Daily Kennebec journal., 1896-12-08
THE MESSAGE
Largely a Resume Of Various
Department Reports.
Leaves the vexed Cuban Question En-.
tirely to His Successor.
1hreshes Lots OF Old Straw. But Recommend!
Little New Legislation.

. CIlt Iu1l ttht Vi tiit l
sage sent to Congress, today:
10 the Congress of United States
AS representatives of the people IN the
legislative branch of their goVerhmei''
Won have assembled at time when the
strength and excellence of our free in
stitutions and the fitness OF our ci,i-
zens to enjoy popular rule nave beei'
again made manifest. pohticai cohtest
involving momentous consequences.
fraught with feverish apprehension. ana
creating aggressivencss SO intense as 10
approach bitterness and passion. mas
been waged throughout our land, and de-
termined by the decree OF free ana indc-
pendent suffrage. without disturbance OF
our Tranquility or the least sign of weak
ness in our national structure.
When we consider these incidents ana
contemplate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded
a heated clash Of political opinions. we
discover abundant evidence of determl-
nation on the part of our countrymen 10
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 a patriotic disposition which en-
titles them to demand of those who un-
dertake to make and execute their laws
such faithful and unsefish service IN
their behalf as can only be prompted by
a serious appreciation of the trust ana
confidence which the acceptance OF pub
lie duty invites.
In obedience to g constitutional require
ment, | herein submit 10 the Congress
certain information concerning national
affairs, with the suggestion OF such ieS-
islation as in my judgment is necessary
and eXpedent. To secure breVity ana
avoid tiresome narration, l shall omit
many details concerning matters within
federal control. which, though by no
means unimportant, are more profitabiy
discussed in departmental reports. | shall
also further cartaiI this communication
by omitting a minute recital OF many
minor incidents connected with our FOR
egn relations which have heretofore
found a place in executive messages but
are now contained in a 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, it would
afford me satisfaction if l could assure
the congress that the disturbed condition
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 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 in
tcrfere for the protection of those ex-
posed to the rage of mad bigotry and
cruel fanaticism. The shocking features
Of the situat' IN had been mitigated.
Instead owever, of welcoming a
;oftened disposition or protective inter-
yention. we have been afflicted by con-
:inued and not infrequent reports OF the
wanton destruction of homes and the
bloo6y butcnery of men, women and
children, made martyrs to their profes-
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 t home and our minister
at Constantinople have left nothing I'M
done to protect our missionaries in Otto
man territory. who constitute nearly
all the individuals residing there who
nave a 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 in 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
ton 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
missionary 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
ister prior to such outrages and in anti
eipaton of danger. demanded protection
Tor the persons and property of our mis-
sionary citizens in the localities men
Toned and Notwithstanding that strong
evidence exists of actual completely of
Turkish soldiers i'll 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
orlng about their prompt settlement
number OF Armenian refugees having
arrived at our ports an order has lateiv
been obtained from the Turkish govern
ment, permitting the wives and children
of such refugees to join them here II is
hoped that hereafter no obstacle will be
lnterposed to prevent the escape of an
those who seek to avoid tha naril, nb;l,