The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1896-12-07
The MESSAGE.
the Congrras of IInited STATES:

To the Congress OF United States:
AS representatives OF the people In the
legislative branch OF their government
you have assembled at "a time when tie
strength and excellence OF our free In.
xtituions and the fitness OF our citi-
xens To enjoy popular rule have been
again madUmanifest. A political contest
involving m0mentous consequences
fraught with feverish apprehension. and
creating aggressiveness SO intense 10
approach bitterness and passion. has
been waged throughout our land and de-
termined by the decree of free and indie.
pendant suffrage. without disturbance o.
our WAEquiiity or the least sign of weak
ness In our national structure.
When we consider these incidents am
contemplate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded
a heated clash OF political opinions. we
discover abundant evidence of determi-
nation on the part OF our countrymen TO
abide by every verdict of the popular
will, and TO be controlled at all times
by an abiding faith in the agencies es-
tablished for the direction OF the affairs
of their government. Thus our people ex-
hibit n patriotic disposition which en-
titles them TO demand of those who un-
dertake TO make and execute their laws
such faithful and unselfish service In
their behalf as can only be prompted by
a serious appreciation of the trust and
confidence which the acceptance OF pub
lie duty invites.
In obedience 10 a constitutional require
ment, | herein submit TO the Congress
certain information concerning natlonai
affairs, with the suggestion OF such leg
islation as In my judgment is necessary
and expedient. To secure brevity and
avoid tiresome narration, / shall omit
INF lie
federal control, which. though by no
means uniuportant. are more prohtably
discussed I'm departmental reports. i shall
also further curtail this communication
by omtting a minute recital OF many
minor incidents connected with our for
eign relations which have heretofore
found place in executive messages but
are now contained in q report of the sec
retary of state, which Is herewith sub
mitted
THE EASTERN QUESTION.
At the outset of a reference to the
more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers. IL would
afford me satisfaction II / could assure
the congress that the disturbed condition
in Asiatic Turkey had during the
past year assumed a less hide
Gus and bloody aspect, and that either
as a consequence of the 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 10 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 mitigated.
Instead, however, OF welcoming
disposition or protective inter-
vention, We have been afflicted by con-
.inued and not infrequent reports OF the
wanton destruction OF homes and the
bloody butchery of men. women and
children, made martyrs to their profess
sion OF Christian faith
While 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 un-
lone to protect our missionaries in Otto
man territory. who constitute nearly
all the individuals residing there who
have right to claim our protection on
the score OF American citizenship.
Our efforts in this direction will not be
relaxed; but the deep feeling and sympa-
thy that have been aroused among our
people ought not to SO far blind their
reason and Judgment as TO lead them to
demand impossible things. The out
breaks of blind fury which lead to MUIR
der and pillage In Turkey occur sud
denly and without notice. and an at
tempt upon our part TO force such
hostile presence there as might be ef-
fective for prevention or protection
would not only be resisted by the Otto
man government. but would be regarded
as an interruption Of their plans by the
great nations who assert their exclusive
right TO intervene i'm their own time and
method for the security Of life and prop
erty in Turkey.
Several naval vessels are stationed In
the Mediterranean as measure of eau
lion 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
property at Harpoot and Mar
ash during uprisings at those places. |
Thus far the validity of these demands
has not been admitted, though our min
|ster prior to such outrages and in anti |
cipation OF danger, demanded protection
Tor the persons and property OF our mis-
citizens In the localities men,
TONED and Notwithstanding that strong |
evidence exists OF actual completely of |
Turkish soldiers In the work Of destruc-
ton and robbery.
The facts as they now appear do not |
permit us to doubt the Justice of these |
claims. and nothing will be omitted to |
bring about their prompt settlement.
A number OF Armenian refugees having |
arrived at our ports. an order has lately
been obtained from the Turkish govern |
nent, permitting the wives and children |
- such refugees to join them here 1t is !
hoped that hereafter no obstacle will be |
nterposed TO prevent the escape of all |
those who seek TO avoid the perils which |
threaten them In Turkish dominions.
Our recently appointed consul to Erze- |
rum is at his post and discharging the |
duties OF his office, though for some un-
accountable reason his formal exequator
from the sultan has not been issued
i do not believe that the present SOM |
bre prospect In Turkey will be long per-
mitted 10 offend the sight OF Christen-
dom. IL so mars the humane and en-
lightened civilization that belongs to the |
close OF the nineteenth century that IL |
seems hardly possible that the earnest |
demand OF good people throughout the
Christian world for It's corrective treat
ment, will remain unanswered. |
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
The insurrection Cuba still continues |
with all Its perplexities. Ii is difficult 10
perceive that any progress has thus far |
been made toward the pacification OF the |
tslo nd or that the situation NJ a 0.t~. :.