Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-12-11

gin Il our territorsai waters. For these
reasons says the president. = regard
the recognition Of the beIhgerency OF
the Cuban insurgents as now unwise.
and therefore lnadmissible Should that
step thereafter be deemed wise as a
matter Of right and duty the execu-
tive VIII take IT,
He points cut 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
teryention on humanitarian grounds.
The president sketches the autonomy
scheme Of the Spanish government, and
says that. it 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
irreyocably 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 eie-
ments of population should be avoided.
just provision should be made for self
rule IN local matters. with the largest
political libepty to tie Hawaiians. He
says that the dispute between Japan
and Hawai- over the immigration
question Is now IN satisfactory stage
of settlement by negotiation; that our
government has not interviewed, and
that II is learned that Japan is now
confident of the intention of this gov
eminent to deal with all possible ute
rior questions affecting her interests in
the broadcast spirit OF friendliness.
Reference is made to the failure Of
Mr. Merry TO be received as minister
to Nicaragua on account Of the obi
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 information
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 it is said that
the negotiations are still pending. The
president earnestly hopes that their
labors may bring about an information
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 besDeaks 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 the
Atlantic, at least one on the Pacific
coast, and floating dock in the gulf
There should also be provision for mu-
nitions of war and an increase of Of
ficers and enlisted men.
Attention Is called to the need for
prompt legislation as to Alaska and
the extension of civil authority within
the territory. If the startling reports
as to the probable shortage of food for
the miners be fully verified every effort
should be made to furnish relief.
The message deals at some length
with the unsatisfactory condition Of
affairs in the Indian Territory. The
large white element Is said to be with
out protection and without schools or
other rights Of citizens; leading In
dams have absorbed great tracts of
lands and created an aristocracy, and
the friends Of the Indians believe that
the best interests Of the FIVE civilized
tribes would be found IN American
citizenship.
The president recommends a sys,
tematic archaeological investigation to
discover the exact cause Of yellow fe-
yer. and thus prevent the spread OF
the disease. He calls attention to the
fact that but 81 100000 is offered for tne
Kansas Pacific road. although the gov
ernment's claim against the road is
$l3, eco 600, and asks whether the gov
eminent shall purchase or redeem the
road. Congress is congratulated on the
establishment of the Congressional Ii
brary and it's development is urged.
The message closes with @ chapter on
the civil service system.