davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
Industrial Greatness Should De Sup
pienrented by Sea Progress.

PAc~htcu Dy sea ffO&res8.
The value of an American merchant ma
rine to the extension of our commerce al
trade and the strengthening of our power
upon the sea invites the immediate action
OF congress. Our national development
VIII be one-sded and unsatisfactory so
long as the remarkable growth Of our in
iano industries remains unaccompanied
by progress on the sea. There is no lack
of constitutional authority for legisla ton
which shall give to the country maritime
strength commensurate with its indus
trial achievements and with its rank
among nations of the earth. The past
year has recorded exceptional activity in
our shipyards. and the promises of con-
tinual prosperity In shipbuilding are album
dant. Advanced legislation for the protec-
ton OF our seamen has been enacted. Our
coast trade. under regulations wisely
framed at the beginning of the govern
fnent and since. shows results for the past
fiscal year unequaled In our records or
those of any other power. We shall fail
10 realize our opportunities, however, II
we complacently regard only matters at
home and blind ourselves to the necessity
OF securing our share in the valuable car
rying trade of the world.
Last year American vessels transported
a smaller share Of our exports and imports
than during any former year In all our
history. and the measure of our depend
ence upon foreign shipping was painfully
manifested to our people. Without any
choice OF our own, but from necessity, the
departments CT the government charged
with military and naval operations In the
East and in the West Indies had to OBJ
tain from foreign flags merchant vessels
essential for these operations.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08

cording to the laws and customs Of g.
moa, OF a successor to the late KIM
Malietoa Taupepa, developed a contest
as to the validity of the result, which
ISSUE, by the terms of the general act,
was to be decided by the chief Justice
Upon his rendering a judgment in favor
OF Malietoa Tanus, the rival chief, Ma
taafa, took up arms. The active In,sr-
vention of American and British warships
became imperative to restore order, at
the cost of sanguinary encounters. In
this emergency, a joint commission OF
representatives of the United States, Ger
many and Great Britain was sent to Sa-
moa to investigate the situation and pro-
vide temporary remedy. By its active
efforts peaceful solution was reached
for the time being. the kingship being
abolished and a provisional government
established.
Claims have been preferred by white
residents of Samoa on account of in
juries alleged to have been suffered
through the acts of the treaty govern
ments in putting down the late disturb
ances. A convention has been made bo-
tween the three powers for the investi-
cation and settlement of these claims BY
neutral arbitrator. to which the attsn-
ton Of the senate will be invited
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
CHINESE EMPIRE.
American Capital Finding Invest
Iisent, and Trade Growing

In View OF disturbances in the pOpu Gus
provinces of Northern China, where are
many of our citizens, and of the immi-
hence of disorder near the capital and TO-
ward the seaboard, a guard of marines
was landed from the Boston and STA
toned during last winter in the legation
compound at Picking. With the restora-
ton of order this protection was with
drawn. The interest of our citizens in
that vast empire have not been neglected
during the past year Adequate protec-
ton mas been secured for our mission
aries and some injuries to their property
have been redressed.
American capital has sought and found
various opportunities of competing to
carry out the internal improvements
which the imperial government is wisely
encouraging. and to develop the natural
resources of the empire. Our trade with
China has CONTINUED 10 grow, and our
commercial rights under existing treaties
have been everywhere maintained during
the past year, as they will be in the fu-
turc.
The extension of the area offered to in
ternational foreign settlement at Shang-
hal and the opening of the ports of Nam
King, kiaochou and Talienwan to foreign
trade and settlement will doubtless afford
American enterprise additional facilities
and new fields of which it will not be slow
TO take advantage.
In my message to congress of December
5, 1898, ] urged that the recommendation
which had been made to the speaker of
the house of representatives by the sec
rotary of the treasury on the 18th Of
June, 1898, for an appropriation for
commission to study the commercial and
industrial conditions in China and report
as to opportunities for and obstacles to
the enlargement of the markets in China
for the raw products and manufactures
OF the United States. should receive at
your hands the consideration which its
Importance merits. but the congress failed
to take action. l now renew this recon-
mendation. as the importance of the SUBJ
ject has steadily grown since 1t was first
submitted to you. and no time should be
lost In studying for ourselves the re-
sources Of this great field for American
trade and enterprise
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
THE CURRENCY.
Need OF Changes to Promote Its Elias
ITCHY.

