The Holly chieftain., 1897-12-10

tloE OF dignity and nonOT Teaoifes, lnt Ninioui
OF congress will see to It, thnt avoiding abrupt
assimilation OF elements perhaps hardly yet
fitted TO share in the highest franchises OF citi-
zenshtp and having due regard to the geo
graphical conditions, the most Just provisions
for self rule in local matters with the largest
political liberties as an intezrai part OF our ma
tion will be accorded 10 the Hawnli1ns Mole
is due to a people who after nearly i've years
OF demonstrated capacity TO fuihu the obliga-
tions OF self governing statehood come OF their
free will 10 merge their destlniss in our body
polite
The Nicaragua Canal
A subjec, OF large Importance to our country
and an increasing appreciation on the part OF
the people is the completion OF the great high
way of trade betwe N the Atlantic and Pncifc
known as the NicaraguGn canal Its utility
and value TO American commerce is universally
admitted ,The commission appointed under
date of July "a last ITO continue the surveys
and examinations authorized by the acts APP
proved March =. 1884 " in regard ito the proper
route. feasibility and cost Of construction OF
the Nicaragua easSl with view OF making
complete plans, entire work OF construction OF
such canal" is now employed in ih undertake
Ing. In the future shall take occasion TO
transmit to congress the report OF this commis-
sion. making at the same time sach further
suggestions as may then seem advisable
Bimetaiii.m.
Under the provisions OF the ac: OF congress
AppIpFeI MATCH q, 1877. lOr tIs
International agreement respecting blmetal-
liSrn, appointed on the iith day OF April. 1897.
Hon Edward o. Walcott 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 dIIgent in their efforts 10 secure the
concurrence and co-operation Of European
countries in the international settlement Of the
question but up TO this time have not been able
TO secure an agreement contemplated by their
mission. The gratifying action OF our great
sister repubiicof France in Joining this country
in the attempt to bring about agree
ment between the principal commercial
nations of Europe whereby u 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
ceglizing the International character of the
problem and In the desire OF reaching some
wise and practical solution OF 1t The British
government has published resume OF the
steps taken Jointly by this French ambassador
In London and the special ENJOYS OF the
United States with whom our ambassador ut
London actively co-opcrated In the presenta-
tlon OF this subject to her maiesty's govern
ment This VIII be laid before congress Our
special enyoys have not made their final re-
port as further negotiations between the rep
rescntatiycs u this government and the gov
.rnments OF other countries pending and In
contemplation. They believe that doubts
which have been raised in certain quarters re-
speGtlng the possibility OF mainraing the stabil-
lty Of the parity between the metals and kin
lrcd questions may yet be solved by further
aegotiations-
Meanwhile 1t gives me satisfaction TO state
thnt the special ENJOYS have already demon
giratcd their ability and fitness to deal with
the subject. and 1t Is TO be earnestly hoped that
their labors may result In international
Agreement which will bring about recognition
1f both gold and silver us money upon such
terms and with such safeguards as will secure
the use OF both metals upon basis which shall
work no injustice 10 any class OF our citizens
Our Foreign Commerce.
In order TO execute as early as possible the
provisions OF the third and fourth sections OF
the revenue act approved July - 1927, ap-
pointed Hon John A Kasson. OF Iowa, u spe-
uial eommi issioner plenipotentiary 10 under
take the requisite negotiations with foreign
countries desiring to avail themselves OF these
provisions The negotiations now pro-
eeeding with several governments. both Euro
peln and American II is believed that by
careful exercise OF the powers conferred
by that act some grievances OF our own and
OF other countries In our mutual trade rela-
tons may be either removed or largely alle-
waited. and that the volume of our commercial
exchanges may be enlarged, with advantages
to both contracting parties Most desirable
from every standpoint Of national interests and
patriotism is the effort TO extend our foreign
should be improved and enlarged We should
do our full share OF the carrying trade OF the
world We do not do II now. We should be
he luggard no longer. The inferiority 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.
International Arbitration.
International arbitration cannot be omitted
from the list of subjects claiming our consider
alton Events have only served to strengthen
the general views on this question expressed In
my inaugural address The best sentiment OF
the civilized world is moving toward the settle
me.lt of differences between nations without re-
sorting to the horrors of war. Treaties embody
ing these humane principles broad lines
without in any way imperilng our interests or
our honor shall have my constant encourage
ment
Our Navv.
The presen, immediate effective forces OF the
navy consists OF four ba,ileships OF the first
class, two Of the second and As other We ,sels.
ranging from armored cruisers to torpedo boats
There are under construction i've battleshps
OF the first class 10 torpedo boats and one sub
marine boat No provision has yet been made
for the armor OF three OF the battleships as 1t
has been impossible to obtain II at the price
fixed by congress 1t is OF grea, importance
that congress provide this armor. as until then
the ships are OF no fighting value The pres
ent naval force. especially In view OF its
increase by ships now under construction.
while not US large rs that OF few other pow
crs. is formidable 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 10 keeping IL
In 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 re-
quirements for national defense and has re-
celyed public appreciation The time has
now arrived. however. when this increase.
to which the country is committed. should for
time take the form Of Increased facilities.
commensurate with the increase Of our naval
vessels. It is an unfortunate fact that there
is only one dock on 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 or seven months been under repair
and therefore incapable of use Immediate
steps should be taken 10 provide three or four
docks of this capacity on the Atlantic coast, at
least one on tho Pacific coast, md floating
dock on the gulf This is the Recommendation
of a very competent board appointed to investi-
gate the subject
There should also be ample provision for
powder and projectiles and munitions Of war
md for an increased number of oficers and en-
listed men. Some additions are also necessary
to our navy yards for the repair and care OF
our large number Of vessels As there are now
on the stocks i've battleshipS of the largest
class. which cannot be completed for year
two. concur with the Recommendation OF the
secretary OF the navy for an appropriation
authorizing the construction of one batteship
for the Pacific coast where. OF present, there
is only one under commission and one under
construction while on the Atlantic coast there
are three under commission and four under