With these States, as with the Republics of Central and of South
America, we continue to maintain the most friendly relations.
It is with regret, however, I announce that the Government of
Venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under
the convention of the 25th of April, 1866. That Republic is understood
to be now almost, if not quite, tranquilized. It is hoped, therefore,
that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its
debt to the United States, which, having originated in injuries to
our citizens by Venezuelan authorities, and having been acknowledged,
pursuant to a treaty, in the most solemn form known among nations,
would seem to deserve a preference over debts of a different origin and
contracted in a different manner. This subject is again recommended to
the attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed proper.
Our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged. An imposing embassy
from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during
the year that is passing, but, being unprovided with powers for the
signing of a convention in this country, no conclusion in that direction
was reached. It is hoped, however, that the interchange of opinions
which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual
appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of
the existing treaty shall be undertaken.
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