Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 December 1898 — PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A Critical Review of the War with Spain. NO POLICY OUTLINED. Executive Say* We Must Await Signing of Treaty Before Discussion Begins.

Washington, D. C., Dec. 5. —President McKinley’s second annual message, submitted to Congress today contains about 20,000 words. Following are ths more important features of the message: To the Senate and House of Representatives: Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily-increasing degree of prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the treasury’s receipts to the amount estimated by its authors; the finances of the government have been successfully administered and its credit advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at the world’s highest standard. Military service under a commoh flag and for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section of the country. In reviewing the controversy which led up to the war with Spain, the President takes up the thread of narrative where it terminated in his last message. He concluded: “It was honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which she had become Irrevocably committed.” It became evident, however, that the proposed plans were barren of good results. No tangible relief was afforded the reconcentrados. among whom the rate of mortality frightfully increased, the proffered expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory and it was apparent that nothing save the physical exhaustion of Spain or the Cubans and the practical ruin or the island of Cuba could result from the struggle then in progress. Destruction of the Main:. At this critical juncture, the destruction of the battleship Maine occurred. Concerning it the President said: “It is a striking evidence of the poise and sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this shocking blow, falling upon a generous people, already deeply touched by preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant, desperate resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of an end of danger and disorder at our doors that made possible Buch a deed, by whomsoever wrought.” Resuming the war narrative, the President directs attention to the measures, including the $50,000,000 appropriation for national defense, taken to place the country on a war footing, and adds: “It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war, when it did come, found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict.” Reference is made to the apprehension of coming strife by the continental powers, voiced in the address to the President through tAeir ambassadors and envoys, and to the President’s reuly thereto. Still animated, however, by the hope of a peaceful solution of the difficulty and obeying ’the dictates of duty ? the President relaxed no effort to bring about a speedy ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations with the Madrid .government proved futile so far as practical results were concerned, and then it was that the President presented the question to Congress, saying: “In the name of humanity, in the name of civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us the right and duty to speak, and to act, the war in Cuba must stop.” The result of this statement of the case was the adoption of the memorable joint resolution by Congress, declaring the purpose of the United States to intervene between the Spaniards and Cubans. Following swiftly upon ths enactment of the resolution came the severance of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the proclamation of a blockade of Cuban ports, the call for volunteers, and the formal declaration of the existence of a state of war. All other governments were immediately notified of the existence of war and each proclaimed neutrality. “It is not among the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate- and difficult circumstances,” remarks the President. Critical Review of the War.

The President reviews at length the work of preparation for war, referring particularly, to the enlistment of the volunteers, to the material increase of the navy in both men and ships and to the precautionary measures taken for the protection of the seaboard coast and cities. “The aggregate number of mines placed was 1535, at the principal harbors from Maine to California.” Ref erring to "the difficult and important character” of the work performed by the signal corps, the President says: “This service was Invaluable to the executive in directing the operations of the army and navy. With a total force of over 1300 the loss was by disease, in camp and field, officers and men included, only five,” As to the authorized loan of $200,000,000, which was taken entirely by small bidders, the President says: “This was a most encouraging and significant result, showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the people to uphold their country’s honor.” Taking up chronologically the events of the war, the President reviews them carefully. The first encounter was the shelling of Matanzas on April 27. This was followed by an engagement which was "destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime warfare.” This was Commodore Dewey’s wonderful victory at Manila on May 1. “The effect of this remarkable victory,” says the President, “upon the spirit of our people and on the fortunes of war was instant. A prestige of invincibility thereby attached to our arms, which continued throughout the struggle.” The President says that “only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented the early storming and capture of the city (Manila) and therewith the absolute military occupancy of the whole group.” Lieut, Hobson’s Exploit. Following the memorable trip of the battleship Oregon from San Francisco to Key West and the bombardment of San Juan and the forts of Santiago, to which special reference is made, the President says: “The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 Lieut. Hobson, aided by seven volunteers, blocked the outlet from Santiago harbor by sinking the collier Merrimac in the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the Spaniards. It is a most gratfying incident of the war that the bravery of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish admiral.” The campaign of Santiago, resulting in the investment and the capture of that city, is referred to as a brilliant achievement. A brief review is then presented of the decisive naval combat of the war on July 3, resulting in the complete destruction of Admiral Cervera’s fleet. Concerning it the President says: “Where all so conspicuously distinguished themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievements of this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any one for special honor.” In this connection the President says: "Nor can we be unmindful of the achievements of our builders, mechanics and artisans for their part in the construction of our warships.” Tribute to Dead Heroes. As to the success gained by the arms of the United States in Cuba, the President says that the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. ‘Nor sho. * we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our tears and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at the result (nd teach us the awful cost qf war, howfiver rightful the cause or signal the victory.” The total casualties in killed onfi wsaad-

