New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-10
many times in excess OF the total expenses Of the
ALASKAN FUR SEAL SERVICE.

ALASKAN FUR SEAL SERVICE.
AS result OF the killing of fur seals the
Prihilon Islands during the season ended August.
1865 there taken Is 292 sealskns for the quota
Of 1903, and eighty-two rejected skins shipped by
of ls02.
The presence Of sealing schoouers within sight
OF the Islands this summer. before the beginning
Of the peiagic season in Behring Sea indicated a
closed season Il was impossibie to determine the
Rationallty Of the schooners- There is reason 70
believe however, that foreigners are not the only
gaeed in na7a ,1sv forsig 1aes # he
law prohibiting such sealing is to he made effective,
citizens Of the United States should not be per
for the violation Of American statutes.
BUREAU OF NAVIGATION.
The Bureau Of Navigation which is charged with
the general superintendent OF the commercial
marine ana merchant seamen. except in certain
particulars. was transferred to this department at
ne close Of the fiscal year ~ that time the docu
iIlpFlsed 80 vessels. o. 61.545 Gross tons not
meet is manned ny approximately 10000 men, in
Guiding masters The American steam feet is pro-
go oN machinery or ABOUT fV4WV lndlcated
OF over 0o5 tons
AMERICAN SHIPPING IN FOREIGN TRADE.
Congress- has made it the duty Of the Depart
ment OF Commerce and Labor to foster. promote
and develop our shipping interests. Commerce and
lanor, however. are not the only interests con-
eerned in the Improvement OF our merchant ship
Prg. Recent legislation and administration have
SSttlned 10 render more effective the militia Of the
states as an Important factor in the national d.
rrt IN our last wars the men and ships OF %
T7a,,- t'lIIie WIE tiit reserves ll5tI pul our
ualy or a war footing. and under ike circum-
eminent aid to the merchant marine in its naval
-edtGFes should conform closely to our general
naval policy. The position among nations now
occupied by the United States warrants the main
the United Kingdom or Of GERMANY in order that.
Ike those countries. We may possess the best posi-
9 9s 51tlIteS at coRnunlcat9n IN our dealings with
Instant quarters or the world
Should Congress provide for a commission. 10 be
composed Of the heads Of the departments most
nearly concerned who could report Jointly upon the
relations of the merchant marine TO each Of these
9- government ana feoltla
Tor the development Of our comInerclal shipping
reea+ Ii ~ IN oi5I5 b s ~, t7
F. 80 rlLerecFs mo e. i- I r. nv e'
proper representation from the two branches Of
cover matters that are pertinent from the Iegis-
lative point OF view the chances for the adoption
uncertainty now existing would he largely in
creased. I earnestly recommend that such action
PANAMA CANAL.
The work Of constructing the Panama Canal will
probably soon he undertaken. It viii involve the
transportation Of considerable material and some
passengers from the United States. Trade by way
Of the isthmus between Atlantic and Pacific
coast ports is now confined to American vessels.
American control over the strip of territory through
which the canal is TO he built is TO be guaranteed
special trade between the United States and the
isthmus. involved in canal construction. shall he
PRIVATE PROPERTY AT SEA
One Of the great concerns Of commerce is the
reduction Of the avoidable burdens and wastes Of
The success OF recent efforts TO promote the
International arbitration Of differences not invoIv-
ing national honor leads ne 10 believe that this
may he opporruue time for a reSubmisStOn n
maritime nations of our traditional wishes this
subject
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
immigration is one Of the departments most
important administrative problems. Of the nuner-
Gus aliens comins annually to our shores many
possess the elements OF good citizenship but others
by reason Of physical moral defects are strong
wellbeing should be refused admission. Progress
has already been made in the enactment Of laws
by way Of detail remains to be ACCOMPLISHED The
subject is so broad and concerns so closely the
proacned IN reasonable and conservative spirit
Care should be taken to draw hasty conclusions
from unusual conditions or 70 advocate more radical
legislation without fun knowledge Of the facts.
NATURALIZATION.
The report Of the Commissioner General regard
ing the fraudulent use Of naturalization papers de-
mands serious attention The extent TO which such
frauds are successfully practsed in order to evade
the immigration laws shows clearly the need Of
method OF obtaining citizenship and TO prevent the
fraudulent use Of certificates Of naturalization
BUREAU OF STANDARDS
The Bureau Of Standards Is intrusted with the
care and use Of the national standards OF measure
with the development Of methods Of measurement
and with the dissemination OF knowledge concern
ing these subjects as applied in the arts sciences
and industries
Standards and measuring apparatus submitted for
verlhcatiOn are critically examined for faulty con-
struCrion Manufacturers keenlv appreciate nm
biased criticism Of their Instruments and have been
curacy. Direct and permanent improvements in
this large class Of instruments have resulted.