Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-12-04

FOCAL iorottrance L eSe considerations
should not, however constrain us to sinh.
nit to unfair discrimination nor 10
silently acquicsce in hindrapccs to the
enjoyment of our share of the legitimate
advantages of proper relations. If an
examination of the situation suggests such
measures on our part as would involve
restrictions similar to those from which
we suffer the way To such course is easy.
1t should, however, by no means be lightly
entered upon. since the necessity for the
Inauguration of such policy would b,
regretted by the best sentiment of our
people, and because it naturally and loci-
cally might lead 10 Consequences of the
graveSt character.
l take pleasure in calling to your aticn-
non the en6omiums bestowed ON those YES
sells of our new navy which took part in
the notable ceremony Of the opening of the
kiel canal. 1t was fitting that this ex-
traordinary achievement of the newer
German nationality should be celebrated
in the presence If Americas exposition of
the latest developments of the world S
naval energy.
Our relations with Great Britain al
ways intimate and important, have de
mandcd during the past year even a
greater share of consideration than is
usual. Several ycXatious questions were
left undetermined by the decision of the
Behring sea arbitration tribunal The
application of the principles laid down by
that unjust body has not been followed
by the results they were intended to
accomplish, either because the principles
themselves lacked in breadth and definite
pess or because their execution has been
more or less imperfect. Much correspor-
dence has been exchanged between the
two governments on the subject of pre-
venting the discriminating slaughter of
seals.
The insuf1iciency Of the British patrol
of Rehring sea under the regulations
agreed on by these two governments, has
been pointed out and yet only two British
ships have been on police duty during
this season in those waters The need of
a more effective enforcement of existing
regulations as well as the adoption of
such additional regulations as experience
has shown to be absolutely necessary to
carry out the intent of the award have
been earnestly urged upon the British
government, but thus far without effec-
tive results. In the meantime the
depletion of the seal herds by means of
pelagic hunting has SO alarDlingly pro
crossed that unless their slaughter is at
once effectively checked their extinction
within few years seems to be matter
of absolute certainty. The understanding
by which the L. S was to pay, and Great
Britain to receive lump sum OF Si25, 600
in full settlement of all British claims for
damages ari-ing from our seizure of
British scaling vessels unauthorized
under the award of the Paris tribunal of
arbitration, was noe confirmed by the last
Congress, which declined TO make the
necessary appropriation. ! am still of the
opinion that this arrangement was "a
judicious ami advantageous one for the
government, and / earnestly recommend
that it be again considered and sane
toned. If, however, this docs not meet
with the favor of Congress, it certainly
will hardly dissent from the proposition
that the government is bound by every
consideration of honor and good faith To
provide for the speedy adjustment of these
claims by arbitration as the only other
alternative. A treaty of arbitration has
therefore been agreed upon and will be
that in one of the modes suggested a Rual
settlement may be reached.
Notwithstanding that Great Britain
originated the proposal To enforce inter
national rules for the prevention of col
lisions ut sea, based on the recommended
tions of the maritime conference of Wash
ington and concurred in suggesting
March !, 1895, as the date to be set by
proclamation for CARRYING these rules into
effect. Her majesty's government having
encountered opposition on the part of
British shipping announced its inability
to accept that date which was consc-
quently cancelled. The entire matter is
still in bcyancc, without prospect of a
better condition in the near future The
commissioners appointed to mark the
international boundary in Passama
quoddy bay according to the description
of the treaty of Client have not yet fully
agreed. The completion of the prelimi-
nary survey of that Alaskan boundary
which follows the contour of the coast
from the southcrnmost point of Prince
of Wales island until it strikes the 14Ist
meridian at or near the summit of Mount
St. Elias, awaits further necessary appro-
priation, which Is urgently recommended.
This survey was undertaken under the
provisions Of the convention entered into
by this country and Great Britain July
%, 1892, and the supplementary conven-
ton Of February 3, 1894 AS to the
section of the Alaskan
which follows the 14lst meri
dian northwardly from Mount St Elias
TO the frozen ocean, the settlement of
which involves the physical location of
the meridian mentioned no conventional
agreement has yet been made.
The entertainment Of a given meridian
at particular point is work requiring
much time and careful observations and
surveys Such observations and surveys
were undertaken by the L. s. coast and |
geodetic survey in 1890 and 1891, while |
similar work in the same quarters under |
British auspices are believed 10 give near
ly coincident results, but these surveys |
have been independently conducted and /
no international agreement to mark those |
lr any other parts Of the 1f1st meridian 1
by permanent monuments has yet been |
made. In the meantime the valley of the |
Yukon Is becoming highway through |
he hitherto uncxplored wilds Of Alaska,
md abundant mineral wealth has been /
discovered in that region, especially at or
near the junction of the boundary meri
H. L