Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1898-12-07

measure was justified by Germany on the
score of the drastic steps taken in several
states of the union against the spread OF
the pest, and elaborate reports OF the de-
vastation to German fruit growing inter-
ests should the scale obtain lodgmeht
in that country. Temporary relief was
afforded in the case OF large consign-
ments of fruits then on the way, by in
spection and admission when found non
infected. Later the prohibition was ex-
tended to dried fruits OF every kind, but
was relaxed so as to apply only to un-
peeled fruit waste.
As was to be expected the alarm reach
ed to other countries and Switzerland has
adopted similar inhibition. Efforts are
in progress to induce the German and
Swiss governments to relax the prohibi-
ton in favor of dried fruits shown to
have been cured under circumstances rem
dering the existence of animal life i'm
possible.
Friendship of Great Britain.
Our relations with Great Britain have
continued on the most friendly footing
AoSShtiIH W Jul iSHucot thS PiosNNSaOA "a
Americans and their interests in Spanish
jurisdiction was assured by the diplo-
matte and consular representatives OF
Great Britain who fulfilled their delicate
and arduous trust with tact and zeal, ellie.
iting high commentator. ! may be al
lowed to make fitting allusion to the in
stance of Mr.. Ramsden, her majesty's
consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose un-
timely death after distinguished service
and untiring efforts during the siege Of
that city, was sincerely lamented.
In the early part of April last, pursuant
to a request made at the instance of the
secretary of state to the British ambas-
sador at this capital, the Canadian gov
ernment granted facilities for the pass
age for United States revenue cutters
from the lakes to the Atlantic coast by
way of the Canadian canal and the St.
Lawrence river. The vessels had reached
Lake OntaIio and were there awaiting the
opening Of navigation when war was de-
clared between the United States and
Spain. Her majestys government there
upon by communication of the latter
part OF April, stated that the permission
granted before the outbreak of hostilities
would not be withdrawn, provided the
the vessels in question would proceed to
a United States port without engaging in
any hostile operation. This government
promptly agreed to the stipulated eondi-
ton, it being understood that the vessels
would not be prohibited from resenting
any hostile attack.
1t will give me special satisfaction if
shall be authorized to communicate to
you favorable conclusion of the pending
negotiations with Great Britain in re-
spect to the Dominion Of Canada. 1t is the
earnest wish of this government to re-
move all sources of diseord and irrita-
ton in relations with the neighboring do
miniOn. The trade between the two coun-
tries is constantly increasing, and it is
important to both countries that all rea-
sonable facilities should be granted for
its development.
Maintain the Gold Standard.
The~ provision made for Strengthening
the resources of the treasury in connection
with the war has given increased conf
dence in the purpose and power Of the gov
ernment to maintain the present standard
and has established more firmly than ever
the national credit at home and abroad.
Currency Legislation.
1t is not to be inferred that other legis
lation relating to our currency is not re-
quired. On the contrary, there Is an OBJ
vious demand for it. The Importance Of
adequate provision which will insure to
our future money standard, related as
our money standard now is to that of
our commercial rivals, is generally recog
nized.
The companion proposition that our do
nestle currency shall be kept safe and
yet be so related to the needs OF our indus
tries and internal commerce as to be ade-
quate and responsive to such needs, is a
proposition scarcely less important. The
subject in all its parts is commended 10
the wise consideration of the congress.
Enlarge the Army.
The Importance of legislation for the
permanent increase of the army is man
ifest and the Recommendation Of the Sec
retary of war for that purpose has my
unqualified approval. There can be no
question that at this time, and probably
for some time in the future, 100000 men
will be none too many to meet the ne
cessities Of the situation. At all events,
whether that number shall be required
permanently or not, the power should be
given to the president to enlist that force
if, in his discretion, it should be neces-
sary, and the further discretion should
be given him TO recruit, within the above
limit, from the inhabitants Of the islands
with the government Of which we are
charged.
1t is my purpse to muster out the en-
tire volunteer army as soon as the con-
gress shall provide for the increase Of the
regular establishment
sugsested Legislation.
The alien labor contract law is shown by
experience to need some amendments; a
measure providing better protection for
seamen is proposed; the rightful appliea-
tion Of the eighthour law for the benefit
of labor, and the principle of arbitration,
are suggestions for consideration. recon-
mend these subjects to the careful consid-
Grafton Of the congress
The several departmental reports will be
laid before you. They give in great detail
the conduct OF the affairs of the govern
ment during the past year and discuss