The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-12-07
,laoa herond CONTROVERSY fine duties of


the governments concerned to adopt
measures without delay for the preserv-
ALTON and restoration of the herd. Ne
gotiations to this end are now in prog
ress, the result of which l hope to be
able to report to Congress at an early
date"
Under the head of information arbi-
tration, the President says:
International arbitration cannot be
omitted from the list of subjects claim
ing our consideration. Events have only
served to strengthen the general views
on this question expressed in my inaugu-
raj address. The best sentiment of the
civilized world is moving toward the set
tlement of differences between nations
without resorting to the horrors of war.
Treaties embodying these humane prin-
ciples on broad lines, without in any
way imperilling our interests, or our
honors, shall have constant encourage
ment."
The President refers to the unprece-
dented interest sAown by the people in
the approaching Paris Exposition. He
speaks in hattering terms of the work
accomplished by the United States .spe-
cial commission and bespeaks judi
cious and liberal appropriation for Il
creditable national exhibit.
THE NAVY.
Coming TO the subject of the Navy,
the President speaks in terms of high
praise of the excellent character of our
naval force. He regards it of great inn
portance that Congress should immediate
Iy provide for the armor for the three
battl2-Ships now under construction. He
recommends very little new construc-
ton, but says:
1.-THE great increase of the Navy which
has taken place in recent years was JUS
tilted by the requirements for national
defense, and has received public appro-
hation. The time has now arrived,
however, when this increase, to which
the country is committed, should, for a
time. take the form of increased facili-
ties 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 docking our
largest ships, and only one on the At
lantic coast, and that The latter has for
the last six or seven months been under
repair and therefore incapable of use.
Immediate steps should be taken t.
provide three or four docks of this ca
pacity on the Atlantic coast, at least one
on the Pacific coast and a floating dock
in the Gulf. This is the recommends
ton Of very competent board, appoint
ed to invest gate the subject. There
should also ample provision be made for
powder and proiectiles and other muni-
tons of war, and for an increased num-
Der of officers ana enlisted men. Some
additions are also necessary to our navy
yards. for the repair and care of our
larger number of vessels. As there are
now on the stocks five battle-ships of the
largest class which cannot be completed
for year or two, | concur with the re-
commentator of the Secretary of the
Navy for an appropriation authorizing
the construction of one battle-ship for
the Pacifce coast. where, at present,
there is OF one IL '9nnlssion aT.f one
under construction, while on the Atlantic
cosat there are three III commission and
four under construction; and also that
several torpedo boats be authorized IN
connection with our general system of
coast defense