Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 290, Decatur, Adams County, 7 December 1909 — Page 2

MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT (Continued from mure I.) arrangement providing lor tne preservation and protection of the fur seals In the north Pacific are in progress with the governments of Great Britain, Japan and Russia. The attitude of the governments Interested leads me to hope for a satisfactory settlement of this question as the ultimate outcome of the negotiations. The second peace conference recently held at The Hague adopted a convention for the establishment of an International prize court upon the joint proposal of delegations of the United States. France, Germany and Great Britain. The law to be observed b.v tfre tribunal in the decision of prize cases was, however, left in an uncertain and therefore unsatisfactory state Article 7 of the convention provided lhat the court was to be governed by the provisions of treaties existing between the belligerents, but that "in the absence of such provisions the court shall apply the rules of international law. If no generally recognized rule exists the court shall give judgment in accordance with the general principles of justice and equity.’ As, however, many questions In international maritime law are understood differently and therefore Interpreted differently in various countries, It was deemed advisable not to intrust legislative powers to the proposed court, but to determine the rules of law properly applicable In a conference of the representative maritime nations. Pursuant to an invitation of Great Britain a conference was held at Ixmdon from Dec. 2, 1908, to Feb. 2d, 1909. in which the following powers partieii>ated: The United States, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy. Japan, the Netherlands, Russia and Spain. The conference resulted in the declaration of London, unanimously agreed to and signed by the participating powers, concerning, among other matters, the highly important subjects of blockade, contraband, the destruction of neutral prizes and continuous voyages. The declaration of London is an eminently satisfactory codification of the international maritime law, and it is hoped that its reasonableness and fairness will secure its general adoption, as well as remove one of the difficulties standing in the way of the establishment of an international prize court. Under the authority given in the sundry civil appropriation act, approved March 4. 1909, the United States was represented at the international conference on maritime law at Brussels. The conference met on the 28th of September last and resulted in the signature ad referendum of a convention for the unification of certain regulations with regard to maritime assistance and salvage and a convention for the unification of certain rules with regard to collisions at sea. Two new projects of conventions which have not heretofore been considered in a diplomatic conference—namely, one concerning the limitation oi the responsibility of shipowners and the other concerning marine mortgages and privileges—have been submitted by the conference to the different governments. The conference adjourned to meet again on April 11, 1910. The international conference for the purpose of promoting uniform leglsla tiou concerning letters of exchange, which wa» called by the government of the Netherlands to meet at The Hague in September, 1909. has been postponed to meet at that capital in June. 1910. The United States will be appropriately represented in this conference under the provision therefor already made by congress. The cordial Invitation of Belgium to be represented by a fitting display of American progress in the useful arts and Inventions at the world’s fair to be held at Brussels In 1910 remains to be acted upon by the congress. Mindful of the advantages to accrue to our artisans and producers in competition with their continental rivals, I renew the recommendation heretofore made that provision be made for acceptance of the invitation and adequate representation in the exposition.

REFORMS 111 THE KONGO. Attitude of the United States One of Benevolent Encouragement. The question arising out of the Belgian annexation of the Independent State of the Kongo, which has so long and earnestly preoccupied the attention of this government and enlisted the sympathy of our best citizens, is atill open, but in a more hopeful stage. This government was among the foremost in the great work of uplifting the uncivilized regions of Africa and urging the extension of the benefits oi civilization, education and fruitfu ©pen commerce to that vast dotnait and is a party to treaty engagement: ©f all the interested powers designet to carry out that great duty to human ity. The way to better the origins and adventitious conditions, so burdensome to the natives and so destructive o, tl.olr development, has been poin ed out. by observation and experience, uoi ai me of, American representative-. but by cumulative evidence from al quarters and by the investigation- <l' Belgian agents The announced programs of reforms, ©triking ai many of the evils known to exist, are an augury of better things The attitude of the United States is one of benevolent encouragement, coupled with a hopeful trust that the good work, responsibly under-

