ommercial agreements under the third section of the tariff act have
been proclaimed with Portugal, with Italy, and with Germany. Commercial
conventions under the general limitations of the fourth section of the
same act have been concluded with Nicaragua, with Ecuador, with the
Dominican Republic, with Great Britain on behalf of the island of
Trinidad, and with Denmark on behalf of the island of St. Croix. These
will be early communicated to the Senate. Negotiations with other
Governments are in progress for the improvement and security of our
commercial relations.

The policy of reciprocity so manifestly rests upon the principles of
international equity and has been so repeatedly approved by the people
of the United States that there ought to be no hesitation in either
branch of the Congress in giving to it full effect.

This Government desires to preserve the most just and amicable
commercial relations with all foreign countries, unmoved by the
industrial rivalries necessarily developed in the expansion of
international trade. It is believed that the foreign Governments
generally entertain the same purpose, although in some instances there
are clamorous demands upon them for legislation specifically hostile to
American interests. Should these demands prevail I shall communicate
with the Congress with the view of advising such legislation as may be
necessary to meet the emergency.

The exposition of the resources and products of the Western Hemisphere
to be held at Buffalo next year promises important results not only
for the United States but for the other participating countries. It is
gratifying that the Latin-American States have evinced the liveliest
interest, and the fact that an International American Congress will
be held in the City of Mexico while the exposition is in progress
encourages the hope of a larger display at Buffalo than might otherwise
be practicable. The work of preparing an exhibit of our national
resources is making satisfactory progress under the direction of
different officials of the Federal Government, and the various States of
the Union have shown a disposition toward the most liberal participation
in the enterprise.

The Bureau of the American Republics continues to discharge, with the
happiest results, the important work of promoting cordial relations
between the United States and the Latin-American countries, all of which
are now active members of the International Union. The Bureau