Evening journal., 1897-12-07

efforts to secure the concurrence and
cooperation Of European countries in
the International settlement of the ques-
tion. but up to this time have not been
able to secure an agreement contem-
plated by their mission. The gratifying
action of our great sister republic OF
France in joining this country in an at
tempt to bring about an agreement
among the principal commercial ma
tions Of Europe whereby fixed and
relative value between gold and silver
shall be secured furnishes assurance
that we are not alone among the larger
nations of the world in realizing the in
ternational character of the problem
and in the desire of reaching some wise
and practical solution of it. Our
special ENJOYS have not made their
final report, as further negotiations be-
tween the representatives of this gov
ernment and the governments of other
countries are pending and in contem-
plation.
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
Most desirable from every standpoint
of national interest and patriotisni Is
the effort to extend our foreign COM
merce To this end our merchant ma
rine should be improved and enlarged.
We should do our full share Of the car
rying trade of the world. We do not do
it now. We should be the laggard no
longer. The inferiority Of our merchant
marine is Justly humiliating TO the ma
tional pride 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 and valuable mar
lxets TO the surplus products of the farm
and the factory. @%e
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 in
augural address. The best sentiment OF
the civilized world is moving toward the
settlement of differences between ma
tions without resorting to the horrors of
war. Treaties embodying these humane
principles of broad lines without In any
way imperiling our interests or our
honor shall have my constant enoour-
agement "'"
THE NAVY.
The present Immediately effective
force Of the navy consists Of 4 battle
ships of the first class, of the second
and as other vessels ranging from arr
mored cruisers to torpedo boats. There
a are under construction battleships of
the first class. 16 torpedo boats and
submarine boat No provision has yet
been made for the armor of three of the
five battleships. as it has been impos-
sible to obtain it at the price fixed by
congress. 1t is of great Importance that
congress provide this armor as until
then the ships are of no fighting value.
The present naval force. especially in
view Of its increase by the ships now
under construction. while not as large
as that of a few other powers, is for
! midable force. its vessels are the very
best Of each type, and with the increase
that should be made to it from time to
time in the future and careful attention
to keeping il in a high state of efii-
, cheney and repair it is well adapted to
the necessities Of the country. """
GOVERNMENT OF ALASKA.
, The territory of Alaska requires the
e prompt and early attention of congress.
L. The conditions now existing demand
i material changes in the laws relating
to the territory. The great influx OF
4 population during the past summer and
fall and the prospect of a still larger
a immigration in the spring will not per-
init US to longer neglect the extension
o of civil authority within the territory
[ or postpone the establishment Of more
e thorough government.
o 1 concur with the secretary of war in
d his suggestions as to the necessity for
a military force in the territory Of
Alaska for the protection of persons
h and property.
- THE PACIFIC RAILROADS.
e The Union Pacific railway, main line.
s was sold under the decree of the United
g States court for the district of Ne
e braska on Nov. 1 and of this year.
II The amount due the government con-
: sisted of the principal of the subsidy
e bonds. $27, ,2S6512 and the accrued in
e terest thereon, $31. 211. 711.75, making the
y total Indebtedness S5S 44S223.75. The
d bid at the sale covered the first mort
s. gage lien and the entire mortgage claim
d of the government principal and inter-
est.
ie The sale Of the subsidized portion OF
Is the Kansas Pacific line, upon which tha
government holds a second mortgage
y lien, has been postponed at the instances
p Of the government to Dec l6 1897. Tha
se debt of this division Of the Union Pa
N cific railway to the government on Nov
to /, 1897 was the principal Of the subsidy
l. bonds, S6,303, 900, and the unpaid and ac-
le crued interest thereon, Sc GIG, ,690.S3, max
st ing a total of 1929 690S3.
RS The sale of this road was originally
N advertised for Nov. 4, but for the pur-
C. pose of securing the utmost public no.
is tice of the event it was postponed until
re Dec. 16. and second advertisement OF
l. the sale was made. BY the decree OF
lg the court the upset price on the sale OF
to the Kansas Pacific will yield to the
government the sum of S250O,OO0 ovei
e. all prior liens, costs and charges II
Of no other or better bid is made this sun
rs is all the government will receive on its
ne claim of nearly S13,OOO,OOO. The govern
., ment has no information as to whether
e. there will be other bidders or a better
bid than the minimum amount hereir
stated The question presented, there
NJ fore is, Whether the government shall
m under the authority given it by the ac
m of March g. 1887. purchase or redeem
an the road in the event that bid is no
no made by private parties covering the
10 entire government claim. To qualify
Iv the government to bid at the sale viii
ID require a deposit Of 100000. .
ne The lien on the Kansas Pacific prioi