Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-12-14

uiiCcOtdy, DCCCilIUCI IL
blockade of Cuba, April 22nd, the call
Tor volunteers; their prompt response,
addition Of hundred and three vessels
to the ravy by purchase, one pre- ented,
one .easea, the char er,ng of the st.
Pull, st. Louis, New York AMI Paris,
creating auxiliary navy; prompt organi-
zaiion of the signal service, which per-
formed great service; provision by
Congress July IL for ap,. ular bond
loan. Then follows brief narration
chr nologically of all engagements and
bombardments, and commencing Of
special acts of bravery, and summarizes
the total casualties Of the war, as fol-
lyws: Officers killed, %; privates, 257;
officers wounded, lib; privstes, 1854;
tie navy: Killed, II; wounded, 81; died
as the result of wounds, 1; invaded, 6.
Observes q total loss Of 1908, killed
and wounded, and tn we didn't lose
gun, fort, transport or ship, except
the Merrimac, and no prisoners, "bears
testimony to patriotism and devotion,
for a large part of the army was not
required outside of this country"
The President prait ed the Red Cross,
and remembers our obligations to the
Divine Master for His watchful care
and guidance, for which the nation
makes reverential acknowledgement.
He then reviews SPANS note inquiring
as to terms of pence, which are an
nouncel substantially as IN the proto-
col; SPANS vague and inex,l icit sug-
gestion, which was rejected; Cambon's
final authorization to sign the protocol;
the suspension of hcstilities and the
appointment of q peace commission,
whose negotiations have made hopeful
progress, so he trusts soon to be able
to lay definite treaty prize before the
Senate, and reviews steps leading to
its signature.
He doesn't discuss the future gov
eminent Ct the new possessions which
will come as a esult Of the war; such
discussion will be appropriate after the
treaty is ratified. In the meantime,
until Congress has legislated otherwise,
il will be his duty to continue the
governments.
Az soon as we get possession OF Cuba
and have pacifed the island it will be
necessary to gSe the people aid. Unless
com plete tranquility and a staple gov
eminent are established military occu-
patton will be continued. With the ex-
cepiion OF Spain, our intercourse with
the great family of nations is cordial
and the close OF the year fluids most of
the issues that necessarily arise from
relations of severing Of states
are adjusted, or nearly 80. The Nicara-
guam cansl commission has nearly com.
pleted its report on the feasibility and
COST e construction Ct the canal. It
shows that the construction of such
maritime highway is nov more
han ever indispensable Sd that ready
nter-communication between our east
ern and western seaboards is demand
I'd by the annexation OF Hawaii and the
expansion of our influence
md commerce in the Pacific; that our
policy more than ever calls for its con-
.rol by this government, which no
loubt Crongress will appreciate and
wisely act upon.
The United States has not been al
Indifferent spectator Of the extraordi-
lary events transpiriug in China and
oas ing Of portions of it under control
If various European powers, but the
prospect of our vast commercial in
ere SITS there will not be prejudiced
ihrough any exclusive treatment, which
,bviatt d the neel of this country be-
coming an actor-on the scene
Our relations with Great Britain
continue most friendly and the protec-
ion to Amer. cans and their interests
n Spain by diplomatic and consular
of Great Britain elicits