The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-07

we should make them depend upon 'ne
precise conditions then eAlsuhs' N.1
they should not be deleiii'inou i'' .pr' er
without giving careful heed 10 every con-
sideration involving our honor ana IN
terest or the international duty we owe |
TO Spain. Until we face the cohtihss"-
sies suggested, or the SITUATION Is "
other Incidents irnperauvely chahgea' |
we should continue In the line OF cohaue'
heretofore pursued. nus In all eircum-
stances exhibiting oej obedience TO the !
reauiren,ents of public law and our re-
gard for the duty enjoined upon us by
the position we occupy In the family OF
nations.
A contemplation OF emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead us 10 avoid
their creation. either through careless
disregard OF present duty or even an
undue Stimulation and iil-timed express
sion OF feeling. But 4 have deemed IL
not amiss TO reraind the congress that
a time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests. as well as
regard for the interests of other nations
and their citizens, joined by considera-
tions OF humanity and n desire 20 see
a rich and fertile country intimately
related TO us. saved from complete
devastation. will constrain our govern
10 such action as will subserve the In
terests thus involved and at the same
time promise TO Cuba and It's inhabitants
an opportunity 10 enjoy the blessings or
peace
THE BOUNDARY DISPUTE.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased TO be 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-
yersy 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 n successful consumma-
ton at an carly date.
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.
The scheme OF examining applicants for
certain consular positions, 10 test their
competency and fitness, adopted uncer
an executive order issued on the 10Th 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,
g1 of which were made TO hll vacancies
caused by death or resignation or TO sup
| incumbents removed for cause two for
| the purpose OF dsplacing alien consular
| officials by American citizens, ana iour
| merely changing the official title of in
cumbent from commercial agent 10 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 previoGs
! service under the department, eight were
made OF persons who passed satisfact-
| ory examination seven were appointed
| TO places not included In the order OF
| Sept 90 1895, and four appointments
as above stated. involved no change or
! incumbcncy.
| The inspection of consular offices pro-
vided for by an appropriation for that
purpose at the last session or the con-
gress has been productive OF such
wholesome effects. that l hope this I'M
portant work will in the future be con-
tinued. | know OF nothing that can be
done with the came slight expense SO
inproying TO the service. i desire to re-
peat the recommendation contained in
| my last annual message, In FAVOR oil 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
subiect seems of such importance that
hope II 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 I'm the Behring Sea. Both the
1 United States and Great Britain have
/ lately dispatched commissioners TO these
! waters TO study the habits and condi-
tion 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 pas
tience and good sense on tho part of all
interested parties, II 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 June
! 30, 1896 the receipts of the government
/ from all sources amounted to s409. d75. =
l0S.1S During the same period it's ex-
penditurcs were S434, Gas, ,654iS the excess
| OF expenditures over receipts thus
amounting TO s25.203. .245.7o. The ordinary
expenditures during the year were ACl5.-
| S522l less than during the preceding
there was derived from customs the
sum OF slG0. .02l 151.67, and f-Nm internal
revenue si4GS30. 6l5G6. The receipts from
customs show an increase OF SI.S63. 134. %
over those from the same source for
7 the fiscal year ended June 30. 1895. and
the receipts from internal revenue an
Increase of $35Si,5379l.
The value Of our imported dutiablc
merchandise during the last fiscal year
was Sl69 1880. and the value of free
goods imported si09 1867. $40. being an in
| crease OF sGJ93.C1 in the value OF dutia-
BILE goods and Sal. 0A In the value OF
| free goods over the preceding year. Our
exports OF merchandise, foreign and do
mestic. amounted in value TO sSs2. Cog g3S.
( being an increase over the preceding
year OF S15cCS 7i1 The average ad valo-
rem paid on dutiable goods imported
iuring the year was $685. per cent and on
free and duuable goods taken together
ec.J5 per cent.
The cost Of collecting our internal reve-
nuc was .tS per cent, as against PSI
per cent fer the fiscal year ending June
60 1875. The total production Of distilled
spirits. exclusive OF fruit brandics. was
E.5SS 1O3 taxable gallons being an increase
OF 6.Glol0S gallons over the preceding
/ fls.r a.. -,