The Yale expositor., December 09, 1898, Image 6

About The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current

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IPBITB1L
McKinley's Communication to the
! Congress, 'i-- ,
,.V.-'Si(
IT WAS NOT VERY SENSATIONAL
Make No Suggestions s to the Govern
ment of Our New Territory Want
m, Hlgger Navy and Army Urges
Construction of the Nicaragua Canal.
To the Senate and House of Representa
tives: Notwithstanding the added burdens ren
dered necessary by the war, our people re
joice in u very satisfactory and steadily
Increasing: degree of prosperity, evidenced
tjy tho largest volume of 'business ever re
corded Manufacture has been productive,
agricultural pursuits have yielded abun
dant returns, labor In the fields of indus
try Is better rewurded, revenue legislation
parsed by the present congress has in
creased, tho treasury' receipts to the
amount estimated by its authors; the fin
ances of the government have been suc
cessfully administered and Us credit ad
vanced to the first rank, while Its curren
cy has been maintained at tho world's
highest standard. Military service under
a. common flag nnd for a righteous cause
has strengthened the national spirit and
served to cement more closely than ever
tho fraternal bonds between every section
of the country. A review of the relations
of the United States to other powers, al
ways appropriate, ia trils year of primary
importance in view of the momentous is
sues which have arisen, demanding In one
Instance the ultimate determination by
arms and involving far-reaching conse
quence?, which will require the earnest at
tention of tho congress.
He lew if Our War IVIIh Spain.
Tho president turns back tho pages of
history and after reviewing th.it portion
of his last message referring to the situa
tion of Cuba during the insurrection and
the hopelessness ot the reconeentrudoes,
ho continues:
On the l.'ith of February last, occurred
tho destruction of the battleship Maine,
whilo rightfully lying in tne hurbor of
Havana on a misah n of International
courtesy and good will a catastrophe the
suspicious nature and horror ot wliioli
stirred the nation's heart profoundly. The
finding of the- naval board or inquiry es
tablished that the origin of the explosion
was external by a fciiiunarine mine, and
only halted through lack of positive testi
mony to lix the responsibility of its au
thorship. All thesa things carried conviction to
the most thoughtful, even before the find
ing of the naval court, that a crisis In our
relations with Spain and toward Cuba
was at hand. So. strong was this belief
that it needed but a brief executive sug
gestion to the- congress to receive Imme
diate answer to the duty of making in
stant provision for the possible and per
haps speedily probable einergei.i y of war,
ind the remarkable, almost unique, spec
tacle was presented of a unanimous vote
of both houses, on-theDth of March, ap
propriating $..0,000,000 "for the national de
fense and for each and every purpose con
nected therewith, to be expended ot the
discretion of the President." That this act
of provision came none too soon was dis
closed when the application of the fund
was undertaken.
Tho l'resident reviews the well-known
proceedings which preceded the declara
tion of war; of the endeavors on the part
ot the United Staes government to bring
about an amicable ending of the Cuban
Struggle, whereby the peoplo might be
made independent; of how Spain quibbled
over the matter and virtually threw aside
our well-meant overtures. Tho l'resident
then says:
Grieved nnd disappointed at this barren
tout come of mv sincere endeavors to reach
a. practical solution. I felt it my duty to
remit the whole question to the congress.
In the message of April 11, 18'JS. 1 an
nounced that with this last overture in
the direction of Immediate peace in Cuba,
and Its disappointing reception by Spain,
the effort of the-executive was brought to
an end. I again reviewed the alternative
course of action which I had proposed,
concluding that the only one consonant
With International policy and compatible
with our firm-set historical traditions was
intervention us a neutral to stop the war
and check the hopeless sacrifice of life,
'even though that resort involved "hos
tilo constraint upon both the parties to the
contest, as well to enforce a truce as to
guide the eventual settlement."
Tho response of the congress, after nine
.,i,vi nf ..nmcKt deliberation, during which
tho almost unanimous sentiment of your
body was developed on every point savo
as to the expediency of coupling the pro
posed action with a formal recognition of
the republic of Cuba as the true and law
ful government of that Island a propo
sition which failed of adoption the con-
? tress, after conference, on thel9th or Apr..,
v a vote of to to 25 In the senate and
311 to 6 In the house of representatives,
passed the memorable Joint resolution,
ordering forcible intervention to stop the
.W,fhls action led to the Spanish minister
Withdrawing from Washington and also
to giving United States Minister Woodford
his passports, thereby breaking oft diplo
matic relations between the two coun
tries, such as attends an actual state of
war. The president at once proclaimed a
blockade of Cuba's coast, issued a call
for volunteers and recommended to con
press a formal declaration of, the exis
tence of a state of war between the Unit
ed States and 4paln.
The congress accordingly voted on the
lime day tho act approved April 25. 18')$.
declaring the existence of such war, from
and including the 21st day of April, and
re-rnooted the provision of the resolution
of April 20, directing the president to use
all the armed forces of the nation to
carry that act into effect. Our
country thus, after on interval of half a
century of peace with all nations, found
Itself engaged in deadly conflict with a
foreign enemy. Every nerve was strained
to meet the emergency. The response to
the Initial call for 125.000 volunteers was
instant nnd complete, as was also the re
sult of the second cull of May 25. for75.0
Additional volunteers. The ranks of the
regular armv were Increased to the limits
provided by the net of April 26. The en
listed force of the navy on the 15th of
August, when It reached Its maximum,
numbered 21,123 men and apprentices.
It Is not within the province of this
'message to narrate the history of the ex
traordinary war that followed the Span
ish declaration of April 21. but a brief re
cital of its most salient features Is ap
propriate. The first encounter of the
war in point of date took place April 27.
when a detachment of the blockading
squadron made a reconnaissance In force
lit Matanzas. shelled the harbor forts and
demolished several new works in con
struction. Tho next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The I'aclllc fleet, under Commo
dore Ocnrge Dewey, which had lain for
several weeks at I long Kong, proceeded
to the Philippine Islnn-s under orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Span
ish fleet then assembled at Manila. At
daybreak on the 1st day of May the
American force entered Manila bay and
after a few hours' engagement effected
the total destruction of the Spanish fleet,
consisting of ten warships and a trans
port, besides capturing (ho naval sta
tion nnd forts of Cavite, thus annihilating
the Spanish naval power In the Pacific
Dccnn and completely controlling the bay
Of Manila with the ability to take the
citr at will. Not a 11 f o was lost on our
hips, the wounded only numbering seven,
while not a vessel was materially Injured.
