Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-12-08
THE MESSAGE.
PRESIDENTS ANNUAL COMMU-
NIcATION TO CONGRESS.

PRESIDENTS ANNUAL C0MMU'
NIcATION TO CONGRESS.
Largely Devoted to Story of thu
Spanish War.--Its End Finds the
Country Prosperous. --fiistory o.
the Conflict. --Prai Sc for Hobson
Dewey and Other Heroes. --ExuIts
in victory.--What Peace Brings
Us.--Our Finances. --Increase in
Military Necessary.
At the opening of the session of Con,
grcss Monday President Mckinley sub
mitted his annual message. 1t was
a very long document and reviews the
Spanish war and its results thoroughly
1t says little as to the future, except as
to Cuba The following is an abstract
of the message -
Notwithstanding the added burdens
rendered necessary by war, our people
rejoice in a very satisfactory and
steadily increasing degree of prosperi-
ty evidenced by the largest volume OF
business ever recorded. Manufactures
have been productive, agricultural
pursuits yielded abundant returns,
labor in all fields of industry were bet
ter rewarded, the revenue legislation
passed by the present Congress has in
creased the trcasury's receipts to the
amount estimated by its authors, the
finances of the government have been
successfully administered and its cred
it advanced to the first rank, while its
currency has been maintained ut the
worlds highest standard. Military
service under common flag and for \
righteous cause has strengthened the
national spirit and served TO cement
more closely than ever the fraternal
bonds between every section of the
country.
War With Spain.
In reviewing the controversy which
led up to the war with Spain the Pres
ident takes up the thread of the narra-
tive where it terminated in his last
annual message. He concluded ut
was honestly due to our friendly rela-
fions with Spain that she should be
given reasonable chance to realize
her expectations Of reform TO which
she became irrevocably committed. !"
Ii became evident, however. that the
proposed plans were barren of good
results. No tangible relief was afforded
the reconcentradoes. among whom
mortality frightfully increased, the
profered expedient OF zones OF cnltiya-
ton proved illusory and It was appar-
ent that nothing save the physical ex-
haustion OF Spain or the Cubans and
the practical ruin ofthe island of Cuba
could result from the struggle then in
progress
Destruction of the Maine.
Atthis critical mncturc the destruc-
ton of the battleship. Maine OCCURRED.
Concerning it the President says, s"lt
is striking evidence of the poise and
sturdy good sense distinguishing our
national character that this shocking
blow falling upon a generous people
already deeply touched by preceding
events in Cuba did not move them to
an instant desperate resolve to tolerate
no longer the existence of a condition
of danger and disorder at our doors
that made it possible"
Following swiftly upon the adoption
of the memorable joint resolution by
Congress declaring the purpose of the
United States to intervene between the
Spaniards and Cubans, came the sew
erance of diplomatic relations between
the two countries, the proclamation of
a blockade of Cuban ports. the call for
volunteers and the formal declaration
of the existence of a state of war. All
other governments were Immediately
notified of the existence ol War anu
each proclaimed neutrality.
The President reviews at length the
work of preparation for war. referring
particularly to the enlistment OF vol
nnteers to increase the navy in both
men and ships and the precautionary
measures taken for the protection OF
the seaboard coast and cities. The
aooreoate number of mines placed was
/ .535 at the principal harbors nom
Maine to California.
As to the authorized loan of two
hundred millions which was taken en-
tirely by small bidders the President
saws. This was most encouraging ana
significant, the result showing the vast
resources of the nation and the deter
mination of the people to uphold their
country's honor.
Dewey's Victory.
Then there was Commodore Dewey's
wonderful victory at Manila on May
lst. 1.-The effect of this remarkable
victory said the President. upon the
spirit of our people and upon the for
tunes of war was instant. The pres
tioe of invincibility thereby attached
to our arms continued throughout the
struggle The President says, ''Only
a reluctance to cause needless loss OF
life and property prevented the early
storminQ and capture of Manila and
Herewith the absolute military occu-
nancy of the whole group
Following the memorable trip of the
battleshib Oregon from San Francisco
to Key West and the bombardment Of
San Juan and the forts at Santiago. to
u ......<.taI r.aforauqa Is made the