Increased activity in industry. with its
welcome attendant-a larger employment
for labor at higher wages-gives to the
body of the people a larger power to abb
sorb the circulating medium. 1t Is fur
ther true that year by year, with larger
areas OF land under cultivation. the in
creasing volume Of agricultural prod
ucts, cotton, corn and wheat, calls for
larger volume of money supply. This Is
especially noticeable at the crop-harvest-
Ing and crop-moving period. In its earlier
history, the national banking act seemed
TO prove a reasonable avenue through
which needful additions to the circulation
could from time to time be made. Chang
ing conditions have apparently rendered
It now imperative to that end. The high
margin in bond securities required, re-
sulting from large premiums which gov
eminent bonds command in the market,
or the tax on note issues, or both, oper-
ating together. appear to be the influence
which impairs its public utility.
The attention OF congress is respectfully
invited to this important matter. with
the view Of ascertaining whether or not
such reasonable notifications can be made
In the national banking act as will rem
der its service In the particulars here re-
ferred TO more responsive to the peoples
needs. | again urge that national banks
be authorized to organize with q capt.
- Of $4,000.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08

was taken until the boundary should be
adjusted by the two governments. The
subject has been receiving the careful at
tention which its Importance demands,
with the result that a modus vivend for
provisional demarkations in the region
about the head of Lynn canal has been
agreed upon, and it is hoped that the
negotiations now in progress between the
two governments will end in an agree
ment for the establishment and delimita-
tlon or a permanent boundary.
Attitude in AngIO-BOer War.
Apart from these questions growing out
or our relationship with our northern
neighbor, the most friendly disposition
ana ready agreement have marked the
discussion of the numerous matters aris-
ing in the vast and intimate intercourse
OF the United States with Great Britain.
rms government has maintained an atti-
tude of neutrality in the unfortunate con-
test between Great Britain and the Boer
states OF Africa. We have remained
faithful to the precept of avoiding en-
tahsllng alliances as to affairs not of our
own direct concern. Had circumstances
suggested that the parties to the quarrel
would nave welcomed any kind expression
OF the hope of the American people that
the war might be averted, good offices
would have been gladly rendered. Tho
United States representative at Pretoria
was early instructed to see that all neutral
American interests be respected by the
combatants. This has been an easy task,
in view of the positive declarations of
both British and Boer authorities that the
personal and property rights of our citi-
zens should be observed.
Upon the withdrawal of the British
agent from Pretoria, the United States
consul was authorized. upon the request
OF the British government, and with the
assent of the South
Free State governments, to exercise the
customary good offices of neutral for
the care Of British interests In the dis
charge of this function am happy to say
that abundant opportunity has been af-
forded to show the impartiality Of this
government to both the combatants for
the fourth time in the present decade.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
CONDITION OF TIE COUNTRY.
Prosperity ut Home ind Peace With
All Governments

The 5jth congress coHvencs in its first
regular session with ne country in a
condition Of unusual prosperity. of uni
versa! so1d-w among the people at
hon" and relations OF peace and friend
ship with every government of the world.
Our foreign commerce mas shown great
Increase III vonme and value The COM
bned imports and exports for the year
are ;hc largest ever shown by a single
year in all our history. Our exports for
1899 alone exceeded by more than 81 ,00o,-
OW.Oop our imports and exports combined
in 1870 Tie IMPORTS per capita are % per
cen: less than in 1870, while the exports
per capita arc IS per cent more than in
1870. showing The enlarged capacity OF the
United States 70 satisfy the wants of its
own increasing population. as well as to
contribute 20 those of the peoples of other
nations. Exports of agricultural products
were 1854. 1912. or manufactured prod
acts we expired in Value $685.. 592 li6. be-
ing larger than any previous year. 1t is
n noteworthy Fact that the only years in
all our history when the products OF our
manufactures sold abroad exceeded those
bought abroad were 1898 and 1899.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
GREAT BRITAIN AND CANADA.
Alaska boundary Contention and
Other Unsettled Questions.


