Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1896-12-10

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To the Congress of the 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 insti-
tutiOns and the fitness Of our citizens 10
enjoy popular rule have been again made
manifest. A political contest involving
momentous consequences fraught with
apprehension, and creating aggressive
ness 80 intense as to approach bitterness
and passion, has been waged throughout
our land. and determined by the decree
of free and independent suffrage. without
disturbance Of our tranquility or the leaS.
sign Of weakness in our national struc-
ture.
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 deter
mination on the part of our countrylnen
to abide by every verdict of the popular
will and to be controlled at all times by
an abiding faith in the agencies establish
ed for the direction of the affairs of their
government. Thus our people exhibit a
patriotic disposition which entities them
to demand of those who undertake to
make and execute their laws such faith
full and unseliish service in their behalf
as can only be prompted by serious ap.
probation of the trust and confidence
which the acceptance of public duty in
vites.
In obedience to constitutional require
nent herein submit to the Congress Ger
tain Information concerning national af
fairs with the suggestion of such legisla-
ton as in my Judgment is necessary and
expedient.
Outrages in Turkey.
At the outset of Il reference to the
more important matters affecting our re-
lations with foreign powers it would
afford me satisfaction if l could assure
the Congress that the disturbed condition
in Asiatic Turkey had. during the las,
year assumed a less hideous aspect. and
that either as consequence OF the awak
ening of the Turkish Government to the
demand Of humane civilization, or as the
result of decisive action on the part Of
the great nations having the right by
treaty to interfere for the protection of
those exposed to the rage of mad bigotry
and cruel fanaticism. the shocking fea-
lures of the situation had been mitgated
Instead, however. of welcoming a soft
ened disposition or protective interven-
ton, We have been afflicted by continued
and not infrequent reports of the wanton
destruction of homes and the bloody
butchery of men, women and children,
made martyrs to their profession of Chris
tian 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 as
sured. Our government at home and our
minister at Constantinople have left moth
ing und0ne to protect our missionaries
in Ottoman territory,s 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 re-
Taxed. but the deep feeling and sympathy
that nave been aroused among our people
fought not to so far blind their reason and
Judgment as to lead them to demand i'm
possible things.
Several naval vessels are stationed in
the Mediterranean as a measure of eau
ton, and to furnish all possible relief
and refuge in case of emergency, and we
have made claims against the Turkish
Government for the pillage and destruc-
ton OF missionary property at Harpoot
ana Marash during uprisings at those
places. number of Armenian refugees
having arrived at our ports, an order has
lately been obtained from the Turkish
Government permitting the wives and
children of such refugees to join them
here. do not believe that the present
somber prospect in Turkey will be long
permitted to offend the sight of Christen-
dom.
The Cuban Rebellion.
The instruction in Cuba still contin-
ues with all its perplexities. 1t is diff
cult to perceive that any progress has
thus far been made towards the paciica-
ton of the island or that the situation of
affairs as depicted in my last annual mes
sage has in the least improved. If Spain
still holds Havana and the seaports and
Z all the considerable towns. the insurgents
still roam at viii over at least two-thrds
OF the inland country. II the determine
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
0uus uHfdl IOTceS 10 the fASk,
there is much reason to believe that the
insurgents have gained in point of num-
beers and character and resources, and
are none the less infiexiblc In their re-
solve not to succumb without practically
securing the great objects for which they
took up arms. II Spain has not yet re-
established her authority. neither have
the insurgents yet made good their title
to be regarded as an independent state
Indeed, as the contest has gone on, the
pretense that civil government exists on
TIE island except SO far as Spain is able
to maintain it, has been practically aban.
doned. Spain does keep on foot such q
government. more or less imperfectly, iu
the large towns and their immediate
suburbs, but, that exception being made
the entire country y either given over te
anarchy Or u subject to the military occr'
patton of one 81 The other party. y z