The silver star., 1897-12-09
our Merchant Marine.

| AZ VI us-r ~ eAcSuIe the pFOVlslOuB VI
the third and fourth sections Of the
revenue act, approved July "a, 1897,
appointed Hon. John A. Kasson q spe-
cial commissioner to undertake the re-
quisite negotiations with foreign coln-
tries desiring to avail themselves of
these provisions. The negotiations are
now proceeding with several govern
ments. 1t is believed that by careful
exercise of the powers conferred by
that act. some of the grievances in our
mutual trade relations may be either
removed or largely alleviated, and
tnat the volume of our commercial ex.
changes may be enlarged.
Most desirable is the effort to extend
our foreign commerce. To this end
our merchant marine should be i'm.
proved and enlarged. The inferiority
OF our merchant marine is justly hu.
initiating to the national pride. The
government by every proper means
should aid In making our ships famll.
iar VISITORS to every commercial port,
thus opening up new and valuable.
markets to the surplus products of the
farm and factory.
Miscellaneous.
The efforts to secure better protec.
ton to the fur seal in Bering sea have
Deen pursued with earnestness. Upon
| my invitation Japan and Russia sent
delegates to Washington and nm inter.
national conference was held wherein
1t was unanimously agreed thdt these
useful animals are threatened with ex-
tlnctlon and that an international
agreement Is necessary for their ade-
quate protection.
Great Britain did not see proper to
be represented at the conference. but
subsequently sent to Washington dele
gates VINO met In conference similar
10 that held on the part of the United
states. In those conferences was an
agreement, heretofore in dispute, which
should place beyond any controversy
the duty of the governments concerned
Tor adoption and which will operate for
the preservation of the seal herd. Ne
EQUATIONS to this end are now in prog
| ress.
International negotiations cannot be
| omitted to the list of subjects claiming
! our attention. The best element of the
civilized world is moving toward the
settlement of differences between ma
tions without resorting to the horrors
OF war. Treaties embodying these hu-
name principles on broad lines without
In any way imperiling our interests, or
our honor. shall have my constant en-
cOuragement
The startling though possibly exag-
gerated reports from the Yukon
river country of the probable shortage
OIL FOOD for the large number of peOple
VINO are wintering there are confirmed
In such measures as to Justify the
bringing of the matter to the attention
OIL Congress. Should these reports of
sulfering be further verified, every eff
Tort, at any cost, should be made to
carry relief.
To prevent the invasion of the United
states by yellow fever, and the i'm
portance of n quick discovery of the
disease is obvious. and to this end an
investigation should be made. there
fore recommend that Congress author
lZe the appointment of a committee by
the PRESIDENT to consist of four bac-
teri0logists. one TO be selected from the
medical officers of the army and one
from the navy.
The debt of the Kansas Pacific divis-
lon Of the Union Pacific railway to the
government. OH November 1st, was
$12,9ss.69O.33. The sale of this road
originally advertised for November 18th
for the purpose of securing the utmost
pubic notice, was postponed until De-
cember 10th. BY the decree of court
the upset price will yield to the govern
ment the sum of $2.5OOOOO over all
prior liens, costs and charges. If no
other or better bid is made this sum Is
all that the government will receive on
Its claim of nearly $13,00O0OO. The
question presented Is. therefore, wheth-
er the government will by the act of
March 3, 1897, purchase or redeem the
road in the event that n bid is not
made covering the entire claim.
l believe that 1t has authority to do
this. and in the absence of any action
by Congress l shall direct the secre-
tary of the treasury to bid at the sale
Il sum which will ut least equal the
price of the debt due the government,
but suggest In order TO remove all
controversy that nn amendment of the
law be passed explicitly giving such
powers.
The great Increase of the navy which
has taken place In recent years was
justified by the requirements for ma
tiOnal defense. and has received public
appreciation. The time has now mr.
rived. however. when this Increase. to
which the country Is committed, should
for time take the form of Increased
facilities commensurate with the In
crease OF our naval vessels.
Immediate steps should be taken to
provide three or four docks capable Of
docking our largest ships on the At
lnntic const. mt least one on the Pacific
coast. and floating dock In the Gulf
There also should ample provision he
made for powder and projcctiles and
other munitions OF war; and for nm in
crcnsed number of officers ana enlisted
mon. i concur with the rcc0mmenda-
tions of the secretary of the navy for
appropriations authorizing the con-
struction OF one bnttlcship for the Pa
cific coast. and that several torpedo
b0ats be authorized.
The conditions now existing demand
material changes In the laws relating
to the Alaskan country. The grcnt In
fiux OF population will not permit us to
longer postpone the establishment OF
more thorough government. and ear.
ncstly urge upon Congress tho estnb-
Iishment OF system OF government
with such ficxlbillty as will enable II
to adjust itself to the future areas OF