taken nnd zealously perfected to the accomplishment of the results so ardently desired, will soon justify tbe wisdom that Inspires them and satisfy the demands of humane sentiment throughout the world. German Patents. A convention between the United States and Germany, under which the nonworking provisions of the German patent law are made inapplicable to the patents of American citizens, was concluded on Feb. 23, 1909. and is now In force. Negotiations for similar conventions looking to the placing of American inventors on the same footing as nationals have recently beeu initiated with other European governments whose laws require the local working of foreign patents. Under an appropriation made at the last session of the congress a commission was sent on American cruisers to Monrovia to investigate the interests of the United States and its citizens in Liberia. Upon its arrival at Monrovia the commission was enthusiastically received and during its stay in Liberia was everywhere met with the heartiest expressions of good will for tbe American government and [>eople. and the hope was repeatedly expressed on all sides that this government might see its way clear to do something to relieve the critical position of the republic arising tn a measure from external as well as internal and financial embarrassments. The Liberian government afforded every facility to the commission for ascertaining the true state of affairs. The commission also had conferences with representative citizens, interest ed foreigners and the representatives of foreign governments in Monrovia Visits were made to various parts of the republic and to the neighboring British colony of Sierra Leone, where the commission was received by and conferred with the governor. Helping Liberia. It will be remembered that the interest of the United States in the republic of Liberia springs from the historical fact of the foundation ,of the republic by the colonization of American citizens of the African race. In an early treaty with Liberia there is a provision under which the United States may be called upon for advice or assistance. Pursuant to this provision and in the spirit of the moral relationship of the United States to Liberia that republic last year asked this government to lend assistance in the solution of certain of their national problems, and hence tbe commission was sent The report of our commissioners has just been completed and is now under examination by the department of state. It is hoped that there may result some helpful measures, in which case it may be my duty again to invite your attention to this subject. The Norwegian government, by a note addressed on Jan. 26. 1909. to the department of state, conveyed an invitation to the government of the United States to take part in a conference which it is understood will be held in February or March. 1910, for the purpose of devising means to remedy existing conditions in the Spitzbergen islands. This invitation was conveyed under the reservation that the question of altering tbe status of .the islands as countries belonging to no particular state and as equally open to tbe citizens and subjects of all states should not be raised. The European powers invited to this conference by the government of Norway were Belgium. Denmark, France. Germany, Great Britain. Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands. The department of state, in view of proofs filed with it in 1906, showing the American possession, occupation and working of certain coal bearing lands in Spitzbergen, accepted the invitation under the reservation above stated and under the further reservation that all interests in those islands already vested should be protected and that there should be equality of opportunity for the future. It was further pointed out that membership tn the conference on the part of the United States was qualified by the consideration that this government would not become a signatory to any conventional arrangement concluded by the European members of the conference which would imply contributory participation by the United States in any obligation or responsibility for the enforcement of any scheme of administration which might be devised by the conference for the Islands.

Ths Near East. His majesty Mehmud V., sultan of Turkey, recently sent to this country a special embassy to announce his accession. The quick transition of the government of the Ottoman empire from one of retrograde tendencies to a constitutional government with a parliament and with progressive modern policies of reform and public improvement is one of the important phenomena of our times. Constitutional government seems also to have made further advance in Persia. These events have turned the eyes of the world upon the near east. In that quarter the prestige of the United States has spread widely through the influence of American schools, uni ven 1 tie and missionaries. There is every reason why we should obtain a greater share of the commerce of the near east since the conditions are more favorable now than ever before. Latin America. One of the happiest events in recent pan-American diplomacy was the pacific. Independent settlement by the governments of Bolivia and Peru of a boundary difference between them, which for some weeks threatened to cause war and even to entrain im-l bitterments affecting other republics I lees directly concerned. From various |

