davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Immigration Matters.

The number of immigrants arrived in
the United States during the fiscal year
was 343, 267 of which $40, 468 were permitted
to land and 2799 were debarred on vari-
Gus grounds prescribed by law and re-
turned to the countries whence they
came at the expense of the steamship
companies by which they were brought
in. The increase in immigration over
the preceding year amounted to S4,131 1t
is reported that, with some exceptions,
the immigrants of the past year were Of
a hardy laboring class, able to earn a
support for themselves, and it is estimated
that the money brought with them
amounted to at least $5,000,000, though it
was probably much in excess of that sum,
since only those having less than $50 are
required to disclose the exact amount,
and it is known that many brought con-
siderable sums of money to buy land and
build homes.
Including all the immigrants arriving
who were over IA years of age, 1883 per
cent were illiterate, as against 20.37 per
cent of those of that age arriving during
the preceding fiscal year. The number OF
immigrants over IA years old, the coun-
tries from which they came and the per-
centage of illiterates among them were rs
follows: Italy, 57,515, with 54.59 per cent;
Ireland, 37,496, with per cent; Russia,
35188, with ALA per cent; Austria Hun
gary and provinces, $685. with 1892 per
cent; Germany, 1884, with 296 per cent;
Sweden, 1881 with 1.16 per cent, while
from Portugal there came 2O67, Of which
Te9 per cent were illiterate. There ar
rived from Japan during the year only
lilo immigrants, and it is the opinion OF
the immigration authorities that the ap-
prehension, heretofore existing to some
extent, of large immigration from Ja-
pan to the United States is without any
substantial foundation.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Destruction of Property.

Meanwhile, as in all cases of protract-
ed civil strife, the passions of the
combatants grow more and more
infamed, and excuses on both sides
become more frequent and more
deplorable. They are also participated in
by bands of marauders who now in the
name of one party, and now in the name
of the other, as may best suit the occa-
sion, harass the country at will and
plumber it's. wretched inhabitants for their
own advantage. Such condition of things
would inevitably entail immense destruc-
ton of property, even if it were the policy
of one party to prevent it as far as prac-
ticable. But while such seemed to be the
original policy of the Spanish government,
it has now apparently abandoned it., and
is acting upon the same theory as the in
surgents, namely: That the exigencies of
the contests require the wholesale ami
hilation of property that it may not prove
of any use and advantage to the enemy.
1t is to the same end that, in pursuance
Of general orders, Spanish garrisons are
now being withdrawn from plantations.
and the rural population is being re-
quired to concentrate itself in the town.
The sure result would seem to be that the
industrial value of the island is fast d.
minishng, and that unless there is a
speedy and radical change in the existing
conditions it will soon disappear alto
gether.
That value consists very largely, of
course, in its capacity to produce sugar,
capacity already much reduced by the
Interruptions to tillage which have taken
place during the last two years. 1t is re-
liably asserted that should these Interrupt
tons continue during the current year and
practically extend as is now threatened, to
the entire Sugar-producing territory of the
island, SO much time and so much money
will be required to restore the land to its
normal productiveness that it is extremely
doubtful if capital can be induced to even
make the attempt
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

n the Congress of the United States:
- representatives of the people in the
.Sislotive branch of their government, you
70 aecembled at time when the strength
~, excellence of our free institutions
I'D the fitness of our citizens to enjoy
.anuIar rule have been again made mani
e., A political contest involving moment
one consequences, fraught with feverish
onrrehansion, and creating aggreSSiveneSS
~ intense as to approach bitterness and
rossjon. has been waged throughout our
iond and determined by the decree OF free
and independent suffrage without disturb
once of our tranquility or the least sign
~ weakness in our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
contemplate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded
ssated clash of political opinions, we dis
oorer abundant evidence of a determination
IN the part of our countrymen to abide by
every verdict of the popular will, and to
Ia controlled at all times by an abiding
foith in the agencies established for the
dlrecton Of the affairs of their govern
ment Thus, our people exhibit patriotic
dlsnosition. which entities them to demand
of those who undertake to make and exc
cute their laws such faithful and unselfish
service in their behalf as can only be pro-
NOTED by a serious appreciation or the
trust and confidence which the acceptance
of public duty invites.
In obedience to constitutional require
ment I hereby submit to the congress
certain information concerning national af-
fairs. with the suggestion of such legisla-
tIon as, in my judgment, is necessary
and expedent. To secure brevity and to
avoid tiresome narration, I shall omit
many details concerning matters within
federal control, which, by no means I'M
important, are more profitably discussed
In departmental reports.
I shall also further curtail this communi-
cation by emitting minute recital of any
minor Incidents connected with our foreign
relations which have heretofore found a
place in executive messages, but are now
contained in a report of the secretary of
state, which is herewith submitted:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
A Character to Maintain.

