Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-12-07

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the future. l shall take occasion to
transmit to Congress the report OF this |
commission, making at the same time, |
such further suggestions as may then
seem advisable.
INTERNATIONAL BIMETALLlSM.
Fortunately, the Commission Has Not Re- |
ported and the Matter May Be Dismissed !
Briefly.
Under the provisions of the act OF
Congress, approved March 2, 1897, for
the promotion of an international
>agreemnt respecting bi-metallism, ap-
pointed on the fourteenth day of April,
1897, Hon. Edward o. Wolcott, of Colo
RADIO, Hon. Adlai E. Stevenson, OF llll-
nois. and Hon. Charles J. Paine, of Mas
sachusetts, as special ENJOYS to repre-
sent the United States. They have
been diligent in their efforts to secure
the concurrence and cooperation 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 republic of France, in joining this
country in the attempt to bring about
an agreement among the principal COM
mercial nations 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 real
iZing the international character Of the
problem and in the desire of reaching
some wise and practical solution Of it.
The British government has published
resume of the steps taken jointly by the
French ambassador in London and the
special ENJOYS of the United States, with
sljeera, reiry o yspa ssaoor at London and the
ton of this subject TIA I'D. in the presenta-
eminent. This will be laid before Con-
gress Our special ENJOYS have not made
their final report, as further negotiations
between the representatives of this govern
ment and the covenants of other coun-
tries are pending AND in contemplation.
They believe that doubts, which have been
raised in certain quarters respecting the
position of maintaining the stability of the
parity between the metals and kindred
questions may yet be solved by further
negotiations.
Meanwhile it gives me satisfaction to
state that the special ENJOYS have already
demonstrated their ability and fitness to
deal with the subject and
1T is TO BE EARNESTLY HOPED
that their labors may result in an inter-
national agreement which will bring about
recognition of both gold and silver as
honey upon such terms and with such
safeguards as will secure the use of both
metals upon a basis which shall work no
injustice to any class of our citizens.
In order to execute as early as possible
tn provisions of the third and fourth
sections of the revenue act approved July
"A, 1897, l appointed the Hon. John A.
Kasson of Iowa, a special commissioner
plenipotentiary to undertake the requisite
negotiations with foreign countries desir-
ing to avail themselves of these provisions
The negotiations are now proceeding with
several governments. both European and
American. 1t is believed that by a. careful
exercise of the powers conferred by that
act some grievances of our own and of
other countries in our mutual trade re-
lations may be either removed. or largely
alleviated, and that the volume of our
d.
with advantage to both contracting par
ties.
THE MERCHANT MARINE.
Most desirable from every standpoint of
national interest and patriotism is the
effort to extend our foreign commerce. To
this end our merchant marine should be
improved and enlarged. We should do our
fun share of the carrying trade of the !
world. We do not do it now. We should |
be the laggard no longer. This inferiority |
of cur merchant marine is Justly huniliat- !
ing 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 FUR SEALS
The effort 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 Boring Sea-
were renewed at an early date BY this
administration, and have been pursued |
with earnestness. Upon my invitation. the
governments of Japan and Russia sent |
delegates to Washington and an interna-
tfonal conference was held during the
months of October and November last.
wherein it was unanimously agreed that
under the existing regulations this species |
of useful animals was threatened with
extinction. and that an international
agreement of all the interested powers was
necessary for their adequate protection.
The government of Great Britain did not |
see proper TO be represented at this con-
ference. but subsequently, sent to Wash
i7gton, as delegates. the expert commits
s;oners of Great Britain and Canada. who
had. during the past two years. visited the1
Fribiof Islands, and who met in confer
enee similar commissioners on the part of
the United States. The result of this corr
ference was an agreement on important
facts connected with the condition of the
seal herds heretofore in dispute. which
should place beyond controversy the duty
OF the governments TO adopt measures
without delay for the preservation and