The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-07
ducts Of the farm and factory.

The eifOlits which had been MADE our
ing the two previous years by my pre-
decess1r to secure better protection TO
the seals of the North Pacific ocean and
IN Behrlng, sea were renewed ait an early
date by This administration and have
been pursued with earnesltness. Upon
my invitation the governments of Japan
and Russia sent delegates to Washing
ton and an International conference was
held at Washington during the months of
October and November last, whereby 1t
was agreed that under the existing regu-
lations this species of useful animals
were threatened with determination and
stringent measures were nece ssary for
their protection. The government of
Grsat Britain did not see proper to be
represented at this conference, bur subse-
quenitdy sent Ito Washington as delegates
the expert commissioners of Great Brit
ain and Canada, who had during the past
two years visited the Prsbylof islands and
who melt in conference similar commits
sioners on the paru of the United States.
Ths, result of this conference was an
agreement on important facts concerning
the condition of seal herds heretofore I'm
doubt which should place beyond contrc-
versy the duty of both gov:rnments to
adopt measure without delay for the pro-
lection and preservation of the herds.
Negotiations ito this end are now in pro-
gress, THE result of which I hope to be
able to communicate to congress at an
early date.
International Arbitration
International arbitration must not be
omitted from the list of subjects COM
I,o
only served to strengthen the views inn
pressed in the address delivered on my
Inauguration. Treaties covering this HUI
name purpose on broad lines without
in any way importing our interests or
our honor shall have my constant en-
couragement.
The Paris Exposition
The acceptance by this government Of
the invitation of France to participate
in the universal exposition of 1900 was
immediately followed by th= appoin ment
of special commissioner Ito represent
the United States in The proposed expo
stltion with spscial reference to a suffi-
Gent amount ef space for a suitable ex-
Inhibition by the United States. The spe-
cial commissioner delayed his departure
for Pants long enough to ascertain the
probable requirements for space by ex-
hiIbtors of the United States. His Efforts
have shown an almost unprece6Isnt ID
interest," in the exhibition by business
men of the United States and infclrma-
ton thus obtained enabled him to Sc
cure larger allotment of space than had
been reserved by the exposition authorf-
ties. The result was especially crafty
ing in view of the fact that the United
States was one of the last countries to-
accept the invitation of France.
The Reception accorded our special
commissioner was most cordial and he
was given every assurance that the
linked States would receive considera-
ton suitable in proportion to our ex-
hibit. The Importance and magnitude
of the coming exhibition and the great
demand for4space for exhibits, supplies
new arguments for liberal ami Judicial
appropria tfon by congress to the end
thag a proper representation of the re-
sources and products of our country
should be made i'm an exposition that
will exhibit the worlds progress in the
10Th century. That exposition is the
most interesting and conspicuous of The
long series of international exhibitions,
liant example and 1T is desirable that
the United States should make worthy
exhibit of American goods and skill and
heir unrivalled achievements in every
branch of industry.
Condition of the Navy
The present year shows the construc-
ton of two battleships of the first-crass
two second and four other vessels rang
ing from the armored cruisers to the tor
pedo boats. There are under cons rue
ton five battleships of the first-class,
sixteen torpedo boats and one subma-
rine boat. No provision has yet been
made for the armor of five of the new
battleshlps, as it is impossible to OBJ
ta1n it 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. The pres
emit naval force, especially in view of
its increase by ships now under con-
struction, while not as large as that of a
few q her powers. is formidable force,
its vessels are the very best of each
type and with the additions that should
be made to 1T from time to time, in the
future, and careful consideration 10
keep it in high state of efficiency and
repair, it is we'll adapted Ito the neces-
stiles of the country.
The great increase in the navy which
las taken place. in the last few years
was called foat n by the national demand
for defence. Time has come when this
increase, to which the country is en-
titled for some thine to come should
take the form of increased facilities
commensurate with the increase of our
naval vessels. 1t is an unfortunate fadt
that there is only one dock on the Pa
cific coast capable of docking our large
ships, and only one on the Atlantic coast
and that the latter has for he 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 capacity on the At
lantic coas., at least one on the Pacific
coast and floating dock on the gulf.
This is the recommendation of a very
competent board appointed to investi-
gate the subject ThsTe also should be