Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 December 1898 — Page 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

T© the Senate and House of Representatives: Notwithstanding the added burdens rem <iered necessary by the war, our people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily Increasing degree of prosperity evidenced fcy the largest volume of business ever recorded. Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded ■bundant returns, labor in the 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 ©agcessfully administered, and its credit advanced to the first rank, while it has been maintained at the world’s highest standard. Military service under a common flag and for a righteous cause has atrengthened the national spirit and serv-. cd to cement more closely*than ever the fraternal bonds between every section of the country. A review of the relations of the United'States to other powers, always appropriate, is this year of primary importance, in view of the momentous issues which have arisen,, demanding in one instance the ultimate determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will require the earnest attention of the Congress. Failure of Autonomy in Cuba, In my last annual message very full consideration was given to the question of the fiqty of the Government of the United States toward Spain and the Cuban insurKjption as being by far the most important problem with which we were then called upon to deal. I concluded it was honestly fine 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. The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the pacification of Cnba by the autonomous administration. No tangible relief was afforded the vast •rrtunbers of unhappy reeoncentrados, and by the end of December the mortality •tnong them had frightfnlly Increased. With the acquiescence of the Spanish authorities a scheme was hdopted for relief by charitable contributions raised in this <»untry. Thousands of lives were thus ■ived, but the war continued on the old footing without comprehensive plan. No alternative save physical exhaustion of either combatant and therewithal the practical ruin of the island lay in sight. Destruction of the Maine. At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction of the battleship Maine, while rightfully lying tn the harbor of Havana—a catastrophe, the suspicious nature and horror of which atirrqd the nation’s heart profoundly. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed and the nation anxiously awaited the result of the ©earching investigation at once set on foot. The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of the explosion was external by a submarine mine, and only halted through lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before the findings of the naval court, that a crisis in Our relatmns with Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it needed but a brief executive suggestion to the Congress to receive immediate answer to the duty of making instant pprovision for the possible and perhaps , apeedily probable emergency of war. The . details of the hurried preparation for the • dreaded contingency is told in the reports . ©f the Secretaries of War and of the Navy. It is sufficient to say that the out- \ break of war, when it did come, found soar nation not unprepared to meet the 'Conflict,

Negotiation* with Spain. Still, animated by the hope of n peaceful notation and obeying the dictates of duty, BO effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the, immediate conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect the recognition of her people’s right to Independence. Negotiations continued for some little time at Madrid, resulting In offers by the Spanish Government •which could not but be regarded ns inadequate. Grieved and disappointed at this >t»arrcn outcome of my sincere endeavors | •to reach a practical solution, 1 felt it ray duty to remit the whole question to the ■Congress. In the message of April 11, 181)8, I reviewed the alternative course of action which I had proposed, concluding •that the only one consonant with interna* 'tional policy and compatible with our (irmwet historical traditions was intervention ■s a neutral to stop the war and check the tkopeless sacrifice of life. In view of all this, the Congress was waked to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full wnd final termination of hostilities )tetween Spain and the people of Cuha, and Co secure in the island the establishment | •f a stable government.

’ Congr« «• Declares War. The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, during •which the almost unanimous sentiment of •your body was developed on every point as to the expediency of coupling the (proposed action with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true wnd lawful government of that island—n propbsltion which failed of adoption — 1 the Congress, ufter conference, April It), by a vote of 42 to 35 in the Senate and 11l 1 to G in the House of Representatives, passed the memorable joint resolution, declaring war. This resolution was approved by the executive on the next duy, April 20. A copy was at once communicated to the (Spanish minister at this capital, who forthwith announced thut ht** continuance In Washington had thereby become impos•able, and asked for his passports, which were given him. lie thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection •e Span Mi Interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the AustrwlJtmgurinn minister. Simultaneously w4U\ (ra communication to the Spanish ■rtnStfcr* Gen. Woodford, the American miniates at Madrid, was telegraphed con- • rmalftta 'of the text of the joint resolution and directed to communicate it to *h*» Government of Spain, with the formal 4krtnnnd thnt It at once relinquish its authorvtji and government in the Island »of Cuba and withdraw hs forces therefrom,

