President Harrison delivered his annual Message to Con- gress on
the 9th inst. It dwells much on foreign affairs. The President, though satisfied that the Behring Sea affair should be submitted to arbitration, complains that the dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela, with which he has nothing in the world to do, remains unsettled. He hopes for a friendly settlement of the difference with Italy, and suggests that Congress should confer powers on Government to enforce obedience to the stipulations of treaties, the Federal Govern- ment having now "no power to protect the foreigner or punish his murderers." He is, however, bitter against Chili, declaring -that her reply to the American note about the ' Baltimore's ' sailors was "couched in an offensive tone," and adding that when the investigation is finished by the Valparaiso Court, he shall expect an adequate reply. If not, "or if there be any further needless delay, I shall address a special message to Congress." He also urges a large extension of the Fleet, so -that the American flag may be respected in all seas. It is to be noted that the Message, while admitting the inability of the American Government to protect foreigners, explicitly demands that the Government of Pekin shall protect them.
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