rk. It soon became
evident that the measure proposed would tax the resources of the Kongo
Basin beyond the revenues available under the general act of Berlin of
1884. The United States, not being a party to that act, could not share
in its revision, but by a separate act the Independent State of the
Kongo was freed from the restrictions upon a customs revenue. The
demoralizing and destructive traffic in ardent spirits among the tribes
also claimed the earnest attention of the conference, and the delegates
of the United States were foremost in advocating measures for its
repression. An accord was reached the influence of which will be very
helpful and extend over a wide region. As soon as these measures shall
receive the sanction of the Netherlands, for a time withheld, the
general acts will be submitted for ratification by the Senate. Meanwhile
negotiations have been opened for a new and completed treaty of
friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United States and the
Independent State of the Kongo.

Toward the end of the past year the only independent monarchical
government on the Western Continent, that of Brazil, ceased to exist,
and was succeeded by a republic. Diplomatic relations were at once
established with the new Government, but it was not completely
recognized until an opportunity had been afforded to ascertain that it
had popular approval and support. When the course of events had yielded
assurance of this fact, no time was lost in extending to the new
Government a full and cordial welcome into the family of American
Commonwealths. It is confidently believed that the good relations of the
two countries will be preserved and that the future will witness an
increased intimacy of intercourse and an expansion of their mutual
commerce.

The peace of Central America has again been disturbed through a
revolutionary change in Salvador, which was not recognized by other
States, and hostilities broke out between Salvador and Guatemala,
threatening to involve all Central America in conflict and to undo
the progress which had been made toward a union of their interests.
The efforts of this Government were promptly and zealously exerted
to compose their differences and through the active efforts of the
representative of the United States a provisional treaty of peace was
signed August 26, whereby the right of the Republic of Salvador to
choose its own rulers was recognized. General Ezeta, the chief of the
Pro