The Valentine Democrat. [volume] (Valentine, Cherry Co., Neb.) 1896-1898, 1897-12-09

sion to transmit TO congress the report OF
this commission. making at the same tins
such further suggestions as may then
seem advisable.
Bimetallic Commissions Work.
Under the provisions OF the act OF con-
gress approved March 3, 1897. for the pro-
motion OF an international agreement re-
specting bimetalhsm. appointed on the
14th day Of April. 1897, Hon. Edward o.
Wolcott or Colorado. Hon. Adlai T. stew
eDSon OF Illinois, and Hon. James A.
Payne OF Massachusetts as special en-
voys TO represent the United States. They
have been diligent in their efforts to Sc
cure the cooperation OF European coun-
tries in the international settlement OF
the question. but up to this tine nave not
been able to secure al agreement con-
templated by their mission.
the gratifying action Of our great sis
ter republic or France in joining this
country In the attempt 10 bring about an
agreement among the principal CONNER
clal nations OF Europe, whereby liked
and relative value between gold and sill
yer shall be secured furnishes assurance
that We are not alone among the larger
nations of the world In realizing the in
ternational character of the problem. and
In the desire OF reaching some wise and
practical solution Of Il. The British gov
ernment has published a resume OF the
views taken Jointly by the French ambas-
sador IN London and the special envoys
OF the United States, with whom our
ambassador at LOnQOn actively Cooper
ated in the presenting OF the subject 20
her majesty's government. This VIII be
laid before congress. Our special ENJOYS
have not made their final report, as furth-
er negotiations between the representa-
tiyes of this government and the govern
ments OF other countries are pending ana
in contemplation. They believe that
doubts which have been raised In certain
quarters respecting the question of main
taining the stability of the parity between
the metals and kindred questions may be
solved by further negotiations.
Meanwhile, IL gives me satisfaction to
state that the special ENJOYS have already
demonstrated their ability and fitness to
deal with the subject. and it is to be
earnestly hoped that their labors may re-
suit In an international agreement which
will bring about recognition of both gold
and silver as money upon such terms and
with such safeguards as will secure the
use of both metals upon u basis which
shall work no injustice to any class OF
our citizens.
Merchant Marine.
In order to execute as nearly as poss-
BILE the provisions In the Sd and 4th see
tions of the revenue act approved July "A,
1897, L appointed the Hon. John A. Kas-
son. of Iowa. a special commissioner
plenpotentiary to undertake the requisite
negotiations with foreign countries de-
string TO avail themselves of these pro-
visions. The negotiations are now pro-
ceeding with several governments, both
European and American. and 1t Is believed
that by careful exercise of the powers
conferred by that act some grievances
of our own and of other countries In our
mutual trade relations may be either re-
moved or largely alleyiated and that the
volume OF our commercial exchanges may
be enlarged with advantage to both con-
tracing parties.
Most desirable Z ON every standpoint of
national interest and patriotism is the
effort 10 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 90 not do IT now. We should
be the laggard no longer. The inferiority
Of our merchant marine IS Justly humiIi-
ating TO the national pride. The govern
ment by every proper constitutional
means should aid in making our ships
familiar visitors at every commercial port
Of the world. thus opening up new ana
valuable markets to the surplus products
of the farm and the factory.
The efforts which had been made during
the two previous years by my predecessor
to secure better protection 10 the fur
seals in the north Pacific ocean and Behr-
ing sea were renewed at an early date
by this administration and have been
pursued with earneStneSS. Upon my in
vitation the governments of Japan and
Russia sent delegates to Washington, and
an international conference was held dur
ing the months OF October and November
last, wherein it was unanimously agreed
that under the existing regulations this
species of useful animals was threatened
with extinction aud that an international
agreement OF all the interested parties
ton.
not see proper to be represented at this
conference. but subsequently sent to
washington, as delegates. the expert COM
mlsstoneTs OF Great Britain and Canada
who had during the past two years visited
the PrybyloR islands, and who met in
conference similar commissioners on Che
part OF the United States. The result OF
tniS conference was an agreement on i'm
portant facts connected with the condI-
ton of the seal herd heretofore in dis
pute which should place beyond contro-
Fersy the duty Of the governments con-
cerned 70 adopt measures without delay
Tor the preservation and restoration OF
tne herd. Negotiations to this end are
now in progress, the result Of which I
hope to De able to report to congress- at
an early day.
International arbitration cannot be
omitted from the list Of subjects claiming
our consideration. Events have only
served TO strengthen the general views on
this question expressed in my inaugural
address. The best sentiment of the civil r
lied world is moving toward the settle /.
rrent OF differences between nations with
out resorting TO the horrors Of war Treat
les enbodying these humane principles on
Droad lines without In any way imper-
ling our interests or our honor shall
have my constant encouragement.
The acceptance by this government of
ne invita- ton of the republic OF France
% participate in the universal exposition
of 1900 at Paris was Immediately fol-
owed by the appointment of a special
conn missioner to represent the United
states In the proposed exhibition, with
special reference to the securing OF space
or an adequate exhibit on behalf OF the
United States
The special commissioner delayed his
departure for Paris long enough to ascer-
ain the probable demand for space by
American exhibitors. His Inquiries de-
feloped an almost Unprecedented inter
st in the proposed exposition. and the in
orH.ation thus acquired enabled him TO
Justify an application for q much larger
allotment of space for the American sec
Ion than had been reserved by the ex-
position authorities. The result was par
icularly gratifying in view OF the fact
hat the United States was one OF the last
Countries 10 accept the invitation OF
france.
The reception accorded our special COM
missioner was most cordial, and he was
,iyen every reasonable assurance that ths
United States would receive consider
ttion commensurate with the proportions
" our exhibit. The report Of the special
commission as TO the ma agnitude and i'm
,ortaDce of the coming exposition and the
,reat demand for space by American ex-
iiDitors supplies new arguments for
LIBERAL and judic!ous appropriation by
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