For this gallant achievement the congress,
upon my recommendation, fitly bestowed
upon the actors preferment and substantial-
reward. Kelnforccments were hur
ried to Manila under command of Maj.
Oen. Mrrrltt and firmly established within
sight of the capital, which lay helpless
before our guns. Other expeditions soon
followed, the total force consisting of CU
Officers and 15.058 men.
Following the comprehensive scheme of
frenenvl nttnck powerful force were as
sembled ait various polnits on our coast
o lnvad CuThi and Porto U'eo. Mwn
"While iraval demonit rations were made at
txweral pxpowed points. On May It the
cruiser Wilmington and) torpedo boat
Wlnwlow were unsuccessful in an attempt
xo silence tne iaitterle,s st Cardenas,
aga-livrt Matanzas. Knslgn Worth Barley
and four seamen falling.
Meanwhile the Spar.inh naval prepara
tlov had been pushed with grou.t vigor.
A iHwcrful squadron under Admiral Cer-
vera. which had assembled at the C.po
Verde Island before the outbreak of hos
tilities had crossed tihe ocean, and by
its enrule. movemrta in the Caribbean
sea. delayed our military operations widlo
naming tne pursuits of our fleets. Not
untu Aomiivvi tVrvera took refuge in tlv
harbor of Santiago de Cuba about May 19
was it practicable to plan a systematic
military attack upon the Antlllean pos-se-ssiiona
of Spain. Several demonstra
tions incurred on the eoas'.B of Cuba and
Porto Kico, In prejea ration for the larger
event. On Iay 13. the North Atlantic
muadron shelled San Juan de Porto Rico.
On May 30 CommorJ'ore shlev's sitiadrnn
bombarded the forts guarding tlvj mouth
of Santiago harbor. Neitlur attack had
any material result. It was evident! that
well-ordered land operations were Ind a
pontsjble to achieve a decisive advantage.
Tho wonderful Journey of the Oregon
from San Francisco around Cape Horn
to Cuba: the heroic achievement, of Iiob
son ami seven volunteers who sank thi
wilier Mcrrimac under tremendous fir
to boitle Cervera's fleet In Santiago hir
bor. and the landing of tW marines at
fSuaivtanamo. are recounted by thj pres-
lucroi, wno men comes to
Shaffer's I, sliding: In f'nbn.
On June 22 the advance of the Jnvad'ng
army, under Ma.l.-i.en. Shatter. landed
flt Daiquiri, about fifteen miles eart of
Santiago. This was accomplished under
Ktco.1 cumicupues. nut with marvelous dis
patch. On June 23 the movement atralr.et
Santiago was begun. On the 21th the first
serious engagement took place, in wiich
the First and Temth cavalry and the F.m
i mi en states volunteer cavalry, t.en
Young's brigade of (Jen. Wheeler's divls.
ion, participated, losing heavily. liy
nightfall, however, ground within five
miles of Santiago was won. The advant
age whs steadily Increased. On July 1 ft
severe bottle took place, cur forces gain
ing the outworks of Santiago; on the 21
101 Carey ar i San Juan were taken after
r desperate charge, and the investment of
the e.ty was completed. Tho navy co
operated 'iy sneilirnr the lown and the
voag'i rorts.
Destruction of Cervera's Fleet.
On the day following this brilliant
a hievemt nt of our land forces. Julv 3.
occurred the decisive naval combat of
mo war. The Spanish fleet, attempting
to leave the harbor, was met by the
American squadron under command of
Commodore Sin nson. In l"ss than tnree
hours all the Spanish ships were de
stroyed, the two torpedo boats being
punk, and th. MarU Teresa, Almirante
Cquendo. Vizcava nnd 'r'stnli:il Colnn
cViven ashore. The Spanish admiral and
over l.:(0 men were taken nrlson.rs.
while the enemy's loss of life was de
plorably large, some f,vf) were killed. Al
though our ships were repeatedly btruclc
not tr.o was seriously Injured.
'Irlbute to Xitvy nml Army.
Wl-.c re ;ill so conspicuously distinguished
themselves l'rr-in tne commanders to ;he
gunners and the unnamed heroes in the
boiler rooms each and m11 contrlbtir? to
ward the achievement of this asto:nl
Ing victory, for which neither ancient
nor modct n history affords a parallel in
the completeness of tie event and ihe
m.irvlous disproportion or casualties, .'t
would be Invidious to Hnijle out any for
especial honor. Deserved promotion I as
rewarded the more conspicuous actors
the ration's profoundest gratitude Is due
to all those brave men who by tvir
skill and devotion In a few short hours
crusned the sea power of Spam and
wrought a triumph whose decisiveness
and far-reaching consequences can
scarcely be measure'd.
Wlrh the catastrophe of Santiago
Spain's effort upon tiie ocean virtually
ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the
end of June to send her Mediterranean
fleet under Admiral Camara, to relieve
Manila whj abandoned, the expedition
being recalled after It had passed through
the Suez canal. Tho capitulation of San
tiago followed. The Individual valor of
ofllcers and soldiers was never more
strikingly shown than in the several
ergageiiients leading to the surrender of
Santiago, while th prompt movements
nnd successive victories won Instant and
universal applause. To those who ciind
this complete triumph whin rstablisned
the ascendancy of the United States upon
land as the light off Santiago had fixed
our supremacy on the seas, the earnest
and lasting gratitude cf the nation is
inspvrlngly due. Nor shoeld we alone
remember the gallantry of the living;
the dead claim our tears, and our losse.e
bv battle and disease must cloud any ex
ultation at the) res-ilt and teach us to
welah the awful cost of war, however
rightful the causo or signal the vic
tory. Porto Ulco Is Onrs.
