Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

Negotiations Pending with Foreign
Countries.

In order to execute as early as possible
the provisions OF the third and fourth sec
lions OF the revenue act approved July "a.
1897. appointed John A. Kasson OF Iowa
q special commissioner plenipotentiary TO
undertake the requisite negotiations with
foreign countries desiring to avail them
selves OF these provisions. The negotia-
tiono are now proceeding with several gov
ernments. both European and American.
1t 10 believed that by a careful exercise
of the powers conferred by that act some
grievances of our own and OF other coun-
tries In our mutual trade relations may be
either removed or largely aleviated and
that the volume of our commercial ex-
changes may be enlarged, with advantage
to both contracting parties.
Most desirable from every standpoint OF
national interest and patriotism 10 the eff
fort to extend our foreign commerce. To
this end our merchant marine should be i'm
proved and enlarged We should do our full
share OF the carrying trade OF the world.
We do not do Ii now. We should be the
laggard no longer The inferiority OF our
merchant marine is justly humiliating to
the national pride. The government by
every proper constitutional means should
aid in making our ships familiar visitors at
every commercial port OF the world, thus
opening up new and valuable markets to
the surplus products OF the farm and the
factory.
the two previous years by my predecessor
| to secure better protection to the fur
seals In the North Pacific ocean and Ber-
ing sea, were renewed at an early date by
this administration and have been pursued
with earnestness.
Japan and Russia sent delegates to Washs
ington and an international conference
was held during the months OF October
and November last, wherein 1t was unani-
mously agreed that under the existing
regulations this species of useful animals
was threatened with extinction and that
an international agreement of all the in
terested powers was necessary for their
| adequate protection. The government OF
! of Great Britain did not see proper to be
| represented at this conference, but subse-
quently sent to Washington. as delegates,
| the expert commissioners of Great Britain
and Canada. who had during the past two
years visited the Pribylof islands and who
| met In conference similar commissioners
on the part of the United States. The re-
suit OF this conference was an agreement
| on important facts connected with the
condition OF the seal herd, heretofore In
dispute, which should place beyond con-
| troversy the duty Of the governments con-
cerned to adopt measures without delay
| for the preservation and restoration of the
herd. Negotiations to this end are now
in progress, the result of which, l hope
| to be able to report to congress at an
early day. International arbitration can
not be omitted from the list of subjects
claiming our consideration. Events have
only served to strengthen the general
views on this question expressed In my
inaugural address. The best sentiment of
the civilized world is moving toward the
settlement 90 differences between nations
without resorting to the horrors of war.
| Treaties embodving these humane princi-
Dles on broad lines without in any way
imDeriling our interests or our honor
shall have my constant encouragement.