coupling this demand with announcements of the intentions of this Government as to the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. The demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction reached Gen. Woodford on the morning of April'2l, but before he could present it, -the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the President’s approval of the joint resolution the Madrid'Government, regarding the act as “equivalent to an evident declaration of war,” had ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off diplomatic relations between the two countries, and ceasing all official communication between their respective representatives. Gen. Woodford thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between Spain and the United States. April 22 1 proclaimed a blockade of the northern coast of Cuba, and on the 23d I called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution. By my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and I reeommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war between the United States and Spain. The Congress accordingly voted on the same day that aePapproved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence of such war, from and including the 21st day of April, and re-enacted the provisibn of the resolution of April 20, directing the President to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into effect. Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the United States maintains relations. In further fulfillment of international, duty I issued April 26 a proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right of subjects and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under enemy’s flag. A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish Government. Preparations- for the War. Our country thus after an 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 and complete, as was also the result of the second call of May 25 for 75,000 additional volunteers. The ranks of flic regulnr army were increased to the limits provided by the act of April 26. The enlisted force of the navy on the 15th of August, when it reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred and three vessels were added to the navy by purchase, one was presented to the Government, one leased and the four vessels of the International Navigation Company—the St. Paul, St. Louis, New York and Paris — were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters nnd lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and became temporarily a part of the auxiliary navy. Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lost some attack might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. The auxiliary navy patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second arm of defense. Under the direction of the chief of engineers submarine mines were placed at the most exposed points. The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors from Maine to California.

The Signal Corps was promptly organized and performed service of most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the establishment of telephonic lyul telegraphic facilities for the camps at Manila, Santiago and ill Porto Rico. There were constructed .’IOO miles of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. With a total force of over 1,800 the loss was, by disease in camp nnd field, officers and men included, only five. The national defense $50, 000,000 fund was expended in large part by the army and navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully shown in the reports of the several secretaries. This fund, being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in the war revenue act of June IS by authorizing a S per cent, popular loan nut to exceed $400,000,000, and by levying additional imposts and taxes. Salient Features of the War It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21. but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. The first encounter of the war | in punt of date U>ok place April 27, when I a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnaissance in force at Matan- | zas. shelled the harbor and forts ami dej raolhdied several new works in construction. The next engagement was destined to

mark a memorable epoch in maritime warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, hud lain for soiyo weeks at llong Kong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality being issued and the customary twenty-four hours’ notice being given. It repaired to Mirs Hay. near llong Kong, whence it proceeded to the Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Sluuiln. At daybreak on the Ist of May the American force entered Manila Huy, and after a few hours’ engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, consisting of ten warships and a transport, beside* capturing the naval station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the liny of Manila, with the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially injured. The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people nnd upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A 4*restlgc of invincibility thereby attached tv our arms, which continued throughout the struggle, lie-enforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major General Merritt and firmly established within sight of tlu> capital, which lay helpless liefore our guns. Only reluctance to cause needless loss u>f IlfV nnd property prevented the early rstormtag and capture of the city, and

therewith the absolute military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and eastern side, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be dofte in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should Be accomplished by the strong arm of the United States alone. Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Porto ltico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed points. May 11 the cruiser Wilmington and torpedo boat Winslow were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries at Cardenas and Matanzas, Worth, Bagley and four seamen falling. Meanwhije the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed the ocean, and by its .erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our military operations while baffling, the pursuit of our fleets. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba about May 9 was it practicable to plan a systematic military attack upon tie ’Antillean possessions of Spain. Several demonstrations occurred on the coast of Cuba and Porto Rico in preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlanic squadron shelled San Juan de Porto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley’s squadron bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither attack had any material result. Hobson’s Daring Act. 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 Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow 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. They were subsequently exchanged July 7. By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. Thereafter the Invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a heavy protecting fire, a landing of 60 marines from the Oregon, Marblehead and Yankee, was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had been determined to establish a naval station. This important and esesntial port was taken from the enemy after severe fighting by the marines, who were the first organized force of the United States to land In Cuba. The position so won was held despite desperate atempts to dislodge our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly intrenched. On June 22, the advance of the invading army under Major General Shatter landed at Beiquiri, about fifteen miles east of Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First and Tenth Cavalry and tho First United Stntes Volunteer Cavalry, General Young’s brigade of General Wheeler’s division, participated, losing heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within five miles of Santiago was won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle took place, onr forces gaining the outwork of Santiago; on the 2d El Caney and San Juan wpre taken after a desperate charge, and the investment of the city was competed. The nuvy co-operated by shelling the town and coast forts.