With the fall of Santiago, the occupa
tion of Porto Kifo became the next strat
egic necessity. The campaign was prose
cuted with great vigor. -Aid by the 12th of
August much of the irl.ii'd was in our
possession and the acquisition of the re
mainder was only a matter of a short
time. At most of the points In th- Island
our troops were enthusiastically wel
comed. Protestations of loyalty to the
flag and gratitude for delivery from Span
ish rule met our commanders at every
stage.
The lnt scene of the war was enacted
at Manila. Its starting place. On August
15. ufter a brief assault unon the works by
the land forces, In which the squadron
assisted, the capital surrendered uncon
ditionally. Our Cnsnaltles In the War.
Tho total casualties In kl led and wound
ed In the army during the war was os
follows: Olflcerg killed. 23; enlisted men
killed. 257; total. 2So; officers wounded. 113;
enlisted men wounded. 1.4H4; total. 1.577.
Of the navy: Killed. 17; wounded, C7;
dld as result of wounds, 1; Invalided from
service, 6; total. 91.
Prnlse for the Volnntecrs.
It Is fitting that I should bear testimony
to the patriotism and devotion of that
large portion of our army which, although
eager to be ordere'd to the post of great
exposure, fortunately was not required
outside of the United States. They did
their whole duty, and like their comrades
nt the front, have earned the gratitude of
the nation. In this connection, it is a
pleasure for me to mention In terms of
cordial appreciation the timely and useful
work of the American National Ked Cross.
In tracing these events we are oonssant
ly reminded of our obligations to the Di
vine Master for His watchful care over us
ami Ills safe guidance, for which the na
tion makes reverent acknowledgment and
offers humble prayer for the continuance
of Ili3 favor.
Overtnrca of renee.
The annihilation of Admiral Cerve-as
f.eet, followed by the capitulation of San
tiago, having brought to the Spanish gov
ernment a re-nllzhvj sense of the hopeless
ness of continuing a struggle now becom
ing wholly unequal, it made overtures of
po,:ce through the French ambassador,
who. with the as.-ent of his government,
had acted as the friendly representative
of Spanish Interests during the war.
The president here details the negotia
tions which led to the pinning of the neaco
protocol and to the appointment f the
dpiico commission which is now in session
In Paris.
Tho negotiations havo made hopeful
progress, so that I truM soon to able
to lay a dcfitilto trce.ty of peace before
the senate, with n review of the steps
leading to its signature.
As to Onr New Possessions.
T do not dkecuss at this t'me the govern
ment or the future ef the new possessions
which wfll come to us as tho result of tho
war with Spain. Such discussion will be
appropriate after the treaty of peaco
shall have been ratillcd. Jn the meantime
and until the congress has legislated oth
erwise. It will Le my duty to continue the
military governpients wiilch hive existed
slnco our occupation and government of
the people, security In life and property,
and encouragement und.ir a Just and be
neficent rule.
As soon as we are In possesion of Cuba
and have pacified the Island, It w'i be
necessary to give old and direction to the
people to form a government for t.ie'm
scdves. This should be undertaken at the
earliest moment consistent with safety
and assured succcps. It Is Important that
our relations with these people shall bo of
the most friendly character and our com
mercial relations close and reciprocal. It
should be our duty to assist In evry prop
er way to build up the waste places of tha
Island, encourage the Industry of the peo
pla and assist them to form a government
which shsll be free and Indepeidf r.t. thus
realizing the best aspirations of the Cuban
people.
( nbo for the t'nltnns.
Spanish rule must be replaced by a Just,
benevolent and humane Koveinmem ere.
ated by tho people of Cuba, capablo of
iM i iui imiiik no iiiif riumonui QDi'ganonS
and which shall encourage thrift. Indus.
try and prorperlty, and promot-j peace
aim goor: win among all or the Inhabit
anta, whatever may have been their re
luilons In the past. Neither revengo nor
passion snouu r.ave a place in the new
government. until there is -romvleto
tranquility in the island and a stable gov
erment Inaugurated, military occupation
iiu uu coniinueu.
Other Korelttn Iielntlons.
With the exception of the runture with
Spain, the Intercourse of the United States
wun tne great family of nation haa been
marked with coidlalltv and the elo nf
the eventful year finds most of t'.:o Issues
ir.ai nccersaruy arise In the complex rela
nous ot sovereign statin aeiusted or ore
sentlng no serious obstacle to a Just and
nonoraoie solution by amicable agree
nit ii i.
The Menrngou C'nnnl Mnst 1e Oars
The Nicaragua canal commission, under
nc enairmansiup or Hear Admiral John
vj. iidurr, iias nearly completed its la.
bors. and the results of Its exhaustive In
qulry into the proper route, the feasihit
Ity and the cost of construction of an in
ter-oceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route
will be laid before you.
As the scope of recent Inquiry embraced
the whole subject with the aim of making
plans and surveys for a canal by the most
convenient route, it necessarily Included
a review of the results of previous surveys
and plans nnd In particular those adoptel
by the Maritime Canal company under its
existing concessions from Nicaragua, and
Costa Itlca. so that to this extent those
grants necessarily held an essential nart
In the deliberations and conclusion of th
canal commission as they have held, and
must needs hold, In the discussion of tho
matter iy tne congress, tjinier these eir
cumstances, tnd in view of overtures
made to the governments of Nicaragua
ana t osta Klca hy other parties for
new canal concession predicated on the
assumed apprc'cning larse of the con
tracts of the Maritime Canal company
with those states. 1 have not hesitated to
express my conviction that considerations
of expediency and International policy ns
between tne several governments infer
ested In the construction end control of
an lnter-oeeanlc car.al by this route re
quire the maintenance of thft status quo
until tne canal commission shall have re
ported una tne united states congress
shall have had the opportunity to pass
finally upon t lie wiioie matter during the
present session, without prejudice hy rea
son of any change In the existing condi
tions.
