The silver lance., 1897-12-10
or rrersn.ss usu1sa.


the third and fourth uectiou1 - -
revenue act, approved 1uly ~ ~, J
appointed Hon. John A. Kaaeou ~
cia1 commissioner to undertake the ~
quIslte negotiations with foreign coun-
tries desiring to avail themselves -
these provisions. The negotiations nf<
now proceeding with several govern
mcnts. 1t II believed that by careful
exercise OF the powers conferred by
that act. some Of the grievances IN our
mutual trade relations may BE- either
removed or largely aIleviated. and
that the volume Of our commercial ox-
changes may be enlarged.
Most desirable IL the Effort to extend
our foreign commerce. To this end
our merchant marine should b i'm
proved and ENLARGED. The inferior;fv.
Of our merchant marine IL Justly hu,
initiating to the national pride. The
government by every proper means
should aid In making our ships famIl-
lar visitors to every commercial port,
thus opening up new and valuable
markets to the surplus products Of the
farm and factory.
Misssllnneous.
The Efforts to secure better protec-
tion to the fur seal in Bering sea have
been pursued with earnestness. Upon
my invitation Japan and Russia sent
delegates to Washington and an inter
national conference was held wherein
1t was unanimously agreed that these
useful animals are threatened with ex-
tinction and that an international
agreement Is necessary for their nde-
quate protection.
Great Britain did not see proper to
be represented at the conference, but
subsequently sent to Washington dele
gates who met In a conference similar
to that held on the part Of the United
states. In those conferences Wna an
agreement, heretofore In dispute, which
should place beyond any controversy
the duty Of the governments concerned
for adoption and which will operate for
the preservation Of the seal herd. Ne
gotiatlons to this end are now In prog
ress.
International negotiations cannot be
omitted to the list OF subjects clnImlng
our attention. The best element Of the
civilized world Is moving toward the
settlement OF differences between ma
tions without resortinR to the horrors
OF war. Treaties embodying these hu-
name principles ON broad lines without
In any way imperiling our interests, or
our honor, shall have my constant en-
, courngement.
The startling though possibly exng-
gerated reports from the Yukon
river country Of the probable shortage
Of food for the large number OF people
who are wintering there are confirmed
In such measures as to justify the
bringing OF the matter 10 the attention
Of Congress-. Should these reports OF
suffering be further verified, every ef-
Tort, ut any cost, should be made to
carry relief. A
To prevent the invasion Of the United
States by yellow fever. and the Inn
portance OF quick discovery OF the
disease is obvious. and to this end m
investigation should be made. ! there
fore recommend that Congress author
lie the appointment OF committee by
the President to consist Of four bac-
teriologists. one to be selected from the
medical officers Of the army and one
| from the navy.
The debt OF the Kansas Pacific divis-
ion Of the Union Pacific railway to the
government. OH November LIST, was
$12, 2,020. .69O.33. The sale OF this road
originally advertised for November 4th
for the purpose OF securing the utmost
public notice, was postponed until De
cember 10th. BY the decree Of court
the upset price will yield to the govern
ment the sum Of $25W.O0O over all
prior liens, costs and charges. II no
other or better bid IL made this sum IL
all that the government will receive ON
its claim OF nearly $13,O0O,00O. The
question presented Is, therefore. wheth-
err the government will by the act of
March 3, 1897, purchase or redeem the
road In the event that bid is not
made covering the entire claim.
believe that 1t has authority to do
this, and In the absence OF amy action
by Congress shall direct the secre-
tary Of the treasury to bid Mt the sale
n sum which will at least equal the
price Of the debt due the government.
but I suggest In order to remove all
controversy that nm amendment Of the
law be passed explicitly giving such
powers.
The great increase Of the navy which
has taken place In recent years was
justified by the requirements for nn-
tional defense, and has received public
appreciation. The time has now mr.
rived, however, when this increase, to
which the country Is committed, should
for n time take the form Of increased
facilities commensurate with the in
crease OF our naval vessels.
Immediate steps should be taken to
provide three or four docks capable Of
docking our largest ships on the At.
lantic coast, ut least one on the Pacific
cnst, and a floating dock In the Gulf
There also should ample provision be
made for powder and projectiles and
other munitions Of war. and for an in.
creased number Of officers and enlisted
men. / concur with the recommends.
tions Of the secretary Of the navy fol
appropriations authorizing the con
| sfrrctfOu of one b0ffIeahfD for the Pa.
cific coast. and that several torpedo
boats be authorized.
The conditions now existing demand
material changes In the laws relating
to the Alaskan country. The great In
fiux OF population will not permit US Il
longer postpone the establishment Of 9
more thorough government, and l ear