Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1896-12-11
hesitate to recognise and dis

. -
Deferring the choice of ways and
m ethods until the time for action ar
rives, we should make them depend up
on the precise conditions then existing
and they should not be determined up
on 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 ne line of con-
duct heretofore pursued, thus in all cir
cumstances exhibiting our obedience to
the requirements of public law and our
regard for the duty enjoined upon US
by the position we occupy In the galaxy
of nations.
A contemplation of emergencies tina
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 l have
deemed it not amiss to remind the con-
gress that a time may arrive when a
correct policy and care for our interests
as we'll as regard for the interests of
other nations and their citizens, joined
by considerations of humanity and
desire to see rich and fertile country
intimately related to us saved from com
plete devastation, will constrain our
government to such action as will subserve
the interests involved, and at the same
time promise to Cuba and its inhabit-
ants an opportunity to enjoy the bless
ings of peace.
VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY.
The Venezuelan boundary question
has ceased to be a matter of difference
between Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments
having agreed upon the substantial pro-
visions OF treaty between Great Brit
ain and Venezuela, submitting the whole
controversy to arbitration. The Provis-
ions of the treaty are so eminently
lust and fair that the assent of Vene-
zuela thereto may confidently be antici-
pated.
negotiations for a treaty of general
arbitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United States are
far advanced, and promise to reach
successful consummation at an early
date.
CONSULAR APPOINTMENTS.
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 DEM
onstrated the usefulness of this innova-
ton. In connection with this plan OF
examination, promotions and trainers
of deserving incumbents have been
quite extensively made with excellent
results.
| desire to repeat the recommendation
contained in my last annual message In
favor of providing at public expense
official residences for our ambassadors
and ministers at foreign capitals The
reasons supporting this recommends
are strongly stated in the report OF the
secretary of state, and the subject seems
of such Importance that l hope it may
receive the early attention of congress.
BERING SEA SEALS.
We have, during the last year, labored
faithfully and against unfavorable con-
d.tions to secure the better preservation
of seal life in the Bering ser. Both the
United States and Great Britain have
lately dispatched commissioners to these
waters to study the habits and condition
of the seal herd, and the causes OF their
rapid decrease. Upon the reports of
these commissioners, soon to be SUBJ
mitted, and with the exercise OF patience
and good sense on the part of all inter
ested parties, 1t is earnestly hoped that
hearty cooperation may be secured for
the protection against threatened ex-
tinction of seal life in the northern Pa
cific and Bering sea.
PUBLIC LANDS.
Our public lands originally amount
ing to I,s4o,ooo,ooo acres, have been so
reduced that only about ooo,ooo,ooo
acaes still remain in government con-
troll, excluding Alaska. The balance,
being by far the most valuable portion.
has been given away to settlers to new
states and to railroads or sold at COM
..:,aI,, o0p,;pal sum
The patenting of land in execution OF
railroad grants has progressed rapidly