Nevertheless it appears that th" gov
rrnment of Nicaragua, as one of its las
sovereign acts before merging Ps powers
tn those of the newly formed United
States of Central America, has granted an
optional concession to another association
to become eiTeclive cn the expiration of
the present grant. It does not appear
what surveys h?ve been made or wn
route is proposed undr this cnntIiiTft
grant. o thit an ex.imir.Rti n of th feas
ibility of its plans is necessarily embrace!
In the report of the canal commission. All
these circumstances suggest the urgency
of some elefinite action by the congress
at this session If the labors of tho past
are to be utH'7cd nnd the Unking of th
Atlantic; and Pacific oceans by a tiractlcul
waterway Is to r realize!, q u r t th con
strnction or such n maritime highway is
now more than ever indispensable to that
Intimate and ready intercommunication
between our eastern nnd western sea
boards demanded by th annexation of
the Hawaiian sl?nl and the prospective
expansion of our Influence ar.d commerce
to I'acitie ani tnai our national poncv,
now more Imperatively than ever, calls
for !ts control bv this povernmer.t. are
nroDOslflrtn which I doubt pot the con
gress will duly appreciate ana wisely act
upon.
AVe Are Interested In China, Too.
The United States has not ben sn In
different spectator of th extraordlniry
events transpiring In the Chinos empire,
vherehv portions of Its maritime pro
vinces are passing tinder the eontrol of
various Kuropesn powers; hut tne pros
pect that the vsst commerce which the
energy of our citizens and th necessity
of our staple productions for Chinoe uses
has built up tn trose regions may not ne
prMudlced through any exclusive treat
ment by the new occupants, has obviated
the need of o ir country becoming an
actor In the scene..
Our position nmone nations having a
large pacific coast, and a constantly ex
panding direct trad" with the farther or
ient, gives us the equitable claim to con-
Ideratlon nnd fr'endlv treatment In this
regard, and It will be mv aim to suhscrve
our large Interests In that quarter by all
means apnrepriste to the constant policy
of our government. Th territories of
Kiao Chow, of Wel-Ha!-Wcl, and of Port
Arthur and Tallen Wan. leased to Ger
many, Oreat Uritoln nnd nnsla. respec
tively, for terms or years, will. It Is an
nounced, be oprn to International com
merce durlnir such alien occupation: and
If no discriminating treatment of Ameri
can citizens anel their trade be found to
exist, or be hereafter eleveloped. the de
sire of this government wouid appear to
be realized.
Meanwhile, there may be Just ground for
disquietude in view of the unrest and re
vlvnl of the old sentiment of opposition
and prejudice to nllen people which per-
aoes certain or tne Chinese provinces. As
In the case of the attacks upon our citi
zens In Szechuan nnd at Kutlen. In 155,
the united States minister has been in
structed to secure the fulWt measure of
protection, both local and Imperial, for
any menaced American Interests and to
demand, in case of lawless Injury to per
son or property. Instant reparation appro
priate to the case. Warships have been
stationed at Tien Tsl.i for more ready ob
servation of disorders which have Invaded
even the Chinese capital, so us to be In a
position to act, should need arise, whilo a
guard of marines has been sent to Pekln
to afford the minister the sme measure
of authoritative protection as the repre
sentatives of other nations have been con
strained to employ.
L'nele Sain nt the Pnrls Sliorr.
There fs now every prosnect Hint the
participation of the United States in tho
universal exposition to he held In Paris in
tPO. will be on a scale commensurate
with the advanced position held by our
products and Industries In the world's
chief marts. Notwithstanding the com
paratively limited area of the exposition
site less than one-half that, of the world's
fair at Chicago the space assigned to the
United States has been Increased from the
absolute allotment of 157,103 square feet
reported by Mr. Handy, to some 2i"2,000
square feet, with corresponding augmen
tation of the field for a truly character
istic representation of the various Im
portant branches of our country's devel
opment. Mr. Peck's report will be laid before
you. In my Judgment, Its recommenda
tions will call for your early considera
tion, especially as regards an Increase of
the appropriation to at least one million
dollars In all. tn that not only may the
assigned space be fully taken up by the
best possible exhibitor In every class, but
the preparation nnd Installation be on so
perfect a scale as to rank among the first
In that unparalleled competition of ar
tistic and Inventive production, and thus
counter-balance the disadvantage wltn
which we start, as compared with other
countries, whose appropriations are on a
more generous scale, nnd whose prppnra
tlons nro in a state of much greater for
wnrdness than our own.
Where our artisans have the admitted
capacity to excel, where our Inventive ge
nius has Initiated many of the grandest
discoveries of these latr days of the cen
tury, and where the native resources of
our land are ns limitless as they arc val
uable to supply the world's needs. It Is
our province, ns It should be our earnest
rare, to lead in the march of human pro
gress and not rest content with any sec
ondary place.
Moreover, if this be due to ourselves. It
Is no less due to the great French nation,
whose guests wo become, and which has
In so many ways testified Its wishes and
hope that our participation shall bent the
place the two peoples have won In the
fluid of universal development.
Commercial Treaties.
The commercial arrangement made
with France on May 8. 108. under the
provisions of section 3. of the tariff act of
lf7. went 'nto effect on June 1 following.
It has relieved a portion of our export
trad from serious emharrarsment. Fur
ther negotiations are now pending under
section 4. nf the same set. with a vlsw to
tho Increase of trade between the two
countries to their mutual advantage. Ns- j
rotlntlons with other governments, in part
Interrupted by the war with Bpaln, are
in progress under both sections of the
tariff act. I hope to bo able to announce
some of the results of these negotiations
during the present session of congress.
. Negotiations to the same end with Ue.r
many have been set on foot. Meanwhile
no effort has boen relaxed to convince the
imperial government of the thoroughness
of our inspection of pork products for ex
portation, and It Is trusted that the eitl
clent administration of this measure by
the department of agriculture will be rec
ognized as a guarantee of the healthful
ness of the food staples we Bend abroad
to countries where their use Is largo and
necessary.
Johnny Hull is Onr Friend.
Our relations with drr'nt pritain have
continued on tho moTt frlenlly footing.
