Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-07
AS SEEN THROUGH FOREIGN EYES
English Papers Generally Find Fault
With the MeHAuge.

With the Messuge.
LONDON, december THE st. James
Gazette, this afternoon, commenting upon
President Mckinley's message to Congress,
says:
1T has disappointed everybody in the
attempt to give universal satisfaction. Pres
ident Mckinley is in an unpleasant posi-
ton, having to sit on the fence. AS a
whole 1t locks like an early confession of
great failure
The Pail Mall Gazette takes a favorable
view of the presidential message and criti-
cises the comments of the Times, remark
ing that it is as impossible ito deal with
the Cuban question without offending Spain
as it would be to deal with Armenia with
out offending the sultan
The Globe is of the opinion that 1t would
have taxed the abilities even of great
statesman to deal with the question salts
factorily, adding:
although all the arguments against the
annexation of Cuba are equally applicable
to Hawaii. the United States is determined
to have the latter, though America, a
fourth-rate naval power as 1t is. can only
hold Hawaii on sufferance. In the event OF
war she would be bundled out, neck ana
crop. by any tirst-rate power which finds
it necessary to occupy the island.
DniIy Telesruph's View.
The Daily Telegraph. commenting editorI-
ally on President Mckinley's message this
morning, says:
ut used to be Americas proud boast that
she had 10 foreign policy. Judging from
President McKiniey's message the new
world is no more free from the burdens or
diplomatic negotiations than the Old In a
document of pOrtentouS length, mostly IN
tended for Spanish consumption, President
Mckinley has devised q Specious pretext
for gaining time. 1t contains passages that
will certainly wound SPANS national sus-
capabilities. The whole tone. though meant
to be conciliatory, SavorS too much OF the
MAGISTRATE awaiting himself of the Offend
ers act to be very conciliatory at Madrid.
Called weak and ColorIess.
The Daily Chronicle describes the mes
sage as weak and colorless compared with
vigorous handling of public questions to
which bir Cleveland accustomed U.S. 1t
saws: ',rhe explanation of this Is simple.
Mr. Cleveland was in front of Congress:
Mr. Mckinley is behind it. The Presidents
comments on the currency issue are posi-
tiyely chiIdlike in their simplicity. 1t Is
safe to prophesy that his treatment OF the
Cuban question will he received with a
storm. The annexation of Cuba would ne
deplora BILE mistake; but the reason Tor re-
framing from that course are not the milk
and water ones Mr. Mckinley advances
TIE Morning Post, after paying a trlp-
ute to the Presidents fine sense OF duty,
in the face of domestic trouble, In sending
the message at the appointed hour, says:
1.-THE message advocates scheme of legfs-
lative effort less short-sighted and less cal
culated to set class against class than the
misguided policy CT the last session. On
the Cuban question the President is vague
and diffuse, but studiously correct
Thunderer's Usual GrOwl.
The Times says: Its tore of patronizins
mill 10 he not Who'll
ly agreeable to Spain. Probably the Pres
ident calculates that IL he can satisfy the
jingoes for time with eloquent denuncia-
lions and warnings. he will find 1t easier
to pursue a moderate policy.
"Reearding his currency proposals, 1t
seems too probable that Mr.. Mckinley still
clings to the notion that something may be
done for silver. So long as he follows that
will-o'- the-wisp he can hardly be expected
to attempt any thoroughgoing reform Of
the currency.
As Viewed In Havana.
A special to the New York Herald from
Havana last night says: summary OF
President McKinley's message, published In
the afternoon papers, exercised distinctly
calming effect on the sentiment of vague
unrest which has pervaded Havana during
the last few days.
dignined conservative tone Of the message
are heard on all sides. On the part OF the
autonomists it was greeted as an assur-
ance that the people of the United states
hold friendly sentiments toward Spain. and
that no fears need be entertained that
every consideration will be accorded to the
government in Its efforts to pacify the Is
land by the speedy establishment of an
autonomic regime.
Among the American colony apprehen-
sions Of a popular demonstration from a
possibility of resentment To American In
reference were laid at rest. On the part
of Cuban SymDathiZerS some dtSdppOfnt-
n.ent was expressed but by this element
the action Of the President was generally
foretold and discounted.
Secretary General Congosto, speaking for
Captain General Bianco, said that the ut
terances OF the President were, in general.
viewed with satisfaction. their only objec-
ton to the message being that its phrasing
might possibly leave many loopholes on
which false hopes might be founded by the
supporters Of the policy Of interference. I'm
other feSpects.o said Secretary Conxoeto