ons to this end are now in progress, the result of which I hope
to be able to report to Congress at an early day.

International arbitration cannot be omitted from the list of subjects
claiming our consideration. Events have only served to strengthen the
general views on this question expressed in my inaugural address. The
best sentiment of the civilized world is moving toward the settlement
of differences between nations without resorting to the horrors of war.
Treaties embodying these humane principles on broad lines, without in
any way imperiling our interests or our honor, shall have my constant
encouragement.

The acceptance by this Government of the invitation of the Republic of
France to participate in the Universal Exposition of 1900, at Paris, was
immediately followed by the appointment of a special commissioner to
represent the United States in the proposed exposition, with special
reference to the securing of space for an adequate exhibit on behalf of
the United States.

The special commissioner delayed his departure for Paris long enough
to ascertain the probable demand for space by American exhibitors. His
inquiries developed an almost unprecedented interest in the proposed
exposition, and the information thus acquired enabled him to justify
an application for a much larger allotment of space for the American
section than had been reserved by the exposition authorities. The result
was particularly gratifying, in view of the fact that the United States
was one of the last countries to accept the invitation of France.

The reception accorded our special commissioner was most cordial,
and he was given every reasonable assurance that the United States
would receive a consideration commensurate with the proportions of our
exhibit. The report of the special commissioner as to the magnitude
and importance of the coming exposition, and the great demand for
space by American exhibitors, supplies new arguments for a liberal
and judicious appropriation by Congress, to the end that an exhibit
fairly representative of the industries and resources of our country may
be made in an exposition which will illustrate the world's progress
during the nineteenth century. That exposition is intended to be the
most important and comprehensive of the long series of international
exhibitions, of which our own at Chicago was a brilliant example, and
it is desirable that the United States should make a worthy exhibit of
American g