Evening star., 1898-12-06
PENSIONS,


In the matter of pensions for the enlist
ed men of the revenue cutter service, the
recommendation on the subjct contained
in my last annual report is repeated.
The Secretary tells the story of the relief
expedition of the Bear, and compliments
the officers.
NAVIGATION.
War with Spain and the annexation of
the Hawaiian archipelago, which have
changed the political and commercial rela-
tons of the United States not only with
Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii and the Philip
pines, but also with the continents between
which and North America those islands are
stepping stones, require the prompt adop-
ton of affirmative maritime policy by
the United States
Regular and frequent communication be
tween the United States and the islands of
the Atlantic and Pacific. which have come
within the sphere Of political influence or
the absolute control of the United States
VIII not, however. satisfy all the Oblga-
tons which new conditions have created.
The relatively undcvcloped navigation be-
tween the United States. the islands of the
Pacific, and Asia, and the partially deyei-
oped navigation to South America and
Africa, Will certainly he lost to US if in
difference to present political and CONNER
cial rivalry is now left undisturbed. as was
Indifference to the mechanical revolution
wrought in navigation by iron and steam
at the end of the first half of the century.
A positive policy which shall create anew
an American seagoing merchant fleet is not.
intrnScally more difficult to establish than
has been the recent rehabilitation OF the
American navy, or than. a third of Il CEN
tury ago was the establishment of trans
continental railroad communication 1t
will undoubtedly require 1T the beginning
and for some time to come. the apnropTia-
tloh OF apprecla6ie sums OF money, though
very much less than our annual expeudi-
lures IN times Of peace for naval conStruc-
ton and maintenance; but from The nature
OF the situation, these expenditures if ade-
qlate at the outset, can be decreased and
as Is usual with properly adjusted expeEdi-
lures 1or the Improvement of means Of
transit and communication will bring in
an early and steady return on the invest
maht.
The political exisencies which confront us
nave been mentioned Commercial exigen-
cies, on the Pacific ut least are equally
urgent, for events in the east have precipi-
tated rivalry for the control of the carry
ing trade OF that ocean, the great possi-
blities of which We have been prone to
reckon among our national assets With
out the effort to secure them.
IN the preparation of legislation to meet
the requirements of the situation We may
study with advantage the methods which
are now employed by our competitors for
those methods have been evolved from ex-
pertinent and experience in branch of in
dustri;-i activity to which, of late years
they have given much thought and we
little.
The method recommended may be sne-
clfically set forth in the following PROPOSE
tions:
First. A remodelng and extension Of the
act of March g. 1891, relating to the carry
ing of ocean mails in American steamships
so that il shall meet requirements which
have arisen since the law went into opera
ton.
Second. The establishment of A syster,
of graded bounties upon the mileage navi-
gated by registered American vessels while
engaged IN the foreign carrying trade as
compensation for the training of sRamen
available for the national defense the sys-
TEN TO have regard also to the construction
of vessels which may be promptly and eco
homicaly converted into cruisers troop
shlps, Golfers and supply ships for the use
of the government Special n1oyision
should also be made for vessels and men
engaged in the deep-sea fisheries
ihifd: Extended application of the prin-
clpie OF the act of May 10. 1892 by virtue
OF which the st. Louis and st. Paul were
constructed in this country upon the regis
try OF the foreign-built steamships New
ork ana Harls, TINS extension to continue
iof a snort term Of years and to be so
guarded as TO preserve the coasting trade
to Amercan-built vessels
toulth. 4 moderate increase in the ratas
the corresponding charges at present i'm
posed at London, Liverpool and Hamburg.
Fifth. The restriction of the trade he
tween the United States, Puerto Rico and
Hawaii and the coasting trade of fhose isl
ands to vessels of American registry.
secretary Gage next refers in detail tn
the work of the steamboat inspection sery-
zee ana coast and geodetic survey The.
work of the latter will, he says. be OF add
ed Importance in view of the new acnuisi
tons Attention is also directed TO the good
work OF the lighthouse board and life-sav-
ing service.
STATE BONDS OWNED Rx ,ruE
UNITED STATES.
The attention of Congress is again invited
TO the non-payins state stocks and bonds
formerly in the Indian trust fund and por-