The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 6, 1899, Page 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 1899 FITTING TIME TO INSURE CONTINUANCE OF THE GOLD STANDARD. tered into with the newly established Government. NICARAGUA, HONDURAS AND SALVADOR the cxperime fon of Nica Hond ador, under the the blic of Centra! on the thresh- bnstitution and th was mber under ids In time exercised itory. thither interests Govern- giving place merican Reyes et t was effected ed States Minls- @90£0408040404040808080¢@ ¢ NICARAGUA CANAL Its Great Importance Cannot Be Too Often or Too Strongly Pressed Upon 14040 0#040$040% ¢ the Attention of Congress. S020#040206080004@ e * Canal declare: n May 3L mission, know: able and canal across able cost and er the presidency » G. Walker, U. S work wil ande at the ear sible and a report racticable date » of this work can- 2 strongly pressed Jit y as the Congress. In f ago 1:expressed my views of the necessity of & canal which ‘wonld link the two great oceans, to which'1 again invite your consideras tion. 'The reasons then presented for early action are even strongef NOw. CHILE. the relatlons of of Chile oc- he generous warship Newark when in distress in Chilean waters. Not alone in this way has the friendly disposition of Chile found expression. That country has ac- cedod to the convention for the establish- ment of thé Direau of American Repub- Jios, In which organtzation every inde- pendent state of the continent now shares The exchange of ratifications of a con- wvention for the revival of the United States and Chilean Claims Commission, and for the adjudication of the claims beretofore pres but not determined during the life of the previous commis- glon, has been delayed by reason of the necessity for fresh action by the Chilean Senate upon the amendments attached to the ratification of the treaty by the United States Sepate. This formality is soon to be accomplished CHINA. In view of distur ices in the populous provinces in Northern China, where are many of our citizens, and of the immi- nence of disorder near the capital and toward the seaboard, a guard of marines was landed from the Boston and station- ed AQuring last winter in the legation compound at Peking. With the restora- tion of order this protection was with- drawn. The interests of our citizens in that vast empire have not been neglected during the past year. Adequate protection has been mecured for our miskionaries and some Injuries to their property have been redressed. American capital has sought and found varfous opportunities of competing to carry out the internal improvements which the American Government is wisely encouraging and to develop the natural resources of the empire, Our trade with China has continued to grow and our commercial rights under existing treaties have been everywhere maintained during the past year, as they will be in the future. The extension of the area opened to international foreign sottlement &t Shangha! and the opening of the ports.of Nanking, Tsingtao (Kinochau) .and . Tallenwan to for- elgn trade and settlemexnt, will doubtless efford Americgn enterprise additional acilities and new fields, of which it .wil} 1 to take advantage. %, 1 urged that the recommenda- h had been made to the Speak- House of Representatives by of the Treasury on the 14th , for an appropriation for a ¥ the commercial and ons in the Chinese em- as to the opportunities to the enlargement of na for the raw products actur of the United i recelve at your hands the feration which {ts importance and ss merited, but Congress failed take action. renew this recommendation, ce of the subject has ste: ¥ t was first submitted to you, e should be I in studying the resources of this great field for American trade and enterprise. FRANCE. e death of President Faure in Febru- ary last called forth those sincere ex presslons of symgathy which befit the lations of two republies as closely allied ken historic ties as are the ates and France' as Preparations for the representation of the industries, arts and products of the ‘nited States at the Worl held in Parls next year continue an elaborate and comprehensive le, thanks to the generous appropri- atfon provided by Congress and to the friendly interest the French Government has shown in further- Ing a typical exhibit of American progress. There has been - 1 d to the ' United States a considerable addition of space, which, while placing our country in the first rank among exhibitors, Rdoes not suffice to meet the increasingly urgent demands of our manu- facturers. . The efforts of the Commissioner General are ably di- rected toward a strictly representative d i splay of all that most char- acteristically marks American achlevement in the inventive and most adequately shows the ex- cellence of our natural productions. age of keen rivalry among na- Exposition arts ery in commerce the doc- ution and the rule of the al of the fittest must be as inex- their opinion as th the r ults they br ace won in the s ! only be held b nd constant ad The present extraordinary impetus in every line of American