Evening Star Newspaper, December 5, 1898, Page 20

THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1898-20 PAGES. ion of the vast military establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace was communicated to this ernment with an earnest invitation to be repr-sented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with a view to discussing the means of accomplishing 80 desirable a result. His Majesty was informed of the cordial sympathy of this Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of the readin-ss of United States to take part in the con- ference. The active military forces of the United States, as measured by our popula- tion, territorial area, and taxable wealth, fs, and under any conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Tsar's ap- peal is especially addressed that th> ques- tion can have for us no practical import- ance save as marking an auspicious step toward the betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation of peac> and good will among them; but In this view ft behooves us as a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent pro- Jeet. The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian cruisers in tering Sea are being pressed to a settle- ment. The equities of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the proven facts. The recommendation made in my special the message of April 27th last is renewed, that appropriation be de to reimburse the master and owners of the Russian bark Hans for wrongful arrest of the master and detention of the in February, 1896, by officers of the United States district court for the southern district of Missis- vessel sippi. The papers accompanying my said message make ont a most meritorious claim, and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the Government of Russia. Malietoa King of Laupepa, died Samoa, on August last. According to Article 1 of the general act of Berlin “his successor shail he duly elected according to the laws and customs of Sam: a Arra angements beer of th ving een the signatori agreed upon general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan chiefs, they were brought rom Jaluit by a German war vessel and tember ISth last. of Malietoa and the n of his old-time rival Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which execution of the tripartite General Act as heretofore developed remains to be seen. efforts of this government will, vfore, be ta harmo- and exact fulfiliment of the terms of The as idressed towa the international engagement to which the t ates became a party in 1859. The Cheek claim against § after some ha: ration, under an z © years of controversy “en adjus greement Sign TGTL ti of the Cheek having beer ed a us an award with releg mortgage claims, rendered March 1SvS, in favor of the ciaimant, by th itrator, Sir Nich; hn Hannen, British Chief Justice for and Japan. n accredited presented his ak of the war . fuifitling assumed Red nd recognize served nternational Stat 0 » execution, i severally a modus vi- arry ntinuance of hostilities, articles proposed by the in- aference of Geneva, October the “ f the ex- convention of 1864 to the Following the exam- isting conduct of naval war. ple set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a modus vivendi, and in view of the access' States to these additional in 1882, although the exchange of ions thereof still remained uneffec Il was prompt ly and cordial simultaneously, t This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled t tify its adherence to the broadest principles of hu- manity even amidst the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that t sion of the Red Cross compact to I es by sea as well as on land may soon become an complished fact through the general pro- miulgation of additional naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the Convention of 1864. he important question of the ciaim of Switzeriand to the ual cantonal al- stil ac: legiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made hopeful progress to- ward a solution, and controversies in this gard still continu The newly accredited ¢ States to the Ottoman Porte carries in- fons looxing to the disposal of mat- ters in controversy with Turkey for a num- ber of ye He is espectaily ged to press for a just settlement of claims for indemnity by reason of the destruction ve the United of the property of American missionaries resident in that cou during the Ar- menian troubes of 18%, as well as for the recognition of oider claims of equal just- Ss He is also instructed to seek an adjusi- ment of the dispute growing out £ the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of Ottom:n-born uralized in the United St without prior imperial! consent persons nat- since 1st and in the ni same genera: relation he is airected to en- deavor to bring about a solution uf the question whiex has more or less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdic- Uenal mghts of the United States in mat- ters of criminal procedure anu punishment under Articie Ty of the treaty of 1830. s latter aufficulty grows out of a verbal diference, €.a.med by Turkey to be essen- tial, between tne original Turkish text and the promusateu transiation. i After more than two years from the ap pointment of u consul of this country to rum, ived his exequatur. The arbitra. irivunal appointed under the treaty of revruary 2, Iwi, between Great Britain ana venezuela, to determine the boundary une between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at Paris durimg tue present month. It is a svurce of much gratification to this Gov- ernment to see the friendiy resort of arbi- tration appiied to the settiement of tnis controversy, not aione because of the earn- €st part we have had in bringing about tne Tesuit, but aiso because the two members bamed on beuuif of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuser and Mr. Justice Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appro- priately tesufy the continuing interest we feel in the aennite adjustment of the ques- ton according to the strictest rules of jus- ce. The bruish members, Lord Herschel and Sir Kicnard Coluns, are jurists of no less exalted repute, while the