Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1898-12-10


for expectation and II Is trusted that the
efficient administration OF this measure
by the department OF agriculture will be
recognized as guarantee of the health
fulness OF the food staples we send abroad
to countries where their use ia large and
necessary.
Reference Is then made to Germanys
prohibition OF the Importation of fresh
fruits from this country, the:alleSed rea-
son being the fear of disseminating the
San Jose scale insect, a prohibition that
was subsequently extended to dried fruits.
The president says: As was to be ex-
pected. the alarm reached to other coun-
tries, and Switzerland has adopted SIM
liar inhibition. Efforts are in progress
to induce the German and Swiss govern
ments to relax the prohibition in favor
of dried fruits shown to have been cured
under circumstances rendering the exist
cncc Of animal life impossible.
Our relations with Great Britain have
continued on the most friendly footing.
Asserting TO our request, the protection
OF Americans and their interests in Span
lsh Jurisdiction was assumed by the dip
lomatic and consular representatives OF
Great Britain. who fulfilled their delicate
and arduous trust with tact and zeal.
eliciting high commendation. may be
allowed to make fitting allusion to tho
instance OF Mr. Ramsden. her ma1estys
consul ct Santiago de Cuba. whose I'M
timely death after distinguished service
and untiring effort during the siege OF
that city was sincerely lamented.
The Canada Negotiations.
It will give me especial satisfaction II
I shall be authorized to communicate to
you favorable conclusion OF the pending
n-tt In ~ a.
spect to the Dominion Of Canada. 1t Is
the earnest wish OF this government to
remove all sources OF discord and trri-
tation In our relations with the neigbor-
ing dominion. The trade between the
two countries Is constantly increasing.
and It is important to both countries that
NIL reasonable facilities should be granted
for It's development.
The president goes Into history or the
events leading to the annexation OF the
Hawaiian Islands. calls attention to the
fact that our consular offices have ceased
to exist In Hawaii. and says:
Under the provisions of the joint reso-
luton. the existing customs relations OF
the Hawaiian Islands with the United
States and with other countries remain
unchanged until legislation shall other
wise provide. The consuls OF Hawaii.
here and in foreign countries. continue to
fulfill their commercial agencies. while
the United States consulate at Honolulu
Is maintained for all appropriate services
pertaining to trade and revenue. 1t would
be desirable that all foreign consuls In
the Hawaiian Islands should receive new
cxequaturs from this government.
After reference to the raising OF the
Russian mission here and our mission IN
St. Petersburg 20 ambassadorships the
message has this to say OF the tsar's dis
armament proposition:
The proposal of the tsar for general
reduction of the vast military establish
ments that weigh so heavily upon many
peoples in time Of peace was commune
Gated to this government with an earnest
invitation to be represented in the con-
ference which It Is contemplated to as
semble with view to discussing the
means of accomplishing so desirable
result His majesty was at once informed
OF the cordial sympathy Of this govern
ment with the principle involved In his
exalted proposal and of the readiness OF
the United States 10 take part In the con-
ference.
Burdens and Waste of War.
The experiences OF the last year bring
forcibly home to us a sense OF the bur-
dens and the waste OF war. We desire, In
common with most civilized nations, to
reduce to the lowest possible point the
damage sustained in time of war by
peaceful trade and commerce. This pur-
pose can probably best be accomplished
by an international agreement to regard
all private property at sea as exempt
from capture or destruction by the forces
OF belilgerent powers. l. therefore, sug-
pest for your consideration that the ex-
ecutiye be authorized to correspond with
the governments o. the principal mari
time mowers with a view OF Incorporating
into the permanent law of. civilized ma
tions the principle OF the exemption or
ali private property at sea, not contra
band OF war, from capture or destruction
by belligerent powers.
In nv Judgment, the present condition
of the treasury amply 1ustifies the I'M
mediate enactment Of the legislation rec
commended one year ago. under which
portion of the gold holding should De
placed in trust fund from which green
backs should be redeemed upon presenta-
ton. but when once redeemed should not
thereafter be paid out except for gold.
The president strongly endorses the rec
ommendation Of the secretary Of war for
the increase of the regular army to lOo.-
GOO men. and declares 1t his purpose to
muster out the entire volunteer army as
soon as congress shall provide for the
increase of the regular establishment
This" says the president. will be only
an act of justice and will be much appre-
ciated by the brave men who left their
homes and employments to help the coun-
try in its emergency.
a CHAPTER on the extension Of our postal
system to our new possessions follows.
and then the president takes up the report
of the secretary of the navy. earnestly
endorsing the secretary's recommended
lions for the increase of the navy and for
the revival OF the grades Of admiral and
vice admiral.
In the wear 1900 will occur the centennial
anniversary OF the founding Of the city
of Washington for the permanent capital
of the government of the United States.
A movement lately inaugurated by the
citizens to have the anniversary cele-
brated with lifting ceremonies. including
perhaps the establishment of q handsome
permanent memorial to mark 80 historical
an occasion. and 10 give 1t more than To-
cal recognition. had met with general ia
yor on the part OF the public
l recommend to the congress the grant
ing Of an appropriation for this purpose
end the appointment Of a committee from
its respective bodies.
WILLIAM M'KINLEY.