All remarks of Captain Richard (France), Admiral Viel (Chili), Captain Saldanha (Brazil), Commodore Monasterio (Mexico), and Captain Torres and Lieutenant Seoane (Spain) were delivered in the French language, of which the text is a translation; the original is in the appendix. II 7/19/16 L19 1916 PROGRAMME OF SUBJECTS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE INTERNA TIONAL MARINE CONFERENCE. October, 1889. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONFERENCE, Washington, April 3, 1889. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, in conformity with the instructions of the State Department of February 27, 1889, the Delegates on the part of the United States to the International Marine Conference met on Monday, 25th ultimo, organized, and proceeded to the consideration of a detailed programme of the subjects to be considered by the International Conference for transmission to the several powers. This programme was completed on the 30th ultimo, and is herewith inclosed. The correspondence between the State Department and the British Government on this subject was examined, and, in conformity with the intentions of our Government therein expressed, a consideration of the "International Code of Flag Signals" was excluded from the programme and a consideration of the "load line" was included. With this exception and this addition, the entire subject-matter of the act of Congress of July 9, 1888, was arranged in general divisions, following as nearly as possible the precise language of the act. These general divisions were then carefully considered, and each was arranged under subdivisions and subheads. It is believed that this arrangement in detail is sufficiently broad to include all matters bearing directly upon the principal topics, and care has been taken at the same time to avoid extending the field of deliberations of the Conference beyond the limits indicated in the act of Congress and its interpretation by the State Department. Very respectfully, S. R. FRANKLIN, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy, President of the Board of American Delegates. Hon. JAMES G. BLAINE, Secretary of State. V |