Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1897-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

1reelQenb Mchlnleys Hr5G annual mos-
sage, which was read to congress and
made public on yesterday, covered many
points of vital interest to the country at
large, and is certainly conservative,
concise and businesslike document.
In regard to the finances of the country,
the president is extremely anxious that
every dollar of the circulating medium
shall be as good as the best, and that the
present standard of value shall be mHin-
tanned in every commercial center of the
world. In order to do this he suggests
that the greenb back be converted into a
receipt for gold, and when once redeemed
in that metal, to be paid out again only
in exchange for gold. In this manner the
much talked of "endless chain" will be
done away with and the treasury protect
ed against drain that now depletes it in
times of panic and financial depression.
This recommendation will probably raise
howl from the free silver extremists,
but it is in the line of safety and good
business Judgment, and under the existing
conditions cannot injure the cause of
bimetallism in the least.
His recommendations on the Cuban
question are prompted by spirit of
fairness towards friendly nation, and,
while they do not commit this govern
ment to any settled policy in dealing with
that island, leave the way open TO such
interference or measures looking to the
freedom of the Cubans as may be deemed
best in the future. That the president did
not take more outspoken position on
this question may cause disappointment
in some quarters there is no doubt, but ii
is often best to make haste slowly in mat.
ters of Importance and that is the attitude
occupied by Mr.. Mckinley on the Cuban
war.
There is no misunderstand ding the
presidents position regarding the Ha
waiian islands, and his desires in that
particular will be carried out at the
earliest possible moment. The island,
will be annexed without causing any
friction with other nations and ths
United States will thus acquire valuable
possessions in the Pacific that will prove
of benefit in many ways, giving coaline
stations for war vessels, furnishing many
products for consump ptiou in this country
that cannot be produced here, and open
ing large trade for American goods ant
produce.
On the civil service question Mr.. Nc
Kinley takes stand that will not NEE
the approval of the greater part o.
the Republican party. The theory oi
civil servics may be all right so long al
it is nothing but theory, but its applica
tion in it's present form is disappolnt
ment. This fact has been recognized By
the most able men in the country, and il
fast becoming widespread. Congress
should put stop to any further spread Of
the mugwumpian m and Chinese civil service
by refusing to appropriate cent for its
ad
In regard to home matters the message
makes many thoughtful and bene6c,a
recommen dations. which will undoubted
Iy command the careful attention oi
congress. The full effects of the message
cannot, of course, be realized unless both
branches OF congress give the president
a hearty support in his efforts to carry
out the designs of the administration
and there is reason to believe such viii
be the case In several instances, and that
many of his recommendations will be
needed by congress.