The National tribune., 1897-10-21
WEEK IN WASHINGTON.
Events of General Interest in the National
Capital.

Capital.
OcT 1.-THE Monetary Commission
convened again to bsgin the real work of iu-
vcst;yniiug the currency problem. During
its brief session i'll September its time was
devoted TO q discussion of the nature and
ssope of it's work, and to properly organic
ing so as TO carry out It's work in systema-
tic fashion, The work wss divided under
three general heads, metallic currency, de-
msnd obligations of the Government, and
the banking systems. The Commission
divided itself rp to handle these three SUBJ
iccts In the meantime the Secretaries have
beea-vsry busy classifying and preparing in
convenient shape the great mass OF data and
suggestions that have already reached the
Commission.
TUESDAY, OCr. 12.-It was announced that
the International Court of Arbitration which
is to pass on the British Venezuelan bound
ary has been completed by the selection of
M. Maertens. distinguished Russian juriss.
as Umpire and President of the court. and
arrangements are being made for she assem-
bling of the court at Paris during the late
Summer or Fall of next year. The briefs OF
Great Britain and of Venezuela are being
prepared. Announcement that European
Umpire had been chosen was made some time
since, but the name has been withheld until
the sanction Of the Gar could be secured for
NJ. Maerteuss service rs Umpire.
WEDNESDAY, OcT. 13.-The Korean Legation
received An official cable stating that the King
had proclaimed himself Emperor from Oct. 10.
The transition which Korea makes from
Kingdom to an Empire has considerable sig-
nifcance in Oriental affairs. 1t is under
stood to be part of the progressive policy on
which that country has embarked, following
the lead of Japan and China. China has
never relinquished what she has regarded as
her hereditary sovereignty over Korea. but
Korea now throws OF every evidence of de-
pendence on any outside power. This inde-
peudence would apply also to Japan and
Russia. which have also been seeking to gain
influence and control.
THURSDAY, OCr 1.-THE Treasury statement
OF the merchandise and currency imports
and exports of the United States during Sep
,ember shows the exports OF domestic mer-
shandi ise to have aggregated Slo3. 800 500. as
compared with $50, 746.362 fof September
last year. This makes an increase of such
exports for the last nino months over the
same period last year about $SO,0O0,OOO.
The imports of merchandise during Septem-
ber amounted to $42.410,OlS of which over
so Der cent was free of duty, q loss in total
exports AS compared with September, 1896,
of $84OO 900. For the nine months an in
crease is shown of $66 660. .553. The gold ex-
ports during September amounted to sol, 7S7.
and the imports to 81, 244,3 ,3S3. The exports
ofsiiyer during the month aggregated $4572,-
594, and the imports $646. S.-The Prssi-
den, has appointed Hon. John A. Kasson. of
Iowa. special commissioner with plenary
powers to carry into effect the reciprocity
provisions of sections 3 and of the Dingiey
Tariff act. The regular force of the Depart
mens of State is st present 30 crowded with
business that serious delay in carrying out
the expressed wish of Congress would iney-
itably follow ii its officers were required to
undertake the work. The pressure of early
and consistent action in the arrangement OF
measures of reciprocity is very great. The
Commissioner ia charged particularly to look
after she agricultural interests both North and
South, not forgetting the large and con-
stantly-incrsasing manufacturing interests
east of the Alleghanies.
FRIDAY. Ocr 15.-At the Cabinet session the
time was devoted to a discussion of the
financial operations of the Governments.
This included both receipts and sxpendi-
lures. the latter heing the especial object Of
consideration, as it is the wish of the Admin
istrstion to keep the expenditures from e1-