Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-07

beyond controversy the duty Of the go'
ernments concerned TO adopt measure
without delay for the preservation an
restoration OF the herd. Negotiations !
this end are now In progress, the rcsul
OF which l hope TO be able to report I
Congress at an early day"
! INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.
| Under the head OF international arbi
tration. the President says:
| international arbitration cannot b'
omitted from the list of subjects claiming
our consideration. Events have only
served TO strengthen the general views
on this question, expressed in my inau-
gural address. The best sentiment Of the
| civilized world is moving toward the set
Element OF differences between nations
without resorting to the horrors OF war
Treaties embodying these humane prin-
ciples on broad lines. without in any way
imperilling our interests or our honor,
shall have my constant encouragement"
PARIS EXPOSITION.
The President refers to the unprece-
dented interest shown by the people In
the approaching Paris Exposition. He
speaks in fattering terms of the work
accomplished by the United States spe-
cial commission, and bespeaks a judicious
and liberal appropriation for creditable
national exhibition.
THE NAVY.
On the subject of the navy, the Presi-
dent speaks in high praise Of the excel
lent character of our naval force. He re-
CARDS IL as Of great Importance that Con-
gress should Immediately provide for the
armor for the three battleships now I'M
der construction. He recommends very
little new construction, but says:
THE great increase Of the navy which
has taken place in recent years was JUS
tilted by the requirements for national
defence. and has received public approba-
ton. The time has now arrived, however,
when this increase, to which the country
Is committed, should, for time, take
the form of increased facilities common
surate with the increase OF our naval yes
sells. 1t is a fact 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
to provide three or four docks of this
on the Atlantic coast, at least
one on the Pacific coast, and a floating
dock in the Gulf.
ihio ~ ~ Recommendation OF very
competent board, appointed to invesu-
,ate this subject. The board recon-
nends also that ample provision be made
or powder. projectiles, and other NUM- |
ions Of war, and for an increased num- /
Ter Of officers and enlisted men
Some additions are necessary to our /
lavy-yards for the repair and care of /
ur larger number of vessels. AS there .
re now on the stocks five battleships
t the largest class which cannot be
ompleted for a year or two, | concur
Nth the recommendation Of the Secre-
airy OF the Navy for an appropriation
uthorizing the construction of one bat
eship for the Pacific coast, where. at
resent, there is only one i'm commission
nd one under construction, while on the
tlantic coast there are three in commits
on and four under construction. and
lso that several torpedo-boats be au-
lorized, in connection with our general
yStem of coast defence"