The Mena weekly star., 1896-11-25

see, and foretell if possible the effect which the various provisions of the treaty may have upon the succeeding generation. Consequently it is not to be wondered at that the processes are elaborate and the proceedings pains taking on the part of both governments. Some treaties are intended to be bind- ing indefinitely, and some are entered into merely for specified period of time, but treaties are usually intended to be lasting. As soon as treaty is completed in every sense of the word, and proclamation has been made, the public printer at Washington prints 500 copies of it for the use of the de- pertinent of state; because the depart ment sends copy to each of its repre- sentatives in the country with which the treaty has been made. Copies are also sent to all of our diplomatic officials who may be in any way affected by the treaty, so that all may be proper ly informed and govern themselves ac-
 cordingly. The great seal of the United | States is affixed to the original ratified
 copy, to the exchanged copy, and to the proclamation of the treaty. 1t is stamped on a wafer of white paper and | is stuck to the document with muci- lsge. The seals of South America countries are similarly affixed, but tine treaties with European countries are always sealed in wax.
 The sealing of treaty is formal 1 ity of vast importance, and every na- co frrf .fIc hof cannot be improperly used. The great seal of the United States is under loci: and key in the department of state, and is always closely guarded, so that # is practically impossible that anyone shall ever get an imprint of it. The l real is a die made by prominent jew elry firm in New York, and it is regard ed as one of the most beautiful seals in
 the world, in point of skilled workman ship as well as in it's design.
 Treaties are regarded as of such con- fidentinl importance that they are never divulged before the time for their proclamation. Newspaper cor respondents will resort 10 all manner cf devices in order to get advance copy q treaty. In 1872 the whole world was astounded when the New York Tribune published in advance a full copy of the pending Washington treaty" with Great Britain. The cor respondents of the Tribune were sum-
 moned here and placed under arrest, but they declined to state where they received their copy of the treaty. They were imprisoned for two or three weelSc, but were finally discharged. They would not tell. Newspaper correspond ents at Washington are usually honor nble men who will suffer themselves rather than betray the men who favor them with news.
 In 1894 there was sensation cause.l in the diplomatic world when press association published the Russian ex- tradition treaty. But nobody could dis cover how it became public. That treaty had been pending for several years, and several senators were deter mined to kill it, because they did not want this country to be searched for criminals escaping from Russia. They said that the treaty was too much like tho fugitive slave law, and it was while this discussion was going on in secret session that the treaty was stolen, or vuroined or borrowed, and uncere- moniousIy published.
 The treaty with the Fiji islands in IL erely whales tooth. A token from an African potentate is an elephants tusk. A robe of grass trimmed with features constitutes the treaty with Samoa. The acceptance of these tokens by the United States constitutes treaty. To send them back would mean declaration of war.
 SMITH D FRY.
 When two gentlemen are introduced |