The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-08

to enjoy popular rule have been again
made manifest. a political contest IN
Volying momentous consequences, frauSht
with teverish apprehension. and creating
aggressvenesS so intense as to approach
bitterness and passion. has been waged
throughout our land, and determined by
the decree of free and independent suf-
frage, without disturbance of our tran
guilty 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 a
heated clash of political opinions. We dis
cover abundant evidence of determine
alton on the part of our countrymen to
abide by every verdict Of the popular will.
and to he controlled at all times by an
abiding faith in the agencies established
for the direction of the affairs of their
government.
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 in my judgment is necessary
and expedient.
To secure brevity and avoid tiresome
narration, | shall omit many details con-
cerning matters discussed in departmental
reports. ! shall also further curtail this
communication by emitting a minute re-
cital of many minor incidents connected
with our foreign relations which have
heretofore found place in executive mes
sdges, but are now contained In d report { T
the secretary of state, which Is herewith
submitted At the outset of q reference to
the more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers, it would
afford me satisfaction If | could assure
the congress that the disturbed condi-
tions in Asiatic Turkey had. during the
past year. assumed a less hidcous and
bloody aspect. and that, either as conse-
quence Of the awakening of the Turkish
government to the demands Of humane
civilization or as the result of decisive ac-
inn m hs. 1,fp # h.,
ing the right by treaty to Interfere for
the protection of those exposed to the
rage of mad bigotry and cruel fanaticism,
the shocking features of the situations had
been mitigated. Instead, however, we have
been afflicted by continued ami not in
frequent reports of the wanton destruc-
tion of homes. and the bloody butcha,v of
men. women and children. made martyrs
to their profession of Christian faith
While none of our citizens in Turkey have
thus far been killed or wounirl their
safety in the future is by no means as
sured. our government at home and onr
minister at Constan;inople have left moth
ing undone to protect our missionaries i'm
the ottoman territory. Our efforts in this
direction will not be relaxed. but the
deep feeling and sympathy that have been
aroused among our people ought not to SO
far blind reason and Judgment as to lead
them TO demand impossible things The
outbreaks of blind fury which Lead TO
murder and pillage in Turkey occur sud
denly, ana an. attempt on OR part to
force such hostile presence there as
might be effective for prevention or
protection would not only be re-
sisted by the ottoman govern
| ment, but would be regarded as an in
terruption of their plans by the great
nations who assert their exclusive right
to intervene in their own time ana method
for the security Of life and property in
Turkey.
Several naval vessels are stationed in
Mediterranean "a "a nf
ton and to furnish all possible relief and
| refuge in case of emergency.
We have made claims against the Tur-
kish government for the pillage and de-
struction of missionary properly at Har.
poot and Marash during the up.isiIgs at
those places. Thus far the validity Of
these demands has not been admitted
though strong evidence exists Of actual
| completely of Turkish soldiers in tn. work
| OF destruction and robbery.
CUBA AND SPAIN.
The insurrection in Cuba still continues
with all its perplexities. 1t Is difficult to
| perceive that any progress has thus far
| been made towards the pacification of
| the island or that the situation of affairs
as depicted in my last annual message
has In the least improved. II Spain still
holds Havana and the seaDorts and all
the. considerable towns, the insurgents
| still roam at will over at least two-thirds
OF the inland country. If the determina-
| ton of Spain to put down the insurrec-
| ton seems but to strengthen with the
lapse of time, and Is evinced by her un-
hesitating 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 num-
bers, and character. and resources, and
are none the less ,inflexible in their re-
solve rot to succumb. without practically
| securing the great objects for which they
| took up arms. If Spain has not yet re-
established her authority. neither have
the insurgents yet made good their title
to be regarded as any independent state
Indeed. as the contest has gone on, the
pretense that civil government exists on
the island, except 30 far as Spain IL able