In my last annual message, referred to
the pending negotiations with Great Brit
ain in respect to the Dominion OF Canada.
By means of an executive agreement,
Joint high commission had been created
for the purpose Of adjusting all unsettled
questions between the United States and
Canada, embracing IL. subjects. among
which were the questions of the fur seals.
the fisheries Of the coast and contiguous
inland waters. the Alaska boundary. the
transit of merchandise in bond the allen
labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity In
trade revision of the agreement respect
ing naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a
more complete marking of parts of the
boundary. provision for the conveyance Of
criminals, and for wrecking and salvage.
Much progress had been made by the
commission toward the adjustment OF
many of these questions. when 1t became
apparent that an irreconcilable difference
of views was entertained respecting the
delimitation Of the Alaska boundary. In
the failure of an agreement to the mean
ing of articles Ill and Nv of the treaty of
1925 between Russia and Great Britain.
which defined the boundary between Alas
ka and Canada, the American commission
ers proposed that the subject OF the
boundary be laid aside. and that the re-
naming questions OF difference be pro-
ceeded with, some of which were so far
advanced as to assure the probability Of
settlement. This being declined by the
British commissioners. an adjournment
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
GERMAN EMPIRE.
CommissiOn Suggested to Investigate
Food Products.

Our relations with Germany continue to
be most cordial. The increasing init
macy of direct association has been
marked during the year by the granting
OF permission in April for the landing on
our shores of a cable from BoSkum En-
den, on the North sea, by way of the
Azores. and also by the conclusion on
September 2 of a parcels post convention
with the German empire. In all that
promises closer relations of intercourse
and commerce and better understand ng
between the two races having so many
traits in common. Germany can be as
sured OF the most cordial cooperation of
this government and people. We may be
rivals in many material paths. but our
rivalry should be generous and open. ever
aiming toward the attainment OF large
results and the most beneficial advance
ment OF each in the line Of its especial
adaptablity. The several governments
of the empire seem reluctant to admit the
natural excellence of our food products
and to accept the evidence we constantly
tender OF the care with which their purity
is guarded by rigid inspection from the
farm, through the slaughter-house and
the packing establishments to the port of
shipment. Our system of control over
exported food staples invites examination
from any quarter. and challenges respect
by its efficient thoroughness.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
JAPANESE EMPIRE.
Evidences OF Her Kindly Feeling
Toward United states.

The treaty Of commerce and navigation
between the United States and Japan on
November %. 1894. took effect in accord
anco with the terms of article xix on
the nth OF July last. simultaneously with
the enforcement Of like treaties with the
other powers. except France, whose con-
vention did not go into operation until
December 4. the United States being, how
ever. granted up TO that date all tho
privileges and rights accorded to French
citizens under the other French treaty.
BY this notable conventional reform,
Japans position as fully Independent
sovereign power Is assured. control being
gained OF taxation, customs revenues, ju-
dlcial administration. coasting trade and
all other domestic functions of govern
ment. and foreign extra-territorial rights
being renowned. Comprehensive codes Of
civil and criminal procedure according to
Western methods. public instruction, pat
ents and copyrights. municipal admin
istration. including Jurisdiction over the
former foreign settlements. customs tar
tns and procedure, public health and
other administrative measures have been
proclaimed. The working Of the new sys-
tenn has given rise to no material COM
plants on the part of American citizens
or interests, circumstance which at
tests the ripe consideration with which
the change has been prepared.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08

ney-general tc institute proceedings in
equity to prevent and RESTRAIN such viola
tons. 1t further confers upon any per-
son or corporation, by reason of anything
forbidden or declared to be unlawful by
the act the power to sue therefor in any
circuit court of the United States without
respect to the amount in controversy, and
10 recover three-fold the damages by m
sustained and the costs of the suit, includ-
ing reasonable attorney fees. 1t will be
perceived that the act is aimed at every
Kind OF combination in the nature of a
trust or monopoly in restraint of interstate
or International commerce
me prosecution by the United States OF
onenses under the act of 1890 has been fire.
quently resorted 10 in the federal courts
ana notable efforts in the restraint of in
ttrState commerce, such as the Trans
Missouri Freight Assoc alton and the
JOINT Traffic ASsociatiCn." have been
successfully opposed and suppressed.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
FRESCH REPUBLIC,
Great Display to he Made Mt Paris OF
Our Progress.