The correctness of this forecast need be
neither affirmed nor denied. The United
States has, nevertheless, a character to
maintain as nation, which plainly die
tates that right and not might should be
the rule of it's conduct.
Further, though the United States is
not a nation to which peace is a necess-
ty, is is, in truth, the most pacific of
powers and desires nothing so much as
to live in amity with all the world. It's
own ample and diversified domain sat
isles all possible longings for terri
tory, precludes all claims of conquest and
prevents any casting of covetous eyes. up
on neighboring regions, however attrac-
tive.
That our conduct towards Spain and her
dominions has constituted no exception to
this national disposition is made manifest
by the course of our government, not only
thus far during the present insurrection,
but during the 10 years that followed the
rising of Yara in 1868. No other great
power, it may safely be said, under cir
cumstances of similar perplexity, would
have manifested the same restraint and
the same patient endurance.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Autonomy for Cuba.

It would seem that if Spain should Of
fer to Cuba genuine autOnOmy-a meas
ure of home rule, which, while preserving
the sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy
all rational requirements of her Spanish
subjects-there should be no just reason
why the pacifcation Of the island might
not be effected on that basis. Such a re-
suit would appear to be in the true in
tereSt of all concerned. 1t would stop at
once the conflict which is now consuming
the resources of the island and making
it worthless for whichever party may I'LL
timately prevail. 1t would keep intact
the possessions of Spain without touching
her honor, which will be consulted rather
than impugned. by the adequate redress
of admitted grievances. 1t would put
the property of the island and the for
tunes of it's inhabitants within their own
control, without severing the natural and
ancient ties which bind them to the
mother country, and would yet enable
them to test their capacity for self-gov-
eminent under the most favorable condi-
tons.
1t has been objected on the one side
that Spain would not promise autonomy
until her insurgent subjects lay down their
arms; on the other side, that promised
autonomy, however liberal, is insufficient,
because without assurance of the promise
being fulfilled. But the reasonableness
OF the requirement Dy SPAN OF unCOHul-
tional surrender on the part of the insur-
gent Cubans before their autonomy is
conceded, is not altogether apparent. 1t
ignores important features of the situation:
The stability two years duration has given
to the insurrection; the feasibility of it's in
definite prolongation in the nature of
things as shown by past experience; the
utter and imminent ruin Of the island I'M
less the present strife is speedily COM
posed, and, above all, the rank abuses
which all parties in Spain, all branches
of her government, and all her leading
public men concede to exist and profess a
desire to remove
Facing such circumstances, to withhold
the proffer of needed reforms until the
parties demanding them put themselves at
the mercy of Spain by throwing down
| their arms, has the appearance of neglect
ing the gravest of the perils and inviting
suspicion as to the sincerity of any professed
Willingness to grant reforms. The objec-
ton on behalf of the insurgents-that the
promised reforms cannot be relied upon
must, of course be considered, though we
nave no right to assume and no reason for
assuming that anything Spain undertakes
to do for the relief of Cuba will not be
done according to both the spirit and the
letter OF the undertaking.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
Satisfactory Results at the Govern
ment Penitentiary.

The attorney-general presents us de-
tailed and interesting statement of the
important work done under his super
vision during the last fiscal year. The
ownership and management by the govern
ment of penitentiaries for the confinement
of those convicted in United States courts
of violations of federal laws, which for
many years has been the subject of execu-
tive recommendation, has at last to q
slight extent, been realized by the utili-
cation of the abandoned military prison
at Fort Leavenworth as a United States
penitentiary. This is certainly a move
in the right direction. but 1T ought to be
at once supplemented by the rebuilding
or the extensive enlargement of this inn
provised prison, and the construction Of
at least one more, to be located in the
Southern states The capacity of the
Leavenworth penitentiary Is SO limited that
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
The National Guard.

The organized militia numbers liz, 379 men.
The appropriations for it's support by the
several states approximate 81, 800, 900 annual
ly, and 100000 is contributed by the general
government. Investigation shows these
troops to be usually drilled and inspired
with much military interest but in many
instances they are so deficient in proper
arms and equipments that a sudden call
10 active duty would find them made
quately prepared for field service I, there
lore, recommend that prompt measures
be taken to remedy this condition, and that
every encouragement be given to this de-
serving body of unpaid and voluntary citi-
zen soldiers, upon whose assistance we
must largely rely in time of trouble.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
test, either alone and in her own way

