The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-07


land sent his farewell message to the
Fifty-Fourth Congress tooay. 1t was
voluminous and important aud its text
was as follows:
TIE MESSAGE.
To the Congress OF United States:
AS representatives of the people In the
legislative branch of their government,
you have assembled at time when the
strength and excellence OF our free In
Stitutions and the fitness Of our citi-
,ens TO enjoy popular rule have been
again made manifest. \ political contest
involving momentous consequences.
fraught with feverish apprehension, and
creating aggressiveness so intense as TO
approach bitterness and passion. has
been waged throughout our land and de-
termined by the decree of free and tnde-
pendent suffrage. without disturbance OF
our tranquility or the least Sign of weak
ness i'm our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
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 I'm the agencies es-
of their government. Thus our people ex-
hibit patviotic disposition which en-
titles them TO demand Of those who un-
dertake to make and execute their laws
such faithful and unselhsh 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 TO a constitutional require
ment. | herein submit TO the Congress
certain information concerning national
! affairs. with the suggestion of such leg
islation as I'm my Judgment IL necessary
and expcdient. To secure brevity ana
avoid tiresome narration. l shau omit
many details concerning matters within
federal cont.ol, which, though by no
means unimportant. are more prohtably
discussed la departmental reports. shali
also further curtail this communication
| by omitting a minute recital OF many
| minor Incidents connected with our Tor
elgn relations which have heretofore
| found place In executive messages but
| are now contained in n report of the Sec
retary of state, whi,h is herewith sub
mitted.
THE EASTERN QUESTION.
| At the outset OF n reference TO tho
| more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers II would
! afford me satisfaction II | could assure
the congress tndl the ulSNllbtN NDhN's'S
| in Asiatic Turkey had during the
| past year assumed less hide
Gus and bloody aspect. and that either
| as a consequence Of the awakening OF the
| Turkish government 20 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 IN
| terfere for tho protection OF those ex-
| posed 10 the rage OF mad biSotry ana
| cruel fanatcism. The shocking features
| Of the situation had been mitigated.
| Instead. however. of welcoming
Ioftencd disposition or protective inter-
| yeution. we have been afflicted by con-
| inucd and not infrequent reports OF the
| ganton destruction OF homes and the
| bloody butchery OF men. women and
1 ,hildren. made martyrs 90 their profes-
| don Of Christian faith.
while none OF our ciua~s In Turkcy
I nave thus Tar DCcn EiIICd or WOunded,
| though often in the midst or dreadiui
/ scenes OF danger. their safety IN the
4 future r. by no means assured. oar
government at homo and our minister
/ At CoustantinUplc have lott nothing un-
I lone % protect our missionaries Ia OTTO
I man territory. who constitute nearly
/ sll the individuals residing there who
| have right 10 claim our protection on
.he score OF American citizenship.
our efforts I'm this direction VIII rot be
relaxed; but the deep feeling'snd sympa-