nftu member and President of the Trivunal, M. &. de Martens, has carned a world-wide reputa- tion as an autuority upon international law. The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expuision and in- jury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the order of expuision and by the payment of the sum of giv,uuu. jureau of American Republics. I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of the American Re- publics, created in 1880 as the organ for promoting commercial intercourse and fra- ternal relations among the countries of the Western Hemisphere, has become «a more eMficient Uistrument of the wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial eupport of the contributing members of the international Union which are actually in its beard of management. in two volumes, istical matter de- scriptive of the industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been printed in English, Spanish, Portugu | and French, and a monthly bulletin pub- lished in these four languages and distrib- uted in the Latin-American countries as well asin the United States, has proved to be a valuable medium for disseminating in- formation and furthering the varied inter- ests of the International Union. During the past year the important work of collecting information of practical bene- fit to American Industries and trade through the ageney of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily ad- vanced, and in order to lay such data be- fore the public with the least delay the practice was begun in January, 1808, of is- suing the commercial reports from day to day as they are received by the Depart- ment of State. It is believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of informa- tion the service thus supplied to our mer- chants and manufacturers will be found to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of Congress. The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in com- mon with most civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage sustained in time of war by-peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehen- sion into which an outbreak of hostilities t.rows the entire commercial world. It should be our object, therefore, to min- imize, so far as practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can probably best be accomplished by an inter- national agreement to regard all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the. forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many years advocated this hu- mane and beneficent principle, and is now in position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your con- sideration that the Executive be authorized to correspond with the Governments of the principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the permanent law of civilized nati the principle of the ex- emption of all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or de- struction by belligerent powers. GOVERNMENT FINANCES. The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the Government from all represented A commercial directory. sources during the fiscal year ended June 2, 1898, including 364,751,223 received from sale of Pacific Railroads, amounted to 3405 368, $149.5 S21 + and its expenditures to $443,- There was collected from customs and from internal revenue $170,- Our dutiable imports amounted to a deer $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty amounted to $201,414,175, a decrease | from the preceding year of $90,524,068. {n- ternai-revenue receipts exceeded those of 00,041. © of j the preceding year by $24,212.06 The total tax collected on distilled spirits 2.546,0; on manufactured tobacco, . and on fermented liquors, $39,- We exported merchandise dur year amounting to $1, 421, the 31,482,330, an iu- crease of $180.488,774 from the precediux y It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the receipts of the Gov- ernment for the year ending June 30, 180, j will be OAT and i expenditures $690.874.647, resulting in a deficieney cf $112,000.00, On the Ist of December. 1898, there was held in gold coin amounting to BAS » Bold bullion amounting te silver bullion amounting to $93 and other forms of money amount- ing to $4 On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not included in Treasury holdings, w: HM, increase for ihe year of $165,794,968. mating our population at 75,194,000 at the time mentioned the per capita circulation ‘~. On the same date there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to } provisions The the resources of the Treasury in connection made for strengthening with the war has given increased coniidence in the purpose and power of the Govern- | Ment to maintain the present standard, and has established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the | inflow of gold to the Treasury. | Its ret gold | holdings on November 1, 189s, 239,- | 885,162 as compared with $155,573,147 on No- vomber 1, 1897, and an increase of net ¢ i 100, November 1 to $400,- 433,275, November 1, 1898. The present of net Treasury gold to outstanding s of 1800, silver certifi- cates, currency certificates, standard sil- ver dollars, and fractional silver coin, vember 1, 1808, was 25.35 per cent as com- pared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1507. I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: That when any of the United States note: are presented for redemption in gold, and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an | obvious duty. If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it from the government, he should not receive back from the government a United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United States notes—a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond issue to redeem them—another interest-bearing debt to re- deem a non-interest-bearing debt. ‘This recommendation was made in the be- lef that such provisions of law would in- sure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected from a disturbance in the gen- eral business conditions of the country. In my judgment, the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks should be re- deemed upon presentation, but when