ed la ft* aftny dwtaf ft* war with Bpai* ««*• Officers killed, 23; enlisted mep killed, 257; 'total. 280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1464; total, 1577. Of the navy:. Killed, 17: wounded, 67; died aa result of wounds, 1; invalided from service, 6: total, 91. “It will be observed that while our navy waa engaged in two great battles and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment and more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to dist®ut lands and were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in unfamiliar territory, yre lost in both arms of the service a total of 1668 lulled and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport, or a ship, and with the exception of the crew of the Merrimac, not a soldier or sailor was taken prisoner. The President bears testimony and pays fitting tribute “to the patriotism and devotion of that large portion of our army which, although eager to be ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required outside of the United States.” The did their whole duty and earned the gratitude of the nation. The President then says: “In tracing those events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to the Divine Master for Hia watchful care over us and His safe guidance, for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble prayer for the continuance of His favors.” Peace Negotiations. The peace negotiations which followed soon after the capitulation of Santiago and the preparation and signing of the protocol are discussed at length. Referring to the work of the peace commissioners in Paris the President says: “These negotiations have made hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definite treaty before the Senate with a review of the steps leading to its signature. • “I do not discuss at this time the government tenure of the new possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall be ratified. In the meantime, and until the Congress has legislated'otherwise, it will be my duty to continue the military governments which have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. “As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the islands, encourage the industry of the people and assist them to form a government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best aspirations of the Cuban people. “Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent and humane government, creates by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all international obligations ana which shall encourage thrift, industry and prosperity and promote peace and good-will among all of the inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations 1b the past. Neither revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until there is complete tranquillity In the island and stable government inaugurated military occupation will be continued.” Other Foreign Relatione.

The President says that with one exception, the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of the United States with the great family of nations during the past year has been marked with cordiality. Concerning negotiations-with the Argentine government, initiated with a view to removing differences in cable rate charges imposed against messages passing from and to the United States, the President expresses his sincere desire for an international agreement whereby interchange of messages over connecting lines may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity, and adds; “It would be strange were the nations not in time brought to realize that modem civilization, which owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of time by the electrical force, demands that this all-im-portant means of communication he a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their common behalf.” To the killing and wounding of striking miners in Luzerne county, Pa., which aroused the solicitude of the Austro-Hun-gavian government, many of the miners being subjects of that government, the President expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the subject with Aus-tria-Hungary. The hope is expressed that the restrictions imposed by Belgium on the importation of American cattle will at an early date be relaxed, so as to admit live American cattle under proper regulations. The Nicaragua Canal.

The President expects that the Nicaragua canal commission will shortly be able to report finally. “I have not hesitated to express my convictions,” says the President, “that considerations of expediency and international policy as between the several governments interested in the construction and control of gn interoceanic canal by this route require the maintenance of the status quo until the canal commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall hive had the opportunity to pass finally unon the whole matter.” The President regards, in view of our newly-acquired interests ip the Pacific octan, the construction of such a mariSime highway as now more than ever inlispensable. Concerning the extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese eifipire, the President says that our position among nations gives the equitable claim to consideration and friendly treatment in this regard, and that it will be his aim to serve our large interests in the Orient by ail means appropriate to the constant policy of our government. Reference is made to several claims of citizens of the United States pehdipg against other nations and to the settlement of other claims during the past year. After reviewing the work of the Paris exposition commission the President reo ommends that the appropriation for ths exhibit of the United States at the Park exposition be increased to $1,000,000. Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly footing, and th# President says it would give him especial satisfaction if he should be authorized to communicate to Congress * favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. Report on Hawaii. The President reports that the Hawaiian commission has fulfilled its mission and that its report will bo laid before Congress at an early day, “it to believed that their recommendation will have the earnest consideration dllft to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon you to give such shape to the relationship of these mid-Paclfic lands to our home union as will benefit both in the highest degree.” Referring to the proposal of the Czar of Russia for a general reduction of thfi great military establishments the President says: “His majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of tals government with the principle involved in his exalted prpposal and of the readiness qf the United States to take part i* the conference.” The President says that the newly-ac-credited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman porte carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy with Turkey for a number of years. Alluding to the financial affairs of the country the President says in part: "The secretary of the treasury reports that the receipts of the government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1898, including $04,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, amounted to $405,321,335, and its expenditures to $448,808,582. "It is estimated upon the basis qf present revenue laws that the receipts of the government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a deficiency of $112,000,000. "In my judgment the present condition of the treasury amply justifies the immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when once redeemed should not there* after be paid out except f° r gold. It is not to be ihferred that other legislation relating to our currency is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvioui demand for it." The President says that in view of the recent acquisition of territory by tM United States there should be established regular and frequent steamship comfhiA» cation, under the American flag, with tlfi newlj-acquired islands. In vigw, alsp, qf the increased importance qf the proposed formation of £ com. mtoaton es aanttar* ixpsrtt to investigMi

ft* yellow fever problem, owing to th* military occupation of Cuba, tha President recommends that Congress provide for such commission. Millitary Establishment. The recommendation made, by the secretary of war for the increase of the regular military establishment has the Preaident’a unqualified approval. He says that it is his purpose to muster out the entire volunteer army as soon as Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. He recommends the erection of a building for the department of justice and suggests also the advisability of making proper provision for the Supreme court. He earnestly approves of the recommendations of Secretary Long as to the increase of the navy, and recommends also that the grades of admiral and viceadmiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by officers who have especially distinguished themselves in the war with Bpain. The President earnestly urges early legislation for the taking of the twelfth census and legislation providing for the education of the 30,000 white children in the Indian territory.