controversies between the republics of America and the nations of Europe
might be settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of
each nation represented in that conference should communicate this wish
to all friendly powers. A favorable response has been received from
Great Britain in the shape of a resolution adopted by Parliament July 16
last, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view and expressing the
hope that Her Majesty's Government will lend ready cooperation to the
Government of the United States upon the basis of the concurrent
resolution above quoted.

It affords me signal pleasure to lay this parliamentary resolution
before the Congress and to express my sincere gratification that the
sentiment of two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatively
manifested in favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of
international quarrels by honorable resort to arbitration.

Since the passage of the act of March 3, 1893, authorizing the President
to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which
foreign countries accredit their agents here, Great Britain, France,
Italy, and Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this
capital the title of ambassador, and I have responded by accrediting the
agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. A
like elevation of mission is announced by Russia, and when made will be
similarly met. This step fittingly comports with the position the United
States hold in the family of nations.

During my former Administration I took occasion to recommend a recast of
the laws relating to the consular service, in order that it might become
a more efficient agency in the promotion of the interests it was
intended to subserve. The duties and powers of consuls have been