The death OF President Faure in Febru-
airy last called forth those sincere ex-
pressions of sympathy which befit the re-
lations of two republics as closely allied
by unbroken historic ties as are the
United States and France.
Preparations for the representation of
the industries, arts and products OF the
United States at the worlds exposition.
10 be held in Paris next year, continue on
an elaborate and comprehensive scale,
thanks to the generous appropriation pro-
vided by congress and to the friendly in
terest the French government has shown
In furthering a typical exhibit of Ameri-
can progress.
There has been allotted to the United
States a considerable addition of space,
which. while placing our country in the
first rank among exhibitors. does not suf-
flee to meet the increasingly urgent de-
mands OF our manufactures. The efforts
OF the commisSoner-general are ably d.
rected toward strictly representative
display OF all that most Enthusiastically
marks American achievements in the in
ventive arts and most adequately shows
the excellence of our natural productions.
United States Building.
The United States government building
is approaching completion, and no effort
will be spared to make It worthy. in
Dcduty VI pan anu III COtu-
pleteness of display. to represent our ma
ton. 1t has been suggested that perma-
nent building. of similar or appropriate
design. be erected on a convenient site
already given by the municipality near
the exposition grounds, to serve in COM
memoration OF the part taken by this
country In this great enterprise. as an
American national institute for our coun-
trymen resorting to Paris for study.
l am informed by our commissioner gen.
eral that We shall have In the American
section at Paris over 700 exhibitors, from
every state In our country. a number ten
times as great as those who were repre-
sented at Vienna In 1873, six times as
many as those in Paris In 1873. and four
times as many as those who exhibited
In Paris in 1889. This statement does not
include the exhibits from either Cuba.
Puerto Rico or Hawaii. for which ar
rangements have been made.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
NICARAGUA CANAL,
status OF the Negotiations for the
Inter-Ocean Waterway.

AhtC-Oceuu waterway.
The contract of the Maritime Canal
Company. Of Nicaragua. was declared
foNeited by the Nicaragua government
on the 10th of October, on the ground of
nonfulflment within the lO-year term
stipulated in the contract. The Maritime
Canal Company has lodged a protest
against this action. alleging rights in the
premises which appear worthy of con-
sideration. This government expects that
Nicaragua will AFFORD the professionals a
full and fair hearing upon the merits of
the case.
The Nicaragua canal commission,
which has been engaged upon the work
OF examination and survey OF a ship canal
route across Nicaragua, having completed
its labors and made its report, was dis
solved on May q, and on June 10 a
new commission. known as the Isthmian
canal commission, was organized under
the terms Of the act approved March
8. 1899. for the purpose of examining the
American isthmus with a view to deter
mining the most practicable and feasible
route for a ship canal across that 18TH
mus, with its probable cost and other
essential details. This commission, I'M
der the presidency of Rear-Admiral John
G. Walker. United States navy (retired),
entered promptly upon the work intrusted
to 1t, and Is now carrying on examina-
tions In Nicaragua along the route Of the
Panama canal. and in Darien from the
Atlantic In the neighborhood of the Artric
river to the bay OF Panama, on the Pa
cifc side. Good progress has been made.
but under the law a comprehensive and
complete investigation is called for, which
will require much labor and considerable
time for its accomplishment. The work
will be prosecuted as expeditiously as
possible, and q report may be expected
at the earliest practicable date.
The great Importance of this work can
not be too often or too strongly pressed
upon the attention of the congress. In my
message Of a year ago I expressed my
views of the necessity of a canal which
would link the two great oceans. to which
i again invite your consideration. The
reasons then presented for early action
are even stronger now.
A pleasing Incident In the relations of
this government with tat of Chile oc-
Cured In the generous assistance given
to the warship Newark when in distress
in Chilean waters. Not alone In this
way has the friendly disposition of Chile
found expression That country has ac-
coded to the convention for the estab-
lishment of the bureau of American re-
publics. In which organization every inde-
pendent state Of the continent now shares.
The exchange OF notifications of a con-
vention for the revival of the United
States and Chilean claims commission,
and for the adjudication of the claims
heretofore presented but not determined
during the life of the previous commits
sion. has been delayed by reason of the
necessity for fresh action by the Chilean
senate upon the amendments attached to
the ratification of the treaty by the
United States senate. This Formally IL
soon to be accomplished.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1899-12-08
RELATIONS WITH ITALY.
Louisiana Lynchings and Questions
Affecting Rights of Aliens.

Question has arisen with the govern
ment OF Italy In regard to lynching of
Italian subjects. The latest of these de-
plorable events occurred at Tallulah, La,
whereby five unfortunates Of Italian ORR
gin were taken from jail and hanged.
The authorities of the state and a repre-
sentative of the Italian embassy, having
separately investigated the occurrence
with discrepant results. particularly as
TO the alleged citizenship Of the victims,
ant 1t not appearing that the state had
been able to discover and punish the vio-
lators OF the law, an independent investi-
CATION has been set on foot through the
agency of the department of state and is
still in progress. The result will enable
the executive to treat the question with
the government of Italy in spirit of fair
ness and justice. A satisfactory solu-
ton will doubtless be reached.