The herald., 1896-12-08

we are anxious to accord all the respect
to the sovereignty of Spain, we cannot
view the pending conflict in all Its fea-
lures. and properly apprehend our in
evitably close relations to it and its
possible results without considering that
by the course of events we may be
drawn into such an unusual and unpre-
cedented condition as will fix limit 10
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
successfully with the insurgents
has become manifest and it is
demonstrated de- st ,,ad. that her S sSovereign-
purposes of its rightful existence, and
when a hopeless struggle for it's re-es-
tabishment has degenerated into
strife, which means nothing more than
the useless sacrifice Of human life and
the utter destruction of the very subject
matter Of the conflict, a situation will
be presented in which our obligations to
the sovereignty of Spain will be SUPER
seded by higher obligations. which we
can hardly hesitate to recognize and dis
charge
Deferring the choice Of ways and
methods until the time for action ar
rives, we should make them depend up
on the precise conditions then existing:
then they should not be determined upon
consideration involving our honor and
interest, or the International duty we
owe to Spain. When we face the contin-
gencies suggested, or the situation is by
other incidents imperatively changed
we should continue in the line of conduct
heretofore pursued; thus in all circum-
stances exhibiting our obedience to the
requirements of public law and our re-
gard for the duty enjoined upon us by
the position we occupy in the family of
nations. contemplation of emergen-
cies that may arise should plainly lead
us to avoid their creation. either through
a careless disregard of present duty or
even undue stimulation and ill-timed ex-
preston of feeling. But 1 have deemed
it not amiss to remind the congress that
time may arise when a correct policy
and care for our interests, as we'll as a
regard for the interests of other nations
and their citizens, joined by consdera-
tions of humanity and a desire to see a
rich and fertile country Intimately re-
lated to us saved from complete devas-
tation, will constrain our government
to such action as will subserve the in
terests thus involved and, at the same
time promise to Cuba and it's tsinhabitants
an opportunity to enjoy the blessings of
peace.
THE BOUNDARY QUESTION.
ceased to be a matter of difference be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments
having agreed upon the substantial pro-
visions of a treaty between Great Brit
ain and Venezuela, submitting the whole
controversy to arbitration. The provis-
ions 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 ar
bitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United States
are far advanced and promise to reach
successful conclusion at an early date.
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.
The scheme Of examining the appli-
cants 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
novation. In connection with this plan
of examination, promotion and transfers
of deserving incumbents have been quite
extensively made, with excellent results.
During the past year thirty-five 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; two to succeed incum-
purpose of displacing alien consular Of
ficials by American citizens, and four
merely changing the official title of in
cumbent from commercial agent to con-
sui. Twelve of these appointments We're
transfers or promotions from other posi-
tions under the department of state;
four of those appointed had rendered
previous service under the department.;
eight were made of persons who passed
satisfactory examination; seven We're
appointed to places not included in the
order of September 20, 1895. and four ap-
pointments, as above stated, involved
no change of incumbency.
The inspection of consular officers
provided for by an appropriation for
that purpose at the last session of con-
sress has been productive of such whole
some effects that I hope this important
work will in the future be continued
1 know of nothing that can be done
with the same slight expense so improv-
ing to the service. ] desire to repeat
the recommendation contained in my
last annual message in favor OF provid-
irg, at public expense, official residences
for our ambassadors and ministers at
foreign capitals.
Reasons for supporting this recommen-
dation are strongly stated in the report
of the secretary of state, and the sub
ject seems of such Importance that I
IiOPC IL may lCCciNS lue edll dllcIlllOI
of congress.
SEAL DIFFERENTIATION
We have during the past year labored
faithfully against unfavorable condi-
tions to secure better preservation of
seal life in the Bering sea. Both the
United States and Great Britain have
lately dispa tched commissioners to
these waters to 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 be
secured for the protection against
threatened determination of seal life in
the Northern Pacific and Bering sea.
TREASURER'S REPORT
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 $409, ,475,-
40S.7S.
During the same period it's expendi-
lures We're $434 ,67S, ,6544S, the excess of
expenditures over receipts thus amount
ing to 25,203, 245.70 The ordinary ex-
penditures during the year were $4,-
15,S5321 less than during the preceding
fiscal year. OF the receipts mentioned,
there We're derived from customs the
sum of $1S0021 ,751. g. and from internal
revenlla STAG $40 615 sc The receipts from,