The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1897-12-10

and of the republic of Hawaii, hav-
ing for its purpose the incorporation
of the Hawaiian Islands as an
integral part of the United States,
and under its sovereignty. The
Senate having removed the iniunc-
ton of secrecy, although the treaty
is still pending before that body,
the subject may be properly referred
to in this message because the
necessary action of the congress is
required to determine by legislation
many details of the eventual union
should the fact of annexation be
accomplished, as I believe it should
be.
If the treaty is confirmed, as every
consideration of dignity aud honor
requires, the wisdom of congress
will see to it that, avoiding abrupt
assimilation of elements perhaps
yet fit to share in the highest fran
chises of citizenship and having due
regard to the geographical condi-
tions, the most just provisions for
self rule in local matters with the
largest political liberties and an in
tegral part of orr nation will be ac-
corded to the Hawalians. No less
is due to people who, after nearly
five years OF demonstrated capacity
to fulfill the obligations of self
governing statehood, come of their
free will to merge their destinies in
our body polite.
The BimetalliSt Commission.
Under the provisions of the act
of Congress approved March 3, 1897,
for the promotion of an international
agreement respecting bimetallism,
/ appointed on the fourteenth day
of April, 1897, Hon. Edward G. Will
colt, of Colorado; Hon. Adlai E.
Stevenson, of Illinois, and Hon.
Charles j. Paine, of Massachusetts,
as special ENJOYS to represent the
United States. They have been
diligent in their efforts to secure
the concurrence and cooperation of
European countries in the inter
national settlement of the question,
but up to this time have not been
able to secure an agreement con-
templated by their mission.
| Meanwhile itgiyes me satisfac ton
to state that the special ENJOYS have
already demonstrated their ability
and fitness to deal with the subject
and it is to be earnestly hoped that
their labors may result in an inter-
national agreement which will
bring about recogn ition of both gold
and silver money upon such terms
and with such safe guards AS will
secure the use of both metals upon
basis which shall work no in
justice to any class of our citizens.
| International Arbitration.
international arbitration cannot
be omitted from the list of subjects
claiming our consideration. Events
have only served to strength en- the
general views on this question eX-
pressed in my Inaugural address.
The best sentiment of the civilized
world is moving toward the settle
ment of differences between nations
without resorting to the horrors of
war. Treaties embodying these hui
name principles on broad lines with
out in any way imperiling our in
terests or our honor shall have my
constant encouragement.
Talks OF Alaska.
The territory of Alaska requires
the prompt attention of Con-
gress. The conditions now existing
demand material changes in the
laws relating TO the territory. The
great influx of population during
the past summer and fall, and the
prospect of still larger immigra-
tior in the spring, will not permit
us 70 longer neglect the extension
of civil authority within the ter
ritory or postpone the establishment
of more thorough government.
The startling, though possibly ex-
aggerated reports from the Yokon
River country of the probable short
age of food for the large number of
people who are wintering there
without the means of leaving the
country, are confirmed in such
measure as to justify bringing the
matter to the attention of congress.
Access to that country in winter
can be had only through the passes
from Dyea and vicinity, which is a
most difficult and perhaps an inn
possible task. However, should
these reports of the suffering of our
fellow-citizens be further verified
every effort at any cost should be
made to carry them relief.