Omaha daily bee., 1896-12-08
ARBITRATION WITH GREAT nRrTAIS
Venezuelan Matter Leads to Hrond
prnnOsition.

Proposition.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be matter of difference between
Great Britain and the United States, their
respective governments having agreed upon
the substantial provision of treaty be
tween Great Britain and Venezuela, sub
mitting the whole controversy to arbitra-
ton. The provisions of the treaty are so
emincntly just and fair that the assent of
Venezuela thereto may confidently be an
ticipated.
Negotiations for treaty of general arbi-
tration for all differences between Great
Eritan and the United States are far ad-
vanoed, and promise to reach a successful
consummation at an early date
The scheme of examining applicants for
certain consular positions, to test their com
potency and fitness adopted under an eX
ecutive order issued on the Goth Of Soptem-
Der, 1895, has fully demonstrated the use
fulness Of this innovation. In connection
with this plan Of examination, promotion
and transfers OF deserving lncum-
bents have been quite extensively
made with excellent results. During
the past year thirtytiye appoint
ments have been made in the consular serv-
ice twenty-seven of which were made to
ell vacancies caused by death or resignation
or to supply newly created posts, two to
succeed incumbents removed for cause, two
Tor the purpose OF dsplacing alien consular
officials by American citizens, and four
merely changing the official title of incum-
bent from commercial agent to consul.
Twelve of these appointments were transfers
or promotions from other positions under the
Department of State; four of those ap
pointed had rendered previous service under
the department. eight were made Of per-
sons who passed a satisfactory examination;
seven were appointed to places not included
in the order of September 20, 1895, and four
appointments as above stated involved no
change of incumbency. The inspection of
consular officers provided for by an appro-
priation for that purpose at the last session
of the congress has been productive OF such
wholesome effects that / hope this important
work will in the future be continued. |
know of nothing that can be done with the
same slight expense so improving to the
service.
| desire to repeat the recommendation con-
tanned in my last annual message in favor of
providing al public expense official residences
for our ambassadors and ministers at for
eign capitols The reasons supporting this
recommendation are strongly stated in the
report of the secretary of state, and the
subject seems of such importance that /
hope it may receive the early attention of
the congress.
We have during the last year labored
and against unfavorable conditions
to secure better preservation of seal life in
the Bering sea. Both the United States and
Great Britain have lately dispatched COM
misydoners 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 exercise of pa |
tlence and good sense on the part Of all in |
terested parties, ii is earnestly hoped that !
hearty cooperation may be secured for the |
protection against threatened extinction of |
oeal life in the Northern Pacific and Bering |