The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-07
InternationnI Arbitration.

result Of which I hope 70 be able to re-
/ port 70 congress at an early day.
international Arbitration.
/ International arbitration cannot be omit
/ ted from the list of subject claiming our
attention. Events have only served 10
3 strengthen the general views on this ques-
( ton expressed in my inaugural address
The best sentiment Of the civilized world
is moving toward the settlement OF dit
! ferences between nations without resort
ing TO the horrors of war. Treaties EN-
bodying these humane principles on broad
lines without IN any way imperilng our
interests or our honor shall have my con-
slant encouragement.
Paris Exposition.
The acceptance by this government of
the invitation of the republic OF France
TO participate in The universal exposition
OF 1919 a Paris was Immediately follower
10y the appointment of a special commits
sioner to represent The United States in
the proposed exposition with special refer
ence 10 the securing of space for an ade-
quate exhibition on behalf of the United
States.
The special commissioner delayed his de-
parture for Paris long cough TO ascertain
the probable demand for space by Amen
can exhibitors. His Inquiries developed
an almost unprecedented interest in the
proposed exposition and the information
thus acquired enabled him to justify an
application for a much larger allotment OF
space for the American section than had
been reserved by the exposition authori-
ties. The result was particularly 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 COM
missioner was most cordial and he was
given every reasonable assurance that
the United States would receive consid-
Grafton commensurate with the proper
tons of our exhibit. The report of the
special commissioner as to The magnitude
and Importance Of the coming exposition.
and the great demand for space for Amer
lean exhibits, supplies new arguments for
a liberal and judicious approportion by
congress that an exhibit fairly represen-
tative of the industries and resources of
our country, may be made in an exposi-
ton which will illustrate the worlds pro-
gress during the nineteenth century. That
exposition is intended TO be the most i'm
pOrtant, and comprehensive of the long
series Of international exhibitions of which
our own at Chicago was a brilliant exam
pie. and it is desirable that the United
States should make a worthy exhibit of
American genius and skill and their I'M
rivalled achievements in every branch of
industry.
The Navy.
The present immediate effective force of
the navy consists of four battleships of the
first-class, two of the second and forty
eight other vessels, ranging from armored
cruisers to torpedo boats. There are I'M
der construction five battleships of the
first class, sixteen torpedo boats and one
submarine boat. No provision has yet
been made for the armor of three of the
five battleshps, as il has been impossible
to obtain it at the price fixed by congress.
IL is Of great importance that congress
provide this armor as until then the ships
are of no fighting value.
The present naval force especially an
view of its increase by ships now under
construction, while not as large as that of
a few other powers, Is a formidable force
its vessels are the very best of each tyne;
and, with the increase that should be made
TO 1t from time to time in the future and
careful attention to keeping it in a high
state of efficiency and repair it is well
adapted to the necessities of the country.
Inc great increase of the navy which
mas taken place in recent years was JUS
titled by the requirements for national de-
tense, and has received public appreciation.
The time has now arrived, however, when
this Increase to which the country is com
mitted should for a time take The form of
Increased facilities commensurate with tbs.
increase OF our naval vessels. 1t is an I'M
fortunate fact that 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 months been under repair and there
1ore incapable of use. Immediate steps
should be taken to provide three or four
DOCKS of this capacity on the Atlantic
coast at least. one on the Pacific coast
and floating dock on the Gulf. This is
the recommendation of a very competent
board appointed to investigate the subject.
Ihere also should be ample provision
made for powder and projecti.es and
other munitions of war and for an in
creased number of officers and enlisted
men. Some additions are also necessary
to our navy yards for the care of our
larger number of vessels As there are
now on the stocks FIVE battleships of the
largest class, which cannot be completed
Tor year or so, | concur with the recon-
mendation of the Secretary of the Navy
for an appropriation authorizing the con-
struction of one battleshp for the Pacific
coast, where there is only one in commits
sion and one under construction while
on the Atlantic coast there are three in
commission and four under construction.
and also that several torpedo boats be
authorized in connection with our sys-
tenn of coast defense
Territory of Alaska.
prompt and early attention of congress.
The conditions now existing demands ma
terial changes in the laws relating to the
territory. The great influx of popula ton
during the past summer and fan and the
prospect of a still larger immigration in
the spring will not permit us to longer
neglect the extension of civil authority
within the territory, or postpone the es-
adjustment of a more thorough govern
ment.
A general system of public surveys has
not been extended to Alaska, and entries
thus far made in that district are upon
special surveys. The act of congress ex-
tending to Alaska the mining laws of the
United States contained the reservation
that il should not be construed to put in
force the general land laws of the coun-
try. by act, approved March g. 1891 aU-
thority was given for entry of lands for
town site purposes and also for the pur-
chase of not exceeding 100 acres then or
thereafter, occupied for purposes of trade
and manufacture. The purpose of con-
gress as thus enacted has been that only
such rights should apply to the territory
as he cra.iNnalI,r