once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. {t is not to be inferred that other legisla- ton relating to our currency is not re- quired; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for St. ‘The tmportence of adequate provision which will insure’ to our future a money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our commercial rivals is generally recognized. The companion proposition that our do- mestic paper currency shall be kept safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs ts a Proposition’ scarcely: tess important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to the wise consideration of the Congress. The annexation of Hewali and the changed relations of the United States to Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines re- sulting from the war, compel the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United Staies There should be established reg- ular and frequent steamship communica- tion, encouraged by the United States, un- der the American flag, with the newly ac- quired islands. Spain furnished to its cola- | nies, at an annual-cost of about two mil- lions of dollars, steamship lines communi- cating with a portion of the world’s mar- | kets, as well as with trade centers of the home government. The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, | under national control, for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and liberal. ‘The part which American merchant ves- sels and their seamen performed in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both pickets and the second line of defense, is a nationa! necessity, and should be encouraged in every constitu- tional way. Details and methods for the accomplish- ment of this purpose are discussed in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is respect- fully invited, In my last annual message I recom- mended that Congress authorize the ap- pointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result of the military occupation of the Island of Cuba and the commercial intercourse between this Island and the United States which we have every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new relations with the Island of Cuba and the acquisition of Porto Rico are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be considered by com- petent experts and that everything may be done which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the protec- tion of the health of our soldiers in thi islands and of our citizens who are ex- posed to the dangers of infection from the importation of yellow fever. 1 therefore re- new my recommendation that the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made to provide for a com- mission of experts to be appointed for the purpose indicated. INCREASE OF THE ARMY Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the President in his discretion, “upon a declaration of war by Congress, or a declaration by Congress that war exists,” I directed the increase of the | Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. There are now in the Regular Army 57,- S862 officers and men. In said act it was | provided “That at the end of any war in which the United States may become in- volved the Army shall be reduced to a | peace basis by the transfer in the same arm of the service or absorption by promo- tion or honorable discharge under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent in- crease of the commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now pro- vided by the law in force prior to the ps sage of this Act, except as to the increase of twonty-five majors provided for in tion one hereof.” The importance of legislati manent increase of the Army is therefore t, and the recommendation of the cretary of War for that purpose has my unqualified approval, There can be no ques- tion that at this time, and probably for ome time in the future, one hundred thous and men will be none too many to meet th ities of the situation, At all event whether that number shall be required per- manently or not, the power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the inhabitants of the isiands with the government of which we are charged. It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the Congress shall provide for the increase of the regu- lar establishment. This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in its emergency. on for the per- Pacific Railways. In my last annual message I stated: “The Union Pacific Railway, Main Line, was sold under the decree of the United States court for the uistrict of N:braska on the ist and 2d of November of this year. Tie amount due the Government consisted of the principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,- 512, and the accrued interest thereon, $31,- 211,711.75, making the total indebtedness . The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire mort- gage ciaim of the Government, principal and interest.” ‘This left the Kansas Pacific case uncon- eluded. By a decree of the court in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which weuld yield to the government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale at the instance of the Govern- ment was postponed first to December 15, 1887, and later upon the application of the United States was postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. Having satisfied myself that the interes's of the Government required that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the Secretary of the ‘Treasury, un- der the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay out of the Treasury to the persons entitl d to receive the same the amounts due upon all prior mortgag:s upon the Eastern and Middle Divisicus of sald rafiroal out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise ap- propriated. Whereupon the Attorney Gen- eral prepared a petition to be presen:ed to the court offering to redeem said prior liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that thereupon the Untied States might be held to be subrogaicd to all the rights of said prior licn ho'ders and that a receiver might be appointed io take possession of the morigaged premis:s :ud maintain and operate the same until the