ood will are highly appreciated.

The Japanese Government has shown a lively interest in the proposition
of the Pacific Cable Company to add to its projected cable lines to
Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines a branch connection with the coast of
Japan. It would be a gratifying consummation were the utility of the
contemplated 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 Manila, I respectfully
invite attention to it.

I recommend that, in case the Congress should not take measures
to bring about this result by direct action of the Government, the
Postmaster-General be authorized to invite competitive bids for the
establishment of a cable; the company making the best responsible bid to
be awarded the contract; the successful company to give ample bonds to
insure the completion of the work within a reasonable time.

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 opportunity to show its
strong desire to develop and perpetuate the ties of cordiality now so
long happily unbroken.

Following the termination on January 20, 1899, by Mexico of the
convention of extradition of December 11, 1861, a new treaty more in
accordance with the ascertained needs of both countries was signed
February 22, 1899, and exchanged in the City of Mexico on the 22d of
April last. Its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory.
A recent case has served to test the application of its IVth Article,
which provides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own
citizens, but that the executive authority of each shall have the power
to deliver them up if in its discretion it be deemed proper to do so.

The extradition of Mrs. Mattie Rich, a citizen of the United
States, charged with homicide committed in Mexico, was after mature
consideration directed by me in the conviction that the ends of justice
would be thereby subserved. Similar action, on appropriate occasion,
by the Mexican Executive will not only tend to accomplish the desire
of both Governments that grave crimes go not unpunished, but also to
repress lawlessness along the border of the two countries. The new
treaty stipulates that neither Government shall assume jurisdiction i