal, has recently been pald over to the two governments. A lately signed convention of extradition With Peru, as amended by the senate, has been ratifled by the Peruvian congress. Another illustration of the polley of this government to refer international disputes to fmpartial arbitration {s seen im the agreement reached with Russia to submit the claims on behalt of American sealing vessels selzed in Bering sca to determina- tion by Mr. T. M. C. a distinguished statesman and jurist of The Notherlands. Thanks are due to the fmperial Russian government for kindly aid rendered by its authoritles In eastern Siberia to American misslonaries fleeing from Manchuria, Cloaing the Gap with Spain. Satisfactory progress has been mado toward the conclusion of a general treaty of friend- ship and intercourse with Spain in roplace- ment of the old treaty, which passed into abeyance by reason of the late war. A new convention of extradition is approach- ing completion and I should bo much pleased were a commercial arrangement to follow. 1 feel that we should not suffer to pass an opportunity to reafirm the cordial ties that existed between us and Spain from the timo of our earliest independenco and to enhance the mutual benefits of that com- mercial Intercourse which s natural be- tween the two countries By the torms of the treaty of peace the lne bounding the ceded Philippine group In the southwest failed to include several small fslands lying wost of the Sulus, which have always been recognized as under Spanish control. The occupation of Sibu and Cagayan Sulu by our naval forc elicited n claim on the part of Spal, the essential equity of which could not be galn- said. In order to cure the defect of the treaty by removing all possible ground of future misunderstanding respscting the in- terpretation of its third article I directed the negotiation of a supplementary treaty, which will bo forthwith lald hefore the senate, whereby Spain quits all title and clalm of title to the fslands named, as well as to any and all {slands belonging to the Philippine archipelago lying outside the lines described in sald third article, and agrees that all such {slands shall be com- prehended in the cesslon of the archipelago as fully as if they had been expressly in- cluded within those lines. In consideration of this cession the United States is to pay to Spain the sum of $100,000. Payment of Spanish Clatms. A bill 18 now pending relating te tho recommendation made in my last' annual measage that appropriate legislation be had to carry into execution article vii of the treaty of peace with Spain, by which the United States assumed the payment of certaln claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. I ask that action be taken to fulfill this obligation. The king of Sweden and Norway has accepted the joint invitation of the United States, Germany and Great Britain to arbitrate clalms growing out of losses sus- tained in the Samoan Islands in the course of military operations made necessary by the disturbances in 1899. Our clalms upon the government of the sultan for reparation for injuries suffered by American citizens in Armenia and else- where give promise of early and satis- factory settlement. His majesty's good dis- position in this regard has been evinced by the issuance of an irade for yebuilding the American college at Harpoot. BXTENSION OF AMERICAN TRADE. Reciprocity Treaties Awalt the Action of the Senate, The failure of action by the senate at its last session upon the commercial conven- tlons then submitted for its consideration and appro’ although caused by the great pressure of other legislative business, has caused much disappointment to the ag- cultural and industrial interests of the (Continued on Fifth Page.) RAIN- THE PURE GRAIN COFFEE Grain-O is not a stimulant, like coffee. It is a tonic and its effects are permanent. A successful substitute for coffes, because it has the coffce flavor that evrryhod( Tikos. Lots of coffee substitutes in the market, but only one food drink— Grain-O. Al grocers ; 15 —_— and 2e. Weak Nerves People cantiot help worrying whe: their nerve k. ‘That feeling o languor, d_exhaustion {8 the Tearful condition which often pre- cedes insanity. 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