Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
CONCERNING ARBITRATION.

The Venezuelan Matter Settled By That
Plan, and Negotiations for an Extension
o: Arbitration Pending.
The Venezuelan bOunderv question
has ceased 10 be matter of difference
between Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments
having agreed upon the substantial
provisions of a treaty between Great
Britain and Venezuela submitting the
whole controversy to arbitration. The
provisions of the treaty are so emf
nently just and fair that the assent Of
Venezuela thereto may confidently be
anticipated
Negotiations for a treaty of general
arbitration for all differences between
C. at Britain and the United States
are far advanced and promise TO reach
a successful consultation at an early
date.
CONSULAR EXAMINATIONS.
The scheme of examining applicants
for certain consular positions, to test
their competency and fitness. adopted
under an executive order issued on the
goth of September 1895, has fully dem
onstrated the usefulness of this inuO-
walton. In connection with this plan
of examination, promotions and
transfers of deserving incumheuts
have been quite extensively made
with excellent results. During the
past year thirty-fiye appointments
have been made in the consular service.
twenty-seven of which were made 10
fill vacancies caused by death or resig-
nation or TO supply newly crea ed
posts, two to succeed incumbents re-
moved for cause, two for the purpose Of
diSplacing alien consular officials by
American citizens and four merely
changing the official title of incumbent
from commercial agent TO consul.
Twelve of these appointments were
transfers or promotions from other
positions under the Department Of
State. four of those appointed had rem
dered previous service under the De-
partment eight were made of persons
who passed a satisfactory examination,
seven were appointed to places not in
Guided in the order of September %,
1895. and four appointments, as above
stated, involved no change of incum-
bency.
The inspection of consular Offices
provided for by an appropriation for
that purpose, at the last session of the
Congress, has been productive of sach
wholesome effects. that hope thi. i0--
pOrtant work will in the future be con-
tinued. l know of nothing that can be
done with the same slight expense so
improving TO these services. / desire
TO repeat the recommendation con-
tanned 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
lions are strongly stated in the report
Of the Secretary Of State and the sub
ject seems of such importance that I
hope il may receive the early attention
of the Congress
CONCERNING THE SEALS.
We have during tho 'aet voa~ ''h0rod
faithfully and against unfavorable con-
ditions To secure better preservation OF
seal life in the Behring Sea 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 submitted, and with the eX-
ercise of patience and good sense on
the part of all interested parties, it IS
earnestly hoped that hearty co-opera-
ton may be secured for the protection
against threatened extinction of seal
life in the Northern Pacific and Benz
ing Sea.