The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-12-11
RECIPROCITY NEGOTIATIONS
Negotiations Pending With FOREIGN
Countries

In order to execute as early as possible
the provisions of the third aHd fourth see
tlonS OF the revenue act approved July o.
1897 | appointed John 4. k4ssou of Iowa
a special commissioner pl"aiu.sis sntiLry Il
undertake the requisite negotiations with
foreign countries desiring to avail them
selves Of these provisions. The uegotia-
uons are now proceeding with several gov
ernments. both European and american.
1t is believed that hv a careful exercise
OF the powers conferred by that act some
grievances of our own and If other coun-
tries IN our mutual trade relations may be
either removed or largely aleviated and
that the volume Of our commercial ,x-
changes may be enlarged. with advantage
10 both contracting parties.
Most desirable from every STANDPOINT O,
national interest and patriotism ie the ef-
fort to extend our foreign commerce. To
this end our merchant marine should be I'M
proved and enlarged. We should do our full
share of the carrying trade OF the world
We do not do it now. We should be the
laggard no longer. The inferiCrity Of our
merchant marine is justly humiliating TO
the national 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 markets to
the surplus products Of the farm and the
factory
The efforts which had been made during
the two previous years by my predecessor
to secure better protection To the fur
seals in the North Pacific ocean and Ber-
ing sea, were renewed at an early date by
this administrator and have been pursued
with earneStneSS.
Upon my invitation the governments OF
Japan and Russia sent delegates to Wash
ington and an international conference
was held during the months of October
and November last, wherein il was unan-
moUsly agreed that under the existing
regulations this species of useful animals
was threatened with extinction and that
an international agreement of all the in
tercSted powers was necessary for their
adequate protection. The government cf
Of Great Britain did not see proper to be
represented at this conference. but subse-
Quently sent 10 Washington. as delegates,
the expert commissioners Of Great Britain
and Canada. VINO had during the past two
years visited the PribyIof islands and who
met in conference similar commissioners
on the part Of the United States. The re
suit of this conference was an agreement
on important faCts connected with the
condition Of the seal herd, heretofore in
dispute, which should place beyond con
troversy the duty of the governments CON
CCrned to adopt measures without DELAY
for the preservation and restoration of the
herd. Negotiations to this end are now
in progress, the result of which | hope
to he able To report tn congress at an
carly day International arbitration can
not be omitted from the list of subjects
claiming our consideration. Events have
only served to strengthen the general
views on tins question expressed in my
inaugural address. The best sentiment of
the civilized world is moving toward the
settlement of differences between nations
without resorting TO the horrors of war
Treaties embOdying these humane princi-
pies on broad lines without in any way
imperiling our interests or our honor
shall have my constant encouragement