The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1897-12-07
M'KINLEY'S MESSAGE.


AbDhNihN1N Al'Ah hiiHh "hosl
reaching a 'peacern ana iasung re-
suit just as honorable to Spain and to
the Cuban people.
The Spanish reply to Mr. Woodford
was in the presidents opinion, in the
direction Of a better understanding. 1t
admitted our friendly purposes and
deep interest and declared that the
new government was bound to a
change Of policy that should satisfy
the United States and pacify Cuba
Eithin a reasonable time To this end,
political reforms will be put into effect
and military operations conducted on
humane Lines. II was suggested that
Spain be left free to conduct military
operations and grant political reforms,
while the United States for its part
should enforce neutral obligations and
cut Off the assistance which the insur-
gents, It was asserted, received from
this country. Early and complete pac-
ification is hoped for.
The president declares that the Span
ish disposition to charge us with fall
ure to meet international duties is base
less, and points to the efforts this gov
ernment has made at the cost of mill
lions and by the employment Of the ad-
ministrative 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 States has never
abrogated its right to determine it's
policy as to Cuba, the president
points out that Of untried measures
there remain only: Recognition Of the
insurgents as belllgerents, recognition
Of the independence of Cuba, neutral
Intervention to end the war by impos-
ing a national compromise between the
contestants, and Intervention in favor
of one or the other party. He says:
"I speak not of forcible annexation, for
that cannot be thought Of That, by
our code of morality, would be crimi-
nal aggression.
Recognition Not warranted.
Taking up the question of belligerency
the president quote at length from
President Grants message of Dec. Z,
1875, wherein he declared that the con-
ditions in Cuba warranted neither the
recognition of independence nor the re-
cognition of belligerency. He adds that,
moreover, a recognition Of belligerency
would confer upon neither party to the
conflict status not heretofore actually
possessed, while it would weigh heavily
in Spain's behalf giving her the right
of search on the high seas and ex-
tending her maritime rights to the mar
gin of our territorial waters. For these
reasons" says the president, II regard
the recognition Of the belligerency of
the Cuban insurgents as now unwise,
and therefore inadmissible. Should that
step thereafter be deemed wise as a
matter of right and duty the execu-
| tive will take it,"
! He 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 againt in
tervention on humanitarian grounds.
| The president sketches the autonomy
scheme of the Spanish government, and
says that 1t is honestly due 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
ject 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 ele-
ments of population should be avoided,
Just provision should be made for self
rule in local matters, with the largest
] 10 fEa 10 oil 10
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 it is learned that Japan is now
confident of the intention Of this gov
ernment to deal with all possible ulte-
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 obn-
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, a
member of the Greater Republic, and
his case Is awaiting action.
The Nicaragua canal is spoken of as
Of large Importance to our country.
The Monetary Commission,
The president says of the internation-
al monetary commission that, notwith-
standing diligent effort, the ENJOYS
have failed so far to secure an agree
ment. Qualification Is expressed at the
action of France In this matter in join
ing in our efforts, and 1t is said that
the negotiations are still pending. The
president earnestly hopes that their
labors may bring about an internation-
al agreement.
The president urges the improvement
Of our merchant marine, declares that
negotiations for the protection Of Ber-
ing sea seals are in progress, strongly
recommends international arbitration
and bespeaks a liberal appropriation
for American exhibits at the Paris ex-
position. Under the head of the navy
the president points to the necessity
for speedy legislation to procure the
armor for the three battleships now
building which would be otherwise use-
less. He urges that three or four Of
the largest docks be provided on tae
Atlantic, at least one on the Pacific
coast, and a floating dock In the gulf
There should also be provision for mu-
nitions of war and an increase Of Of
fcers and enlisted men.
Attention Is called to the need for
prompt legislation as to Alaska and
the extension of civil authority within