Destruction of Cervera’g Fleet. On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, July 3, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron, under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the Spanish ships were destroy«i, the two torpedo boats being sunk and tne Maria Teresa, AJmirantc Oquendo, Vizcaya and Cristobal Colon driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over thirti>en hundred men were taken prisoners, while the enemy’s loss of life was deplorably large, some GUI) |>erisliing. On our side but one man was killed, on the Brooklyn, and one maq seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished themselves, from the commanders to the gunners nnd the unnamed heroes in the boilei-rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement 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 bo to single out any for especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous actors — the nation’s profoundest gratitude is to all of those brave men Who by their skill nnd devotion in a few short hours crushed the sen power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-feaehiiig consequence* can scarcely he measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the achievements of our builders, mechanics and artisans for their skill in the construction of our warship*. With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually censed. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her Mediterranean fleet under Admiral Camara to relieve Manila was ntmndoocd, the expedition being rts-alled after it had pa-ssed through the Suez Canal. Capitulation of Santiago. The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely Is sieged by land, while the entrance of our sliijvs into the harbor cut off all relief on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of ifou-eomlmtants, protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, " when, under tnentuv of immediate assault. the preliminaries of surrender were agreed iqs>n. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation embraced the entire eastern end of Culw. The number of Spanish soldier* surrendered was 22,000, all of whom ware subsequently conveyed to Spain at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful campaign is told in the repot of the Secretary of War,'' which will he laid before you. The Individual valor of otlii'ers and soldiers was never more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive vlctori ios won instant and universal applause. To those who gainisl this complete triumph. which established the ascendency of the United States upot land, as the fight off Santiago had tixisl our supremacy on tils' sens, the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor should we alone ram cm tier the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our tears, and nor losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war. lwwrvcr rightful the cause yr signal the victory. Occupation of l'orto Kicn. With the fall of Santiago, the occupation of I'orto Rico became the next strategic iMs*emlty. General Miles had previously been assigned to organize an ox* podlv.ou for that'purpose. Fortunately, he was already at Santiago, where he had arrived the 11th of July, with re-enforce-ments for General Shatter's army. With tlusw* troop*. 'consisting of 3,415 infantry aud artillery, two cumpuiicM of engineers

and one company of the signal corps, General Miles left Guantanamo July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the fleet under Captain Higginson, with the Massachusetts (flagship), Dixie, Gloucester, Columbia anti Yale, the two lgtter carrying troops. The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with little opposition. The Major General commanding was subsequently re-enforced by General Schwann’s brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson, with a part of his divisjpn, and also by General Brooke, with a part of his corps, numbering in all 10,973 officers and men. July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports of the island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of the island. With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, Hermigueres, Coamo and Yauco, and an attack on a force landed at Cape San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted with great vigoT, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in our possession, and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter of a short time. The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. Aug. io, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. The casualties were comparatively few. By this conquest of the Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey’s victory of the Ist of May, victory was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for’their uncomplaining and devoted services, for their gallantry in action, the nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without previous experience in the military sen-v----ice, deserves unmeasured praise. Total Casualties of the War, The total casualties in killed and wounded in the army during the war was as follows* Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, 280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,404; total, 1,577. Of the navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 07; died as result of wounds, 1; invalided from service, 0; total, 91. It will be observed that wMle our navy was engaged in two great battles and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockades and bombardment, and more than fifty thousand of our troops were transported to distant lands and engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of 1,008 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport ship, and with the exception of the crew of the Merrimac not a soldier or sailor was taken prisoner. Aug. 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General Shafter’s army in Cuba, and twenty-one days from the surrender of Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and our entire force was returned to the United States as early as Aug. 24. They were absent from the United States only two months.

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 ordered to the post of greatest exposure, was not required outside of the United States. They did their whole duty and earned the gratitude of the nation. It is my regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable recognition. 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 lied Cross, both in relief measures preparatory .to tihe campaigns, in sanitary assistance nt several of the camps of assemblage, and later, under the able and experienced leadership of the President of the society, Mias Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals at the front in Cuba. In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers hamble prayer for the continuance of His favor. The annihilation of Admiral Cervera’s fleet, followed by the capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now becoming wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French ambassador. On the 2t>th of July M. Cainhon presented a communication signed by the Duke of Almodovar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. July 30 the terms of this government were announced, substantially as in the protocol afterward signed. Aug. 10 the Spanish reply, dated Aug. 7, was handed by M. Gambon to the Sei-re-t&ry of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to Cuba, Porto Rico and an island of the Ludroneo group, but appeared to seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as* to the Philippines. Hlgnintr of the Protocol. Conceiving that discussion on this point could neither be practicable uor profitable, I directed that in order to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith float'd by proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms in which the negotiations for peutv were to be undertaken. The vague and inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be acceirtod. the ouly reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of the protocol embodying the i*recise terms tendered to Spain In our note of July 30. with added stipulations of detail ns to the appointment of commissioners to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On the afternoon Aug. 12 M. Cain bon. as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Seerrtary of State, as tile pleni|H>tentinry of the United St atm. signed a protocol. Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol 1 issued a proclamation on Aug. 12 annpending hostilities on the part of the United States. Aug. 18 the muster out of 100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be practicable, was ordered. Dec. 1, 101,105 officers and men had been mustered out and discharged from the service; 0.002 more will be mustered out by the 10*h of the month. The military committees to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Porto ltico and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed. For Cuba. Major General Jas. F. Wade, Itcfcr Admiral William T. Sampson ami Major General Matthew t ■. Butler; for Porto ltico, Major General John o. Brooke, Hear Admiral Winfield 'S Schley and Brlghdier General George W. Gordon, who moii afterward met the Spanish commissioners at Ilnvnnn and Saa Juan respectively. The Porto Iticnn joint commission speedily accomplished its task, aad by Oct. IS the evacuation of the island was The United States flag was raised over the island nt noon on that day. The n»hnhr»i*t.rntion of its affairs has Ixvn provisionally intrusted to a military governor tmlll the Congress shall otherwise provide. The Cuban joint high commission lias not vet terminated its Inlaw*. Owing to the dillieulties iu the wav of nsnoving tire large numbers of Spanish troo|m still In Culm, the evacuation cannot be completed before the Ist of January. Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William It. lhvy, lately Secretary of State: Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye and George Grnjr. Senators of the United States, and n hitelaw

