The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-12-09


the promotion of an international
agreement respecting bimetallism, I
appointed on the 1ith day of April,
1897 Hon. Edward o. Wolcott, of Colo
rado; Hon. Adlai f. Stevenson of I'LL
nois and Hon. Charles J. Paine, of
Massachusetts, as special ENJOYS to
represent the United states. They
have been diligent In their efforts to
secure the concurrence and co-opera-
ton of European countries In the in
ternational settlement of the question,
but up to this time have not been able
to secure an agreement contemplated
by their mission.
our special ENJOYS have not made
their final report, as further negotia-
tions between the representatives of
this Government and the governments
Of other countries are pending and In
contemplation. They believe that
doubts which have been raised in GER
tain quarters respecting the position of
maintaining stability of the parity be-
tween the metals and kindred ques-
tions may yet be solved by further ne
gotiations.
Meanwhile II gives me satisfaction to
state that the special ENJOYS have al
ready demonstrated their ability and
fitness to deal with the subject and IL
is to be earnestly hoped that their la
bors may result In an international
agreement which will bring about rec
ognition OF both gold and silver as
money upon such terms and with such
safeguards as will secure the use OF
both metals upon basis which shall
work no injustice to any class of our
citizens.
international Arbitration.
International arbitration cannot be
omitted from the list of subjects claim
ing our consideration. Events have
only served to strengthen the general
views on this question expressed in my
Inauguration address. The best senti-
ment OF the civilized world 10 moving
towards the settlement Of differences
between nations without resortng to
the horrors of war. Treaties embody.
ing these humane principles on broad
lines without in any way imperiling
our interests or our honor shall have
my constant encouragement.
The Navy.
The present Immediately effective
force OF the navy consists of four bat
tleships Of the first class, two OF the
second and forty-eight other vessels.
ranging from armored cruisers to tor
ton Ave battleships Of the first class.
sixteen torpedo boats and one SUBJ
marine boat. No provision has yet
been made for the armor Of three OF
the five battleships. as 1t has been inn
possible to obtain II at the price fixed
by Congress. 1t Is Of great importance
that Congress provide this armor. as
until then the ships are Of no fighting
value.
AS there are now on the stocks five
battleships Of the largest class, which
cannot be completed for a year or two.
concur with the recommendation OF
the Secretary of the Navy for an ap-
preparation authorizing the construc-
tion of one battleship for the Pacific
coast, where, at present. there Is only
one In commission and one under con-
struction, while on the Atlantic coast
there are three under commission and
four under construction. and also that
several torpedo boats be authorized in
con- ION with our general system Of
coas. iefense.
The Alaskan Situation.
The territory Of Alaska requires the
prompt and early attention OF Con-
gress. The conditions now existing de-
mand material changes In the laws re-
idtlS " tHc ihC b'Sos 'h
hux Of population during the past
Summer and Fall and the prospect Of
a still larger immigration in the Spring
will not permit us longer to neglect the
extension Of civil authority within the
territory, or postpone the establishment
of a more thorough government.
The startling though possibly exag-
gerated reports from the Yukon River
country of the probable shortage OF
food for the large number of people
who are Wintering there without the
means of leaving the country, are con-
frmed in such measure as to JUSTIFY
bringing the matter to the attention OF
, Congress. Access to that country In
3 Winter can be had only by the passes
from Dyea and vicinity, which Is q
most difficult and perhaps an impossi-
BILE task. However, should these reports
OF the suffering Of our fellow citizens
be further verified every effort at any
cost should re made to carry them re.
lief.
Pacific Railways.
The Union Pacific Railway, main line
was sold under the decree of the United
States Court for the District of Ne
braska on Nov. and of this year
The amount due the Government con
sisted OF tHe pTlHclpdl VI the supSiuJ
n bonds, $27, ,23S,5l2, and the accrued in
= terest thereon. $31,zl1, ,7l1.75, making thu
= total Indebtedness s5s, 44S, ,223.75. Th'
= bid at the sale covered the first mort
gage len and the entire mortgage CLAIM
! of the Government. principal and in
: terest
Government Economy.
The estimates OF the expenses Of tn,
Government by the several depart
y ments will. am sure, have your care
: full scrutiny. While the Congress ma!
II not find it an easy task to reduce tn
: expenses of the Government, it should
I not encourage their increase. Thes
: expenses will, in my Judgment, admi
o of decrease i'm many """ inches of tn
D. Government without irs.uF to the pub
o Tic service. 1t is cor,>,sndlng duty t
= keep the appropriation .f.thin the re
u ,epts of the Government, and thu
: avoid a deficit.
70 (Sisned)
l. WILLIAM MKINLEY.