Assenting to our request, the proiectioa
of Americans and fhoir Interests In Span
ish Jui 'IsdVoUon was urmmed by tho dip
lomatic nr.d consular representative of
Great Britain, who fultille! their delKtte
and arduous trust with tact and zeal,
eliciting hl.Th commendation. I may In
nllowe-J to make fitting (illusion to the
instance of Mr. Hamsiien. her majesty's
consul at Fantlago rie Cuba, whose un
timely deith after ellfit.nguihed service
and untiling effort during the siege of
that city was sincerely lamented.
It will give me ef"roc.lal satisfaction If
I shall ho authorized to communicate to
you a favorjb!e oonelvrlon of the pending
ncg-o'tlatlons with Great Pritain in re-'pret
to the Dominion of Canada, it is the
earnest wlch of this government to re
move all pounces of distvtrd and irrita
tion in our relations with the neighboring
dominion. The. trade between the two
countries Is constantly increasing, and It
Is Important to bitth countries that all
reasonable facilities ehould be framed for
Its development.
Annexation nf ITnTrnll.
rondlr? the confederation by the senMe
of the treaty signed June 15, 1 S7. by the
plenlpo-tentiarirs of the United States anl
of the republic of Hawaii, providing for
the annexation of the islands, a joint
resolution to arvomp.lsh the same pur
pose by aeeep'dng 1he offered cession ant
incorporating the ceded territory into the
union was adopted by the cor.gre-s.s and
approved July 7. WX
Pursuant to the terms of the Joint res
olution and In exercise of the auther.ty
thereby conferred upon me. I dlrectel
that the civil. Jircial and military pow
ers theretofore exercised by the oflicers
of the government of the republic of Ha
waii should continue to be erenMsel by
those oflicers jr.';:i conzTeps phall provi de
a government for th- incorporated terri
tory subject to my power to remove such
ollleers nr.d to fid vacanrDs. The pres
ident, oflicers nr.d troops of the r?pub!le
thereupon took the oath ef allegiance to
tho United States, thus provMin for tho
unir.'terrui led eor.tlnuar.ee of ah tho ad
ministrative nr 1 mui.ir'lpa'i functions f
the annexed trrrKory until conrc-s shall
otherwlre enact.
Following the further pr.-i:-!on of th-
J lnt rcrolullon. I appnlrr 1 eomm.s-
fioners to confer and recommend to con
gress sucn leg.nation eor.cr .-ring tne
Hawaiian l:-lar... ns they sliou.d eler-rn
nectsr'iry or proper. Ire omm'Fsioiu r
bavli.g fu'.HMi i the m'sV.on conll led to I
them, their report will be laid before yoi
at an early day.
It Is b:I eved that th-.!r rrvm menta
tions will have the eat nest consideration
due to the m.isir'tiide ef the respon:l r.buy
tlrir ur-r.n you ;o give ruch shape tt
the relationship of thos.-o mld-Pacille lands
to our home union us will beneiit boi u
In the hlraenl degree, re-allzir.g the as-
r-lraitlor.3 of the community that has cast
ts lot with us nrd elected to share our
rolitic.-il herltaire. v. I e at the Fame time.
Juf'llfy.ng the fore:,!.1: nf those who for
three-quarters or a century, nave iookc-i
to the assimilation of Hawaii as a nat
ural and Inevitable c-.nsa.mTnsutlon. la
hnrmonv with our nee?s and In fulfl.l-
mfr.t of our cherished tradnior.s.
The t'snr's Ttlg niufT.
The proposal of the czar for a general
reduction of the vast military establish
ments that weigh so heavily upon many
peoples in time of peace, was communi
cated to thl3 government with an earnest
invitation to be represented In the eomer
ence. which it Is contemplated to assem
ble with a view to discussing the m'ans
of accomplishing so desirable a result.
His majesty was at once informed of the
bordlal sympathy of this government with
the principle involved in his exalted pro
posal and or the reidiness or th I r.l'.ed
States to tske part In the conference. The
active military force of tne United States.
as measured by our population, territorial
area, and taxable wetitn. Is. and under
any conceivanie prospective conditions
must continue to be. in time ot peace so
conspicuously less than that of the armet
powers to whom the czar s ipirai is cspe-
la.ly addressed tnat the question can
have for us no practical important.'!, savo
as markln? an auspicious ;;.ep toward the
bedterment of the condition of the. modern
peoples and the cultivation of peace and
good will among tnem; nut m tni3 view u
behooves us as a nation to lend counte
nance and aid to the benelicent project.
Claims Annlnst Turkey.
The newly accredited envoy of tho
United States to the Ottoman porte car
ries Instructions to the disposal of nut
ters in controversy wun turKcy ror a
number of years. He is especially charged
to Press for a Just settlement of. our
claims for Indemnity by reason of the de
struction of property of American mis
sionaries resident In that country during
tho Armenian troubles of ivj.i. as well as
for the recognition of older claims of
equal Justnef-A. He Is also instructed to
seek an adjustment or tne dispute grow
ing out of the refusal or Turkey to rec
ognize the acquired citizenship of Ottoman-born
persons naturalized in tho
United States since without prior
Imperial consent.
Venesneln's Ilonndnry, Once More.
The arbitral tribunal appointed under
the treaty of helTaary, !S:r7, between
Jreat Itrltiln and enezuoia to elftermlne
the boundary line between tho latter and
tho colony of British Guiana, is to con
vene at Paris during the present month.
It Is a source or much gratification to
this Government to see the friendly resort
of arbitration applied to the settlement of
this controversy, not alone because of the
earnest part we have had in bringing
about the result, but al?o because tne two
members named on benair of Venezuela,
Mr. Chief Justice Fuller nnd Mr. Juntlco
Mrewer. chosen from, our highest court.
appropriately testify tho continuing in
terest we feel in the definite adjustment
of the question according to the strictest
rules of Justice. The Ilrltish members,
Lord Herscheii and sir iiicnard Collins.
are Jurists of no less exalted repute.
while the nrtn memoer ana president of
the tribunal, M. b De.Marttns, has earned
world-wide reputation as an authority
upon International law.
Ilarean of American Itepnblles.