Held to be the peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due season to Paris, they there met on the Ist of October live commissioners similarly appointed by Spain. The negotiations have made hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definite treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading to its signature. I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. Until the Congress has legislated otherwise, it will be my duty to continue the military governments which have existed since our occupation and government of the people, security in life and property, and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. As soon as we are in imssession 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. Until there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government inaugurated military occupation will be continued. Relation* with Other Countries. With the exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of the United States wjth the great family of nations has been marked with cordiality and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable solution by amicable agreement. A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the Argentine Republic and Chili assumed an acute stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this government occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. lam happy to say that arrangements to this end have been 'perfected. I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passings from and to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong hope thatagood understanding will be reached. In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has lately befallen them in the assassination of the Em-press-Queen of that historic realm. The Lattimer Affair. On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and his deputies, in which twenty-two miners were killed and forty-four wounded, of whom ten of the killed and twelve of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the Austro Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and the peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in order to be in a position to meet the urgent com-ptaint of a friendly power. The sheriff and his deputies, having? been indicted for murder, were tried and acquitted after protracted proceedings. A representative' of the department of justice attended' the trials and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, this Government expects to' reach a harmonious understanding an the subject with that off Austria-Hungary. Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard to the number and classes of articles entered, than those of other countries.

Hardly a year passes Chat this Government is not invited to national participation at some imisirtunt foreign center, but often on too short notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do no. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting sudh invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. This plan has my cordial approval. , « I trust the Belgian restriction on the importations of cattle from the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at an early date be satisfied as to their present and future off hardship and discrimination so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of a favorable change in the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed by the signature off a convention between the parties, with the concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer Alert, then lying iu Central American witters. United State* of Central America. In my lust auuual message the situation was presented with respect to the diplomatic anp resell In lion of this Government la Central America, created by the association of Nicaragua, Uouduras aud Salvador uuder the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, aud the delegation of their Internal function* to the diet thereof. While the representative character of the diet was recognised by uiy predecessor and has been confirmed duriug my administration by receiving Its accredited envoy aud granting exequatur* to consuls commissioned under Its authority, that recognition was quulitted by the distinct undersuiruling that the responsibility of each Of the competent soverelgn republics toward the-Vailed States remained wholly unaffected. A convention of delegates framed for them a federal constitution uuder the name of the Unttad States of t'eiiirul America and provided for a central federal government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent Suite*, the Ist of November lust Wii* fixed for the new system to go Inin operation. 'Within n few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested by revolutionary movement* arising, with a consequent demand for unity of noth*n on the part of the military power of the Federal Slate* to suppress them. 1 iider thl* strain the new union seem* to have been weakened through the withdrawal of its more Important members. NicnruKUa Cnnnl Commission. The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the championship of Hear Admiral John G. Walker, ha* nearly completed It* labors, and the result* of Its exhaustive inquiry Into the proper mute, th - feasibility nud the c<mc of construction of an Inyrocennle cannl by a Nlenraguau route will be laid before you. Tue Government of Nicaragua as one or Ita lost sovereign net*, before merging It* power* iu those of the newly formed 1 nlted Stale* of Central Amtrlca lm» granted au optional concession t« another association, to become effective on the expiration of the nrem'iit grant. These circumstance* suggest the urgency of some definite action by the Con lire** at thl* session If the labor* of the p£nt sr? to tic utilised unit the linking us

