The record-union., 1898-12-07
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

1H0 PTeSlQeuJS ; message 10 SOuSIcSS,
while necessarily a lengthy document,
is one not calling for much comment,
because 1t is mainly a concise history
Of the late war, and of all official per-
formance relating to it and Of the de-
partmental conditions.
This recital by the Chief Executive
Is exceedingly valuable. It clears away
some Misrepresentation and removes
not a few misapprehensions. It will
remain as perhaps the most lucid and
frank statement and review of a war
ever transmitted by the head of a gov
ernment to a legislative body.
Concerning the results Of the war
as affecting our policy regarding the
new possessions of the Government,
the message is absolutely silent. In
fact, the President gives it to be un-
derstood that the time for the an
houncement of an advised policy re-
aating to the possessions which we
have acquired will arrive with the con-
clusion of the treaty of peace with
Spain, when he will transmit by spe-
cial message his views concerning the
same.
But as to the lands which we have
absolutely taken, by reason Of the pro-
tocol of August last, the President is
outspoken. Cuba, he says, is to be
pacified as speedily as may be done:
an Independent government is to be es-
tablished by the people of the island
under our military protectorate, to the
end that Spanish rule may be replaced
by a humane, benevolent and just gov
ernment erected by the governed one
try. and promote peace and good will
among the inhabitants of Cuba, what
ever may have been their past rela-
tions. Porto Rico is to be held, at
least for the time being under a pro-
visional government by the military
arm, the President making no recon-
mendation whatever concerning the fu-
ture government of the island, but
committing the whole subject to Con-
gress.
is a review in brief form of our rela-
tions with foreign Powers, advice that
the Nicaragua Canal construction be
promoted, and that this maritime
waterway shall be under the control of
the United States As to the events
transpiring in China. the President
says that our Government has been
mindful Of American interests. but he
does not fear that our commerce with
the far East will be materially dis
furbed by reason of the changes going
on in China. On the contrary, he holds
that our trade in that direction is ex-
panding. But whatever may develop,
he promises that Americans shall be
protected in Chinese territory, and that
our interests shall be closely looked
after
The President advises hearty promo
tion of the International Exposition to
be held in Paris in 1900, so far as
the United States section is concerned,
appropriations to enable our Commits
Eioners to make a creditable display
Concerning the friction with France
and Germany over the exclusion of
certain Of our fruits for fear Of the
importation into those countries of
fruit scale and other pests, and with
regard to the foreign appeal for re-
Taxation of the protective barrier
against foreign currants, matters Of
especial interest to California, the
ing the facts.
The history of the acquisition of
Hawaii is outlined, and all steps taken
under the treaty to occupy the new
possessions, and to make inquiries and
reports relative to the best form of
government to be adopted for the new
territory-all these are set forth and
are committed to Congress for wise
Legislation.
The proposed new extradition treaty
treaty with Peru and the advisability
of negotiating a new one; the Mexican
water boundary question. and the free
zone question are briefly presented.
The President recites a proposal to the
great Powers for international agree
ment exempting seizures of private
property in time of war, so far as
that is possible to be accomplished:
he urges diligent promotion of the ef-
fort to upbuild the American merchant
marine; that systematic efforts be put
forth to secure solution of the sanitary
problem of preventing the Introduction
and spread Of the yellow fever: ad-
Sises the enlargement of the regular
army, as suggested by the Secretary
Of War, and puts the number of the
force as necessary at 100000. He tells
us that the volunteer forces will all be
mustered out of service as soon as
Congress makes provision for increase
of the regular establishment.
He recites the totals set forth in the
report Of the Secretary of the Treas
nry concerning national finances and
the condition of the nations credit.
The figures are flattering to our sys-
TEN, to trade conditions Of the coun-
try, and to the firmness of the national
credit. He renews his recommended
tion Of 1897. that when United States
notes are presented for redemption in
gold, and are so redeemed, they shall
be set apart and not paid out again ex-
cept in exchange for gold Such a
policy would he holds insure a greater