The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-07
ANNEX HAWAII.
Erief II eference to Merchant
Marinc--A FILTRATION.


| Erief Reference to Nicarsgua--M Merchant
Marine a FILTRATION.
The President next takes up the subject
OF the annexation Of Hawaii. He refers
10 this subject because the Senate has
made public the treaty now pending. and
legislation is required 10 settle many de-
tails OF the eventual union. should annexa
ton be accomplished. as he believes II
should be. Rapidly reviewing the arsu-
ment. he has heretofore made in favor
of annexation. the President says:
IF the treaty is confirmed as every
consideration Of dignity and honor re-
quires. the wisdom OF Congress will sec
TO II that, avoiding abrupt assimilation or
elements perhaps hardly yet fitted To
share in the highest franchises Of citizen
ship. and having due regard TO the geo.
graphical conditions. the most just pro-
visions for self-rule in local matters with
the largest political liberties as an inte-
grail part of our nation will be accorded
to the Hawailans. No less Is due to a
people who. after nearly five years OF de-
inonstrated capacity 10 fulfill the obi
cations of self-government statehood.
come OF their free will to merge their des-
TIMES I'm our body polite"
OF the dispute between Japan and Ha-
wall. growing out OF the labor immlgra-
ton. tho President says:
1.-THE issue is now i'm n satisfactory
stage Of settlement by negotiations. This
government has not been invited TO mcdi-
ate nor has it sought to intervene except
TO evince its kindly disposition towards
a speedy, equitable and honorable settle
ment II is also gratifying to learn that
Japan is no longer apprchensive through
Of 10 fr1r 1fr,, Of
her privileges, but places confidence in
the uprishtness OF this government and
its purpose TO deal with all possible III
terror questions in the broadcast spirit Of
friendlincss."
MINISTERIAL MUDDLES.
The President next refers TO the dccin-
alton OF Nicaragua to rect.ve Minister
Merry. because Of the compact creating
the greater republic of Central America
He said he could not accredit Mr. Merry
to the Diet, because the appointment law
did not permit ii. Meanwhile Mr.. Baker,
the present Minister at Managua. Nicara-
qua, has been directed 10 present his let
tiers OF recall.
Mr.. w. Godfrey Hunter Is likewise sit
uated as Ia Guatemala and Honduras.
Guatemala is not member Of the Great
Republic. but Honduras is. and should
the latter decline TO receive him he will
await instructions.
NICARAGUAN CANAL.
The President makes only the brief
est reference TO the Nicaraguan canal
as subject Of large importance to our
country and increasing appreciation Gil
the part of the people. He says that
the last commission is now making its
investigations. and when he transmits
his report 10 Congress he will make fur
ther suggestions on the subject.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT.
Coming 10 the question of an interna-
tional coinage agreement the President
states that the special ENJOYS represent
ing the United States in the effort TO
secure such an agreement have been dill
gent in their efforts TO procure the CO.
operation of the European powers but
up TO this time they have not been able
to secure an agreement contemplated by
their mission. The gratifying action OF
France in joining this country in the ef
fort. is regarded as an assurance that
we are not alone among the larger ma
lions Of the world in the desire TO reach
some practical solution OF tho problem.
OF the future OF the negotiations the
President says:
"Our specia! ENJOYS have not made
between the representatives, OF this gov
eminent and the governments Of other
countries are pending and in contempla-
ton. They believe that doubts which
have been raised i'm certain quarters re
specting the positions Of maintaining the
stability of the parity between the metals
and kindred questions may yet be solved
by further negotiations. Meanwhile u
gives me satisfaction TO state that the
special ENJOYS have already demonstra-
ted their ability and fitness to deal with
the subject and ii is to be earnestly hoped
that their labors may result in en- inter
national agreement which will bring
about recognition Of both gold and silver
as money upon such terms end with such
safeguards as will secure the use of both
metals upon a basis which shall work no
injustice to any class of our citizens
RECIPROCITY.
Turning 10 the subject of reciprocity
the President says that he has appointed
John A. Kasson. of Iowa. as a special
commissioner TO undertake the negotia-
lions under the terms OF the tariff act.
He says:
1.-The negotiations are now proceeding
with several Governments, both Euro
pean and American. II is believed that
ferred by that act. some grievances Of
our own and of other countries in our
mutual trade relations. may be either
removed or largely alleviated. and that
the volume of our commercial exchanges
may b, enlarged. with advantage to both
contracting parties.
MERCHANT MARINE
Most desirable from every standpoint
OF national interest and patriotism is the
effor: to extend our foreign commerce.
To THE end Our merchant marine should
b. improved and enlarged We should DO
orr fun share of the carrying trade Of
the world. We do not do 1t now We
should be the laggard no longer. The in
feriority OF our merchant marine is justly
humiliating TO the national pride. The
Government. by every proper constitution
al means. should aid in making our ships
familiar visitors at every commercial
po~s OF the world. thus opening up new
AMI valuable markets TO tho surplus
products OF the farm and the factory"
SEAL NEGOTIATIONS.
Only brief reference is made TO the
negotis tions that have been In progress TO
secure further protection for .eal life.
The President saws that at the confer
ence held here. upon his invitation, le-
tween the delegates from Japan. krs-
sia ard the United States. II was ami
m ,usly agreed that under the Arllng
rapUl9tions. the seals were thre it-ned
with extinction. and that an internl'ioaal
agreement was necessary for their ade-
quate protection. While declining TO par
ticipate i'm this conference. Great Britain
sent expert commissioners to a subse-
IL,