Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-12-05

civilized nations the principle of the ex-
emptioD of all private property at sea,
not contraband of war. from capture
or destruction by belligerent powers.
The Secretary Of the Treasury esti-
mates that upon the basis of present
revenue laws the receipts for the
wear ending June 80, 1899, will be $751;
STA, SAT; expenditures, $689, S74, CAT, re-
sulting in deficiency of $4,000, 900.
On the subject of redeeming United
States notes the President says that the
present condition of the treasury amply
iustifes the immediate enactment OF
the legislation recommended one year
ago, under which o portion of the gold
holdings should be placed in trust
fund from which greenbacks should be
redeemed upon presentation, but when
once redeemed should not thereafter be
paid out except for gold.
Continuing the subject the President says ::
at is not to be inferred that other legislation
relating TO our currency is not required; on
the contrary, there is an obvious demand for
it. The Importance of adequate provision
which will insure to our future money STAN
dard is generally recognized. The compan-
rency shall be kept safe, and yet be SO realted
to the needs of our industries and internal
commerce as to be adequate and responsive to
such needs is q proposition scarcely less I'M
portant. The subject, in oil its parts, Is com
mended to the wise consideration of Con-
gress
The annexation OF Hawaii and the changed
relations of tho United States to Cuba, Porto
Rico and the Philippines resulting from the
war, the President says compel the prompt
adoption of a maritime policy by the United
States There should be established regular
and frequent steamship communication. en-
couraged by the United States under the
American flag, with the newl y-acquired ISL
ands. It will be conceded that the present
situation calls for legislation which shall be
prompt, durable and liberal. The part
which American merchant vessels and theiI
aeamen performed in the war with Spain
demonstrates that this service, furnishing
both the pickets and the second line of de-
Tense, is national necessity and should be
encouraged in every constitutional way.
The President says the recommendations o.
the Secretary of War for a permanent Increase
of the army has his unqualified approval
! There can be no question that at this time
| and probably for some time in the future. one
hundred thousand men will be none too many
to meet the necessities of the situation H.
says it is his purpose to muster out the entire
volunteer Amy as soon IS Congress shall pro
vide for the Increase of the regular establish
ment.
The recommendations of the Secretary o
the Navy for an increase in the navy by thu
addition of three sea-going battleships, three
armored cruisers, three protected cruisers ant
SIX sheathed and coppered cruisers is earnest
| ly approved. The President joins with th'
Secretary of the Navy in recommending tina
the grades of Admiral and Vice Admiral b'
temporarily revived to be filled by officer
who have specially distinguished themselve
in the war with Spain.
An appropriation for the celebration of th'
centennial anniversary OF the founding OF tn
city of Washington, which occurs in 1900
and the appointment of q committee from In
respective bodies of Congress is recommended
The message closes with recommending Il
the careful attention of Congress the aliel
contract law, which is shown by experienc
TO need some amend ment; measure provid
ing better protection for seamen; the rightfu
applica ion of the eight-hour law for the ben
eft of labor, and the principle of arbitration