expor- tation and the ast se in the volu and value ur share in the w markets m not attributed to ac- cide ons. The are not far They I our national and find ex- year. of every whereby we 80 are | the artisan's d made to yleld in largest, most prac- tical and most beneficial The American t at Pa a where lessons of skill- avor, unfaltering en- consummate performance may be read by all on every page, thus spread- ing abroad a ‘clearer knowledge of the worth of our producers and the justice of our elaim to an important place In the marts of the world. To accomplish this by judicious. selection, by recognition of merit in whatever walk of manufacture {t may appear and 3 ssification and attractive in- , 12 the task of our commission. The United Sta Government build- ing is approaching completion and no ef- fort will be spared to make it worthy, In beauty of architectural plan and in com- pleteness of display, to represent our tion, It has been suggested that a permanent build- Ing of similar or appro- priate design be crected a on a convenient site, already given by the municipality, near the exposition grounds, to serve In .commemora- tion of the part taken by this country in this great enterprise, as an American National In- stitute for our country- men resorting to Paris for study. T am informed by our Commissiener General that we shall have in the Ameri- Paris over 7000 exhib- State In our country— a number ten times as great as those which were represented at Vienna in 1573, six times as many as those in Paris in 1878, and four times as many as those who exhibited in Parjs in 1889. This statement does not include the exhib- its from either Cuba, Porto Rico or Ha- wall, for which arrangements have been made. A number of important international congresses on special toples affecting pub- lic Interest are proposed to be held In Paris next summer in connection with the exposition. Effort will be made to have the several technical branches of -our administration effi- cjently represented at those corferences, each in its special line, and to procure the largest poseible concourse of State representatives, particularly at the con- gres: of public char- ity and of medicine. GERMANY. Our relations with Germany continue most cordial. The Increasing intimacy of direct asso- clation has been mark- ed during the year by the granting permission in "April for the landing on our shores of a cable from Boskum ~Emden, on the North Sea, by way of the Azores, and also by the conclusion on September 2 of a parcels post convention with the German empire. In all that promises closer relations of Intercourse and commerce, and a better understand- iIng between the two races having so many traits in comman, Germany can be assured of the most cordial co-operation of this Government and people. We may be rivals in many material paths, but our rivalry should be generous and open, evep alming toward the attainment of larger results and the most beneficlal advance- ment of each in the line of its ‘especial adaptability. The several governments of the empire seem reluctant to admit the natural ex- cellence of our food products, and to ac- cept'the evidence we constantly tender of the care with which their purity is guarded by rigid inspection from the farm, through the slaughterhouse and the packing establishments, to the port of shipment. Our system of control over exported food staples invites examina- tion from any quarter and challenges respect by its efficlent thoroughness. It is to be hoped that in time the two Governments will act in common accord toward the realization of their common purpose to safeguard the public health and to the insuring of the purity and wholesomeness of all food produkts im- ported by either country from the other. Wers the Gongrers fo authorize aa can sections at itors, from every tation to Germany in accordance with the pending reciprocity negotiations, for the constitution of a joint commis- slon of sclentific experts and practical men of affalrs to conduct a searching investigation of food production and ex- portation in both countries, and report to thelr respective legislatures for the adoption of such remedial measures as they might recommend for either, the way might be opened for the desirable result indicated. fforts to obtafn for American life in- surance companies a full hearing as to their business operations in Prussia have, after several years of patient representation, happily succeeded, and one of the most important American companies has been granted a concession to continue business in that kingdom. I am also glad to announce that the German insurance companies have been readmitted by the superintendent of in- surance to do business in the State of New York. Subsequent to the exchange of our peace treaty with Spain, Germany acquired the Caroline Islands by purchase, paying therefor $5,000,000. Assurances have been received from the German Govern- ment that the rights of American mission- aries and traders there will be consid- erately observed. GREAT BRITAIN. In my last annual message I referred to the pending negotiations