The Somerset reporter., 1896-12-08
THE MESSAGE.

strength and excellence of our free in
stitations and the fitness of our citi-
sens TO enjoy popular rule have been
again made manifest. A political contest
involving momentous consequences.
fraught with feverish apprehension, and
creating aggressiveness so intense as to
approach bitterness and passion, has
been waged throughout our land. and de-
termned by the decree of free and indie
pendent suffrage, without disturbance OF
our tranquility or the least sign of weak
ness in our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
contemplate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded
a heated clash of political opinions, we
discover abundant eN idence of a determi-
nation on the part of our countrymen to
abide by every verdict of the popular
viii and to be controlled at all times
by an abiding faith in the agencies es-
f4biished for the direction of the affairs
OF heir government. Thus our people eX-
hint IA patriotic disposition which en-
tites them to demand OF those who un-
dertake to make and execute their laws
sueh faithful and unselhsh service in
thsir behalf as can only be prompted by
d serious appreciation of the trust and
confidence which the acceptance of pub
IL duty invites.
The Eastern Question.
At the outset Of a reference to the
mure important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers, it would
afford me satisfaction if | could assure
tn congress that the disturbed condition
in Asiauc Turkey had during the
past year assumed less hide
ous and bloody aspect and that either
as a consequence of the awakening of the
Turkish government to the demands of
tiNi1ivntiOn IA "a bp rRs1lt n
decisive action on the part of the great
nations having the right by treaty to in
terfere for the protection of those ex-
posed to the rage OF mad bigotry and
cruel fanaticism. The shocking features
Of the situation had been mitieated.
Instead however of welcoming a
softened disposition or protective inter
yention, we have been afflicted by con-
unuod and not infrequent reports of the
wanton destruction of homes and the
bloody butchery of men, women and
children, made martyrs to their profess
son of Christian faith.
lille none of our citizens in Turkey
have thus far been killed or wounded
though often in the midst of dreadful
scenes of danger, their safety in the
future is by no means assured. Our
government at home and our minister
at Constantinople have left nothing I'M
done to protect our missionaries in Otto
man territory. who constitute nearly
all the individuals residing there who
have a right to claim our protection on
the score of American citizenship.
Several naval vessels are stationed In
the Mediterranean as measure of eau
ton and to furnish all possible relief and
refuge in case of emergency. We have
made claims against the Turkish govern
ment for the pillage and destruction of
|mislsol. y roperty at Harpoot and Mar
lash uG'tg uprisings at those places.
.aI / believe that the present SOM
H. prospect in Turkey will be long per-
muted to offend the sight of Chrsten-
dom. 1t so mars the humane and en-
IAghtened civilization that belongs to the
close of the nineteenth century that it
seems hardly possible that the earnest
+ Christian world for its corrective treat
ment will remain unanswered.
The Cuban Question.
The Instruction in cuba stiil continues
j with all its perpleXites. 1t is difficult to
perceive that any progress has thus far
= been made toward the paciicdtion of the
Island or hat the situation OF affairs as
= depicted in my last annual message has
i in the least improved. If Spain still holds
! iabana and the ports and all the con-
siderable towns, the insurgents still roam
L. Will pNti 1T lttt3l lNb-ll It's OF the
+ INLAND country. If the determination Of
i Spain to put down the Instruction seems
/ but 10 strengthen with the lapse of time.
= and is eVinced by her unhcSitHting deVo-
ton OF largely increased military and
*Ha9al forces TO the task. there is much
reason to believe that the insurgents
( haye gained in point of numbers and
haractcr. and resources. and are none
he less innexiblc u their resolve not to
tffr..
great objects Tor which they took up
aims
8 if Spain has not Yet rc-established
authority. neither have the insur-
+ saats get made good their title to be
4 garded rs an Independent state. In
deed as the contest has gone on, the
8reteuse that civil government exists ON
ha island. except so far as Spain is able
d maintain It. has been practically aban-
oaad. Spain does keep On foot such a
pvrrumeut more or less imperfectly, in
b. large towns and their immediate sub
lbs. lut, that exception being made,
he entire country is either given over
anarchy or Is subject to the military
eaupatlon OF one or the other party.
Nerr the Spanish armies able TO meet
aels antagonists in the open. or in
lehed battle, prompt and decisive re-
alis might be looked for, and the i'm
Iense superiority of the Spanish forces
numbers. discipline. and equipment.
oud hardly fail TO tell greatly TO their
iydntagc.
But they are called upon to face a foe
hat Shuns general engagements. that can
hoose, and does choose. its own ground
hat from the nature of the country is
isihle or invisible at pleasure and that
fghts only from ambuscade and when
h the advantages of position and num-
ers are on its side. In a country where
Vi that is Indispensable TO life in the way
food clothing and shelter is so easily
planable. especially by those born and
red on the soil. it is obvious that there
hardly limit to the time during which
ostilities of this sort may be prolonged
The spectacle of the utter ruin of an
lloining country. by nature one of the
os fertile and charming On the globe.
Fonld engage the serious attention of the
0Yernment and people of the United
Rates in any circumstances. In point
fact, they have a concern with II
mich is by no means OF wholly SEN
mental or phianthropic character. 1t
Is 50 near to us as to be hardly sep
fated from our territory.
Our actual pecuuiary interest in 1t is
fcond only to that of inc people and
pertinent of Spain. It Is reasonab.y
Ftlmated that at least from $50, 600, 600 to
hWO,U00 of American capital are invest
In plantations and in railroad, mining,
hd other business enterprises on the
Ehnd. The volume OF trade between
he United States and cuba, which in
amounted to about S6l 900 rose In
to about $l03 600. 600. and In
A, the year before the present insur-
tetion broke out, amounted to nearly
hWO 600. Besides this large pecuniary
ake in the fortunes of cuba. the United
ateS finds itself ineXtricahly II volved
the present contest In other ways both