Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1897-12-11

ish dispesftion to charge uR With fall
are to meet international duties Is base
less. and points to the efforts this gov
eminent has made at the cost OF mill
lions and by the employment OF the ad-
ministrativs ministry OF the nation to
perform its full duty. He also says
that the fact that no military expedi-
tion or armed vessel has left our shores
has been automatically represented
with Spain. Promising that through
out all the horrors and dangers to our
own peace, the United Staten has never
9brogRted its right to determine its
policy ~ to Cuba the president
points out that OF untrted measures
there remain only: Recognition OF the
insurgents a. belligerents. recognition
OF the Independence OF Cuba, neutral
intervention to end the war by impos-
Ing . national compI 3miss between the
contestants. and Intervention In favor
Of one or the other party. He says:
II speak not OF foreible annexation. for
that cannot be thought Of. That. by
our code OF morality. would be erirni-
nal aggression
Recognition Not Warranted.
Taking up the question of belligsrsney
the president quote at length from
President Grants message OF Dec. 7.
1875. wherein he declared that the con-
ditions in Cuba warranted neither the
recognition OF independence nor the re-
eognition OF beliigerency. He adds that.
moreover. = recognition OF belligerency
would confer upon neither party to the
sonfiict q status not therotofore actually
possesRed, while II would weigh heavily
In SPANS behalf. giving her the right
- IL
tending her maritime rights 20 the mar
gin OF our territorial waters. For these
reasons" says the president. ''I regard
the recognition Of the belligerency OF
the Cuban insurgents as now unwise.
and therefore inadmissible. Should that
step thereafter be deemed wise as q
matter Of right and duty the sxecu-
tive Will take IT,
HO points out to the hopeful change
/ In the Spanish policy to the pledge OF
reform and to the abatement OF the
horrors Of war as reasons aRaint in
tcrvention on humanitarian grounds.
! The president sketches the autonomy
scheme OF the Spanish government. and
says that IL is honestly dur TO Spain
that she should be given a reasonable
chance to realize her expectations and
to prove the asserted efficacy of the
new order OF things to which she stands
irrevocably committed.
Urges Hawaiian Annexation.
The president next takes up the sub
1ect Of the annexation Of Hawaii, which.
he says. should be accomplished. Rap
idly reviewing his former arguments
in favor of annexation. he says that
legislation Is required in the event of
the ratification OF the treaty. and. while
! abrupt assimilations OF immature ela-
ments OF population should be avoided.
Just provision should be made for self
rule IN local matters. with the largest
political liberty to the Hawaiians. He
says that the dispute between Japan
and Hawaii over the immigration
question is now In a satisfactory stage
OF settlement by negotiation; that our
government has not intervened. and
that IL Is learned that Japan is now
confident OF the intention of this gov
eminent to deal with all possible ulta-
rior questions affecting her interests in
the broadest spirit of friendliness.
Reference is made to the failure OF
Mr.. Merry to be received as minister
to Nicaragua on account OF the obii-
cations OF that country to the diet OF
the Greater Republic of Central Amer.
lea Mr.. w. Godfrey Hunter Is said
to be likewise accredited to Honduras, 8
member OF the Greater Republic, and
his ease is awaiting action.
The Nicaragua canal Is spoken OF ~
Of large Importance to our country.
The Monetary Commission.
The president says OF the information.
~ monetary commission that. notwtth
standing diligent effort. the envoyi
. have failed 30 far to secure an agree
ment Qualification Is expressed at tn,
action Of France In this matter in Join
ing In cur efforts. and IT is said tha
J the negotiations are still pending. TIL,
president earnestly hopes that thei
: labora may bring about an information
! al agreement.
. The president urges the improvement
} OF our merchant marine, declares tha
{ negotiations for the protection of Ber
, ing sea seals are in progress, strongl
. recommends international arbitration
{ and bespears q liberal appropriation
> for American exhibits at the Paris ex
. position. Under the head OF the nav
= the president points to the necessit
: for speedy legislation to procure tn
!. armor for the three battleships nov
. building which would be otherwise use
less. He urges that three or four o
). the largest docks be provided on tn
> Atlantic. Rt least one on the Pacih
. coast, and a floating dock in the gull
a There should also be provision for mu
j pitions OF war and an increase OF OF
. ncers and enlisted men.
!; Attention Is called to the need 70
. prompt legislation as to Alaska an
= the extension OF civil authority With
\ the territory. II the startling report
= - to the probable shortage OF food fc
the miners be fully verified every efrol
= should be made to furnish relief.
The message deals at some lengt
\ with the unsatisfactory condition {
affairs in the Indian Territory. Th
large white element IL said to be with
y out protection and without schools {
y other rights OF citizens; leading II
p dians have absorbed great tracts {
's lands and created an aristocraey, an
l. the friends Of tina Indians believe ths
l. the best interests of the ave civilize
il tribes would be found In America
- eitizenship.
le The president recommends q ~,
n tematie meteorological investigation
l. discover the exact cause OF yellow Z,
l. yer. and thus prevent the spread I
y the disease. He calls attention to II
y fart that but s.. SOC. 900 is offered for Il
y Kansas Pacific road, although the go,
is ernment'B claim against the road
a. $13, 900, ,eoe, and asks whether the 20,
D: eminent shall purchase or redeem II
3 road. Congress is congratulated on Il
IL establishment Of the Congressional !
brary, and its development is urge
Of The message closes with q chapter c
tt the sivtl service system-
to to '