Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-12-10
rhe presldenr.s message.


ed elsewhere, is one of the most able
and interesting State papers ever sent
to Congress. Its completeness of tone
is admirable, and its calm. conservative
sentiment worthy of all praise. The
consideration given the Cuban situation
in the message is peculiarly gratifying
in its trend and conclusion. There. is
nothing Of the lingo about il. 1t
describes the situation as it exists, and
points out with judicial impartiality
the course that this government should
pursue. when the inability of Spain to
deal successfully with the insusrection
has become manifest" writes Presi-
dent Cleveland. land it is demonstrated
that her sovereignty is extinctNin Cuba
for all purposes Of its rightful exist
ence, and when hopeless struggle for
its re-establishment has degenerated
into strife which means nothing more
than the useless sacrifice of human life
and the utter destruction of the very
subject-matter of the conflict, situa-
tion will be presented in which our OBJ
ligations to the sovereignty of Spain
will be superseded by higher obliga,
tions, which we can hardly hesitate to
recognize and discharge. Deferring the
choice OF ways and methods until the
time for action arrives, we should make
them depend upon the precise con-
ditions then existing; and thoy should
not be determined upon without giving
careful heed to every consideration
involving our honor and interest, or the
international duty we owe to Spain.
Until we face the contingencies sug-
gested. or the situation is by other
incidents imperatively changed, we
should continue in the line Of conduct
heretofore pursued, thus in all circum-
stances exhibiting our obedience to the
requirements of public law and our
regard for the duty enioinsd upon US
by the position we occupy in the
family of nations. !"
And then President Cleveland adds
that when the time arrives, the ext
gencies of the situation twill constrain
our government to such action as will
subserve the interests thus involved
and at the same time promise to Cuba
and its inhabitants an opportunity to
enjoy the blessings of peane.''
The financial and economic opinions
expressed in the message are also admir-
able in sentiment and sound in con
clusion. The President expresses faith
in the Wilson Tariff bill, and con.
fidence that its operations will produce
revenue ample for the needs of the
government, il our finances be "no,
extravagantly wasted" He points out
that the operations of the measure havt
been fairly sati sfactory, even undel
the most unfavorable conditions, ant
that good results may be expected il
the future. There is small comfort fo
the radical tariff rippers" in thiI
portion Of the message.
The President also points out IN
erringly the evils of our existing finan
cial system and the imperative need o
reform. "The entire case,' he force
fully says, ''may be presented by th,
statement that the day of sensible ant
sound financial methods will not dawi
upon us until our government abandon
the banking business and the accumu
lation of funds and confines its none
tary operations to the receipt of th
money contributed by the people 70
its support, and to tho expenditure o
such money for the peoples benefit
Our business interests, and all goo
citizens long for rest from fevers
agitation and the Inauguration by th
government of reformed 'tinancif
policy which will encourage enterpria
and make certain the reward OF labo
and industry" Sound words are thest
and the advice they convey, if heeGe
by Congress, will rebound to tine las
ing benefit Of the country.
In all its other features tho message
equally thorough and satisfying. AS
eound State paper it will amply repa
perusal; as presentation of II
national situation it is complete an
comprehensive; as guide to a sa
and satisfactory national policy it
wise and ablo. The country will |
benefited il Congress shall gi,
careful thought and Intelligent attel
tion to it's conclusions.