quarters, directly or Indirectly concerned, the intermediation of the United States was sought to assist in a solution of the controversy. Desiring at all times to abstain from any undue mingling in the affairs of sister republics and having faith in the ability of the governments of Peru and Bolivia themselves to settle their difference in a manner satisfactory to themselves which, viewed with magnanimity. would assuage all Imbltterment, this government steadily abstained from being drawn Into the controversy and was much gratified to find its confidence Justified By events. On the 9th of July next there will open at Buenos Aires the fourth panAmericaa conference. This conference will huve a special meaning to the hearts u’ all Americans because around its date are clustered the annl- ■ versarles of the independence of so many of the American republics. It is not necessary for me to remind the congress of the political, social and commercial Importance of these gath- | erings. You are asked to make liberal appropriation for our participation. If ; Ulis be granted it is my purpose to ; appoint a distinguished and represents- I tive delegation qualified fittingly to , represent this country and to deal with the problems of Intercontinental interest which will there be discussed. The Argentine Republic will also hold from May to November, 1910. at Buenos Aires a great international agricultural exhibition. In which the United States has been invited to participate. Considering tbe rapid growth of the trade of the United States with the Argentine Republic and the cordial relations existing between the two nations, together with the fact that It provides an opportunity to show deference to a sister republic on the occasion of the celebration of its national independence, the proper departments of this government are taking steps to apprise the interests concerned of the opportunity afforded by tills exhibition. in which appropriate participation by this country is so desirable. The designation of an official representative is also receiving consideration. PAN-AMERICAN POLICY. Monroe Doctrine Not For Perpetuation of Irresponsible Government. Today more than ever before American capital is seeking investment in foreign countries, and American products are more and more generally seeking foreign markets. As a consequence in all countries there are American citizens and American interests to be protected on occasion by their government. These movements of men, of capital and of commodities bring peoples and governments closer together and so form bonds of peace and mutual dependency, as they must also naturally sometimes make passing points of friction. The resultant situation inevitably Imposes upon this government vastly increased responsibilities. This administration, through the department of state and the foreign service, is lending all proper support to legitimate and beneficial American enterprises in foreign countries, the degree of such support being measured by the national advantages to be expected. A citizen himself cannot by contract or otherwise divest himself of the right, nor can this government escape the obligation, of his protection in his personal and property

rights when these are unjustly infringed in a foreign country. To avoid ceaseless vexations it is proper that in considering whether American enterprise should be encouraged or supported in a particular country the government should give full weight not only to the national as opposed to the Individual benefits to accrue, but also to the fact whether or not the government of the country tn question is in its administration and in its diplomacy faithful to the principles of moderation. equity and Justice upon which alone depends international credit in diplomacy as well as in finance. The pan-American policy of this government has long been fixed in its principles and remains unchanged. With the changed circumstances of the United States and of the republics to the south of us, most of which have great natural resources, stable government and progressive ideals, the apprehension which gave rise to the Monroe doctrine may be said to have nearly disappeared, and neither the doctrine as it exists nor any other doctrine of American policy should be permitted to operate for the perpetuation of irresponsible government, the escape of Just obligations or the insidious allegation of dominating ambitions on the part of the United States. ' Beside the fundamental doctrines of our pan-American policy there have grown up a realization of political interests, community of institutions and Ideals and a flourishing commerce. All these bonds will be greatly strengthened as time goes on and increased facilities, such as the great bank soon to be established in Latin America, supply the means for building up the colossal Intercontinental commerce of the future. My meeting with President Diaz and the greeting exchanged on both Ameri lean and Mexican soil served, I hope, , to signalize the close and cordial rela- , tions which so well bind together this > find tty grest rcpnUHc imrnp diately to the south, between which there Is so vast a network of material Interests. I am happy to say that all but one of the cases which for so long vexed our relations with Venezuela have been settled within the past few months and that, under the enlightened regime now directing the government of Venezuela, provision has been ■made for arbitration of the remaining case before The Hague tribunal..

