Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-06
7 H E N E S S A G E.
CONTINUED from Seventh Pase)

American. 1t is believed that by a careful
exercise of the powers conferred by that
Act some grievances of our own and of
other countries in our mutual trade rela-
tions may be either removed or largely
elleviated. and that the volume Of our
commercial exchanges may be enlarged
with advantage to both contracting parties
Most desirable from every standpoint of
Iational interest and patriotism is the eff
fcrt to extend our foreign commerce. 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 it now. We should be
the laggard no longer. The inferiority of
our merchant marine is justly humiliating
TO the national prid.. Tie 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.
TO PROTECT SEALS.
Tie efforts which mad been made during
the two previous years by my prede cessor
10 secure better protection to the fur seals
in the North Pacific Ocean and Berins Sea,
were renewed at an early date by this Ad-
earnestness. Upon my invitation the Gov
ernmeats ot Japan and Russia sent dele
gates to Washington and an international
conference was held during the months of
October and November last wherein it was
unanimously agreed that under the exist
ing regulations this species of useful ami
Inais was threatened with extinction and
that an international agreement of all the
interested powers was necessary for their
adequate protection.
The Government of Great Britain did not
See proper to be represented at this con-
ference, but subsequently sent 20 Wash
ington, delegates, the expert commits
sioners of Great Britain and Canada who
had during the past two years visited the
PribilOf Islands, and who met in confer
cnce similar commissioners on the part of
the United States The result of this con-
ference 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 preserva-
ton and restoration of the herd. Negotia-
tons TO this end now in progress, the
result of which 1 hope to be able TO report
to Congress at an early day.
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.
International arbitration can not he omit
ted from the list of subjects claiming our
consideration Events have only served to
strengthen the general views on this Ques-
ton expressed in my inaugural address.
The best sentiment of the civilized world is
moving toward the settlement of differ
ences between nations without resorting TO
the horrors of war Treaties emoodyinx
these humane principles on broad lines
without in any way imperiling our interests
or our honor shall have my constant en-
couraXement.
FRENCH EXPOSITION,
The acceptance by this Government of
the invitation of the Republic Of France to
participate In the Universal Exposition of
1900 at Paris was Immediately followed by
the appointment of Special Commissioner
to represent the United States in the pro-
posed Exposition. with special reference to
the securing Of space for an adequate ex-
hibit on behalf OF the United States.
The Special Commissioner delayed his de-
parture for Paris long enough to ascertain
the probable demand for space by Ameri-
can exhibitors. HIS inquiries developed an