The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1897-12-11

j. Paine, OF Massachusetts,, as special ENJOYS
to represent the United States They have
been dilfgent in their efforts to secure the
concurrence and cooperation OF European
countries In the international settlement OF the
question, but up to this time have not been able
to secure an agreement contemplated by their
mission. The gratifying action of our great
sister republic OF France in joining this country
in the attempt to bring about an agree
ment between the principal commercial
nations OF Europe whereby u fixed and
relative value between gold and silver shall be
secured, furnishes assurance that we are not
alone among the larger nations OF the world in
realizing the international character of the
problem and in the desire of reaching some
wise and practical solution of it. The British
government has published q resume of the
steps taken jointly by the French ambassador
In London and the special ENJOYS of the
United States with whom our ambassador at
London actively co-operated In the presenta-
ton OF this subject TO her majesty'S govern
ment- This will be laid before congress. Our
special ENJOYS have not made their final re-
port. as further negotiations between the rep
resentstives OF this government and the gov
ernmentS OF other countries are pending and in
contemplation. They believe that doubts
which have been raised in certain quarters re-
specting the possibility OF maintaing the stabil-
iy OF the parity between the metals and kim
dred questions may yet be solved by further
negotiations.
Meanwhile 1t gives me satisfaction TO state
that the special ENJOYS have already demon
strated their ability and fitness to deal with
the subject, and 1t is to be earnestly hoped that
their labors may result in nm international
agreement which Will bring about recognition
OF both gold and silver as money upon such
terms and with such safeguards rs will secure
the use of both metals upon a basis which shall
work no injustice to any class OF our citizens.
Our Foreign Commerce.
In order to execute as early as possible the
provisions OF the third and fourth sections OF
the revenue act approved July "a, 1897. 1 ap-
pointed Hon. JONI A KasSon, of Iowa, n spe-
cial commissioner plenipotentiary to under
take the requisite negotiations with foreign
countries desiring to avail themselves OF these
provisions The negotiations are now pro-
ceedine with several governments, both Euro
pesn and American. II is believed that by
O careful exercise OF the powers conferred
by that act some grievances of our own and
OF other countries In our mutual trade rela-
tons may be either removed or largely ALE
Waited. and that the volume OF our commercial
exchanges may be enlarged. with advantages
to both contracting parties Most desirable
from every standpoint OF national interests and
patriotism Is the enort to extend our foreign
To this end our merchant marine
should be improved and enlarged We should
do our full share Of the carrying trade OF the
world We do not do 1t now. We should be
the lagEard no longer. The inferiority OF our
merchant marine IS Justly humilinting to the
national pride. The government by every
proper constitutional means should aid in
making our ships familiar visitors at every
commercial port OF the world, thus opening
up new and valuable markets TO the surplus
products OF the farm and the factory.
I-nternatIona Arbitration.
International arbitration cannot be omitted
from the list OF subjects claiming our consider
alton. Events have only served to strengthen
the general views on this question expressed In
my inaugural address. The best sentiment OF
the civilized world Is moving toward the settle
ment OF differences between nations without re-
sorting to the horrors OF war. Treaties embody-
Ing these humane principles on broad lines
without In any way lmperillng our interests or
our honor shah have my constant encourage
ment.
The present immediate effective forces OF the
navy consists of four battleships OF the first
GLASS, two OF the second and IS other vessels.
ranging from armOred cruisers to torpedo boats
There are under construction i've Dattleships
OF the first class, 10 torpedo boats ana one sub
marine boat No provision has yet been made
for the armor of three OF the bRttleships, as II
has been impossible TO obtain 1t at the price
nxed by congress It is OF great Importance
that congress provide this armor, as until then
the ships are OF no fighting value. The pres
ent naval force. especially In view OF its
Increase BY ships now under construction. |
while not as large as that of O Few other pow
ers. Is a formidable force. Its vessels are the
very best of each type. and with the increase
that should be made to II from time to time In
the future. and careful attention to keeping 1t
In \ high state OF efficiency and repair, it is
G duhDlCA " III uCC0oSltlCS VI IL country |
There should also be ample provision for
powder and proiectiles and munitions OF war
and for an increased number OF officers and en-
listed men. Some additions are also necessary
TO our navy yards for the repair and care OF
our large number OF vessels As there are now
on the stocks i've battleships OF the largest
class, which cannot be completed for a year or
two, 1 concur with the recommendation OF the
OF the navy for an appropriation
authorizing the construction OF one battleship
for the Pacific coast. where, at present, there
is only one under commission and one under
construction. whiis On the atlantic coast there
are three under commission and four under
constructions; and also that several torpedo
boats be authorized In connection with our
general system OF coast defense.
Thu Territory of Alaska.
The territory Of Alaska requires the pTomp,
aud early attention of congress. The condi-
lions now existing demand material changes in
the laws relating to the territory, The great
in1ux OF population during the past summer
and fall and the prospect OF O still larger immi-
grafton Ia the spring will not permit US to
within the territory OF postpone the establish
ment OF q more thorough government
A general system OF public surveys has not
get teeR extended 70 Alaska aRd all sEtrtea
far made IN that district are upon special
surveys. The act OF congress extending to
Alaska the mining laws OF the United States
contained tue reservation that it should not be
to put 10 force the general land laws
OF the country. BY act approved March 3, 1891,
was given for entry of land for town
purposes apd also for the purchase Of not
exceeding 100 acres then or thereafter occupied
Tor purposes OF trade and manufacture. The
purpose Of congress as thus far expressed has
hsan that only such rights shquld apply 20 tue
% should he specifically named.
It win be seen how much remains to be done
tor that vast and remote and yet promising
portion OF our couptrY. Special authority was
given to the president by tho DOT OF congress
approved July Pa. 1897. to divide that territory
two land districts and to designate the
thereof and TO appoint registers
and surveyors OF said land offices; and the pres
dent was also authorized to appoint q surveyor
general for the entire district. Pursuant TO
this suthoritY. o surveyor general and receiver
have been appointed with oflces OF Sitka. II
the ensuing year the conditions justify It.
he additional land district authorized by law
will be established, with an ONCE at some point
q TIA TSkaR YAllAy. No accrorriatiQn. how