with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. By means of an executive agreement a joint high commission had been created for the purpose of adjust- ing all unsettled questions between the United States an@ Canada, embracing twelve subjects, among which were the questions of the fur seals, the fisheries of the coast and contiguous inland wa- ters, the Alaskan boundary, the transit of merchandise in bond, the alien labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity in trade, revision of the agreement respecting naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a more complete marking of parts of the boun- dary, provision for the conveyance of criminals and for wrecking and salvage. Much progress had been made by the commission toward the adjustment of many of these questions, when it became apparent that an irreconcilable difference of views was entertained respecting the delimitation of the Alaskan boundary. In the failure of an agreement as to the meaning of articles 3 and 4 of the treaty of 18%, between Russia and Great Bri- tain, which defined the boundary be- tween Alaska and Canada, the Amerl- can Commissioners proposed that the subject of the boundary be laid aside and t the remaining questions of differ- e be proceeded with, some of which were so far advanced as to assure the probability of a settlement. This being declined by the British Commissioners, an adjournment was taken until the boundary shéuld be ad- the two gov- s. The subject has been recetving the careful attention which its importance de- mands, with the result that a modus vivendl for provisional demark- ations in the region [about the head of Lynn canal has been agreed upon and it is hoped that the negotiations now In progress be- tween the two govern- ments will end in an agreement for the es- tablishment and delimi- tation of a permanent Apart from these ques- tions,” growing out of our relationship with our northern nelghbor, the most friendly disposition and ready agreement have marked the discussion of the nu- merous matters arising in the vast and intimate Intercourse of the United States with Great Britain. This Government has maintained an at- titude of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between Great Britain and the Boer States of Africa. We have remain- ed faithful to the precept of avolding en- tangling alliances as to affairs not of our own direct concern. Had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kindly expres- sion of the hope of the American people that the war might be averted, good of- fices would have been gladly tendered. The United States representative at Pre- toria was early instructed to see that all neutral American interests be respected by the combatants. This has been an sy task, in view of the positive dec- larations of both British and Boer au- thorities that the personal and property rights of our citizens should be observed. Upon the withdrawal of the British agent from Pretoria, the United States Consul was authorized, upon the request of the British Government and with the assent of the South African and Orange Free State Governments, to exercise the customary good offices of a neutral for the care of British interests. In the discharge of this function I am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been afforded to show the impartiality of this Government to both the combatants. ITALY. For the fourth time in the present de- cade question has arisen with the Gov- ernment of Italy in regard to lynching of Itallan subjects. The latest of these de- plorable events occurred at Tallulah, boundary. Louisiana, whereby five unfortunates of Itallan origin were taken from jail and hanged. The authorities of the State and a rep- resentative of the Italian Emb: sy hav- ing separately Investigated the occurrence with discrepant results, particularly as to the alleged citizenship of the victims, and it not appearing that the State had been able to discover and punish the violators of the law, an independeyt investigation has been set on foot through the agency of the Depart- ment of Btats and fs still in progress. The result will enable the executive to treat the question with the Gov- ernment of Italy in a spirit of fairness and justice. A satisfactory solution will doubtless be reached. The recurrence of these distressing mani- festations of blind® mob fury directed at dependents or natives of a foreign country suggests that the contingency has arisen for action by Congress in the direction of conferring upon the Federal courts jurisdiction In this class of inter- national cases, where the responsibility of the Federal Government may be in- volved. The suggestion is not new. In his annual message of December 9, 1591, my predecessor, President Harrison, sald: “It would be, T believe, entirely com- petent for Congress to make offenses against the treaty rights of - foreigners domiciled in the United States cogniz- able in the Federal courts. This has not, however, been done and the Federal offi- cers and courts have no power in such cases to intervene either for the protec- tion