court or Congress otherwise diree-ed. Thereupon the reorganizaticn committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they wouid bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Gov- ernment the entire principal of its debt, 36,308,000, Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the difficulties under which the Government would Jabor if It should become the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any .u- thority by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the Government secured an ad- vance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization com- mitteé had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the property. It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the government has recelved on account of. its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the ‘sum’! which the reorganization. committee origi- nally agreea to bid for the joint property. the governmeat receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas | Pacific railroad. \ “4 Steps had been taken to foreclose the gov- ernment’s Hen upon the Central Pacific’ Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress passed an. act, ap- proved July 7, 1898, creating a commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Treas- tary of the Inverior and their successors tn office, with full power to settle the indebt- edness tu the government growing out of the issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and Western Pacific bond-aided raileads, subject to the ap- proval of the President. Ne report hag Yet been made to me by the commission thus created Whatever action is had ooking to a settiement of the indebtedness In accordance with the act re- ferred to will be duly submitted to the n- gress > New Building for Department of ; Justice. T'deem it my auity to call to the attention of Congress the condition of the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The ousiness of that department has increased yery zraily since it was es- labiisned in its present Guarters. The building now occupied wy ‘t is neither large enough nor of scitable arrangement for the Proper accommodation of the business of the departwent | The supervising architect has prono:,, ced ji unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The Attorney General in, his ceport states that the library of the depariment {s upon the fourth floor, and that afl the’ space allotted to it Is so crowded with books as to d nusly over- load the sttucture. ‘The first tloor is occu- pled by thé’Court of Claims. he building is of an old’and @lapidated appearance, un- suited tc the dignity which should attach to this impértant department A proper“regard for the safety, comfort and convetience’ of the officers and em- ployes would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in the erection of a new buildihg of commo & proportions and handsome appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that purpose, including the ground oéeupied by the present srructure and adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet ind a depth of 136 on Pennsy venue feet. In this connection J may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations providel for the Supreme Court in the Car and suggest the wisdom of making provision for the erection of eparate building for the court and its officers anil library upon avail- able ground near the Capitol. THE POSTAL SERVIC The postal service of the country ai- vances with extraordinary growth. Within twenty years both the revenues and the ex- penditures of the Post-Office Department have multiplied threefoid. In the last te. years they have nearly doubled. Ovr pos- tal business grows much more rapidly than our population. {[t now involves an Giture of $10,000,000 a year, numbers 000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 e1a- ployes. This remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of tae public conditions presents gratifying evi- Gence of the adyancement of education, of the increase of communication and bus- iness ac and of the improvement mail facilities leading to their con avementing vs The war with Spain 12 tional labors on the Posi The mustering of the forces of the Unite mai} arrangements for every every campaign. The communication tween home and camp was naturally pia, ven stantly d new and Mice Department. military and naval States required special xeep- camp and b cager and expectant. In some of the larger p! o? rendezvous ¢ many as fifty theus: letters a day required handling. This ne- cessity was met by pt detail and patch of e; from the es- ished fc sting all the in- strumentali ay-mait i -office servi ras necessary, io this new need. passed an’act em- pewering the Pos neral to cstab- lish offices or branches at every milita camp or station, and under this authority the postal machinery was speedily put Into effective operation. Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines they were attended and for lowed by the postal service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of postmasters where necessary, 1t was early determined that the public interests would best be subserved, not by new desiz- nations, but by the detail of experienced men fainillac with every branch of the service, and this policy was steadily fo!