Daily capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1896-1899, 1897-12-07

trade relations may be either removed
or largely alieviated and that he vol
ume Of our commercial exchanges may
be enlarged with advantages 70 both
contracting parties.
Most desirable from every stand
point of national interests ard patri-
otism Is the effort to extend our foreign
commerce. To this end cur merchant
marine should be improved and en-
larged. We should do our full share
Of the carrying trade Of the world We
do not do IL now. We should not be
laggard longer. The inferiority Of our
merchant marine Is justly humiliating
60 the national rride. The government
by every proper constitutional means
should aid in making our ships familiar
| visitors at every commercial port OF
the world. thus opening up new end
valuable markets to the surplus pro-
ducts of the farm and factory.
"The efforts which have been made
during the two previous by my prede-
cessor TO secure better protection TO the
fur seals in the North Pacific ocelu and
Behring sea were renewed at an carly
date by this administration and have
been pursued with earnestness. Upon
my invitation the governments of
Russia and Japan sent delegates to
Washington and an international con-
ference was held during the months Of
October and November last, wherein it
was unanimously agreed that under the
existing regulations the species of use
full animals was threatened with eX-
| .inction and that an International
! grsement of all interested powers was
ecessary for their adequate protection.
"The government of Great Britain did
! not see proper to be represented at this
conference, but subsequently sent to
| Washington as delegI:es the expert
commissioners of Great Britain and
| Canada, who had during the past two
years visited the Pribyloff Islands and
who mst in conference similar commits
sioners on the part of the United States.
! The result of thi1 conference was an
agreement on the important facts con-
lected with the condition of the seal
herd heretofore In dispute which should
place beyond controversy the duty of
! the governments concerned to adopt
measures without delay for the preser-
walton and restoration of the herd. Ne
| gotiations to this end are now in pro-
gress the result of which 1 hope 10 be
able to report to congress at an early
Gay.
|
omitted from the list of subjects claim
ing our consideration. Events have re-
Gently served to strengthen the general
views on this question expressend in my
| inaugural address. The best sentiment
| of the civilized world Is moving toward
| the settlement of differences between
| the nations without reSorting 20 the
| horrors of war. Treaties embodying
| these humane principles on broad lines
| without any way imperiling our inter-
estS or our honor shall have my con-
| slant 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 immedi-
ately followed by the appointment of a
| special commissioner 20 represent the
United States in the proposed exposl-
tion with special reference TO the Sc
curing of space of an adequate exhi-
bition on behalf of the United States.
THE special commissioner delayed
his departure for Paris long enough to
ascertain the probable demand for space
| by American exhibitors. His in
quiries developed an almost unprece-
dented interest in the proposed expo
sition and the information thus secured
for "a much larger allotment of space
for the American section than had been
reserved by the exposition authorities.
The result was particularly gratifying
in view of the fact that the United
States was one Of the last countries
to accept the invitation of France.
'The reception accorded our special
commissioner was most cordial, and he
was given every reasonable assurance
that the United States would receive
consideration commensurate with the
proportions of our exhibit.
The report of the special commits
sioner ais to the magnitude of the COM
ing exposition and the demand for space
for American exhibits supplies new ar
guments for a liberal and judicious ap-
preparation by congress to the end that
an exhibit fairly representative of the
industries and resources of our country
may be made in an exposition which
will Illustrate the worlds progress dur
ing the 18th century. The exposition Is
intended to be the most important ard
comprehensive of the long series of in
ternauonal exhibitions of which our own
at Chicago was brilliant example, and
1t is desirable that the United States
should make worthy exhibit of Ameri-
III 6SilluS anu skill THEIR uDIlNdllSu
Movements in every branch of indus
y.
The present and immediate effective
force OF the navy consists of four
battle-ships of the first class; two sec
ond and forty-eight other vessels,
ranging from armored cruisers to tor
pado boats. There are under construc-
ton five battle-ships of the first class,
sixteen torpedo boats and one subma-
rine boat. No provision has yet been
made for the armor of three of the five
battle-ships as it has been impossible
obtain it at the price fixed by con-
gress. 1t Is of great Importance that
congress provide this armor, as until
then the ships are of no fighting value.
The present force, especially in view of
its increase by ships now under con-
struction, while not as large as that of
a fen other powers, Is a formidable
force, it's vessels are the very best Of
each type; and with the increase that
should be made to 1t from time to time
in the future and careful attention to
keeping 1t in a high state of efficiency
and repair, 1t Is well adapted to the
necessities Of the country.
The great increase of the navy which
has taken place in recent years was
Justified by the requirements of the
naval defense and has received public
appreciation. The time has now arrived,
however, when this increase to which
the country committed should for
time take the form Of increased facil-
tiles commensurate with the increase
of our naval vessels. 1t Is an unfor-
Il nate fact that there is only one dock
Oh the Pacific coast capable Of docking
our largest ships and only one on the
Atlantic coast. and that the latter has
for the last six of seven months been
under repair and therefore Incapable of
use. Immediate steps should be taken
70 provide three or four docks of this
capacity on the Atlantic coast, at least
one on the Pacific coast, and a float
ing dock on the gulf. This is the rec
cmmendation Of a very competent board
appointed 10 investigate the subject.