of a foreign citizen or for the pun- ishment of his slayers. It seems to me to follow, In this. state of the law, that the officers of the State charged with police and judicial powers in such cases must, in consideration of International questions growing out of such incidents, be regarded in such sense as Federal gents as to make this Government an- werable for their acts in cases where it would be answerable if the United States had used its constitutional power to define and punish crimes against treaty rights.” A Dbill to provide for the punishment of violations of treaty rights of allens was introduced in the Senate March 1, 1892, and reported favorably March 20. Hav- g, doubtless, fp View of the language of that part of article 3 of the treaty of Feb- ruary 26, 1871, between the United States and Italy, wherein it is stipulated that the ‘‘citizens of each of the high contracting parties shall receive, in the States an Territories of the other, most constant protection and security for their persons and property and shall enjoy in this re- spect the same rights and privileges as are or shall be granted to the natives on their submitting themselves to the con- ditions imposed upon the, natives,” the bill so introduced and reported provides that any act committed in any State or Territory of the United States in viola- tion of the rights of a citizen or subject of a forelfgn country secured to such citizen or subject by treaty between the United States and such foreign country and constituting a crime under the laws of the State or Territory shall constitute a like crlme against the United States and be cognizable in the Federal courts. No action was taken by Congress in the matter. I earnestly recommend that the subject be taken up anew and be acted upon dur- ing the present session. The necessity for some such provision abundantly ap- pears. Precedent for constituting a Fed- eral jurisdiction in criminal cases where aliens are sufferers is rationally deducible from the existing statute, which gives to the District and Circult Courts of the United States jurisdiction of civil suits brought by aliens where the amount in- volved exceeds a certain sum. If such jealous solicitude be shown for allen rights in cases of merely civil and pecun- fary import, how much greater should be the public duty to take cognizance of matters affecting the life and the rights of aliens under the settled principles of internatfonal law no less than under treaty stipulation, in cases of such trans- cendent wrong doing as mob murder, es- pecially when experience has shown that local justice is too often helpless to pun- ish the offenders. After many years of endeavor on the part of this Government to that end, the Itallan Government has consented to enter into negotiations for & naturalization convention, having for one of its objects the regulation of the status of Italians (except those of an age for active military service) who, having been naturalized in the United States, fmay revisit Italy. It is hoped that, with the mutually conciliatory spirit display- ed, a successful conclusion will “be reached. JAPAN. The treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and Japan on November 22, 1894, took effect in accord- ance with the terms of its nineteenth article on the 17th of July last, simultan- eously with the enforcement of like treaties with the other powers, except France, whose convention did not go into operation until August 4, the United States, however, being granted up to that date all the privileges and rights accorded to French citizens under the old French treaty. By this notable conventional reform Japan's po- gition as a full independent sovereign power is assured, control being gained of taxation, customs rsvenues, judiclal ad- ministration, coasting trade and all other demestic functions of Government, and gn extraterritorial rights being re- nounced. Comprehensive codes of clvil and crim- inal procedure according to western methods, public instruction, patents and copyrights, municipal administration, in- cluding jurisdiction over the former for- elgn settlements, customs tariffs and pro- cedure, public health and other admin- istrative measures have been proclaimed. The working of the new system has given rise to no material complaints on the part of American citizens or interests, a circumstance which attests the ripe con- sideration with which the change has been prepared. Valuable assistance was rendered by the Japanese authorities to the United States transport ship Morgan City, while stranded at Kobe. Permission has been granted to land and pasture army horses at Japanese ports of call on the way to the Philippine Islands. These kindly evidences of goodwill are highly appre- clated. 