- lowed. When th¢ territory which was the theater of gonflict came into our possession, mae necessary to re-establish mail. fa- forthe resident population as well 44 tO provide thém for our forces of occu- pation, and che former requirement’ was met through the extension and applica of the latter obligation. I gave the ~equi- site authority and the same general prin- ciple was applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under mil- itary occupiition,’ The details are more pa: ticularly given in the report of the Post- ter-General, 4nd while the work is only Just begun,-it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the territory which has come under our control is already mate rially improved. INCRE A OF THE NAVY, The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to the in- crease of the Navy have my earnest ap- proval: 1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 tons trial dis- placement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful 2rdnance tor vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable speed and great radius of action. sti- mated cost, exclusive of armor and arma- ment, $3,600,000 each. 2 Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,( ment, carrying most powerful c ) tons trial displace- heaviest armor und ince for vessels of their Class, und to have the bighest practicable speed and great radius of action. muted cosi, exclusive of armor and arma- ment, $4,000,000 cach, 3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons uial dis ment; to have the highest practicable speed and great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for vessels of their class. Mstimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, $2,150,- 900 each. 4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial displacement; to have the highest speed compatible with ood cruising qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Hstimated cost, exclusive of armament, $1,141,800 each. I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades of Admiral and Vice-Admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with Sprain. THE, TWELFTH CENSUS. I earnestly urge. upon Congress the im- portance of early, legislation providing tor the taking of the Twelfth Census, This is necessary. im view, of the large amount of work which must be performed in the prep- aration of the schedules preparatory to the ebumeration of the population. THE PENSION ROLLS. There were on the pension rolis on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an increase of near- ty 18,000 ek ee on the rolls on the same day:of the preceding year. ‘The amount approprfated by the act of Decem- ber 22,. ‘foxy the payment of penstons for the fiscad: ¥¢ar of 1898 was §146,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hun- dred and seventy-two dollars and forty-six the cents was appropriated by the act of March 31, 1898, to cover deticiences in Army pea- Sidncaad rments inthe surh of 312,- 020,33, A total of $148,082,992.79 available for the payment of pensions dur- ing the fiseat year 1898... The amount: dis. bursed from“that’ sum was $144,651,879.80, | covered into the Treasury. leaving a balance of $3,431,012.90 unexpend- ed on the 30th of June, 1808, which was There were S80 rames added to the rolls during the year by special acts passed at the second ses- sion of the Fifty-fifth Congress, making a total of 6.486 pensioners by Congressional enactments since 1861. The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were $L2KiAMS44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus of $172,314. The public lands disposed of by the Gov- ernment during the year reached 8.453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previou year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year amount- ed to §$2,277,005.18, an increase of $190,053.00 over the preceding year. Tne lands em- braced in the eleyen forest reservations, which were suspended by the act of June 4, isv7, again became subject to the operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1807, creating them, which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area em- braced in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves were created during the year—the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve in California, em- bracing 1,644.504 acres, and the Prescott Reserve in Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres; while the Pecos River Reserve in New Mex- ico has been changed and eniarged to in- clude 120,000 additional acres. At the close of the year thirty forest res- ervations, not including those of the Afog- nac Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve in Alaska, had been created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March 3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. The Department of the Interior has inau- gurated a forest system, made possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation since August, but gvod results have already been secured in many sections. The reports re- ceived indicate that the s¥stem of patrol has rot cnly prevented destructive fires trom ge ; headway, but has diminished the num’ er of fires. The sic cial attention of the Yongress is cal ed lo that part of the report of the Sec- retary the Interior in reiation te the f ed Tri It is noteworthy that 11 condition of the Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of & serious character occurred during the year, at among the Chippewa !ndians of Minnesota, which happily has been sup- sed. While it has not yet been practicable to enforee all the provisions of the act of Jun. 28, 1808, “for the protection of the peoph of the Indian Territory, and for other pur pr poses,” it is having a salutary effect upon the nations composing the Five ‘Tribes. The Dawes Commission reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance to- ward the attainment of the »bjec:s of the Government have been secured in the p: year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the recommendation of the Commi y of the Interi ng fc ibe education of iren on and of the Secreta of provid 1,000 white ch cesident in the Indian Territors DEPARTVENT OF AGRICULTURE. ‘The Department of Agriculture has been active in past year. Explorers have heen sent to many of the countries of th the necessit the the Eustern and Western Hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the United States and with the further view of opening up markets fot our surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving pecial attention to the treeless regions of our country and is introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires which se- riousi: interfere with production, espec rigated regions, are being studied that es from t may be avoided. f Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many States of the West and collating information regarding the laws of the States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in this regard, so that uniformity may be se- cured, Experiment stations are becoming more effective every year. The annual ap- propriation