On July 30. 1909, the government of Panama agreed, after considerable negotiation, to indemnify the relatives of the American officers and sailors who were brutally treated, one of them having, indeed, been killed, by the Panamau police this year. The sincere desire of the government of Panama to do away with a situation where such an accident could occur Is manifest In the recent request in compliance with which this government has lent the services of an officer of the army to be employed by the government of Panama as Instructor of police. The sanitary improvements and public works undertaken in Cuba prior to the present administration of that government. In tbe success of which the United States Is Interested under the treaty, are reported to be making good progress, and since the congress provided for the continuance of the reciprocal commercial arrangement between Cuba and the United States assurance has been received that no negotiations Injuriously affecting the situation will be undertaken without I consultation. The collection of the customs of the Dominican Republic through the general receiver of customs appointed by the president of the United States in accordance with the convention of Feb. 8. 1907. has proceeded In an un eventful and satisfactory manner. The customs receipts have decreased owing to disturbed political and economic conditions and to a very natural curtailment of imports in view of the anticipated revision of the Dominican tariff schedule. Tbe payments to the fiscal agency fund for the service of the bonded debt of the republic, as provided by the convention, have been regularly and promptly made, and satisfactory progress has been made in carrying out the provisions of the convention looking toward the completion of the adjustment of tbe debt and the acquirement by the Dominican government of certain concessions and monopolies which have been a burden to the commerce of the country. In short, the receivership has demonstrated Its ability, even under unfavorable economic and political conditions, to do the work for which it was intended. This government was obliged to Intervene diplomatically to bring about arbitration or settlement of tbe claim of the Emery company against Nicaragua. which it had long before been agreed should be arbitrated. A settlement of this troublesome case was reached by the signature of a protocol on Sept. 18, 1909. Claim Against Chile. Many ye xrs ago diplomatic intervention became necessary to the protection of the interests in the American claim of Alsop & Co. against the government of Chile. Tbe government of Chile had frequently admitted obligation in the case and had promised. this government to settle it, There

[ SANTA’S HEADQUARTERS I Santa Claus has made our store his headquarters and unloaded ■ an immense stock at our place. g The stock of Stockings is the stock that fills our shelves and crowds our counters. As the stockings ■ that hang along the chimney piece and of all sizes and shapes so our Xmas stock includes such an assort- ■ ment and variety that we can fill any stocking big or little. If you don’t want to waste time in hunting 1 around for something that will just suit you and something nice enough to give and not too costly to get I OOME TO OUR STORE F IFROT I Here you will find; t J erc our € ’ nc I Dolls oil Qbs Doll T XT-2 ~. j- yis complete,pretty dishI furniture Trunks hn- handkerchiefs, colI aishoe's sleds M- y/ laes.lles. laney v«ses, S o»s. n> ( sons «nd air s-ary P lll» «.r>, I nfles, toy pianos, toy UO center pieces, dresser | drums, horns, trains, j and Side-board scarfs, I tool chests, chairs, ta- \ jardiners, toilet sets, j bles, brooms, games, <5 W| and fancy boxes for I blocks, and hundreds handkerchiefs & gloves a of other things too pretty tie and hat pin I numerous totrytomen- holders, broom holders | tion. ;Books,post card albums ■ We also handle the famous hill climber toys. These are as near indistruc- | table as toys can be made. Come in and see for yourself. I C. E. Baughman’s 5 and 10 Cent Store. ■ Three Doors South of the Court House.

had been two abortive attempts to do zo through arbitral commissions, which failed through lack of Jurisdiction. Now, happily, as tbe result of the recent diplomatic negotiations, the governments of tbe United States and of Chile, actuated by the sincere desire to free from any strain those cordial and friendly relations upon which both ■ set such store, have agreed by a protocol to submit the controversy to definitive settlement by his Br.tannic majesty Edward VII. ZELAYA GOVERNMENT SCORED. Slain Americans Should Have Been Dealt With as Prisoners of War. Since the Washington conventions of 1907 were communicated to tbe government of the United States as a consulting and advising party this government has been almost contiruously called upon by one or another and lit turn by all of the five Central American republics to exert itself for the maintenance of the conventions. Near ly every complaint has been against the Zelaya government of Nicaragua, which has kept Central America in constant tension or turmoil. The responses made to tbe representations of Central American republics as due from the United States on account of its relation to the Washington conveutldns have been at all times conservative and have avoided, so far as possible, any semblance of interference, although it is very apparent that the considerations of geographic proximity to the canal sone and of the very substantial American interests in Central America give to the United States a special position in the zone of these republics and the Caribbean sea. I need not rehearse here tbe patient efforts of this government to promote peace and welfare among these republics, efforts which are fully appreciated by the majority of them who are loyal to their true Interests. It would be no less unnecessary to rehearse here the sad tale of unspeakable barbarities and oppression alleged to have been committed by tbe Zelaya government. Recently two Americans were put to death by order of President Zelaya himself. They were officers in the organized forces of a revolution which had continued many weeks and was in control of about half of the republic, and as such, according to the modern enlightened practice of civilized nations, they were entitled to be dealt with as prisoners of war At the date when this message is printed this government has terminated diplomatic relations with the Zelaya government for reasons made public bi a communication to the former Nicaraguan charge d'affaires and is intending to take such future steps as may be found most consistent with its. dignity. Its duty to American, in-

