Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-12-08


added burdens rendered necessary by
the war, our people rejoice in a very
satisfactory and steadily Increasing
degree of prosperity as is evidenced by
the largest volume of business ever
recorded Manufacture has beea pro-
ductve, agricultural pursuits nave
yielded abundant returns; labor III the
fields OF industry are better rewarded
the revenue legislation passed by the
present congress increased the treas
ury's receipts to an amount estimated
by its authors; the finances OF the gov
ernment have been successfully aid
ministered and its credit has been ad-
yanced TO the first rank, while its cur
repcy has been maintained at the
worlds highest standard Military
service under a common flag and for
a righteous cause has strengthened the
national spirit and served to cement
more closely than ever the fraternal
bonds between every section OF the
couatry. A view OF the relations of
the United States to other powers, al
ways appropriate, Is this year OF pri-
mary Importance In view of the mo-
mentous issues which have arisea, de-
manding in one instance an ultimate
determination by arms and involving
far-reaching consequences which Will
require the earnest attention OF con-
gress. The president then speaks of
the paragraph In his last annual mes
sage in reference to our relations with
Spain and Cuba, to the futile efforts of
Spain TO conquer the Island; to the
failure OF the autonomous government
set up in the island, to the suffering
of the reconcentrados and to the evil
dent Inability of Spain to end the war
successfully. The message next takes
up the destruction OF the Maine, which
aroused such indignation in the hearts
OF the American people, and to the APP
pointment and work OF the naval
board of inquiry which established
that the origin of the explosion was
external by submarine mine and
only halted through positive testimony
to fix the responsibility of its author
shp" Continuing the message says
these things convinced the most
thoughtful that crisis in our relations
with Spain and towards Cuba was at
hand and ii needed but brief execu-
tive session of congress to receive an
immediate answer to the duty OF max
iag instant provision for war and the
almost unique spectacle was pre-
seated OF a unanimous vote OF both
houses on the 9th of March appropri-
atI1g $4,000, 900 for the National de-
Tense. The president declared that
this provision came none too soon as
our forts were practically undefended,
our navy needed large provision for
increased a.amunltioA and supplies
and even numbers to cope with any
sudden attack from the navy of Spain
which comprised modern vessels OF
the highest type OF continental perfec-
tion; and the army also required en-
largeme0t OF men and munitions. Re
terring congress to the reports of the
secretaries of war and the navy for de-
tails, the presiLen, says: 1T Is suih-
cient to say that the outbreak of war
whea IL did come found our nation not
unprepared TO meet the conflict Ref
erence Is made 20 the apprehension OF
comiag strife felt by the continental
powers and voiced in an address to
The president through their ambasSa-
doris and ENJOYS. and TO the presl-
dent's reply thereto Still animated,
however, by the hope Of a peaceful So
luton Of the difficulty and obeying the
dictates Of duty, the president relaxed
no effort to bring about the speedy
ending OF the Cuban struggle Nego-
tiatlons with the Madrid government
proved futile so far as practical re-
suits were concerned, and then Il was
that the president presented the ques-
ton 10 congress, saying Ia the name
of humanity In the name OF ciyiliza-
ton, in behalf Of endangered Ameri-
can Interests which give Us the right
aud duty 20 speak and act, the war in
Cuba must stop The result of this
statement OF the case was the adoptioa
of the memorable joint resolution by
congress declaring the purpose OF the
United States to intervene between
the Spanlards and Cubaas Following
swiftly upon the enactment OF this
resolu,Cn came the severance Of dip
lomauo relations between the two
countries, the proclamation Of the
blockade Of Cuban ports, the call for
volunteers ana the formal declaration
Of The existence of a state OF war. All
other governments were immediately
notified of the existence OF war and
each proclaimed its neutrality 1T Is
not amc0g the least gratifying Incl
dents OF the struggle that the obllga-
tons OF neutrality were impartially
discharged by all, says the president.
often under delicate and difficult cir
eumsances. The president reviewed
a length the work OF preparation for
war referring particularly 70 the en-
listment Of the volunteers. to the ma
terlal increase in the navy in Doth men
and ships and 20 the precautionary
measures taken for the protection Of