Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-08
OTHER FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Venezuelan Differences Settled - Re-
form in the Consular Service
RehrinE Sea Fisheries.

The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be a matter Of difference between
Great Britain and the United States, their
respective governments having agreed up
on the substantial provisions of a treaty
between Great Britain and Venezuela SUBJ
mitting the whole controversy to arbltra-
ton The provisions of the treaty are so
eminently just and fair that the assent of
Venezuela thereto may confidently be an,
ticipated.
Negotiations for a treaty of general arbi-
tration for all differences between Great
Britain and the United States are far ad-
vanced and promise to reach a successful
consummatiOn at an early date.
The scheme of examining applicants for
consular positions to test their competency
ami fitness WAS adopted under an executive
order issued on the 20th of September 1885.
ard has fully demonstrated the usefulness
of this innovation. In connection with this
plan OF examination. promotions and trans
fcrs of deserving incumbents have been
quite extensively made, with excellent re-
suits During the past year thirty-five ap-
pointments 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 created posts.
two to succeed incumbents removed for
cause, two for the purpose of displ1cine
alien consul officials by American citizens
and four merely changing the official title
of incumbentS from commercial agent to
consul. Twelve of these appointments were
transfers or promotions from other posi-
tons under the department of state; four
OF these appointments had rendered pre-
viOus service under the department: eight
We're made of persons who passed a satis-
factory examination; seven were appoint>
ed to places not included in the order OF
September %, 1895. and four appointments.
as above stated. involved no change of in
cumbency.
The inspection Of consular offices provided
for by an appropriation for that purpose at
the last session of congress has been pro-
ductive of such wholesome effects that I
hope this important work will in the future
he continued l know OF nothing that can
be done with the same slight expense so
improving to the service.
] desire TO repeat the recommendation
contained in my last annual message in
favor OF providing at public expense Off
cial residences for our ambassadors aud
ministers at foreign capitals. The reasons
supporting this recommendation are
strongly stated in the report of the secre-
tary of state, and the subject seems of
such Importance that I hope it may re-
ceive the early attention Of the congress.
W" have during the last year Iabored
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 dis
patched commissioners TO these waters 10
study the habits and conditions 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 patience and good sense on the part of
all interested parties. it is earnestly hoped
that hearty cooperation may he secured
for the protection against threatened ex-
uncton OF seal life in the Northern Pacific
and Behring sea.