The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1896-12-07
hardly Lesitat. to recognise .ns sdls-

l DeIeTTluB tue cnOlce OF ways ana Betn-
DDS until the time for actiop arrives.
we should make them depend upon the
precise conditions then existing; and
they should not be determined upon
without giving careful heed to every con-
sideration involving our honor and In
terest or the international duty we owe
to Spain. Until we face the contingent
cies suggested, or the situation is by
other Incidents imperatively changed.
we should continue In the line or conduct
heretofore pursued thus in all circum-
stances exhibiting our obedience to the
requirements or public law and our re-
gard for the duty enjoined upon us by
the position we occupy In the family Of
| nations,
contemplation of emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead as to avoid
their creation, either through a careless
| disregard Of present duty or even an
/ undue stimulation and ill-timed express
sion OF feeling. But / have deemed II
not amiss to remind the congress that
| time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests, as we'll as a
| regard for the interests Of other nations
and their citizens joined by considera-
tions Of humanity ana desire to see
rich and fertile country, intimately
| related to us, saved from complete
| devastation, will constrain our govern
to such action as will subServe the in
terests thus involved and AT the same
|
an opportunity to enjoy the blessings or
! peace
THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE.
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 provisions
| OF a treaty between Great Britain and
Venezuela submitting the whole contro-
versy to arbitration. The provisions of
the treaty are so eminently just and fair
that the assent of Venezuela thereto may
confidently be anticipated. Negotiations
for a treaty Of general arbitration for all
differences between Great Britain and
the United States are far advanced and
promise to reach a successful consumma-
tion at an early date.
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.
The scheme of examining applicants for
certain consular positions - test their
competency and fitness. adopted under
an executive order issued on the 20th of
September, 1885, has fully demonstrated
the usefulness of this innovation. In con-
nection with this plan of examinations.
promotions and transfers of deserving in
cumbents have been quite extensively
made with excellent results.
During the past year 35 appointments
have been made in the consular service
q of which were made to fill vacancies
ply newly created posts, two to succeed
incumbents removed for cause, two for
the purpose of displacing alien consular
officials by American citizens, and four
merely changing the official title of in
cumbent from commercial agent to con-
sui. Twelve of these appointments were
transfers or promotions from other posi-
tions under the department Of state, four |
Of those appointed had rendered previous |
service under the department, eight were |
made of persons who passed a satisfact- |
ory examination, seven were appointed |
to places not included in the order of |
Sept. ~, 1906, and four appointments, |
as above stated, involved no change Of i
incumbency. |
The inspection of consular Offices pro- |
vided for by an appropriation for that |
purpose at the last session of the con-
gress has been productive of such |
wholesome effects, that 1 hope this i'm
portant work will i'm the future be con-
tinued. 1 know of nothing that can be |
done with the same slight expense so |
improving TO the service. ] desire to re- |
peat the recommendation contained in |
my last annual message, in favor of pro-
viding at public expense official residences
for our ambassadors and ministers at
foreign capitals.
The reasons for supporting this recon-
mendation are strongly stated in the re-
port of the secretary of state, and the
l
hope it may receive the early attention
of congress-
CONCERNING THE SEALS.
We have during the last year labored
faithfully and against unfavorable condi-
tions, 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 condi-
ton of the seal herd, and the causes
OF their rapid decrease. Upon the re-
ports of these commissioners, soon to be
submitted and with the exercise of pa
tience and good sense on the part of all
interested parties, 1t is earnestly hoped
that hearty cooperation may be secured
for the protection against threatened
extinction of seal life in the northern
Pacific and Behring Sea.
OUR FINANCES
The secretary of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended Juns
80. 1896. the receipts Of the government
from all sources amounted to $4O9, ,475,-
408.7S. During the same period its ex-
penditures were s434,67s6 654.4S, the excess
of expenditures over receipts thus
amounting to $25. .2O3, ,245.7O. The ordinary
expenditures during the year were $4,015,-
S52.21 less than during the preceding
fiscal year. OF the receipts mentioned
there was derived from customs the
|
revenue SAG $3.50, 615.66. The receipts from
customs show an increase of $7,S63, ,134.22
over those from the same source for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1895, and
the receipts from internal revenue an
Increase Of $3.5S4,537.91.
The value of our imported dutiablo
merchandise during the last fiscal year
was $3.50, ,757,470, and the value of free
goods imported $409, ,967, ,470, being an in
crease of Sc, ,523. .675 in the value of dutia-
BILE goods and Sal, ,034 in the value Of
free goods over the preceding year. Our
exports of merchandise, foreign and do
nestle, amounted in value to $751;. .6O6, 1913.
being an increase over the preceding
year Of $75,06S,77 773. The average ad valo-
rem paid on dutiable goods imported
during the year was 1894 per cent and on
free and dutiable goods taken together
2055 per cent.
The cost of collecting our internal reve-
nue. was 2.1S per cent, as against 2.S1
per cent for the fiscal year ending June
30. 1896. The total production of distilled
spirits, exclusive of fruit brandies, was
SG, SIS, ,7o3 taxable gallons, being an increase
H. - 4