The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-12-09
COMMENT on THE MESSAGE.


The President does not fix specific
limit at which. in his opinion, our duty
TO humanity and civilization Will take
p,ecedence Of our international oblisa-
lions of respect and consideration 10
Spain. But what he says as TO the con-
ditions prevailing In Cuba ana ihS con-
sequences inevitably attendant upon
their prolongation leaves no DOUBT that
we are approaching that limit very rapid
ly.-Washington Post
President Cleveand's message is a mine
of information as to the foreign ana
domestic affairs of the nation, but II IS
exceedingly sparng of recommendation.
Evidently the President IS convinced That
what ne thinks should be done would
afford no guide for the action OF Con-
gress.
A more temperate State paper has sell
dom been addressed TO Congress OF the
country.-Philadelph Record.
The space which President Cleveland
dovotes TO the reciprocal interests of
Cuba. Spain, and the United States In
mis- last annual message TO Congress IN
dicates that he is not wholly insensible
10 the agitation of the question which
has long progressed in this country. But
his conclusions show beyond a doubt
that he will leave 10 his successor the
honor Of taking the first step TO assure
Cuban liberty.-New York Journal.
For while one important subject after
another is taken up and discussed with
a show of candor and directness OF
expression seldom found in Mr. Cleve-
lands official writings. the conclusion Is
i'm every case the same: Postponement
% decisive action until after the fourth
of next March, which IS postponement
till the Greek kalonds, so far as the
Cleveland Administration IS concerned
New York sun.
In discussing the Cuban question in his
message the President has been at eN-
IRENE pains to sOothe Spanish senslplh-
ties and TO placate Spanish iechng. iet
there is every reason to expect intense
Spanish resentment OF the mossage.-New
York World.
70 the limoges who clamor for imme-
date intervention, even at the cost or
war with SPAIN and make confident
prophecies as TO its result. MT. CleNe-
land administers a dignihed rebuke by
refusing TO entertain their forecasts. ana
declaring that the United states mas
character TO maintain as nation which
plainly dlcdttS liltl iiSuA anu ii't Aiit,-'N
should he the rule Of its conduct lie
asserts the great truth that this country
is the most pacific OF Powers. desires
nothing so much as 10 live I'm amity with
All the world. and has no desire 10 ac-
o,Iire any new territory. be II never so
attractive.-New York Herald.
President Clevelands message TO Con-
gress deserves to rank with the pest OF
his state papers. OF the tarin, the IMAM
cial issue. and the trusts" three sub
iects which are Of the gravest Importance
10 the people OF the United states, ne
speaks with his accustomed vigor and
cIearness. while I'm regard 10 the cuban
insurrection his language is guarded, but
none the less direct I'm It's bearing upon
the unhappy conditions prevailing In the
island.-Baltimor sun.
A considerable portion Of the document
is devoted TO an analysis of the Cu-'an
situation, and this part especially will
impress the unpreiudiced reader as
strikingly impartial and lucid exposition
OF the condition Of affairs on the island.
The conclusions reached are characterized
by soundness Of reasoning and logic. ana
the recommendations made. though rather
more conservative than may satisfy the
aggressive element OF the population.
reflect mature thought. a sincere desire
for the welfare OF all parties concerned.
and constitute an appeal for n wise use
OF the power welded by the United States.
Baltimore Herald
Both President Cleveland and Secretary
Olney saws that the Cubans should not
be recognized because they have not a
settled government. and yet they both
concede the strength OF the Cuban or
ganization. their possession OF nine-tenths
OF the island. the remarkable skill OF
their leaders and the significance Of their