File No. 5590/1.
I have mailed printed copies of the complete message under separate
cover.
[Inclosure.—Translation.—Extract.]
the presidential message.
The executive power takes pleasure in giving evidence that the most
absolute tranquillity reigns in all the country, and that the period
covered by this message has been characterized by the greatest
dedication to elements of labor and progress to their tasks, which
have obtained ample and worthy recompense, favored by an atmosphere
of peace and order.
The partial senatorial elections in six departments and for juntas in
Rio Negro were effected in the greatest order and with the most
complete liberty, it not being possible with reason to formulate a
single charge against the authorities, the high body, called to
officiate at these functions, having consecrated itself to this
purpose.
On the other hand, the respect for individual guarantees and for
property, which constitutes one of the most legitimate and honest
standards for our country, has been maintained and augmented, if
possible, the Government exercising a very severe censure over the
authorities under it, punishing every abuse, such as omissions or
deficiencies in their action, to the end of fulfilling
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impartially the laws, to
stimulate the zeal of officers, to demonstrate in exemplary form the
true conception of the duties imposed on it.
* * * * * * *
The executive power initiated, during this period, and obtained your
sanction for a law relative to clandestine fishing, intended to
repress efficaciously the transgressions against property and
national sovereignty, which have been committed on our eastern
coast.
It sent to your honorable body a simplified project on the creation
of the high court of justice; another declaring salaries and
pensions to be unembargoable; another relative to the betterment of
the laboring class, regulating the hours of work, establishing
weekly rest and protective measures for women and children employed;
and another establishing an annual tourney of athletic games.
Seconding an initiative of the superior tribunal of justice, the
creation of a new office of magistrate of crime and of a new judge
of instruction for the capital were solicited from your honorable
body. With your sanction, these offices are already in exercise, as
well as the new office of official defender of the criminal, which
was added by the assembly.
Making use of the constitutional prerogative of pardoning penalty of
death—considering it to be warranted by the circumstances—said
penalty imposed on the criminal, Ramon Gadea, was commutted in
accordance with the dispositions of the law of October 30, 1883.
In this sense, the executive power permits itself to solicit again
your deferent attention to the project of law suppressing capital
punishment, which would incorporate in our legislation, a reform
worthy of our social and institutional advancement.
The commissions charged with the study of the reform of the code of
civil procedure, of the administrative code, of political
legislation, and the register of original property, have assiduously
continued their tasks, and from information the Government has, they
will not delay in terminating them.
* * * * * * *
Ministry for foreign
affairs.
The two most important matters which, during the last period, were
called to the attention of this ministry were consular reform and
the Third Pan-American Conference. In this respect, among other
things, it says:
“The laws on diplomatic and consular reorganization suitably drawn
up, they have already begun to produce effects which at a no distant
time will be truly beneficial to our country.
“In accord with the respective law, our diplomatic representation is
extended to a majority of the more important civilized nations of
the earth, such a delicate mission having been confided to national
figures well equipped to lend useful service to the Republic.
“The consular representation, at the same time, is experiencing a
radical change. Already the consideration, with which, in diverse
countries of those most advanced, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
is appreciated, increases notably.
“The Third Pan-American Conference, held in Rio Janeiro, was a
brilliant manifestation of American thought. In it, the unquenchable
purposes of fraternity which animate the peoples of the Continent,
were expressed in an indelible manner for the glory and honor of our
America.
“The presence thereat of the illustrious North American statesman,
Mr. Root, bearer of the special greetings from his country to her
lesser sisters in the civilization of America, was a beautiful
compliment to that congregation of brothers.
“As to how these manifestations were accepted and acknowledged, I do
not need to state as they are so well known.
“For our part, we bring them out in the most eloquent manner on
account of the visit to Montevideo of the illustrious man of state,
the honor taking the initiative that brought about his presence
among the peoples of the Plate being ours.
“The project for installing lines of rapid and direct steamer
communication between the Republic and United States, already on the
road toward realization, and the augmentation of commercial
transactions with that and other nations of the American continent,
will be, without any doubt, an immediate consequence of the
aforesaid event.”
