Evening star., 1896-12-07
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.

The scheme Of examining applicants for
certain consular positions to test their COM
potency and fitness. adopted under an ex-
ecutive order issued on the Goth of Septem-
Der, 1885, has fully demonstrated the use
fitness OF this innovation. In connection
with this plan of examination promotions
and transfers Of deserving ilcumDents have
been quite extensively made, with excelle..t
results.
During the past year tiirty-fve appoint
ments have been made in the consular serv-
| ice. twenty-seven Of which We're made TO
| fill vacancies caused by death or resiy,a-
| ton or to supply newly created posts two
| to succeed incambents removed for cause,
| two for the purpose of displacing alien con-
sular officials by American citizens, and
| four merely changing the official title of in
cumbent from commercial agent to consul
Twelve of these appointments were trans
fers or promotions from other positions un-
| der the Department of State, four of those
appointed had rendered previous service
under the department, eight We're made of
persons who passed satisfactory eXamina-
| tion. seven were appointed to places not in
Guided In the order of September -, 1898.
and four appointments, as above stated, in
vowel no change of incumbency.
The Inspection of consular offices provided
Tor by an appropriation for that purpose a.
| the last session of the Congress has been
productive Of such wholesome effects tha.
l hope this important work will in the fu-
| tUre be continued 1 know of nothing that
can be done with the same slight expense
| SO improving to the service
l desire to repeat the recommendation
| contained In my last annual message. in
favor OF providing at public expense official
| residences for our ambassadors and min
| isters at foreign capitals The reasons
supporting this recommendation are strong
| 1y stated in the report of the Secretary
| of State, and the subject seems Of such
importance that hope it may receive the
| early attention of the Congress.
THE BERING SEA.
| faithfully and against unfavorable con-
| ditions to secure better preservation of seal
| life in the Bering sea. Both the United
States and Great Britain have lately dis
patched commissioners to these waters to
study the habits and condition of the seal
herd and the causes Of their rapid de-
crease. Upon the reports of these COM
missioners. soon to be submitted and with
the exercise of patience and good sense
| on the part Of all interested parties it is
earnestly hoped that hearty cooperation
| may be secured for the protection against
| threatened extinction of seal life in The
| northern Pacific and Bering sea.
THE NATIONAL FINANCES.
The Secretary of the Treasury reports
| that during the fiscal year ended June 30.
| 1896, the receipts of the government from
all sources amounted to $4O9, 475 4OS 7S.
During the same period its expenditures
! were $434. CTS, ,G54.4S. the excess of expendi-
lures over receipts thus amounting to $685.
| 2O3, ,245.7O.
! The ordinary expenditures during the
year were $4.O15, $50. p less than during the
preceding fiscal year. OF the receipts mem
| toned there was derived from customs
the sam Of $160.O21, 75167, and from in
ternal revenue, $146, S3O, ,61566 The re-
ceipts from customs show an increase of