examinations are being made, and that he hopes soon to have a full
statement to submit to Congress.

THE SEALING QUESTION received some consideration. The Message gives the
history of the matter, with which we are all familiar (or can easily
become so by looking up the back numbers of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, from
page 732, and through several numbers following).

The President announces the treaty arranged between Russia, Japan, and
the United States, and that on certain important points England is also
agreed. He thinks there will be little difficulty in getting measures
adopted for the preservation of the seal herd.

ARBITRATION.--On this matter he states that the "best sentiment of the
civilized world is moving toward the settlement of differences between
nations without the horrors of war."

He adds that he will give his constant encouragement to all such
treaties, provided they do not endanger our interests.

THE EXPOSITION OF 1900, which will be held in Paris, also comes in for
consideration.

President McKinley states that from the reports received from the
special commissioner who was appointed to look into the matter, he is of
opinion that the coming event in Paris will be one of the most important
of the many wonderful expositions which the world has seen.

He therefore asks Congress to make a liberal appropriation of money, so
that the United States may be properly represented.