930906090809 04020$08080¢@ PACIFIC CABLE. Recommendation That Postmaster Gen- eral Be Authorized to Invite Blds Should Congress Take NoAction. @:0808060609 00 oooooooooo‘ The Japanese Government has shbwn a lively interest in the proposition of the Pacific cable to add to its projected cable lines to Hawaii, Guam and the Philip- pines a branch connection with the coast of Japan. It would be a gratifying con- summation were the utility of the con- templated scheme enhanced by bringing Japan and the United States Into direct telegraphic relation. Without repeating the observations of my special message of February 10, 1899, concerning the necessity of a cable to ;\(anlln, 1 respectfully invite attention to t. I recommend that in case Congress should not take measures to bring about this result by direct action of the Gov- ernment, the Postmaster Genemal be au- thorized to invite competitive bids for the establishment of a cable; the company making the best responsible bld to be awarded the contract, the successful company to give ample bonds to insure the completion of the work within a rea- sonable time. €080908040%, 000000‘0000 MEXICO. The year has been marked by constant increase In the intimacy of our relations with Mexico and in the magnitude of mutually advantageous interchanges. This Government has omitted no oppor- tunity to show its strong desire to de- velop and perpetuate the ties of cordlal- ity now so long happily unbroken. Following the termination on January 20, 159, by Mexico of the extradition treaty of December 11, 1891, & new Ytreaty more in accordance with the ascertained needs of both countries was signed Feb- ruary 22, 1899, and exchanged in the City of Mexico on the 224 of April last. Its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory. A recent case has served to test the application of its fourth article, which provides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own citizens, but that the executive authority of each l!gflllr: lllllv:’ ’ths flower to deliver them up S discretion it A be deemed proper The extradition of Mrs. Mattle Rich, a citizen of the United States, charged with homicide committed in Mexico, was, after mature conslderation, directed by me in the conviction that the ends of justice would be thereby subserved. Similar ac- tiowr on appropriate occasion, by the Mexican executive, will not only tend to accomplish the desire of both Govern- ments that grave crimes go not unpun- ished, but also to repress ldwlessness along the border of the two countries. The new treaty stipulates that neither Government shall assume jurisdiction in the punishment of crimes committed ex- clusively within the territory of the other. This will obviate in future the embar- rassing controversies which have here- tofore arisen through Mexicd's assertion of a claim to try and punish an Ameri- can citizen for an offense committed within the jurisdiction of the United States. &he international water boundary com- mission, organized by the convention of March 1, 1899, for the adjustment of ques- tions affecting the Rio Grande frontfer, has not yet completed its labors. An ex- tension of its term for one year until De- cember 24, 1599, was effected by a conven- tion, signed December 2, 1888, and ex- ’(‘hunged and proclaimed in February ast. An invitation extended to the President of Mexico to visit Chicago in October, on the occaslon of laying the cornerstone of the United States Government bullding in that city, was cordlally accepted by him with the necessary consent of the Mexican Congress, but the fllness of a member of his family prevented his at- tendance. The Minister of Foreign Rela- tions, however, came as the personal representative of President Diaz and in that high character was duly honored. RUSSIA. Claims growing out of the seizure of American sealing vessels in Bering Sea have been under discussion with the Government of Russla for several years Wwith the recent happy result of an agree- ment to submit them to the decision of a single arbitrator. By this act Russia affords proof of her adherence to the beneficent principle of arbitration which her plenipotentiaries conspicuously favor- ed at The Hague disarmament confer- ence, when it was advocated by the rep- resentatives of the United States. A suggestion for a permanent exposi- tion of.our products and manufactures in Russia, although not yet fully shaped, has been so cordially welcomed by the imperial Government that it may not in- aptly take a fitting place in whatever legislation the Congress may adopt look- ing to enlargement of our commercial opportunities abroad. Important events have occurred in the Samoan Islands’ The selectlon, according to the laws and customs of Samoa, of a succes- sor to the late King Malietoa Laupepa, de- veloped a contest as to the validity of the re- sult, which issue by the terms of the general act was to be decided by the Chief Justice. Upon his rendering a judgment in favor of Malietoa Tanu, the rival chief, Mataafa, took up arms, The active inter- vention of American and British warships became Impegative to restore order at the cost of sanguin- ary encounters. In this emergency a joint commission of representatives of the United States, Germany and Great Britain, was sent to S8amoa to investigate the situation and provide & temporary remedy. By its active efforts a peaceful solution was reached for the time being, the kingship being abolished and a pro- visional Government established. Rec- ommendations unanimousely made by the commission for a permanent adjust- ment of the Samoan question were taken under consideration by the three powers, parties to the general act. But the more they were examined the more evident it became that a radical change was neces- sary In the relations of the powers to Bamoa. 