The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1897-12-08

reppblie OF France In Joining this eonn-
try In the attempt to bring about agree
ment among the principal coinmerciaI na-
lions of Europe Whereby Fixed ana TEL.
alive value between gold and silver shall
be secured. furnished assurance that We
are not alone among the larger nations OF
the world In realizing me International
character of the problem and In the desire
OF reaching some wise and practical soiu-s
The british government ms pnbllsh1d
resume OF the steps taken Jointly hy the
ciai ENJOYS OF the United States with whom
our ambassador at London actively co-op-
Grated in the presentation OF this subject
to her mnjesty's government This VIII ne
Iat1 before congress. Our special ENJOYS.
have not made their Anal report. as furths
ar negotiations between the represeu IN Ives
OF this government and the govern Lile m. =
of other countries are pending and n
contemplation.
Meanwhile y gives me satisfaction to
state that the special ENJOYS nave alreaay
demonstrated their ability and fitness TO
deal with the subject, and IL Is to be enrn-
estly hoped that their labors may result IN
an international agreement which VIII
bring about recognition OF both gold md
silver as money npon such terms and With
such safeguards as viii secure the use or
Foth metals upon basis which shall work
no Injustice to any class of our citizen 8.
To Encourage Merchant Marine.
Most desirable from every SIfiiu pulut OF
national interest and patriotism. IS the ef-
fort TO extend our foreign commerce. no
this end merchant mnrtne Snou1d pc
improved and enlarged. We should DO our
fun share ~ the carrying trade OF = the
world We do not do 1t now. We shet'ld
be the lagenrd no longer The inferlortty
of our merchant marine IL Justly humlliat-
ing to the national pride. The government
nv every nroDer constitutional means should
aid in making our ships familinr Visitors
Mt every commercial port or 1the sSorids
thus opening mn new apd yftsila DE s-tafltets
to the surplus products of the farfa ana
The EFFORTS which have been made dur
ing the two previous years by my prede-
cessor TO secure better nrotPction to our
fnr seals in the north Pacific ocenn and
Rerirg sen were renewed nj an early date
by this administration. and have been pur-
sred with earnestness. Ifnon my invita-
zion fine governments of Janan ana Russia
sent delegates to Washington and an In
ternntIonnI conference was held during the
months of October and Noyember Iast.
wherein 1t unnnimOuslY ngreed tpnt
under the existing regulations this species
of useful animals was threatened with eS-
tinctson ard thu. ~ international agree
ment of all thc i;.+cr~sted powers was nee
essory for their ndei.'qte protection
The government of Great Britain did not
see proper to no represented Mt this con-
ference but subsequently sent to Wash
lngtnn DELEGATES.
The result of this conference was an
agreement on important facts connected
with the condition of the seal herd. here
tofore in diSoutc. which should Mace be
yond controversy the duty of the govern
ments concerned to ndont measures without
delay for the preservation and restoration
of tho herd. Negotiations to this end are
now in progress. the result of which hope
TO be able to report to congress at an early
day.
international arbitration cannot be omit
ted from the st of subjects claiming our
consideration. Events have only sert I'd to
strengthen the general views on TINS ques-
tIon expressed In my inaugural address,
Treaties embodyIng these humane prin-
ciples on broad lines without in any way
Importing our interests our honor shall
have my constant encouragement
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 follower
by the appointment Of n special commits
sioner to represent the United States In
the proposed exposition. with special ref
erence to the securing of space for an ade-
4uate exhibit 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 at
most unprecedented interest in the pro-
posed exposition.
The report of the speeiaI commissioner
as to the magnitude and Importance OF the
coming exposition and the great demand
for space by American exhibitors supplies
new arguments for liberal and 1udicious
appropriation by congress to the emo tnat
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 18th
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 ana 40
arn
ers to torpedo boats. There are under con-
struction FIVE battleships of the first class
10 torpedo boats and one sub-marlne Don't
No provision Inns yet been made for the ar
NOR for three of the five battleships. as It
has been impossible to obtain It at the
price fixed by congress. 1t Is OF great I'M
portance that congress provide this arfnor'
as until then the ships are OF no hghtine
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
few other powers, Is formidable force,
and careful attention to keeping II In a
high state of efficiency and repair, 1t is
we'll adapted to the necessities of the coun-
try.
The time has now arrived, however, when
this Increase to which the country IS com
mitted. should. for time, TAKE the 1o ilh
of increased facilities commensurate WIN
the Increase of our naval vessels. lt is an
unfortunate fact that there Is only one
dock on the Pacific coast capable OF DOCK
Atlantic coast, and that the latter. has for
the last six or seven months been under re-
pair and therefore incapable of use
Immediate steps should be taken to pro-
vide three 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 n still larger immigration in
the spring. Will not permit us to longer
neglect the extension OF civn authority
Establishment of more thorough govern
ment.
general system of public surveys has
entries thus far mad. In that district are
upon special surveys. The act OF congress
extending to Alaska the mining laws of
the United States contained. the reservation
+1,a] Sl,0y,Id not l1a oOusfrtiaT fdf mt