feftmts'and Ita moral obligations to Central America and to civilization. It may later be necessary for me to bring this subject to the attention of the congress in a special message. Bureau of American Republics. The international bureau of American republics has carried on an important and increasing work during the last year. In the exercise of Its peculiar functions as an international agency maintained by all tbe American republics for the development of pau American commerce and friendship, it has accomplished a great practical good which could be done in the same way by no Individual department or bu reau of one government and Is there fore deserving of your liberal support. The fact that It Is about to entar a new buffdlug. erected through the muuifl ceuce of an American philanthropist and the contributions of all the American nations, where both Its efficiency of administration and expense of maintenance will naturally be much aug mented. further entitles it to special consideration. OPEN DOOR IN CHINA. United States Insisting on Equality of Opportunity For All Nations. In the far east tills government preserves unchanged its policy of supporting the principle of equality of opportunity and scrupulous respect for the integrity of the Chinese empire, to which policy are pledged the interested powers of both east and west. By the treaty of 1903 China has un dertaken the abolition of likln with a moderate and proportionate raising of the customs tariff along with currency reform. These reforms being of manifest advantage to foreign commerce as well as to the interests of China, this government is endeavoring to facilitate these measures and the needful acquiescence of the treaty powers. When It appeared that Chinese likln revenues were to be hypothecated to foreign* bankers In connection with a great railway project it was obvious that the governments whose nationals held this loan would have a certain direct interact in the question of the carrying out by China of the reforms in question. Because this railroad loan represented a practical and real application of the open door policy through co-operation with China by interested powers, as well as because of its relations to the reforms referred to above, the administration deemed American participation to be of great national Interest. Happily, when it was as a matter of broad policy urgent that this opportunity should not be lost, the Indispensable instrumentality presented itself when a group of American bankers of international ■ reputation and great resources agreed I at once to. share in tbe loan upon pre-

dsely such terms m thia government should approve. The chief o f n ‘ terms was that American railway m, terial should bo upon un exnet equalltv with that of the other nationals j U | n . Ing in the loan hi the placing O s dors for this whole railroad system After months of negotiation the\.,, U!l i participation of Americans seems at lust assured. It Is gratifying that Americans will thus take their s| ulre in this extension of these great high, ways of trade and to believe that such a< Jvltles will give a real Impetus tu our commerce and will prove a practical corollary to our historic policy ln th far east. The imperial Chinese government in pursuance of its decision to devote funds from the portion of the indeainity remitted by the United States to the sending of students to this country has already completed arrangements for carrying out this purpose, and a considerable body of students have arrived to take up their work in our schools and universities. \o oty _ can doubt the happy effect that the associatlons formed by these representative young men will have when they return to take up their work in the progressive development of their country. The results of the opium conference held at Shanghai last spring at the invitation of the United States have been laid before the government. Tbe report shows that China is making remarkable progress and admirable efforts toward tbe eradication of the opium evil and that the governments concerned have not allowed their commerclal interests to interfere with a helpful co-operation in this reform. Collateral Investigations of the opium question In this country lead me to recommend that the manufacture, sale and use of opium and its derivatives In the United States should be so far as possible more vigorously controlled by legislation. In one of the Chinese-Japanese cot> ventions of Sept. 4 of this year there was a provision which caused considernble public apprehension In that upon its face it was believed In some quarters to seek to establish a monopoly of mining privileges along the South Manchurian and Antung-Muk-den railroads and thus to exclude Americans from a wide field of enterprise, to take part in which they wore by treaty with China entitled. After a thorough examination of the conventlons nnd of the several contextual documents the secretary of state reached tbe conclusion that no such nrnopcly was intended or accomplished. However, in view of the widespread discussion of this question, to confirm the view it had reached this govern--1 ment made inquiry of the imperial Chinese and Japanese governments i and received from each official assurance that the provision had no purpose Inconsistent with the policy of equality of opportunity to which the _£gna-