test, either alone and in her own wav
or with our friendly cooperation.
When the inability of Spain to deal suc-
cessfully with the insurgents has become
manifest, and it Is demonstrated that her
sovereignty Is extinct in Cuba for all pur
poses of it's rightful existence, and when
hopeless struggle for it's re-establish-
ment has degenerated into a strife which
means nothing more than the useless
sacrifice of human life and the utter de-
struct1on of every subject matter of the
conflict a situation will be fpresented in
which our obligations to the sovereignty of
Spain will be superseded by higher obi
cations, 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 conditions then ex-
listing; and they should not be determined
upon without giving careful heed to eyery
consideration involving our honor and in
terest, or the international duty we owe
to Spain. Until we face the contingencies
suggested, or the situation is by other in
cidents imperatively changed, we should
continue in the line of conduct heretofore
pursued, thus in all circumstances exhib-
iting our obedience to the requirements of
public law and our regard for the duty en-
Joined upon us by the position we occupy
In the galaxy of nations.
"A contemplation OF emergencies that may
arise should plainly lead us to avoid their
creation, either through careless disregard
of present duty or even an undue stirnula-
ton and ill-timed expression of feeling. But
L have deemed 1t not amiSs to remind the
congress that time may arrive when a
correct policy and care for our interests.
as well as regard for the interests of other
nations and their citizens, joined by con-
siderations of humanity and desire to see
rich and fertile country, intimately re-
lated to us, saved from complete devasta-
ton, will constrain our government to such
acton; will subserve the interests involved
and at the same time promise to Cuba and
its inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy the
BLESSINGS 0f roooa
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Examination of Consular Applicants.

Inc scheme of examining applicants for
certain consular positions to test their COM
potency and fitness, adopted under an
executive order issued on September TO-
1893, has fully demonstrated the usefulness
OF this innovation. In connection with this
plan of examination, promotions and trans
fers of deserving incumbents have been
quite extensively made with excellent re-
suits.
During the past year 35 appointments
have been made in the consular service,
q of which were made to fill vacancies
caused by death or resignation or to sup
ply newly created posts, two to succeed
incumbents removed for cause, two for
the purpose of displacing alien consular
officials by American citizens and four
merely changing the official title of in
cumbent from commercial agent to consul.
Twelve of these appointments were trans
fers or promotions from other positions
under the department of state, four of
those appointed had rendered previous ser
vice under the department, eight were
made of persons who passed a satisfactory
examination, seven were appointed to
places not included in the order of Sep
TENDER 20, 1895, and four appointments, as
above stated, involved no change Of in
cumbency.
The inspection Of consular offices, pro-
vided for by an appropriation for that
purpose at the last session of congress,
has been productive of such wholesome eff
fects that hope this important work will
in future be continued. know of nothing
that can be done with the same slight ex-
pense so improving to the service.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Iafesaxing Seryice.

From the lifesaving service it is reported
that the number of disasters to docu-
mented vessels within the limits of its
operations during the year was 537. These
vessels had on board 4608 persons, OF
whom 1895 were saved and ID lost. The
value of such vessels is estimated at
S, O,14O, and of their cargoes So, $780,
making the total value of property inn
periled $12,726,52O. Of this amount, SILL
292. 77 was saved and 81, 1872, $50 was lost
Sixty-seyen of the vessels were totally
wrecked. There were besides 243 casual
ties to small undocumented craft, on
board of which there were 594 persons, OF
whom 587 were saved and seven lost. Inc
value of the property involved in these
latter casualties is estimated at SllS,zoo
of which s114955 was saved and $495o was
lost. The lifesaving crews during the year
also rescued or assisted numerous otner
vessels and warned many from danger by
signals, both by day and night. The num-
Der of disasters during the year exceeded
that of any previous year in the history
of the service, but the saving of both lie
and property was greater than ever pe1ore
in proportion to the value of the property
involved and to the number Oh persons
imperiled.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Disappearing Gun Carriages.

Durlng the same year immedia tely pre-
cedlng the message referred to, the first
modern gun carriage had been completed
and IL more were in process of construc-
tlon. All but one were of the nondisap-
pear1ng type. These, however, were not
Sucn as TO secure necessary cover for the
artillery gunners against the intense fire
OF modern machine rapid-fire and high-pow-
er guns. The inventive genius of ordnance
and civilian experts has been taxed in de-
signing carriages that would obviate this
fault, resulting, it is believed, in the solu-
ton of this difficult problem.
Since 1893, the number of gun. carriages
constructed or building has been raised to
a total of 129, of which 80 are on the dis
appearing principle; and the number of
mortar carriages to 49, while the 95 en-
placements, which were provided for prior
to that time, have been increased to 2S0
built and building.
This improved situation is largely due
to the recent generous response of con-
gress to the recommendations of the war
department Thus we shall soon have COM
plete about one-f1fth of the comprehensive
system, the first step in which was noted
in my message to the congress of Deem
Der 4, 1893. When it is understood that a
masonry emplacement not only furnishes
a platform for the heavy modern high
power gun, but also in every particular
serves the purpose and takes the place
of the fort Of former days, the importance
of the work accomplished is better COM
pretended.
In the hope the work will be prosecuted
with mo less vigor in the future, the secre-
tary of war has submitted an estimate Of
what, if allowed, will be provided and
either be built or building by the end OF
the next fiscal year. The additional guns,
mortars, gun carriages and emplacements
will represent not far from one-third Of
the total work to be done under the plan
adopted for our coast defenses, thus af-
fording a prospect that the entire work
will be substantially completed within six
years. In less time than that, however,
we shall have attained a marked degree
of security.
The experience and results Of the past
year demonstrate that with a continuation
of the present careful methods the cost
of the remaining work will be much less
than the original estimate. We should
always keep in mind that, of all forms
of military preparation, coast defense alone
is essentially pacific in it's nature. While
it gives the sense of security due to a
consciousness of strength, it is neither the
purpose nor the effect of such permanent
Notifications to involve US in foreign COM
plications, but rather to guarantee US
them They are not temptation to war,
but security against it. They are
thoroughly in accord with all the tradi-
lions of our national diplomacy
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
eh0ty Offices of the United States
offered IN Satflo tho Wor

