The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-08

| the island or an interference with its
control by any other power. IT should
be added that it cannot be reasonably
assumed that the hitherto eXpeetant at
titude Of the United Staes Wlll be m
definitely maintained. While we IRE
anxious to accord all due respect TO the
| sovereignty of Spain, we can not view
the pending conflict in all its features, and
properly apprehend our inevitably close
| relations to il, and its possible results
| without considering that by the course
of events we may be drawn into such
an unusual and unprecedented condition.
as will fix n limit TO our patient waiting
| for Spain to end the contest, either alone
and in her own way, or with our friendly
cooperation.
| When the inability of Spain to deal sue
/ cessfully with the insurrection has be-
| come manifest, and it is demonstrated
| that her sovereignty is extinct in Cuba
| for all purposes of it's rightful existence,
and when a hopeless struggle for It's re-
| establishment has degenerated into
/ strife which means nothing more than
/ the useless sacrifice of human life and
/ the utter destruction Of the very subject
matter of conflict, situation will be
presented in which our obligations to
| the sovereignty of Spain will be super
1
| can hardly hesitate to recognize and dis
| charge.
| Deferring the choice of ways and
| methods until the time for action ar
riyes, we should make them depend upon
| the precise conditions then existing; and
| they should not be determined upon
| without giving careful heed to every
| consideration involving our honor and
| interest, or the international duty we
| owe to Spain. Until we face the con-
| tingencies suggested, or the situation is
| by other incidents imperatively changed,
we should continue in the line of conduct
| heretofore pursued, thus in all circum-
| stances exhibiting our obedience to the
requirements of public law and our re-
| gard for the duty enjoined upon us by
| the position we occupy in the family of
nations.
A contemplation Of emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead us to avoid
| their creation, either through careless
/ disregard of present duty or even an
undue stimulation and ill-timed expression
| of feeling But / have deemed it not
amiss to remind the Congress that time
may arrive when correct policy and
care for our interests as well as a re-
gard for the interests of other nations
and their citizens joined by considera-
tons Of humanity and a desire to see a
| rich and fertile country, intimately re-
| lated to us, saved from complete devasta-
| ton, will constrain our government to
such action as will subserve the interests
| thus invoved and at the same time prom
| Use to Cuba and it's inhabitants an OPP
portunity to enjoy the blessing of a
1 peace.
| THE VENEZUELAN QUESTION.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be a matter Of difference be-
| tween Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments hav-
| ing agreed upon the substantial provis
/ ions Of treaty between Great Britain
and Venezuela submitting the whole con-
| treversy to abitration The provisions
Of the treaty are so eminently just and
! fair that the assent Of Venezuela there
| to may confidently be anticipated.
| GENERAL ARBITRATION BE-
TWEEN ENGLAND AND AM
ERICA.
| Negotiations for treaty Of general
| arbitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United States are
far advanced and promise to reach a sue
cessful contamination at an early date.
The scheme Of examining applicants
for certain consular positions, to test
their competency and fitness, adopted
under an executive order issued on the
10Th Of September, 1895, has fully de-
monstrated the usefulness of this inno-
walton. In connection with this plan
Of examination promotions and transfers
of deserving incumbents have been quite
extensively made, with excellent results
RESIDENCES FOR AMBASSADORS
I desire to repeat the recommendation
contained in my last annual message, in
favor OF providing at public expense Of
ficiaT residences for our ambassadors and
ministers at foreign capitals.
SEAL LIFE IN BERING SEA.
We have during the last year labored |
faithfully and against unfavorable con-
ditions to secure better preservation Of !
seal life in the Boring Sea Both the |
United States and Great Britain have |
lately dispatched commissioners to these |
waters, to study the habits and condi- |
ton of the seal herd and the causes of |
their rapid decrease. Upon the report |
Of these commissioners, soon to be sub |
mitted, and with the exercise Of patience |
and good sense on the part of all in |
terested parties, it is earnestly hoped that |
hearty cooperation may be secured for |
the protection against threatened ex-
tinction Of seal life in the northern Paci- |
fc and Boring Sea.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.
The Secretary of the Treasury reports |
that during the fiscal year ended June |
80, 1896, the receipts of the government |
from all sources amounted to $409,475,- |
4OS.78. During the same period its ex-
penditures were $434, CTS, 654.48, the ex-
cess Of expenditures over receipts thus |
amounting to $25, 203, 245,70. The or
binary expenditures during the year were
S4,O15, 1921 less.than during the preced- |