of $720,000 by Congress is sup- plemented by $100,000 from the States. Na- tion-wide experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil and climate and States for growing sugar beet The number of sugar factories has be doubled in the past two years and the aitl- of the United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly demonstrated. The Weather Bureau forecast and obser- vation stations have been extended srevad the Caribbean Sea, to give eariy warning of the-approach of hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant mariae. cause Capital Centennial. In the year 1900 will occur the centenmial anniversary of the founding of the city of Washington‘ for the permanent Capital of the Government of the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, 1790. In May, 180, the archives and general offices of the Federal Govern- ment were removed to this place. On tne 17th of November, 1800, the National Cot - gress met here for the first time, and as- sumed exclusive control of the Federal strict and City. This interesting evert assumes all the more significance when we 1 the circumstances attending the hoosing of the site, the naming of the Capital in honor of the Father of Lis Conn- try, and the interest taken by jim the adoption of plans for its future develop- ment on a magnificent scale. These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive uty and government of the Capital, and of the rare instruments of science and education which here find their natural home. - A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including perhaps the establishment of a handsome perma- nent memorial to mark so historical an oc- easion, and to give it more legal recogni- tion, has met with general favor on the part of the public. I recommend to the Congress the grant- ing of an appropriation for this purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies, It might also be ad- visable to authorize the President to ap- point a committee from the country at large, which, acting with the Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the plans for an appropriate national celebration. The alien contract law is shown by ex- perience to need some amendment; a meas- ure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the principle of arbitration are sug- gested for consideration; and I commend these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. ‘The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Govern- ment during the past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel culled upon to act. WILLIAM McKINLEY. EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 5, 1898. —_—__-2-—______ - Enters Upon New Daties. Detective Robert H. Boardman, who, as heretofore stated in The Star, was Thurs- day promoted to the head wf the bureau with the rank of lheutenant and inspector, vice Mr. Joseph Mattingly, retransferred to the office of the United States attorney, at ‘his own request, entered upon the discharge of his new duties 5 NATIONAL TREATIES| Present Negotiations With Spain Serve as Reminder. Sst WHEN DOGS OF WAR GROWLED Concessions to United States Under Former Agreements. MATTER OF HISTORY — —+— -— ‘The negotiations with Spain looking to a treaty of peace between the two nations have progressed with much greater dis- patch than those which preceded the Span- ish-American treaty of 179%. Before this the dogs of war of Spain, then one of the first nations, and those of the youngest and weakest, yet the most determined, growled ominously at each other, and had it not been for the cool heads and wise states- manship of the fathers, this nation would have been short-lived. At the close of the revolution there was a question as to the boundaries of the tes which had successfully fought long years and achieved their independence. France and Spain claimed the entire south- ern border, from the Atlantic westward, and England, too, was loth to give up a number of points beyond the “ancient set- in other words, claiming that it was but a narrow strip of territory which had been made free through the the Americans, assisted by the Spain claimed Louisiana and th Plorids nd consequently Sp that her bounda i first degree controiied th: Fre: French the in, assenting ry started from the thirty- f latitude and the sippi, lower part of that river, and could effectually shut off its navigation by the western settlers along that river and the Ohio. Question of Navigation. Long before the close of the century the importance of the free navigation of the Mississippi became apparent to the western settlers, and to the country at large, but Spain being obdurate on this point, and continuing vo exercise exclusive control open warfare was with difficulty averted. Indeed, the delay in obtaining the right 10 Navigate the river was the caus> of much unfavorable comment in the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, and the settlers were inclined to open the Mississippi by fc and the threats mad> found their way t Congress. One letter, after reciting that goods of settlers had been confiscat« New Orleans, and the yield of thc - Was such that all the Spanish ships assorted that the st b> opened, and unless Congress d a sausfactory treaty was made would e them an outlet they could r: 29,000) men ihe demand, and closed with : “In @ase we are not suc cored by the United States, our allegiance will be thrown off. Great Britain stands ready with open arms to rec-ive and sup- port us, and with Canada will be at quer you.” 3 Thus, in our infancy the stability of the Union was crdangered by its own px a secession ¢ and southwest b: threatened. tely, Sp: fou ury could not carry it off, rn enforce these work trouble n nd October 27, 17 signed @ treaty which allayed the feeling By this she agreed that the navigation of esippi in its whole length, from its to the ocean. to the should be fre subjects of Spain the c| United States, unk the should extend the privileg other nowe In a few years 8 France, and s\ in 1803 ceded it to United Stai the bone of Spain's contention was removed, and Spain, by the treaty and forevei of Feb- ruary 22, 1814, ceding the Floridas.to the Union, gave us a boundary marked by the ocean’s