19090804046 0€ 0408602080000 @ & & H SAMOA. 2 ° e 3 Action of the Three Powers Reviewed g 8 and the Agreement Recently Entered o '3 Into Submitted to the Senate é ® @90$00040809 080606040004 @ The inconveniences and possible perils of the tripartite scheme of supervision and control in the S8amoan group by pow- ers having little interest in common in that quarter beyond commerciai rivalry has been once more emphasized by the recent events. The suggested remedy of the joint commission, like the scheme it aimed to replace, amounted to what has’ been styled a tri-dominium, being the ex- ercise of the functions of sovereignty by an unanimous agreement of three powers. The situation had become part more in- tricate and embarrassing from every point of view than it was when my pre- decessor in 1894 summed up Its perplexi- ties and condemned the participation in it of the United States. The arrangement under which Samoa was administered had proved impracti- cable and unacceptable to all the powers concerned. To withdraw from the agree- ment and abandon the islands to Ger- many and Great Brit- ain would not be com- patible with our inter- ests in the archipelago. To relinquish our rights in the harbor of Pago- Pago, the best anchor- age in the Pacific, the occupancy of which had been leased to the| United States in 1878 by the first foreign treaty ever concl by Samoa, was mnot to be thought of, either as regards the needs of our navy or the interest of our growing commerce with the East. We could not have consid- ered any proposition for the abrogation of the tripartite control which did not confirm us In all our rights and safe- guard all our national interests in the is- lands. 5 Our views commended themselves to the other powers. A satisfactory ar- rangement was concluded between the Governments of Germany and of Eng- land, by virtue of which England retired from Samoa, in view of compensations in other directions and both powers re- nounced in favor of the United States all thelr rights and clalms over and in re- spect to that portion of the group lying to the east of the one hundred and seven- ty-first degree of west longitude, em- bracing the islands of Tutila, Ofoo, Olo- and Manua. I transmit to the for its constitutional action there- on, a convention, which besides the pro- vislons above mentioned, also guarantees us the same privileges and conditions in respect to commerce and commercial ves- sels {n all the islands of Samoa as those possessed by Germany. Claims have been preferred by white residents of Samoa on account of inju- ries alleged to have been suffered through the acts of the treaty Governments in putting down the late disturbances. A convention has been made between the three powers for the investigation and settlement of these clailms by a neutral arbitratory, to which the attention of the Benate will be invited. \ TURKEY. The United States Minister to Turkey continues, under instructions, to press for a money payment in satisfaction of the just claims for injurles suffered by Amer- fcan citizens in the disorders of several years past and for wrongs done to them by the Ottoman authorities. Some of these claims are of many years' stand- ing. This Government is hopeful of a general agreement in this regard. In the Turkish Empire the situation of our citizens remains unsatisfactory. Our efforts during nearly forty years to bring about a convention of naturalization seem to be on the brink of final fallure through the announced policy of the Ot- toman Porte to refuse recognition of the alien status of native Turkish subjects naturalized abroad since 1867. Our stat- utes do not allow this Government to ad- mit any distinction between the treat- ment of native and naturalized Americans abroad, so that ceaseless controversy arises In cases where persons owing in the eye of international law a dual alle- glance are prevented from entering Tur- L.y or are expelled after entrance. Our law In this regard contrasts with that of the European States. The British act, for instance, does not claim effect for the naturalization of an alien in the event of a return to his native country, unless the change be recognized by the law of that country or stipulated by treaty between it and the naturalizing State, The arbitrary treatment in some In- stances of American productions in Tur- key has attracted attention of late, nota- bly in regard to our flour. Large ship- ments by the recently opened direct steamship line to Turkish ports have been denied en- trance on the score that, although of stand- ard composition and unquestioned purity, the flour was pernicious to health because of de- ficlent ‘‘elasticity,” as indicated by antiquated and untrustworthy tests. Upon due protest by