I have the satisfaction of being ablo to
state that the bureau of the American re
publics created in 1SC0. us the organ for
prc-moting commercial intercourse and
fraternal relat.ons among the countries
of the western hemisphere, has hecome a
more efficient Instrument of tho wise pur
poses cf Its founders, and Is receiving the
cordial support of the contributing mem
bers of the international union which nro
actually represented in its board of man
agement. A commercial directory, in two
volumes, containing a mass of statistical
matter descriptive of tho Industrial and
commercial interefts of the various coun
tries, has been printed in English, Span
ish, Portuguese and French, and a month
ly bulletin published in these four lan
guages and tlstrlbuted In the Latin Amer
ican countries as well as In the United
States has proved to be a valuable me
dium for A ssemlnattng Information nnd
furthering the varied interests of the in
ternational union.
During the past year the important work
of collecting Information of practical ben
efit to American industries ana trade
through the agency of the diplomatic and
consular officers has been steadily ad
vanced, and In order to lay such data be
fore the nubile with the least delay the
practice was begun In January, 1S;i9, of
Issuing the commercial reports from day
to day ns they are received by the de
partment of state. It Is believed that for
promptitude ns well ns fullness or Infor
mation the services thus supplied to our
merchants and manufacturers will he
found to show sensible Improvement and
to merit the liberal support of congress.
Private Property In War.
The experiences of the last year hrlng
forcibly home to us a sense of the bur
dens And the waste of war. We desire In
common with the most civilized nations
to reduce to the lowest possible point the
cinmsge sustained In time of war by
peaceablo trade and commerce. It Is true
that we may' suffer In such cases less
than other communities, but all nations
are damaged more or less by the state of
uneasiness and apprehension In which an
outbreak of hostilities throws the entire
commercial world. It should bo our ob
ject, therefore, to minimize, to far as
practicable, this Inevitable loss and dis
turbance. This purpose can probably be
best accomplished by an international
agreement to regard all private property
at sea exempt from capture or destruc
tion by tho forces of belligerent powen.
'ih United States government nas for
many years advocated this humane and
beneficent principle, and is now In position
to recommend it to other powers without
the Imputation of selfish motives. I
therefore suggest for your consideration
that tho executive be authorized to cor
respond with tho governments of the prin
cipal maritime powers with a view of in
corporating Into the permanent law ot
civilized nations the pr.nclplc of the ex
emption of all private property at sea. not
contraband of war, from capturo or de
struction by belligerent powera.
National Perse Still Vat.
Tho secretary of tho treasury report
that tho receipt of the government from
all sources during the fiscal year ending
June w, IsDS including SSl.751.223 received
from sale of I'aclflj railroads, amounted
to $w5,5,j.3r.5, and its expenditures to $443.
r.dS.r.S'.!. There vas collected from customs
414ft. 575, 0'i2 and from Internal revenue $170.
D'10,611. Our dutiable Imports amounted to
$.11:4, 7u."i. 179, a oecrense of $fi8,l.V5,30 over the
preceding year, and Importations free of
duty amounted to $.31,411,175. a decrease
from tho preceding year of $M,fi2l,0M. In
ternal revenue receipts exee-enVi tho.io cf
the preceding year by 24.212.0rJ.
Th total tax collected on distilled spirits
was S.12.5 1(3.001', on manufactured tobacco
$'li,2n0,r,22. nnd on fermented liquor 5".-U-5,421.
Weexported merchandise during the
year amounting to $1,2.11, 4-.2.3C0, an in
crease of $1S9, 1S3.774 from tho preceding
year.
It Is estimated upon the barls of pres
ent revenue laws that the receipts of the
government for the year ending June 3.
will be ,r.77.S74.V-17. and its expendi
tures siWj. -i74.fi i7, resulting in a deficiency
of tl2.Oi0,-m
On the 1st cf December, 1H there was
hld In the treasury gold coin amounting
to Sins. 141,517, Koid bullion amounting to
$l ".S".?2,.VI.'i, sliver bullion amounting to
2'9.2T'0, and other forms of money amount
ing to jird.stti.rva.
tin the same date the amount of money
of all kinds in circulation, or not Included
In treasury boiling.'., was $l,SV),S7!),5oi. an
Increase fcr the year of $1 V.,7'j.9'. K.-ul-mntln.g
our population at 75.11) 1.0m) it th
time mentioned the per capita circulation
was $2T. C9.
On tho firr.e elate thero was in the
treasury gold bullion amounting to 513?.
502,; 15.
Cnrrency I,egUlnllnn.
The provisions made for strengthening
the renurc.s of the treasury tn connec-
t'on with the war l.;s given increased oon
f!ei'.c' In the purpose and power of the
government to maintain the present
standard and has established more linnly
tnrin eve r tlu- ni'tional credit at Ionic atel
ihrrj;iI. A mrrVed evidence of this U
f'und In tho inflow of gold to tiie trenn
ury. lis uet cold bold)!!,-?, on November
1. ivf'S, wiio J. '..i.sVi.lt). as compared with
1V;, 51:5,1 1; on Noveml-ier 1,1Sj7. and an In
crease of pet cnh of i'2'r7,5 ,1;0, November
1. 1X5C. to S.5im,2.'W.2:,7. November 1, Itf.S. Tho
pic.stiit ratio of net treasury gold out
Manding government liabilities, in"ludwi.;
United States treasury notes of 1431, sil
ver certificates, currency certl'lcates,
stance rd silver dollars ar.d fractional sli
ver c-.In November 1, 10S. was S.ISi per
cent, as compared with Iti.m per cent No
vember 1. 1W7.
I renew so much of mv- recommendation
ef December, ls)7, as follows;
"That whenever nnv of the United
States notes are presented for redemption
in gold and are redeemed In gold, such
notes nhall be kept and set apart and only
paid out In exchange for gold. This Is an
.-bvious duty, if the holder of the United
States note prefers the gold and gets It
from the government, he should not re
ceive back from the government a United
States note without paying gold In ex
change for iu The reason tor this ia
made nil the more apparent when the
government Issues an interest-hearing
debt to provide gold for the redemption
of United States notes, a non-Interest-bearing
debt. Surely it should not par
them out again, except on demind and
for gold. If they are put out in any oth
er way they may return again, i- be fol
lowed by another bond Issue o rode.m
them another Interest-bearing debt to
redeem a non-Snterest-bearlng debt."
