The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-12-07


save us from future embarrassment on
that account. To this plan invite your
careful consideratiod
II concur with the Secretary of the
TTeasury in his recommendation that
national banks be allowed TO issue notes
to the face value OF the bonds which
they HAVE deposited for circulation, and
that THE tax ON circulating notes secur
ed by deposit of such bonds be reduced
to one half of one per cent. per annum.
I also join him In recommending that
authority be given for The establishment
Of national banks with "a minimum CAPT
tai OF $25.0OO. This will enable the
smaller villages and agricultural regions
T the country to be supplied with cur
rency to meet their demands.
II recommend that the issue of nation
al bank notes be restricted to the de-
nomination of ten dollars and upwards.
Ii the suggestions have herein made
shall have the approval OF Congress.
tnen would recommend that national
banks be required to redeem their notes
in gold'' =
CUBA AND SPAIN.
Turning to foreign affairs, the Presl-
dent devotcs great part OF his message
10 consideration of the Cuban ques-
ton which. he says Is the most import
merit is now called upon to deal pertain
ing TO IT'S foreign relations. The story
of Cuba has, for many years, been one
of unrest and for no enduring period
has 1t ceased to cause concern to the
United States. Briefly summarizing
the history Of former outbreaks and OF
the part played by GENERAL Grant in the
last war, the President, coming down
to the present insurrection, speaks Of It's
remarkable increase, tts tenacious eX-
istence against the enormous forces
masscd by Spain. the widespread de-
structrn of property, and the disregard
of the civilized code of war no less by
the Spaniards than by the Cubans. He
says:
THE existing conditions cannot but
fill the Government and the American
people, with the gravest apprehension.
There is no desire on the part of our
people to profs by the misfontunes Of
Spain. We have only the desire to see
the Cubans prosperous and contented,
enjoying That measure Of self control
which IS the lnalienable right of man,
protected in their right 10 reap the bene-
fit of the eYhaustless treasures Of their
country.
Continuing. the President says That
che offer made by his predecessor In
April. 1896, OF the good Offices of this
government failed. The cruel policy of
concentration was initiated I'm February.
1896 Tt has utterly failed as a. war
measure. 1t was not civilized warfare
1t was determination, says the Prcsl-
dent. Against this abuse Of the rights
OF war he has felt constrained on re-
peated occaa!ons to enter the firm and
earneet protest of this government. He
made instant demand for thc release or
speedy trial OF all American citizens un-
der arrest and before the change OF the
Spanish cabinet in October last, twenty
two prisoners, citizens of the United
States. had been given their freedom.
The instructions to Minister Wood
fora directed him to impress upon the
Spanish Government the sincere wish of
the United States to lend i:s aid towards
the ending or the war by reaching 4
peaceful and lasting result. just and
honorable alike to Spain and the
Cuban people. 1t was also
violation. moved by her own interests
and sentiments Of humanity, should not
make proposals. OF settlement. and 1t
was said that we could not contemplate
an indefinite period for the accomplish
ment of this result. No solution was
proposed to which the slightest idea OF
humiliation to Spain could attach All
that was asked or expected. was that
some safe way NIGH: be speedily pro-
vided and perma peace restored.
The President cef.rs to the change In
the Spanish c;lh!nent about this time
and continuing, says:
1.-THE reply 30 our note was in the d.
rection n better understanding. II
appreciates the friendly purposes of this
Government. 1t admits shat our coun-
try Is deeply affected by the Cuban
war.
at declares that the present Spanish
Governmer.. Is bound by every constd-
erathon to a change Of policy that should
satisfy The Uratei States and nlcify
Cuba within a reasonable time. To ;Ihis
end Spain has decided to put into eject
the poiitioi,l reforms heretofore advo-
Gated by the present premier, without
haltirS for any consideration in the
path which In It's Judgment leads to
peace. The military operations, il. is
eaid, will continue hut Will be humane
and conducted with all regard for prl-
wate rights. being accompanied by po-
lltical action leading to she autonomy OF
CUBA while guarding Spanish Sover-
eh-nty."
1t further suggests that Spain be left
free to conduT. the military operations
and grant political reforms while the
United states for its rlrt shall enforce
neutral ubiga tons and cm: off the as
siatance which. 1t ia asserted. the in
sucgents receive from this country. The
suppceltion Of an indefinite prologa:lon
of the war Is denied and complete and
early paclfication Is hoped for which.
with the immediate iamelioration of ex-
isting conditions In Cuba. would remove
o1tSe for any change of ATTITUDE on the
part of the United States Spain shows
all apparent disposition to charge us
with failure to meet International duties
and this charge, says the President, is
MA hAllt my haksi Ia Of "a ~. IL 1,nllll nnt