shore from the Bay of Fundy to the Sabine. Treaty With France. Our first treaty with a power beyond the seas was that with our ally and friend, France, of February 6, 1778, by which the United States agreed, should war break ou! between France and England, she would make it a common cause, and France and the United States be good and faithful allies. Spain was at this time the friend and ally ef Franes, and it was confidently hoped she would treat with us, but, as stated above, she possessed the key to the |. Mississippi valley, and she was also disin- “lined to incur the displeasure of England. While she received some of our ministers courteously, in their private character, she was extrem-ly cautious not to violate the comity of nations by giving aid and com- fort to the recalcitrant children of Mother nviend, beyond proffering a small lc which could be called a private accommoda- tion. Spain then poss t possessions uch rank, owning v us parts of the in world, and the products of the infant re- public wer of so vast proportions, that a commercial treaty between Spain and this country was viewed as of more importance than a creatv with any other nation, ane politically the importance was equally great. Her influence, it was supposed, would affect both our polities and com- meree, and Britain would rejoice if we were at vartance with Spain. Being then the greatest consumer among the European na- tions, her friendship was worth having, and strenuous efforts were made by our commissioners to arrive at some under- standing. ain, when finally willing to negotiate, insisted on an invariable boundary, the ex- clusive navigation of the Mississippi and the possession of the Floridas. The Snan‘s? cabinet in: ed that our western border extended no farther than the settlements noted in the royal proclamation of 1768, and that it was probabie Spain would capture Florida and that the lands east of the ppi, where settlements were prohib. the proclamation of 176%, wer by ssions of Britain and might be objects of conquest for the Spanish crown. Thus the two nations were kept apart till after a number of other nations had treated with us, and in 1795 the papers were signed. In the meantime Sweden, in 1783, and Prussia, in 1755, had made treaties, each recognizing the principles that “free ships make free goods” and freeiom of con- science and of worship. In the treaty with Spain the first principle was enunciated, and in the treaty of 1819 the doctrine of free ships make free goods; that the flag covers the property; that it shall be under- stood ‘‘with respect to powers recognizing such principle; but, if elther of the contracting parties shall be at war with a third party, and the other neutral, the flag of the neutral shall cover the property of enemies whose government acknowledges this principle, and not of others.” Cession of Louisiana. In the treaty with France of April 30, 1808, the clause in the treaty between Spain and France of October 9, 1800, is quoted, making the King of Spain promise to, in six months, cede to the Duke of Parme the province of Louisiana, and the French republic cedes the same to the United States in compliance therewith. By this the citizens were incorporated in the Union, and secured in the free exercise of their re- ligion without restriction; the vessels of France and Spain, laden with the products of their respective countries, were granted the same privileges that United States ves- sels enjoyed for twelve years, and after- ward with those of the most favored na- tions. By the treaty of February, 1819, Spain ceded to the United States all her territory east of the Mississippi, known as East and West Florida, fixing the bound- ary west of the Mississippi, the Sabine, the Red and Arkansas rivers, the use of the same to be enjoyed in common by both na- tions. The-free exercise of religion and re- moval to Spanish dominions without pay- ment of duiy was provided for. The subject of a treaty with Spain was frequently discussed under the confedera- tion, and Congress being informed by the western settlers (who had received a report that @ commercial treaty had been made with Spsin-without the right of free navi- gation). that the Spanish had robbed them and ———— ‘their flour, tobacco and } adopted a resolution declaring “unfoonded, and asserting that States had a clear right to the the subject over to under the new kovernment—the administration ington—the negotiations were and, as stated. a treaty was signed ir In justice to 8 owever, it eh aid that, although she was tardy ing us by signing a treaty. her infl our favor was exercised on the Em Morsceo, and a_ treaty wi brought about. Before this Wash- nued 170, uid or conventions between the United States and other powers bad been made with the ptherlands, 1782; Sweden. in 1783: Pras sia, 1785; Moroceo, 1787; Algiers, 1 be sides the treaties with Great Pritain Early Exercise of Powers. The treaty powers of the United States, or rather the colonies, were exercised py them before they had conquered peace. Under the articles of confederation each state was in- hibited from sending an embassy or enter- ing inte an agreement, alliance or trenty with any king, prince or state, or to accept the same. The exclusive right etermin= ing peace or war was reserved nETESS, and It was necessary to have the assent of nine states to engage in war or enter into a treaty. Under the Constitution (art sec. 2, the power to make @ treaty Was vested in the President by and with the consent of the Senate, and the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators wa sary. The Constitution and treaties were recognized as the supreme law of the land, and it was early held by the courts that the government has full power of acquiring ( ritory by conquest or treaty. First Petors, IA2, says “The usage of the world ts, if a natior not entirely subdued, to consider the he Ing of conquered territory as a mere tm tary occupation until its fat> shall be termined at the treaty of pe: If tt ceded by the treaty, the acquisttion is « firmed, and the ceded territory become part of the nation toe which it is annexes, either on the terms stipulated in the treaty of cession or on such as its new master shall