The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-10

pectant attitude Of the United State
will be indefinitely maintained. Will
we are anxious to accord all due respec
to the sovereignty of Spain, we can no
view the pending conflict in all its fea
lures and properly apprehend our iney
liable relations to II and its possible re
suits without considering that by tn,
course of events we may be drawn into
such an unusual and unprecedented con
dition as will fix limit to our patien,
waiting for Spain to end the contest
either alone or with our friendly cooper
alton.
| A LIMIT TO PATIENCE.
When the inability of Spain to deal
successfully with the insurrection has be.
come manifest and it is demonstrated that
| her sovereignty is extinct in Cuba fol
all purposes of its rightful existence, and
when hopeless struggle for it's re-es.
| adjustment has degenerated into n strife
which means nothing more than the use
| less sacrifice of human life and the utter
destruction OF the very subject matter of
the conflict, situation will be presented
in which our obligations to the sovereign
ty of Spain will be opposed by high
er obligations, which we can hardly fail
| to recognize.
Deferring the choice of ways and meth
ods until the time for action arrives, we
should make them depend upon the pre-
else condition then existing, and they
should not be determined without Civ
ing careful heed to every consideration
involving our honor and interests or the
international duty we owe to Spain. I'm
I'll we do, the contingencies suggested or
the situation is by other Incidents i'm
peratively changed, we should continue
In the line Of conduct heretofore pursued,
thus in all circumstances exhibiting our
obedience to the requirement of public
sentiment and our regard for the duty en-
joined upon us by the position we occupy
in the family Of nations.
Contemplation of emergencies that may
arise should plainly lead us to avoid their
creation, either through a careless dis
regard of present duty or even an undue
stimulation and illtimed expression Of
feeling. But have deemed It not amiss
to remind congress that time may arrive
when a correct policy and care for our In
terests, as well as a regard for the in
terests of other nations and their citizens,
joined by considerations of humanity
and desire to see rich and fertile coun-
try intimately related to us, saved from
complete devastation, will constrain our
government to such action as will sub
serve the interests that are involved and
at the same time promote to Cuba and
its inhabitants opportunity to enjoy the
blessings of peace.
THE VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be matter of difference he
tween Great Britain and the United
States; their respective governments hav-
ing agreed upon the substantial provis-
ions of treaty between Great Britain
controversy to arbitration. The provis-
ions of the treaty are eminently just and
fair and the assent of Venezuela
thereto may confidently be expected Ne
gOtiations for treaty Of general arbitra-
tion for all differences between Great
Britain and the United States are far
advanced and promise to reach success
full consummuion at an early date.
CONSULAR EXAMINATION.
The scheme of examining applicants
for certain consular positions to test
their competency and fitness adopt
ed under an executive order issued on
the Goth of September, 1895, has fully
demonstrated the usefulness of this in
noyation. In connection with this plan
of examination, promotions and trans
fer of deserving incumbents have been
quite extensively made with excellent re-
suits.
During the past year thirty-fve ap-
pointments have been made in the con-
sular service, twenty-seven of which
were made to fill vacancies caused by
death or resignation or to supply newly
created posts to succeed incumbents re-
moved foH cause, two for the purpose of
displacing alien consulate officials by
American citizens, and four merely chang
ing the official title of incumbent from
commercial agent to consul. Twelve Of
these appointments were transfers or
promotions from other points under the
department of state. four of those ap-
pointed had rendered previous service
under the department, eight were made
of persons who passed satisfactory ex-
animation. Seven were appointed to
places not included in order of Sept. 10Th,
1895, and four appointments as above
stated involved no change of incumbency.
The inspection of consular officers pro-
vided for by an appropriation for that
purpose at the last session of the con-
gress has been productive of such whole
some effects that hope this important
work in the future will be continued l
know of nothing that can be done with
the light expense so improving to the
service. | desire to repeat the recon-
mendation contained in my last annual
message of providing at public expense
official residences for our ambassadors at
foreign capitals.
The reasons supporting this recommen-
dation 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.
PRESERVATION OF SEAL LIFE. =
We have during the last year labored
and against unfavorable con-
ditions to secure better preservation Of
sal 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, and the cause of their rapid |
decrease. Upon the reports of the COM
missi0ners soon to be submitted, and |
with the exercise Of patience and good |
,ense on the part of all interested parties, |
I is earnestly hoped that hearty co-opera-
ion may be secured for the protection |
against threatened extinction of seal life |
n the Northern Pacific and Behring
lea.
THE NATIONS iFINANCES