Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-06
The Presidents Nj ssagc.

sage OF PRESIDENT mckinley, stHt ~
Congress, yesterday noon, would be
devoted largely to the future of the
Philippines and kindred topics grow
ing out of the war with Spain are
doomed to disappointment. The Presi-
dent recognizes that those matters
cannot be appropriately discussed until
the treaty of peace is signed. and
plainly says as much. Perhaps. little
later. when the work of the peace conn
mission at Paris is completed, another
message dealing with these subjects
will be transmitted to Congress.
But there was no lack of good ma
terial before the President for long
and interesting message. The docu-
ment is rather longer than usual but
not 50 long as had generallS been ex-
pected. 1t is a statesman y paper,
comprehensive in its scope, exhaustive
in its treatment, and able at every
point touched upon. A large part of it
is devoted to a resume of the war with
Spain, its causes, its progress and its
successful termination. A magnificent
tribute is paid those who won our vic
tories on land and sea. When the full
story of the war has been told he pro-
ceeds in these words: Il do not ois-
cnss at this time the government IN
the future OF the new possessions
the war with Spain. Such decision
will be appropriate after the treaty Oh
peace shall be ratified. In the mean
time and until the Congress has leg
islated otherwise it will be my duty to
continue the military governments
which have existed since our occupa-
ton and give to the people security IN
life and property, and encouragement
under a Just and beneficient rule
AS to the future of Cuba, however,
the President does not hesitate to
speak. He says that as soon as we
have possession of the island and 1t Is
pacified, we must help the people form
government of their own. IhlS
should be done as soon as its success
is assured and the most friendly rela-
tions should Zoe maintained. Until this
stable government is reality military
occupation will be continued.
The last half of the message is de-
voted to matters bearing little or no
relation to the war with Spain. OR
interest in the Asiatic situation is
pointed out, and our relations with
other nations on this continent and in
Europe discussed at length. A total
appropriation Of 81 100000 for the Paris
exposition is recommended. The con-
tinuance of our cordial relations with
Great Britain are mentioned, and a
kind word said for the English con-
sular representatives who looked after
American interests in Cuba and Spain
during the war, but of course there is
no hint of an Anglo American alliance.
President Mckinley expresses cordial
sympathy with the Cars disarma :
ment proposal. but says 1.-The question
can have for us no practical import
ance." The maintenance of our pres
ent monetary standard and the sound
ness of our national credit are q cause
for congratulation.
The President urges the establish
ment of regular and frequent steam
ship communication, encouraged by
the government, with the newly ac-
uuired islands. He declares his pur-
pose to muster out all volunteers as
soon as possible, and urges the imme-
date increase of the regular army tG
100 900 men. The recommendations OF
Secretary Long for new battleships an(
cruisers ara seconded. A new building
for the supreme court and the depart
ment of justice is recommended, and
the erection of a suitable memorial il
l9Oo 10 celepIdte lhe iouliuiiiS VI tie
city of Washington. Numerous other
matters are briefly dwelt upon, and {
careful reading of the whole document
as published in this issue, is earnestly
recommended to all our readers. 1t l.
a state paper of great Importance and
will be the guide to the work Of Con
gress at the present session. President
| Mckinley has again demonstrated hi!
| great statesman.
| The President has some interesting
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