the American Min- ister, and it appearing that the act was a vir- tual discrimination against our product, the shipments in question were admitted. In these, as in all instances, wherever occurring, when American products may be subjected in a foreign country upon specious pretexts to discrimination compared with the like products of anotheér country, this Gov- ernment will use its earnest efforts to se- cure fair and equal treatment for its citi- zens and their goods. Falling this, it will not hesitate to apply whatever corrective may be provided by the statutes. SPAIN. Following the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace, the two Govern- ments accredited Ministers to each other, Spain sending to Wash- ington the Duke of Ar- cos, an eminent diplo- matist, previously sta- tioned In Mexico, while the United States trans- ferred to Madrid Hon. Bellamy Storrer, Its Minister at Brussels. This was followed by the respective appoint- ment of Consuls, there- by fully resuming the relations interrupted by the war. In addition to its con- sular representation in the United States, the Spanish Government has appointed Consuls for Cuba, who have been provisionally recog- nized during the military administration of the affairs of that island. Judicial in- tercourse between the courts of Cuba and Porto Rico and of Spain has been estab- lished, as provided by the treaty of peace. The Cuban political prisoners in Spanish penal stations have been and are being released and returned to their homes, in accordance with article IV of the treaty. Negotiations are about to be had for de- fining the conventional relations between the two countries, which fell into abey- ance by reason of the war. I trust that those will include a favorable arrange- ment for commercial reciprocity under the terms of sections 3 and 4 of the cur- rent tariff act. In these, as in all matters of International con- cern, no effort will be spared to respond to the good disposition of Spain, and to cultivate in all practicable ways the Intimacy which should prevall between two nations whose past history has so often and in so many ways been marked by sincere friendship and by com- munity of interests. I would recommend appropriate legislation in order to carry Into execution article VIII of the treaty of peace with Spain, by which the United States assured the pay- ment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. @9P090404090#0 20608080804 @Q ® $ CuBAd. ?‘: §All the Administrative Measures § & Adopted Have Almsd to Fit Cuba & . ¢ for a Regenerated Existence. & @ zi 0402040902090 9 040904004 @ My annual message of last year was necessarily devoted in great part to a consid- eration of the Spanish war and of the results it wrought and the con- ditions it imposed for the future. I am grati- fled to announce that the treaty of peace has restored friendly rela- tions between the two powers. Effect has been given to {ts most impor- tant provisions. The evacuation of Porto Rico having already been accomplished on the 18th of October, 1898, nothing remained necessary there .but to continue the provistonal military control of the island until the Congress should enact a sultable government for the ceded territory. Of the character and scope of the measures to that end, I shall treat In another part of this message. The withdrawal of tue authority of Spain from the island of Cuba was effected by the first of January, so that the full re- establishment of ‘peace found the re- linquished territory held by the United States in trust for the inhabitants, main- taining under the wrection of the execu- tive such Government and control there- in as should conserve public order, re- store the productive conditions of peace #0 long disturbed by the Instabllity and disorder which prevalled for the greater part of the preceding three decades and build up that tranquil development of the domestic state whereby alone can be realized the high purpose, as pro- claimed in the joint resolution adopted by the Congress on the 19th of April, 189, by which the United States disclaimed any disposition or intention to exercise sov- ereignty, jurisdiction or control over Cuba, except for the pacification thereof, and asserted its determination when that was accompished to leave the govern- ment and control of the island to its peo- ple. The pledge contained in this resolu- tion 1s of the highest honorable obliga- tion and must be sacredly kept. I believe that substantial progress has been made in this direction. All the ad- ministrative measures adopted in Cuba have aimed to fit it for a regenerated ex- istence by enforcing the supremacy of law and justice; by placing where it is practicable the machinery of the admin- istrations in the hands of the inhabitants; by instituting needed sanitary reforms; by spreading education; by fostering in- dustry and ‘rade; by inculcating public morality and in short by taking every rational step to aid the Cuban people to attain to that plane of self-conscious re- spect and self-reliant unity which fits enlightened community for self-gover ment within