impose. On such transfer of terri- t it has never been held that tory eg 3 of the Inhabitants with each ¢ changed. Their relations with th ereign are dissolved, and new P- lations are created between them government wh tory. The same t couniry transfers the allegiance of thos vho remain in it, and the law, which may be denominated political, is necess changed, although that which regu intercourse and general conduc viduals remains in force until altered by the newly created power of the state.” Subsequently tresties were made w various nations, mostly of a commer character, and in respect to navigation. W have treated with every nation of the ear Spain and France Louisiana Florida were purchased, from Mexico y was obtained by congurst and 4 chase. In quite a number—that with Netherlands leading —liberty conscte t “TS Was Secu! and that « tember, Nt. cla Mf the constitutiy there are no slaves Chile slaves who touch the territ are fre is quoted, and the treaty pi vides that this does not apply to slaves public or private ships of the United States Treats With Mexico. In the treaty made In ISdS with Mexico. from whom territory was taken by force and purchase, there was an amendment made in our § ale ‘fore its ratification. The original treaty provided that “th most ample guarantee shall be enjoyed by All ecelesiastics ¢ ligious corporations w communities as well in ance of the offices of their ministry as in the en joyment of their property of y kina whether individual or corporativ i guarantee shall embrace all temples. 4 und ito the Roman ¢ 6 it support, or to that of schools, bespt tais or other foundation for charitable or benevolent purposes. No pre y of this nature shall be considered as | ix come the property of the American sy ment er as subject to be by it t or deviated to other causes “Finally, the relations ane A tions between Catholies livin; tory aforesaid and their r siastical authorities shall be ope 5 exempt from all hir although aut within the limits s defined by this t ty; this freedom s i continue so long as a now deb Ka tion f ecclesiastical districts shall not have } made ormably with the laws of Roman Catholic Church.” Inserted by Senate. the third article of the peding Louisiana was Inserted the Senate as follows: ‘The inhabitants of th wy shall be Incorporated in th f the United States and admitted as soon as pos sible according to the principles of the fed eral Constitution, to the enjoyment of all the rights, advantag>s and immunities izens the United States, and in they shall be maintained in the free enjoyment of ranges wh such f the Mexic this with Frane by ceded Unic of ntime rotected property and religion which they me In this way negotiations were made both at the beginning, during and at the 8 of the war, the commission from the United States being in the field with the army ++ CASTELLANOS GOT NO MOVES. Captain General Demanded &850,000 on a Government Due Bill, A special to the New York Tribune Havana under date of December 4 The straits of the Spanish authorities money gave rise to a se this week. Captain went in person to rom says for tonal a « the Cuba and demanded $850,000 neral lan, Bank of sh. He was mpanied by subordinate officials. After making the demand the captain general fered a receipt or due bill of govern Spanish ace the ment. The president of the bank declared that it had not the cash to meet the de- mand. The captain general directed the ash drawers to be opened by his subory nates. This was done, but no money was obtained. A meeting of the directors was then called. Instead of finding means to satisfy the government they indorsed th refusal of the president to supply funds, ffirmed a notice previously sent to de- ing them to withdraw their 4 from the bank, because n to the Spanish positors posits temporarily of its semi-oflicial government. It has heretofore submitted t« these enforced contributions, but the ex- pectation of early American control caused the decision to be taken to advance no more funds. Though American authority was not established on December 1, as had been ex- pected, there is no probability of the bank yielding to Castellanos’ demand. — Other financial institutions support its position. When the Spanish troops evacuated Hol- guin, tn Santiago province, the milita commander went to the Holguin branch the Spanish Bank and forcibly took what cash it had and left a government due bill ‘This incident had given warning to the di rectors of the parent institution in Havan and they had prepared for a visit from captain general. The bank will be reorgan- ized the day that Spanish sovereignty in Cuba ceases. : Notwithstanding the captain general's failure to obtain funds, the dissatisfaction of the troops over their pay is repressed and the embarkation continues without in- terruption. The last of the Guardia Civiles or rural police force of the regular army have gone and danger of revolt from that source is ended. The Spanish garrisons hroughout the western part of the island are leaving faster than the American troops arrive. Civil affairs in Pinar del Rio are under the administration of the insurgents until the American forces take possession Matanzas province is also being evacuated rapidly. The delay in the coming of troops from the United States is not understood. Gen- eral Greene has completed. plans for th’ expenditure of the money placed at his disposal for the cleaning of F na. Th nost office service throughon” th tslan* in a state of ‘om lete demoralizition Ma officials have quit or resigned. and there no authority in the administering of postal affairs. The reorganization of the service by the United States postal offictals will be a complicated task. President McKinley's message is awaited with interest because of the indications of his Cuban policy which t-is expected to give. All classes look forward to it hope fully. - a Gold Standard for India. A special cable dispatch to the Philade!- phia Press from says: The Indian currency commission has nearly concluded hearing evidence for’end against the gold Seen majority Will report im favor of gold, and the irony, Sah spcpmmend re- opening the mints coinage. Thousands of sftuations orig through the. want.columns of The