The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1896-12-08
NO. $50


our close relations 10 IL and It's possI-
bic results without consideration that,
by the course OF events, we may be
drawn into such an unusual and un-
precedented condition as WIN fix limit
20 our patient waiting for Spain to end
the contest, either alone and In her own
way, or with our friendly cooperation.
When the inability OF Spain TO deal sue
eessfully with the insurgents has be-
come manifest. and II Is demonstrated
that her sovereignty Is extinct 10 Cuba
for all purposes Of its rightful existence
and when a hopeless struggle for its
re-establishment has degenerated into a
strife which means nothing more than
the useless sacrifice OF human life and
the utter destruction Of every subject
matter Of the conflict. a situation will
BE- presented in which our obligations
TO the sovereignty OF Spain WIN be su-
perceded By higher obligations. which
we can hardly hesitate to recognize and
discharge. Deferring the choice Of ways
and methods until the time for action
arrives, we should make them depend
upon the precise conditions then exist
ing: and they should not be determined
upon without giving carefni heed to
every consideration involving our hon
or and interest. or the international du-
ty We owe Spain. Until we face the
contingencies suggested, or the sitla-
ton Is by other Incidents imperativelY
changed, we should continue In the line
of conduct heretofore pursued. thus in
all circumstances exhibiting our ODE
dience to the requirements Of public
law and our regard for the duty en-
Joined upon US by the position We
occupy in the galaxy Of nations.
A contemplation OF emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead US to
avoid their creation either through q
careless disregard OF present duty OF
even an undue stimulation and ill-tim-
ed expression OF feeling. But l have
deemed 1t not amiss to remind the con-
gress that time may arrive when
correct policy and care for our interests
as well as regard for the interests Of
other nations and their citizens, Joined
by considerations Of humanity and a
desire to see rich and fertile country.
intimately related to US saved from
complete devastation. will constrain
our government to such action as VIII
subserve the interests involved and at
the same time promise to Cuba and its
inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy the
blessings Of peace.
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
provisions Of treaty between Great
Britain and Venezuela submitting the
whole controversy to arbitration. The
provisions Of the treaty are so eminent
ly just and fair that the assent Of
Venezuela thereto may confidently be
anticipated.
Negotiations by a treaty OF general
arbitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United states
are far advanced and promise TO reach
a successful contamination at an early
date. The scheme OF examining appli-
cants for certain consular positions to
test their competency and fitness.
adopted under an executive order issued
on September 20. 1895. has fully demon
strated the usefulness Of this innova-
ton. In connection with this plan Of
examination. promotions and transfers
og deserving incumbens have been
extensively made with excellent results.
THE REVENUES.
The secretary Of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended June
80. 1896. the receipts Of the government
from all sources amounted to $4O9,475,-
40S.76. During the same period its ex-
penditures were s4S4.67s,654.4S, the ex-
cess of expenditures over receipts thus
amounting to s25.2OS. .245.7O. The ordlna-
ry expenditures during the year were
$4,O15,s527O less than during the pre-
ceding fiscal year. OF the receipts men-
toned. there was derived from customs
the sum Of $1SOO2l. .751.67. and from in
ternal revenue Sl46sSO,615.66 The re-
ceipts from customs show an increase
Of $T.S6S, ,1S422 over those from the same
source for the fiscal year ending June
80, 1895, and the reeeipts from internal
revenue an increase OF 1854, 5S791.
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.
The value of our Imported dutiable
merchandise during the last fiscal year
was 1858, ,727.77O and the value of free
goods imported s4O9.s67,47O. Being an
increase of S6.52S,675 in the value Of du-
table goods and Sal, ,2S1 ,Os4 in the value
of free goods over the preceding year
Our exports of merchandise. foreign
and domestic, amounted in value to
$SS2, SOC, ,sSS, being an increase over the
preceding year of s75.O6S.77S. The aver
age ad valorem duty paid Or dutiable
goods imported during the year was
1894 per cent and on free and dutiahle
goods taken together 2O.55 per cent
INTERNAL REVENUE.
The cost OF collecting our internal
revenues was 2.7S per cent, as against
2S1 per cent for the fiscal year ending
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