Evening star., 1900-12-03

the United States is to pay to Spain the
| sum Of 800 GOO.
A bill is now pending to effect the recon-
mendation made in my last Annual Message
that appropriate legislation be had to carry
| into execution Article VII Of the Treaty of
Peace with Spain. by which the United
States assumed the payment Of certain
| claims for indemnity of its citizens against
Spain. / ask that action be taken to full
fill this obligation.
The King of Sweden and Norway has ac-
cepted the joint invitation Of the United
States, Germany and Great Britain to arbi-
trate claims growing out of losses sus-
taiEed in the Samoan Islands in the course
OF military operations made necessary by
the disturbances in 1899.
THE sULTAN's PROMISE.
Our claims upon the Government Of the
Sultan for reparation for injuries suffered
by American citizens In Armenia and else
where give promise of early and satisfac-
tory settlement. His Majesty's good dis
position in this regard has been evinced by
the issuance Of an trade for rebuilding the
American College at Harpoot.
The failure of action by the Senate at its
last session upon the commercial conven-
tions then submitted for its consideration
and approval, although caused by the great
pressure Of other legislative business. has
caused much disappointment to the agri-
cultural and industrial interests of the coun-
try. which hoped to profit by their provis-
ions. The conventional periods for their
ratification having expired, it became neces-
sary to sign additional articles extending
the time Tor that purpose. This was re-
uneSte6 O1lr and the other govern
ments interested have concurred with the
exception Of one convention. in respect to
which no formal reply has been received.
Since my last communication to the Con-
gress on this subject special commercial
agreements under the third section of the
tariff act have been proclaimed with Portu-
gal, with Italy, and with Germany. Com
mercial conventions under the general limi-
tations of the fourth section Of the same
act have been concluded with Nicaragua
with Ecuador. with the Dominican Repub-
lie, with Great Britain on behalf Of the
Island of Trinidad, and with Denmark on
behalf Of the Island Of st. Croix. These
will be early communicated to the Senate.
Negotiations with other governments are
in progress for the improvement and Sc
curity Of our commercial relations.
The policy of reciprocity so manifestly
rests upon the principles Of international
equity and has been so repeatedly approved
by the people Of the United States that
there ought to be no hesitation in either
branch Of the Congress in giving to it full
effect
This government desires to preserve the
most just and amicable commercial rela-
tons with all foreign countries. unmoved
by the Industrial rivalries necessarily de-
in he of ipto
trade. 1t is believed that the foreign gov
ernments generally entertain the same pur-
pose, although in some instances there are
clamorous demands upon them for legisla-
ton specifically hostile to American inter-
ests. Should these demands prevail shall
communicate with the Congress with the
view Of advising such legislation as may be
necessary to meet the emergency.
The Exposition of the resources Of pro-
ducts Of the Western Hemisphere to be held
at Buffalo 1ext year promises important
resut not only for the United States but
for the Fther participating countries.
1t Is gratifying that the Latin-American
States have evinced the liveliest interest,
and the fact that an international American
congress will be held in the City Of Mexico
while the Exposition Is in progress en-
courages the hope of a larger display at
Buffalo than might otherwise be practical
bic. The work of preparing an exhibit Of
our national resources is making satisfac-
tory progress under the direction of differ
ent officials of the Federal Government,
and the various States Of the Union have
shown disposition toward the most liberal
participation in the enterprise.
The Bureau of the American Republics
continues to discharge, with the happiest
results, the important work of promoting
cordial relations between the United States
and the Latin-American countries, all Of
which are now active members of the In
ternational Union. The Bureau has been
instrumental in bringing about the agree
ment for another international American
congress, which Is to meet in the City of
Mexico in October, 1901 The Bureaus
future for another term Of ten years is as
sured by the International compact, but the
congress will doubtless have much to do
with shaping new lines Of work and a gen.
eral policy. Its usefulness to the interests
of Latin-American trade Is widely appre-
ciated and shows gratifying develop
ment.
The practical utility of the consular SER
vice In obtaining wide range Of informa-
ton as to the industries and commerce of
other countries and the opportunities there
by afforded for introducing the sale of our
goods have kept steadily in advance of the
notable expansion Of our foreign trade, and
abundant evidence has been furnished
both at home and abroad. Of the fact that
the Consular Reports, including many from
our diplomatic representatives. have to a
considerable extent pointed out ways and
means Of disposing of great variety Of
manufactured goods which otherwise might
not have found sale abroad.
Testimony Of foreign observers to the
commercial efficiency of the consular corps
seems to be conclusive, and our own manu-
facturers and exporters highly appreciate
the value Of the services rendered not only
In the printed reports but also In the indi-
vidual efforts of consular officers to pro-
| mote American trade. An increasing part
OF the work Of the Bureau of Foreign Com
merce, whose primary duty it is to compile
and print the reports. is to answer inquiries
from trade organizations business houses,
ETC., as to conditions in various parts of
the world, and. notwithstanding the small
ness Of the force employed, the work has
been 80 systematized that responses are
made with such promptitude and accuracy
as to elicit 1attering ecomiums The. ex-