The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-12-08

rIoteCtlOil vi the beHFlng sea seal
Washington. D.. c.. Dec. 7.-The
message of the President. delivered to
Congress at noon to-day, is as follows:
To the Congress of the United States:
AS representatives of the people I'm the
legislative branch of their Government.
you have assembled al time when the
strength and excellence of our free in
stitutionS and the fitness of our citi-
zens to enjoy popular rule have been
again made manifest. A political con-
test. involving momentous conse-
quenceS, fraught with feverish- appre-
henSion and creating aggressiveness so
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
least sign of weakness In our national
structure. When we consider these in
cldents and contemplate the peaceful
obedience and manly submission which
have succeeded a heated clash of politl-
cal opinions, we discover abundant evil
dencc of q determination on the part of
our countrymen to abide by every ver-
dict of the popular will. and 10 be con-
trolled at all times by an abiding faith
In the agencies established for the di-
rection of the affairs OF their Govern
ment.
mus our people exhibit patriotic dis
position which entities them to demand
of those who undertake to make and
execute their laws such faithful and un-
selfish service In their behalf as can
only be prompted by a serious apprecia-
tion of the trust and confidence which
the acceptance of public duty invites.
In obedience to constitutional re-
quirements l herein submit to the Con-
gress certain information concerning
national affairs. with the suggestion of
such legislation as, In my Judgment. Is
necessary and eXpedient. To secure
brevity and avoid tIresomc narration |
shall omit many details concerning mat
ters within Federal control, which,
though by no means unimportant are
more profitably discussed In depart
mental reports. i shall also further cur
tail this communication by omitting a
minute recital of many minor incidents
connected with our foreign relations
which have heretofore found n place in
executive messages, but are now con-
tanned in report of the Secretary of
State. which is herewith submitted.
AFFAIRS IN ARMENIA.
AT the outset of n reference to the
more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers, it would
afford me satisfaction II ! could assure
the Congress that the disturbed condi-
1
past year assumed a less hideouS and
bloody aspect. and that either as a con-
sequence of the awakening of the Tur-
kish 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 to
interfere for the protection of those eX-
posed to the rage of the mad bigotry and
cruel fanaticism, the shocking features
of the situation had been mitigated. In
stead. however. of welcoming softened
disposition or protective Intervention.
we have been afflicted by continued ana
not unfreQuent reports of the wantOn
destruction of homes and the bloody
butchery 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 wounded,
though often in the midst of dreadful
scenes of danger. their safety in the fu-
ture Is by no means assured. our Gov
ernment at home and our Minister at
Constantinople have left nothing un-
done to protect our missionaries in the
Ottoman 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 re-
laXed. but the deep feeling and SYM
pathy that have been aroused among
our people ought not to go far blind
their reason and judgment as to lead
them 10 demand impossible things. The
outbreaks of blind fury, which lead to
murder and pillaYe in Turkey, occur
suddenly and Without notice, and an at
| tempt on our part to force such n hos
tile presence there as might be efIec-
tive for prevention or protection would
not only be resisted by the Ottoman
Government, but would be regarded as
an interruption of their plans by the
Great Nations who assert their exclu-
sive right to intervene In their own
time and method for the security OF life
and property i'm Turkey.
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.
l do not believe that the present SOM
Der prospect In Turkey will be long per-
mtted to offend the sigh, of Chrsten-
dom. 1t so mars the humane and en-
lightened civilization that belongs 10 the
close of the nineteenth century that 1t
seems hardly possible that the earnest
demand of good DeOpiA fhrounhonf "a