This re enirpenoation was inane In the
belief that such provisions of law would
insure to a greater degree the safety of
the present standard und letter protect
our currency from the dangers to which
It Is subjected from a disturbance In
tho central buriness conditions of the
country.
In n.y Judgment the present condition
of the treasury justifies the Immediate
enactment ef legislation recommended
cue year ago under which a portion of
the gold holdings should be placed In a
trust find from which greenbacks should
be- redeemed upon presentation, but when
once redeemed should not thereafter bo
pil l out txcept for gold.
It Is not to be inferred that other legis
lation relating to our currency is not re
quired: on the contrary there is an ob
vious demand for it.
The lrntortance for adequate provision
which will Insure for our future a money
stanc'arl related as our money standard
now Is to that of our commercial rivals
is generally recognized.
The companion proposition that onr
Democratic paper currency shall be kept
safe and yet be so relatetl to the needs
of our lnd istrles nnd onr internal com
merco as to bo adequate and responsive
t' such needs Is a proposition scarcely
less Important. The subject. In all Its
parts. Is commended to the wis consid
eration of congress.
I'lnroaratte American Shipping:.
The annexation of Hawaii and the
changed relations of te United States
to Cuba. Torto Rico and the Philippines
resulting frcm the war compel the
prompt adoption of n maritime policy by
the United States. There should be es
tablished regular and frequent steamship
communication, encouraged hy the United
Stales under tho American f'.acr. with te
newly aeqaircd posscsfdons. Spain fur
nished to Its colonies, nt an annual cost
of about $2,000.010, steamship lines con
necting with a portion of the world's
markets ns well as the trade centers of
the home government. The United States
will not undertake to do less. It Is our
duty to furnish the peo?lo of Hawaii with
facilities under national control for their
export nnd Import trade. It will be con
ceded that the present situation calls for
legislation which shall be prompt, dur
able and liberal.
Tho part which American merchant ves
sels and their seamen performed in th?
war with Spsln demonstrates thnt this
service, furnishing both pickets and the
seeord line of defense. Is a national ne
cessity, and should be tncourajred in
every constitutional way.
Iflrgf r Standing- Army Needed.
Under the act of congress approved
April 23. 1WS, authorizing the president In
his discretion, upon a declaration of war
by congress, or a declaration by congress
thnt wnr exists. I directed the increase of
the regular army to the maximum of
62 .Oof) nuthorlzed In said act.
There are now In the regular army
f,7.fA2 officers and men. In said net It
was provided "thnt at the end of nny
war In which the United States may be
come Involved, the army shall be reduced
to a peace basis by the transfer In the
same arm of the service or absorption
by promotion or honorable discharge un
der such regulations as the secretary of
war may establish of supernumerary
commissioned oflicers and the honorable
discharge or transfer of supernumerary
enlisted men and nothing contained In
this act shall be construed as authorizing
the permanent increase of the commis
sioned or enlisted force of the regular
nrmy beyond that now provided by the
law In force prior to the passage of this
act, except as to the Increase of twenty
five majors provided for In section one
hereof."
The Importance of Wlslatlon for the
Fcrmanent Increase of the army is there
ore manifest, and the recommendation
of the secretary ef war for the purpose
has my unqualified approval. There can
be no question that at this time and prob
ably for some time In the future. loo,i0
men will be none too many to meet tho
necessities of the situation. At all events,
whether that number shall he required
permanently or not, the power should he
given the president to enlist that force if
in his discretion It should he necessary,
and the further discretion should be glv
n?hlm'"to'; reertiP. within the abort limits
from the Inhsbitants of the Islands, of
the government of which wa are charged.
It is my purpose to muster out the entire
volunteer army as soon as congress shall
provide for the Increase of the regular
establishment. , This will be only an act
ef Justice ana : Will be much appreciated
by the brave men who left their homes
and employment to help the country in
Its emergency.
rostnt Service.
The po5?nl service of the country ad
vancen with extraordinary gt'owth. Vlth
ln twenty y.ars both thf revenues and
tho expenditures of the portotfiee depart
ment have muTtJplle 1 threefo'tl In thtf
last ten years they have nearly doubled.
Our po''a'l biiMncss grows nnifih more
rap-idly than our jopu!fl'1on. It now In
volves an exieml!ture of $1(.ie,0CO a year,
numbers 73.0Go pirnofhces ar.d enrolls 2r),
(XX) employes. This remarkable extension
of a eervce Which Is an accurate Index
of tho public conditions presents gratify
ing evidence of the advancement of edu
cation, of the increase of communication
ami buslncsH activity and of the Improve
ment ef mall facilities leading to their
constantly augmenting use.
When our forces were moved upon
Cuba. Porto P.lco anel the Philippines
they were attended ar.d followed by the
posital service. It was early determined
thnt the public Intercuts would be bet
subserved by the de-lall of experienced
men familiar with every branch of the
service, ard tills policy wns steadily fol
lowed. While the work is only Juwt he
gun it 1b pleasing to be able to say that
tho service In the territory will eh h-a-s
come ur.eJer our centrol is already mater
ially improved.
Increase of the Nnvy.
The following recommerrlntlons of tha
pecretory of the navy relative to the in
crease of the navy have my oarnest ap
proval: 1 Three sea-going pheathed snd cop-pe-re-d
battlef h'Ips of aliout llf-co tons trial
eKspIoeomcnt, carrying Che heaviest'
armor and moyit powerful ordnnneo for
vciych of their class, snd to have the
bighert practicable spe I and great ra
elilus of action. Rtlmated cost, exclurlvo
of armor und armarrent. $3 .GO, Of) eich.
2 Three sheathed and coppered armor
ed cruisers of about 12.00 tons trial dis
placemer.'t, carrylrj the hcavn armer:
or.ri mef.t powerfi-1 ordnance for vessels
of their cla.'s and to have the hichest
practicable spee-d nnd great radius of ac
tion. Kr'Jmalcd cert, exclusive of armor
anel nrmimiut. $l.00,fcr each.