its own sphere, while e abling it to fulfill all outward tio! This natifon has assumed be world a grave responsibility for ture good government of Cuba. We have accepted a trust the fulfiliment of which calls for the sternest integrity of pur- pose and the exercise of the highest wis- dom. The new Cuba yet to arise from the ashes of the past must needs be bound to us by ties of singular intimacy and strength If its enduring welfare is to be assured. Whether those ties shall be organic or conventional, the destinies of Cuba are in some rightful form and manner irrevocably linked with our own, but how and how far is for the future to determine in the ripeness of events. Whatever be the outcome we must see to it that free Cuba be a reality, not a name, a perfect entity, not a hasty ex- periment bearing within itself the ele- ments of fallure. Our misston, to accom- plish which we took up the gage of baf- tle, 1s not to be fulfllled by turning adrift any loosely framed commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which too often attend States whose natural wealth and abundant resources are offset by the Incongruities of their political organiza- tion and the securing of occasions for Internal rivalries to sap their strength and dlssipate their energles. The greatest blessing which can come to Cuba is the restoration of her agri- cultural and industrial prosperity, which will give employment to idle men and re-establish the pursults of peace. This {s her chief and immediate need. On the 15th of August last, an order was made for the taking of the census in the island, te be completed on the 3th of November. Under the terms of the treaty of peace the Spanish people on the island have until April 11, 1909, to elect whether ey will remaln citizens of Spain or be- come citizens of Cuba. Until then it can- not.be definitely ascertained who shall be entitled to participate in the formation of the Government of Cuba. By that time the results of the census shall have been tabulated and we shall proceed with the elections, which will complete the mu- al governments of the island to the rs elected by the people. The expe- rience thus derived will prove of great value in the forn.ation of a representative convention of the people to draft a con- stitution and establish a general system of independent government for the island. In the meantime and so long we exer- clse control over the island, the product: of Cuba should have a market in the United States on as good terms and with as favorable raies of duty as are given to the West India Islands under treaties of reciprocity which shall be made. For the rellef of the distress in the fsl- and of Cuba the War Department has issued supplies to destitute persons through the officers of the army, which have amounted to 6,493,000 rations at cost of $1,417,554 97. To promote the disarmament of the Cuban volunteer army and in the inter- est of public peace and the welf+re of the people the sum of $76 was paid to each Cuban soldler borne on the authenticated rolls on condition \aat he should deposit his arms with the authorities designated by the United States. The sum thus dis- bursed aggregated $2574.750, which was pald from the emergency fund provided by the act of January 6, 189, for that purpose. Of the Cuban fsland revenues during the six months, ending June %), 1899, $1,712,014 20 was expended for sanitation, $293,881 70 for charities and hospitals and $88,944 03 for ald to the destitute. VENEZUELA. The Intern ational Commission of Arbitra- tion, appointed under the Anglo-Venezuelan treaty of 1897, rendered an award on October 8 last whereby the boun- dary line between Ven- ezuela and British Gui- ana is determined, thus ending a controversy which has existed for the greater part of the century. The award, as to which the arbit tors were unanimous, while not meeting the extreme contention of either party, gives to Great Britain a large share of the interior territory in dispute and to Venczuela the entire mouth of the Orinoco, including Barimo Point, and the Caribbean littoral for some distance to the eastward. The decision appears to be equally sat- isfactory to both parties. Venezuela has once more undergone a revolution. The insurgents under General Castro, after a sanguinary engagement in which they suffered much loss, rallied in the moun- taindms interior and advanced toward the obliga- capital. . The bulk of the army having sided with the movement. President An- drade quitted Caracas, where General Castro set up a provisional government with which our Ministers and the repre- sentatives of the other powers entered into diplomatic relations on the 20th of November, 15%. @P090904040 9090408060404 9 TREATIES. The President Announces That He Has Brought All Pending Negotlatlons to a Conclusion. ;000000'000 ®0®0® 00000900‘ The fourth section of the tariff act ap- proved July 4, 1897, appears to provide only for commercial treaties which should be entered into by the President and also ratified by the Senate within two years from its passage. 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