The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1897-12-07

ness. Upon my invitation the govern
nents OF Russia and Japan sent dele
gates TO Washington and an interna-
1ional conference was held during the
months of October and November last.
wherein il was unanimously agreed
that under the existing regulations
that species of useful animals was
threatened with extinction. and that an
international agreement of all the in
-erested powers was necessary for their
adequate protection.
The government OF Great Britain did
not see proper to be represented at this
conference, but subsequently sent 10
Washington as delegates the expert
commissioners of Great Britain and
Canada. who had during the past two
years visited the Pribyloff islands, and
WHO met III conference similar commits
Eioners on the part of the United
States. The result of this conference
was an agreement on important facts
connected with the condition OF the seal
herd heretofore in dispute, which should
place beyond controversy the duty of
the governments concerned to adopt
measures without delay for the preser-
walton and restoration Of the herd. Ne
gotiations TO this end are now in prog
1ess, the result of which l hope to be
able to report TO congress at an early
day.
International Arbitration.
International arbitration cannot be
omitted from the list of subjects claim
ing our consideration. 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 settlement of differences between
1he nations without resorting to the
horrors of war. Treaties embodying
these humane principles on broad lines
without in any way imperiling our in
terests or our honor shall have my
constant encouragement.
The Paris Exposition.
The acceptance by this government of
the invitation of the republic of France
TO participate in the universal EXPOSE
ton of 1900 at Paris was Immediately
followed by the appointment of a spe-
cial commissioner to represent the
United States in the proposed EXPOSE
1ion with special reference to the secur-
ing of space for an adequate exhibit
zion on behalf of the United States.
The special commissioner delayed his
departure for Paris long enough to as
certain the probable demand for space /
10y American exhibitors. His inquiries |
developed an almost unprecedented in /
terest in the proposed exposition and /
the information thus acquired enabled |
him TO justify an application for a
much larger allotment of space for the
American section than had been re-
served by the exposition authorities.
The result was particularly gratifying
in view of the fact that the United
States was one of the last countries to
accept the invitation of France.
The reception accorded our special
commissioner was most cordial, and he
was given every reasonable assurance
that the United States would receive a
consideration commensurate with the
proportions of our exhibit. The report
of the special commissioner as to the
ma gnirude of the coming exposition
and the demand for space for American
exhibits supplies new arguments for a
liberal and judicious appropriation by
congress to the end than an exhibit
fairly representative of the industries |
and resources of our country may be
made in an exposition which will illus
trate the worlds progress during the
Nineteenth century. The exposition is
intended to be the most important and
comprehensive of the long series of in
ternational exhibitions, of which our
own at Chicago was a brilliant eX-
ample, and it is desirable that the Unit
ed States should make a worthy exhibit
of American genius and skill and their
unrivaled achievements in every branch |
of industry.
Condition of the Navy.
The present immediate effective force
of the navy consists of four battleshps
of the first class, two second-elass and
AS other vessels, ranging from armored
cruisers to torpedo boats. There are
under construction five battleships of
the first class, 16 torpedo boats and one
submarine boats. No provision has yet
been made for the armor of three of the
five battleships. as it has been impossi-
BILE to obtain ii at the price fixed by
congress. 1t is Of great Importance that
congress provide this armor as until
then the ships are of no fighting value.
The present naval force. especially in
view of its increase by ships now un-
der construction, while not as large as
that of a few other powers. is a formi-
dable force, its vessels are the very best
OF each type; and with the increase !
that should be made to il from time To
time in the future, and careful atten-
ton TO keeping il in a high state of |
efficiency and repair, ii is well adapted
10 the necessities of the country.
> The great increase of the navy which !
has taken place in recent years was
justified by the requirements of the ma
val defense. and has received public
appreciation, The time has now ar
rived, however, when this increase to
which the country is committed. should
Tor a time take the form Of increased :
Facilities commensurate with the in
crease of our naval vessels. 1t is an 4
unfortunate fact that there is only one
dock on the Pacific coast capable of | :
docking our largest ships. and one one
on the Atlantic coast. ma that the lat
Ter has for the last six or seven months |
been under repair and therefore in
capable Of use Immediate steps should |
be taken 10 provide three or four docks
OF this capacity on the Atlantic coast, :
at least one ON the Pacific coast and a /
floating dock on the Gulf. This is the
Tecomme ndation of a very competent
board appointed 70 investigate the sub
ject.
There should also he ample provision
made for powder and projectiles and
other munitions of war and for an in
creased number Of officers and enlisted
men. Some additions are also neces-
sary To our navy yards for the repairs
and care of our larger number of yes
sells. As there are now on the stocks .
five battleships Of the largest class 1
which cannot be completed for year
or Two, i concur with The recommended
ton of the secretary Of the navy for an I
appropriation authorizing the construc-
lion of one battleShlD Ina pa Z