the Atlantic and Pacific Oceana by a practical waterway Is to be realized. A convention providing "for the revival of the late United States and Chilian claims commission and the consideration of claims, which were duly presented to the late com-' mission but not considered, was signed May 24, 1807. anil has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having elapsed, the convention falls uqless the time l>e extended by amendment, which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of the Chilian Government. American Interest* in the Orient. The United States has not been an Indifferent spectator of the extraordinary events transpiring In the Chinese empire, whsreby portions of Its maritime provinces areipassIng under the control of various European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of our country becoming an actor In the scene. In this relation I refer to the communication addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, recommending nn appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial conditions in the Chinese empire and report as to the opportunities for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets In China for the raw products and manufactures of the United States. I cordially urge that the recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which Its Importance and timeliness merit. Meanwhile, there may be just ground for disquietude In view of the unrest and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case of the attacks upon our citizens In Scochuan and at Kutlen In 1885, the United States minister has been Instructed to secure the fullest measure of protection, both local and Imperial, for any menaced American interests, and to demand, In case of lawless injury to person or property, Instant reparation appropriate to the ease. Participation in the Paris Exposition. There Is now every prospect that the participation of the United States in the universal exposition to be held In Paris In 1900 will be on a scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and Industries In the world's chief marts. By a provision In the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, u sum not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission to care for the proper preparation and Installation of American exhibits, and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several executive departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish Commission and the Smlth : sonlan Institution', iu the representation of the Government of the United States. Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Ferdinand W. Peck, of Chicago, Commissioner General, with an assistant commissioner general and secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where hts success In enlarging the scope and variety of the United States' exhibit has been most gratifying. Embargoes on American Products. Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. Meanwhile ns effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government of the thoroughness of our Inspection of pork products for exportation, and It Is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where their use Is large and necessary.

I transmitted to the Senate Feb. 10 last Information touching the prohibition against the Importation of fresh fruits from this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the ground of danger of disseminating the San Jose scale insect. This precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the drastic taken In several States of the- Union against the spread of the pest. La.ter the prohibition was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar Inhibition. Efforts- are In progress to Induce the German and Swiss Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal Hfe Impossible. Friendly Relation* with Great Britain Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly footing. Assenting to our request, the proteetlon of Americans and their interests In Spanish Jurisdiction was assumed by the- diplomatic and consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for Injuries sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military authorities In the Island, of Haytl, has been settled by the agreement of that republic to pay him SIO,OOO in America* gold. Annexation of Hawaiian Island*. Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, IhOI, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the republic of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered cession and. incorporating the ceded territory Into the Union was adopted by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed, the United States steamer Philadelphia to convey Hear Admiral Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important legislative act to be delivered to the President of the republic of Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the sovereignty of the Islands to the United States. This- wa.s simply, but Impressively, accomplished on tlx* 12tb of August last, by the delivery of a certified copy of the resolutions to President Dole, who thereupon yielded up to the representatives of ttie Government: of the United States the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. Following the further provision of the Joint resolution, I appointed Shelby M. Culloin of Illinois, John T. Morgan of Alabama, Robert It. Hitt of Illinois, Sanford H. Dole of Hawaii and Walter F. Grear of Hawaii as commissioners to confer ami recommend to Congress such legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission confided to them, their report will he laid before you at an eurly day. The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty Immigrants were, t am pleased to say. adjusted before the act wf transfer by the payment of a reasonable Indemnity to the Government of Japan. Under the pwwlslons of the Joint resolution the existing cnslouis relations of th* Hawaiian Islands with the United Staten and with other countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. Controversies with Mexico The Interpretation of certain provisions of the <-x i radii lon convention of Dec. 11, 1.861, has been lit various times the occasion of controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose In the COM of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesus Guerrera, who. having led a marauding expedition near tile border with th* proclaimed purpose of Initiating an Insurrection again*: President Diaz, escaped into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground lhut the alleged offense was political In It a character, and therefore cam* within the treaty proviso of non-surrender. The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of Us intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, comiuercfe and navigation concluded with this country Aug. 31, 1887. I have Invited suggestions by Peru as to the particular provisions It Is desired to annul. 111 the hope of reaching an nrrnngenietit whereby the remaining articles inny be provlstniLi l!v saved. His Majesty, the Ozar."h.ivfhg announced his purpose to raise the Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, I responded, under the authority conferred bv the act of March 3. Ultl, by commissioning and seer, lUilng the ncitial repre*rut*tl\ os at fit. Petcr-burg In tb* capacity of r mbasMdor extt .ordinary and plonlpotentl -y. The prop' i.. 1 of the Ct&r for a general to