Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-12-09
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE


battleshIps, as 1t has been impossible to
obtain IL at the price fixed by Congress. II
is OF great Importance that Congress pro-
vide this armor. as until then the ships |
are OF no fighting value.
The present naval force, especially in
view OF It's increase by the ships now un-
der construction, while not as large as
that Of the other powers, is formidable
force: Its vessels are the very best Of each
type; and with the increase that should
be made to 1t from time to time in the flu
ture, and careful attention to keeping 1t
\ In a high state of efficiency and repair II
is we'll adapted to the necessities OF the
country.
The great increase Of the navy which
has taken place in recent years was just-
fed by the requirements for national de-
fence and has received public appreciation.
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 un-
fortunate fact that there is only one dock
on the Pacific coast capable of docking our
largest ships and only one on the Atlantic
coast. and that latter has for the last six
or seven months been under repair and
therefore incapable of Use, Immediate
steps should be taken to provide three or
four docks of this capacity on the Atlantic
coast, at least one on the Pacific coast and
a a floating dock In the gulf This Is the
g recommendation of very competent board
y appointed to investigate the subject. There
"A should also be ample provision made for
powder and proIectiles and other NUM-
tions of war and for an increased number
Of officers and enlisted men. Some addi-
lions are also necessary to Our navy yards,
-. fNt1Y3
& Der OF vessels. AS there are now on the
v stocks Ave battleshps of the largest class,
which cannot be completed for year or
two I concur with the recommendation OF
a the Secretary Of the Navy for an appro-
M priation authorizing the construction OF
u one battleship for the Pacific coast, where
4 at present there is only one in commission
and one under construction, while on the
IA Atlantic coast there are three in commits
I sion and four under construction, and also
that several torpedo boats be authorized
in connection with our general system oil
coast defence.
The Territory OF Alaska requires the
prompt and early attention of Congress
The conditions now existing demand ma.
terial changes in the laws relating TO the
territory. The great influx of population
n during the past summer and fall will no
permit us to longer neglect the extension
of civil authority within the territory o.
postpone the establishment of a more thor
ough government.
I'm TERRITORY OF ALASKA.
A general system of public surveys ha
not yet been extended to Alaska and al
IA entries thus far made in that district ar
upon special surveys. The act of Congress
extending to Alaska the mining laws O
the United States contained the reserYa
tion that 1t should not be construed I
put in force the general land laws of tn
country. By act approved March 3, 1891
authority was given for entry of lands TO
townsite purposes and also for the pur
chase of not exceeding one hundred an
sixty acres. then or thereafter oceupie
for purposes of trade and manufacture
The purpose Of Congress as thus far eS
pressed has been that only such right
should apply to that territory as should
specifically named.
1t will be seen how much remains to h
done for that vast and remote and "
promising portion of our country. Specii
authority was given to the President b
the act of Congress approved July "a. 1879
to divide that territory into two land dii
trlcts and to designate the boundarit
thereof and to appoint registers and sui
veyors Of said land offices, and the Pres
dent yVaa alec autboriyad IN onnoint
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military force in the rerritorv N Alas
for the protection of persons and proper
Already small force, consisting of TIVE
ty.f1ye men, with two officers under co,
mand Of Lieutenant Colonel Randall,
the Eighth Infantry, has been sent 10
Michael to establish a military most.
As 1t is to the interest Of the COVE
ment TO encourage the DEVELOPMENT a
settlement of the country and its duty
follow UP its citizens there with the be-
At of legal ministry earnestly urge uI
Congress the establishment OF a systen
government with such flexibility MS '
enable 1t TO adjust itself to the fut
areas Of greatest population.
The startling though possibly exage
ated reports from the Yukon river co
try. Of the probable shortage of food
4ho Iarya pu,rhar of ,,sonta ,rbo orc :,