m ~ SettAe the war.
,.,. ne insurrection in Cuba still continues,
III al Its perplexities. 1t is difficult to
he.eelVe that any progress has thus far
,,, 80 maze towards the pacification OF the
SaS!u' or that the situation of affairs, as
tb ~ s IN my last annual message. has in
'ie east improved.
~, II Spain still holds Havana and the sea-
, porls and all the considerable towns, the
.nsulgents still roam at will over at least
ts, o.hlros OF the inland country The de-
sr,ln of Spain to put down the in
IT, a'ecuon seems but strengthened with
nnh lapse Of time, as is evinced by her
rr;i frustrating devotion of largely increased
T-lary and naval forces to the task.
;na ere Is much reason to believe that the
g. nave gained in number, char
nseraaho resources, and are none the less
eAioie ID their resolve not to succumb
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
determination Of the Seal.

We have during the last year labored
faithfully and against unfavorable condi-
tons to secure better preservation of seal
life in Behring sea. Both the United
States and Great Britain have lately dis
patched commissioners to these waters to
study the habits and condition of the seal
herd and the causes Of their rapid de-
crease. Upon the reports of these COM
missioners, soon to be submitted, and with
the exercise Of patience and good sense on
the part of all interested parties, 1t is
earnestly hoped that hearty cooperation
may be secured for protection against
the threatened extinction of seal life in
the North Pacific and Behring sea.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
LITTLE Active Work for the Army
During the Year.

The report of the secretary OF war ex,
b,hits satisfactory conditions in the several
branches of the public service intrusted TO
his charge The limit OF our military
force. as fixed by law, is constantiy ana
readily maintained. The present dlsclpnne
and morals of our army are exceient, anu
=, rlred nrorress and efficiency are appar-
ent throughout its entire organization.
with the exception of delicate duties IN
the suppression of slight Indian disturb
ances along our southwestern boundary
In which the Mexican troops co-operated,
and the compulsory but peaceful return
with the consent Of Great Britain, OF
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
.M.r,ra Ho.pitaI Service.

The OPERATIONS of the marine hospltal
service the revenue cutter service, the
steamboat inspection service, the hgnt-
house service, the bureau of navigation and
other branches of public work attacned 10
tha treasury department. together with
no lions recommendations concerning their
srnnort and Improvement. are fully stated
in the report of the secretary of the treas
urv to which the attention of congress
is esnecially invited.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Conflict Must Soon End.

It should be added that 1t cannot be rea-
sonably assumed that the hitherto ex-
pectant attitude of the United States will
be Indefinitely maintained. While we are
anxious to accord all due respect to the
sovereignty Of Spain, we cannot view the
pending conflict in all its features and prop
eriy apprehend our close relations to it
ana its possible results without considering
mat by the course of events we may be
Drawn into such an unusual and unprece-
oented condition as will fix limit to our
patient waiting for Spain to end the con-
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Homes for Our Ministers.

I desire to repeat the recommendation
contained in my last annual message in
favor of providing at public expense Off
cial residences for our ambassadors and
ministers at foreign capitals. The rea-
sons supporting this recommendation are
strongly stated in the report of the secre-
tary of state, and the subject seems of
such Importance that I hope it may re-
ceive the early attention of congress.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
THE VENEZUELA BOUNDARY.
Negotiations for a Treaty of General
Arbitration.

The Venezuela boundary question has
ceased to be matter of difference between
Great Britain and the United States, their
respective governments having agreed upon
the substantial provisions of a treaty be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela, sub
hitting the whole controversy to arbitra-
uon. The provisions of the treaty are so
eminently just and fair that the assent of
Venezuela thereto may confidently be an
ticipated.
Negotiations by a treaty of general ar
bltration for all differences between Great
Britain and the United States are far ad-
vanced, and promise to reach a successful
consummation at an early date.