Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-12-07
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

lowing l. q Synopsis.
4 political contest, involving momen-
tous consequences, fraught with teveriSh
apprehension and creating aggressive
ness so intense as TO approach bitter
ness and passion, has been 1sged
throughout orr land and determined
by the decree OF free and independent
suffrage without disturbance OF our
tranquility or the least sign OF weakness
! in our national structure We discover
abundant evidence OF 8 determination
on the part OF our countrymen to abide
by every verdict OF the popular will.
Our people exhibit patriotic dispo-
/ sition which entities them 10 demand
OF those who undertake 10 make and
| execute their laws such faithful and
unselfsh service in tc,.- behalf as can
only be prompted by 9 serious a2pre-
citation OF the trust and confidence
which the acceptance OF public duty
| invites.
We have made claims against the
Turkish government for the pillage and
destruction OF missionary property at
| Harport and Marash during uprisings
at those places. Thus far the validity
OF these demands has not been admit
ted. though our minister, prior to such
ourrages and in anticipation OF danger,
demanded protection for the persons
and property OF our missionary citizens.
The facts as they now appear do not
permit u to doubt the justice OF these
claims, and nothing will be omitted
to bring about their prompt settlement.
The iusurrection in Cuba still con-
tinues with all its perpleXities. II Is
difficult to perceive that any progress
has thus far been made towards the
paci6catiou Of the island. II Spain still
holds Havana and the seaports and all
the considerable towns, the insurgents
still roam at will over at least two
thirds OF the inland country. II the
determination Of Spain to put down
the instruction seems but TO strength
| en- with the lapse Of time, there L much
reason to believe that the insurgents
have gained in point OF numbers, and
character, and resources. L Spain has
not yet reestablished her authority,
neither have the insurgents yet made
good their title to be regarded az an
independent State. Indeed, as the
contest has gone on, the pretense that
!, civil government exists on the island,
except so far as Spain is able to main
tain it, has been practically abandoned.
Were the Spanish armies able to meet
their antagonists in the open, or in
pitched battle, prompt and decisive re-
suits might be looked for. But they
are called upon to face foe that shuns
! general engagements, that can choose
! and does choose its own ground, and
that fights only from ambuscade and
when all the advantages OF position
and numbers are on its side. Excuses
on both sides become more frequent
and more deplorable. They are also
participated in by bands of marauders,
VINO, now in the name Of one party and
now in the name of the other, as may
best suit the occasion, marry the coun.
try at will and plumber its wretched in
habitants for their own advantage. Be-
sides ita large pecuniary stake in the
fortunes Of Cuba, the United States
finds itself inextricably involved in
the present contest in other ways both
vexatious and costly. Many Cubsns
reside in this country and indirectly
promote the instruction through the
press, BY public meetings, by the pur-
chase and shipment of arms, by the
raising of funds, aud by other means,
which the spirit Of our institutions and
the tenor of our laws do not permit to be
made the subject OF criminal prosecu-
tons. Some of them, though Cubana
at heart and in all their feelings aud
interests, have taken out papers as nat
uraized citizens OF the United States, a
proceeding resorted 10 with view to
posible protection by this government.
The result is that this government is
constantly called upon 10 protect
American citizens, to claim damages
for Injuries to persons and property,
now estimated at many millions Of dol
lars, and to ask explanations and
apologies for the acts of Spanish Of
ficials.
These inevitable entanglements of
the United States with the rebellion in
Cuba, the large American property in
teresta affected, and considerations Of
philanthropy and humanity in general,
have led to vehement demand in va
rious quarters for some sort of positive
intervention on the part OF the United
States. It was at frat proposed that
belligerent rights should be accorded
to the insurgents. 1t has since been
and is now sometimes contended that
the independence of the insurgents
should be recognized. But imperfect
and restricted as the Spanish govern
ment of the island may be, no other
exists there. 1t is now also suggested
that the United States should buy the
island-a suggestion possibly worthy OF
consideration if there were any evidence
of desire or willingness on the part of
Spain to entertain such proposal. 1t
is urged finally, that, all other methods
failing, the existing internecine strife in
Cuba should be terminated by our inter
vention, even at the cost Of war be-
tween the United States and Spain-a
war which its advocates confidently
prophesy could be neither large in its
protions nor doubtful in its issue. The
United States has nevertheless char
acter to maintain as a nation, which
plainly dictates that right and not
might should be the rule of it's conduct.
This government has hoped to discover
the most promising and effective means
of composing the present strife, with
honor and advantage to Spain and
with the achievement OF all the reason