3 Three sheathed nrd copperel pro
tected erulsrrs of about 6,0o') tens trial
displacement, to have the hlghes". prac
ticable speed ar.d great radius of ajtl in.
nn'I to carry tho mort powerful ordnance
su1t.fi.hle for voxels of tlu'.r ehus. Ks
tlmr.ted cost. exdiii-'Ive of armor and ar
mament. $2.15T(V) each.
4 Six sheathed ae.1 oeppercd cruisers
of about 2.5'V) tons trial displacement: to
have the highest speed compatible with
good cruising quali'tles. great radius of
action ar.d to carry the niTd powerful
oiVr.-iir.ee suited to vessels of their class.
Usilrnated cost, exclusive, of armament,
$1.14U0') each.
.Vorc Honors for Mnvnl Heroes. '
I join with ih- t-ccrt.iry of the nivy In
recommendimr that the --Trades of admiral
and vice-admiral lie temporarily revived,
t't be filled by olllccr.ii who have socially
distinguished themselves in the war with
Spain.
Census nnil Pensions.
I earnestly urpe upon congress the 1m-'
portarce of early legislation providing for:
the taking of the twelfth census. This is'
necessary la view of the !rge amount of!
work which must be performed In tho
preparation of the schedules preparatory,
to the erumer'tien of the population.
ThTe were on the pension rolls on Juno
30. iSiiS. 003,714 name3, an increase of nearly'
HVW over the number on the rolls on the'
same day of the preceding year. The1
amount appropriated by. the act of De-!
ccmber 22. ISO'., for the payment of pen-i
sions ror the fiscal year 1-W was $140.-V),000. '
Right million seventy thousand eight hun-i
dred snd seventy-two dollars and forty-'
sx rents was appropriated bv the act ofl
March 1, Wet. to cover deficiencies lnj
army pensions and repayments In the sum)
of $12,020 32. making a total of $14t,0S2,-'
S'2 73 available for the payment of pen-!
sions during the fiscal year 1S9S. The
amount disbursed from that sum was'
S144.frl.87t so. leaving a balance of $3,4:41.
012 00 unexpended on the JOth of June, 1898,1
which was covered Into the treasury.
There were Z9 names added to the rolls 1
euirliig the year by special nets passed at'
the second session of the If ty-fifth con
gress, maklr.g a total of 6.5SG pensioners
by congressional enactments since 18-11.
Patents nnd Pnbllc Unnds.
The total receipts of the patent ofTleo
during the past year were $1.23,04S 44. Tha
expenditures were $l,0til,G33 70, leaving a
surplus of $172,314 G5.
The public lands disposed of by the gov
ernment during tho year reseheq H.iW.i.M 92
acres, an Increase of 614.7SO.15 acres over
the previous year. The total receipts from
pub.;c Itnds during the fiscal year amount
ed to $2,277.W5 IS. an increase of $190,0:3 9)
over the preceding year. The lands em
braced in the 11 forest reservations which
were suspended by the act of June 4, lo7,
again became subject to the operations of
the proclamations of Febuary 22, IW, cre
ating them, which added an estimated
amount of l9.951.StW acres to the area cm
braced In tho reserves previously created.
In addition thereto two new reserves wero
created during the year the. Pine Moun
tain and Zaka lake reservation in Cali
fornia, embracing l.Cf.504 acres and tho
Prescott reserve in Arizona, embraclsjr
10,240 acres; while the Pecos river reserve
In New Mexico has been changed and en
larged to include 12!,f) additional acres.
At the close of the year 30 forest reser
vations not including those of the Af
ognne forest and fish culture reserve in
Alaska, had been created by executive,
proclamations, embracins an estimated
area of 40.719.474.
Indlnns Show Progress. ',
The department ef the interior has in-,
sugurated a forext system, made possible
bv the act of July. 1S0S. for a grided force;
of officers In control of the reserves. This
system has only been in full operation
since August, but good results have al
ready been secured In many sections. Tho
reports received Indicate that the system
of patrol has not only prevented destruc
tive fires from gaining headway, but ha
diminished the number of fires.
The special attention of congress Is
called to that part of the secretary of the
Interior's report In relation to civilized
tribes. It Is noteworthy that the general
condition of the Indians shows marked
progress. I cannot too strongly indorse
the recommendation of the secretary of
tho Interior for the necessity of providing,
for the education of the SO.cv) white chil
dren resident in tho Indian Territory. i
Agrlcnltnre.
Tht department of agriculture has been
sctlve In the past year. Explorers havo
been sent to miny of the countries of tho
eastern nnd western hemispheres for
seeds and plants that may be useful to
the United Stntes. and with the further
view of opening up markets for our sur
plus products. Nation-wide experiments
have been conducted to ascertain the suit
able locations ns to soil snd climate and
states for growing sugar beets. The num
ber of surar factories hss been doubled In
the past two years, and the ability of the
United Stales to produce Its own sugar
from this source has been clearly demon
strated. Allen Inhor I.nvr.
The alien labor contract law Is shown hy
experience to need some ?mendment; a
measure providing better protection fop
seamen Is proposed; tho rltrhtful applica
tion of the eight-hour law for the benefit
of labor nnd of principle of arbitration aro
suggested for consideration, nnd I com
mend the subjects to tho careful attention
of congress. ...
In the year 1W will occur the centennial
snnlversary of the founding of the city of
Washington for the permanent capital of
the government of tho United States by
authority of an net of congress nrproved
July 16. 1790.
A movement lately Inaugurated hy th
citizens to have the anniversary celebrat
ed with fitting ceremonies, including, per
haps, the establishment of a handsomo
permanent memorial to mark so histori
cal an occasion nnd to give it more than
local recognition has met with general
favor on the part of tht public.
I recommend to congress the rrantlng of,
an appropriation for this purpose, and the
appointment of a committee from Its re
spective bodies. It might also be advis
able to authorize the president to appoint
a committee from the country at large,
which, acting with the congressional sni:
District of Columbia committers, can com
plete the plans for an appropriate national
celebration. , ... j