The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1897-12-14

consideration. Events have only served to
strengthen the general views on this ques-
ton expressed In my inaugural address
Treaties embodylng these humane prin-
ciples or broad lines without in any way
imperliing our interests or our honor shall
have my constant encouragement.
The acceptance by this government of
the invitation of the republic Of France to
participate N the Universal exposition OF
1900 at Paris was Immediately followed
by the appointment of a special commits
soner to represent the United States In
the proposed exposition, with special ref
erence to the securing OF space for an ade-
Quate exhibit 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 American
exhibitors. His Inquiries developed an al
most unprecedented interest in the pro-
posed exposition.
The report of the speciai commissioner
as to the magnitude and Importance of the
coming exposition and the great demand
| for space by American exhibitors supplies
| new arguments for q liberal and judicious
| appropriation by congress to the end that
| an exhibit fairly representative OF the In
dustries and resources OF our country may
| be made in an exposition whcih Will Illus
| trate the worlds progress during the 10th
| century.
Needs of the Navy.
The present Immediately effective force
of the navy consists of four battleships OF
| the first class, two of the second and 48
other vessels, ranging from armored cruis-
| ers to torpedo boats There are under con-
struction five battleshlps OF the first class,
16 torpedo boats and one submarine boat
No provision has yet been made for the ar
81 avn hut oQ
has been impossible to obtain 1t at the
price fixed by congress. 1t Is of great i'm
portance 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 the ships now under con-
struction, while not as large as that OF 4
few other powers, Is a formidable force,
and careful attention to keeping 1t In a
high state Of efficiency and repair, 1t Is
we'll adapted to the necessities OF the cc"n-
try.
The time has now arrived, however, when
this increase, to which the country is com
mitted, should, for time, take the form
Of increased facilities commensurate with
the increase Of our naval vessels. 1t Is an
unfortunate fact that there Is only one
dock on the Pacific coast capable OF dock
ing our largest ships, and only one ON the
Atlantic coast, and that the latter has for
tle laSL SIX OF seven pCoh uhhSA ~
pair and therefore incapable of use
Immediate steps should be taken to pro-
vide three or four docks.
Legislation For Alaska.
, The territory of Alaska requires the
? prompt and early attention of congress.
The conditions now existing demand mate
rial changes in the laws relating to the
territory. The great influx Of population
during the past summer and fall and the
prospect of a still larger immigration In
the spring, will not permit us to longer
neglect the extension OF civil authority
, within the territory or postpone the es-
Z tabshment Of more thorough govern
, ment.
general system Of public surveys has
=. not yet been extended to Alaska and oil
entries thus far made in that district are
n upon special surveyM The act of congress
| extending to Alaska the mining laws OF
h the United States contained the reservation
. that II should not be construed TO put in
force the general land laws Of the country.
BY act approved March 3, 1891, authority
was given for entry Of lands for town site
+ purposes and also for the purchase of not
= exceeding 100 acres then or thereafter oc-
= cupied for purposes OF trade and manufac
tuTe.
J. The purpose Of congress as thus far ex-
> pressed has been that only such rights
L should apply to that territory as should be
" specifically named.
e 1t will be seen how much remains to be
= done for that vast and remote and yet
u promising portion Of our country.
u Special authority was given to the presi.
u dent by the act OF congress approved July
! "a, 1897, to divide that territory into two
land districts and to designate the bound.
T aries thereof and to appoint registrars and
/ surveyors Of said land Offices, and the pres
ident was also authorized to appoint sur
T. veyOr general for the entire district. Pur,
!, Buant to this authority a surveyor general
- and receiver have been appointed, with Of
= fees at Sitka
u If in the ensuing year the conditions jus
II try it, the additional land district auth
e oriEed by law will be established, with an
J. Office at some point in the Yuko nyalley
No appropriation, however. was made fol
a this purpose.
9 concur with the secretary of war in hif
; suggestion as TO the necessity for a mill
II tary force in the territory of Alaska fol
, the protection OF persons and property.
i / earnestly urge upon congress the es
g tablishment Of a system of government,
. with such feIibility as will enable 1t to
i adjust itself to the future areas Of great
> est population.
Aid For Starving Miners.
The startling though possibly exaggerat.
q ed reports from the Yukon river country
' Of the probable shortage Of food for the
o | large numDer OF people VINO are Wlnterlng
/. there without the means of leaving the
n country are confirmed in such measures as
Il to Justify bringing the matter to the atten-
4 ton of congress.
b However, should these reports of the suf-
Z fering OF our fellow citizens be further
( verified every effort at any cost should be
made to carry them relief.
About the Indians.
I For a number Of years past has been
: apparent that the conditions under which
D the five civilized tribes were established In
2 the Indian territory under treaty provisions
r with the United States with the right Of
, self government and the exclusion of all
! white persons from within their borders
: have undergone so complete a change as
to render the continuance of the system
I thus inaugurated practically impossible.
The total number OF the five civilized
! tribes, as shown by the last census, Is 49,
494, and this number has not materially in
J creased, while the white population is es-
| ,1-n