Foreign.

Manawatu Herald, 9 March 1897, Page 2

Foreign.

President McKinley, on the 4th inst., formally assumed the office of President. In his inaugural address President McKinley said territorial aggression would be avoided, and a firm and dignified foreign policy adopted. Every agency for the preservation of peace would be tried before resorting to war. Arbitration was the true method of bringing about the settlement of international disputes, and the treaty recently entered into with the British was a glorious example of the exercise ofj-eason for securing peace. Further, the President urged the Senate to take early action in the matter of the Arbitration Treaty as a duty to mankind. The revival of business would take time. Congress has been convened for the 15th inst. The newspapers unanimously approve Mr McKinley'B views in regard to the treaty of Arbitration. Vice- Admiral Hollmann, Secretary of the German Navy, has submitted to the Imperial Budget Committee proposals for the construction within three years of five battle ship.", six cruisers, three gunboat 3, and 86 torpedo boats, at a cost of £10,000,* 000, besides £7,000,000 alreadj voted. Thi3 enormous demand stupefied the committee, which adjourned consideration of the question.