Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-12-09
RESIDENTS MESSAGE.

To the Congress of the United States: As representatives of the people, in tho legislative branch of their government, you have assembled at time when the strength and excellence of our free insuiuu- tions and the fitness of our citizens to en- i joy popular rule have been again made manifest. A political contest involving momentous consequences fraught with feverish apprehension and creating ag' 1 gressiveness so intense as to approach bit. terness and passion has been waged throughout our 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.
 When we consider these incidents and contemplate the peaceful obedience and manly submission which have succeeded at clash of political opinions. we discover abundant evidence of a determination on the part of the countryInen to abide by | every verdict of popular will and to b3 1 controlled at all times by an abiding faith in the agencies established for the diree- tion of the affairs of their government; thus the people exhibit patriotic disposi- tion which entities them to demand Of those who undertake to make and execute their laws such faithful and unselfisA service in their behalf as can only be prompted by serious appreciation oi trust and confidence which lhe acceptance of publicduty invites.
 In obedience to constitutional require ment. 1 herein submit to the congress ces- thin information concerning national af. fairs with the suggestion of such legisla- tion as in my judgment is necessary and l tiresome narration, 1 shall omit many de- tails concerning matters within Federal control which though by no means unim. portant, are more proftably discussed in departmental reports. shall also fur, ther curtail this communication by omit ting a minute recital of many minor incl dents connected with our foreign relations which heretofore found a place in execu- tive messages, but are now contained in a report of the secretary of state. which is herewith submitted.
 Affairs In Turkey
 At the outset of a reference to the more important matters affecting our relations with foreign powers, it would afford me satisfaction if 1 could assure the congress that the disturbed condition in Asiatic Turkey had, during the past year, sumed a less hideous and bloody aspect
 
 awakening of the Turkish government to the demands of humane civilization or as the result of decisive action on the part Of the great nations having the right by treaty to interfere for the protection Of those exposed to the rage of mad blgotry and cruel fanaticism, the shocking ieat- ures of the situation had been miti gated. Instead, however, of welcoming q softened disposition or protective intervention, we have been afflicted by continued and not cff,a tion of homes and the bloody butchery of men, women and children, made martyrs to their profession of Christian faith.
 While none of our citizens ill 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 Constantino- pie have left nothing undone to protect our missionaries ill Ottoman territory, who constitute nearly all individuals re- siding there who have a right to claim our protection on the score of American cit- zenship Our efforts in this direction will not be relaxed
 We have made claims against the Turk ish government for the pillage and de- struetion of missionary property at liar pool and Marash during uprisings at those places. Thus far the validity of these de- mands has not been admitted. The facts as they now appear do not permit us to uOubt bllc JuSLlCe OI bDeSt cIdff1S, ana nothing will De omitted to bring about their prompt settlement
 A number of Armenian refugees have ar rived at our ports. and an order has lately been obtained from the Turkish govern ment permitting the wives and children of such refugees to join them here, and it is hoped this order will be perpetuated
 1 do not believe that the present sombre predicament in Turkey will be long per mitted to offend the sight of christendom. 1t so mars the human and enlightened civ ilization that belongs to the close of the nineteenth century that it seems hardly possible that the earnest demand of good people throughout the christian world for it's corrective treatment will remain un- answered
 Insurrection In Cuba.
 The insurrection in Cuba still continues, with all it's perplexities. 1t is difficult to perceive that any progress has thus far been made towards the pacitication of the island or that the situation of affairs as depicted in my last annual message has in the least improved. If Spain still holds Havana and the seaports and all the con siderable towns, the insurgents still roam at Will over at least two-thirds of the island country. If the determination of Spain to put down the insurrection seems but to strengthen with the lapse of time and is evidenced by her unhesitating devotion of largely increased military and naval forces to the task, there Is much reason to believe that the insurgents have gained in point of numbers and character and resources, and are nevertheless intiexible in their re solve not to suceumbe without practically securing the great objects for which they took up arms.
 Spain has not yet reestablished her au- thority, neither have the insurgents yet made good their title to be regarded as an independent state. Indeed, as the contest has gone on, the pfetense that civil gov ernment exists on the island except so far as Spain is able to maintain it, has been practically abandoned. Spain does keep on foot such government, more or less imperfectly, in the large towns and