The action of Great Britain in claiming the island at this time is considered of the highest importance, as it is feared that it may have been claimed merely for the sake of complicating Hawaiian matters, and preventing annexation. Our Government will look very closely into the rights of the affair, and insist upon their being respected. The State Department will gather all information possible in regard to Palmyra Island. Should it be found that Hawaii's claims are good, our minister in the Sandwich Islands will be instructed to ask the Government there to protest against the action of Great Britain. The United States will then uphold this protest, and the officials believe that it will result in the removal of the British flag from the island. An American guano company located on Palmyra Island some years ago, building sheds and a wharf, but after the guano deposit was exhausted they abandoned the island. It was at one time known as Americus Island. * * * * * A despatch from Japan says that the Government has decided to submit the Hawaiian emigrant question to arbitration. It is also stated that Japan will endeavor to prevent the annexation by every means in her power, but that she will not resort to hostile measures. The friends of arbitration are very pleased at the news about the Japanese emigrant question. Arbitration seems to have been making rapid strides lately. Every one is satisfied with the settlement of the Venezuelan difficulties, and now Spain and Peru have entered upon a new treaty based upon similar grounds. In this last treaty all differences are to be laid before a disinterested country for settlement, and the decision of that country is to be final. There is a curious clause in this treaty which relates to the frequent revolutions which occur in the South American republics. This clause states that the claims of Spanish residents for damage done their property during these disturbances shall be placed on the same footing as those of the Peruvians. Formerly there were diplomatic squabbles and troubles like the Ruiz affair, after every revolution, but under the new treaty all this will be avoided. There are still rumors of a new arbitration treaty between England and the United States. It is probable that the question may be raised again at the next session of Congress. * * * * * Affairs are progressing peacefully in Turkey. The ambassadors have presented the Sultan with a rough draft of the treaty. It provides that Europe shall arbitrate any difficulties that may arise between Turkey and Greece over the details of the arrangement. So far the ambassadors and Turkish officials are on the best of terms, and meet with the utmost friendliness. But despite this fact, the peace is not yet concluded. Germany has made a fresh difficulty by insisting that the Powers shall control the money matters of Greece until the war indemnity has been paid.