The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1898-12-14
M'KINLEY'S MESSAGE.
Synopsis of His Annual Commun-
ication to Congress.
The War with Spain the Most Prom
fnent Feature-No Colonial Pol
icy Outlined at the Pres
ent Time.

rouoWlng Is a brief synopsis-including
tant features of the message:
ITO the Senate and House of Representa-
dens rendered d. necessary sa by the war, our
people rejoice in a very satisfactory and
steadily-increasing degree of prosperity,
ness ever recorded. Manufacture has been
productive, agricultural pursuits have yield
ed abundant returns, labor in all fields OF
industry is better rewarded, revenue legis-
!ation passed by the present congress has
increased the treaspry's receipts to the
finances of the government have been sue
cessfully administered and its credit adj
vanced to the first rank. while its cur
rency has been maintained at the worlds
highest standard. Military service under
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 sec
ton of the country"
Spain and Cuba.
In reviewing the controversy which led
rp to the war with Spain, the president
takes up the thread of narrative where it
terminated in his last annual message. He
concludes: 1T was honestly due TO our
friendly relations with Spain that she
should be given reasonable chance to
realize her expectations of reform to which
she had become irrevocably committed"
1T became evident, however, that the pro-
posed plans We're barren Of good results
No tangible relief was afforded the recon-
centradoes, among whom the rate of NOR
tally frightfully increased; the proKered
iliusory; and it was apparent that nothing
save the physical exhaustion of Spain or
the Cubans and the practical ruin Of the
Island OF Cuba could result from the strug-
giles then in progress.
AT, this critical juncture the destruction
OF the battleship Maine occurred Con-
cerning 1t the president says: 1T is
striking evidence of the poise and sturdy
good sense DISTINGUISHING our national
upon a generous people, already deeply
touched by preceding events in Cuba. did
solve to tolerate no longer the existence
of condition of danger and disorder at
our doors that made possible such deed
Dy WhOmSOeVer wrought
Resuming the war narrative the presi-
dent directs attention TO the measures, in
tional defense. taken to place the country
on war footing, and adds:
Not Unprepared for War.
1T is sufficient to say that the outbreak
of war, when it did come, found our ma
ton not unprepared to meet the conflict"
reference is made to the apprehension
Of coming strife by the continental pow
through their ambassadors and ENJOYS,
ana to the presidents reply thereto. Still
animated, however, by the hope of peace
the dictates Of duty, the president relaxed
no effort 10 bring about a speedy ending
Of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations with
the Madrid government proved futile, so
lar as practical results were concerned.
ana a6s then it was the president presented
the question to- congress, saying:
90 IN u, me name OF humanity in the name
81 S @eb e HI 9s 4a
ana DUTY to speak. and to act, the war in
Cuba must stop"
was the adoption of the memorable joint
resolution by congress, declaring the pur-
between the Spaniards and Cubans. Fol
loving swiftly upon the enactment of the
resolution came the severance of diplo-
matte relations between the two countries
the proclamation of a blockade of Cuban
ports, the call for volunteers and the for
mai deciara ton of the existence of a state
Of war. All other governments were i'm
mediately notified of the existence of war
and each proclaimed neutrality TT is not
among the least gratifying incidents of the
were impartially discharged by ali. often fitch
The president reviews at length the
work of preparation for war. referring par
teers, to the material increase of the naVv
n Doth men and ships, and to the precau-
tionary measures taken for the protec-
tion OF the seaboard coast and cities. The
aggregate number of mines placed was 5S55
At the principal harbors from Maine to
Referring to 1.-The difficult and inpor-
tant character" of the work performed by
the signal corps, the president says: This
in directing the operations of the army
and navy. With a total force of over 800
officers and men included, only five AS
70 the authorized loan of 500, 000,0 900. which
was taken entlrely Dy small bidders, the
president says: This was most en- courag-
ing and significant result, showing the vast
resources Of the nation and the determine
t Ton OF the people to uphold their coun-
Review of the War.
Taking up chronologically the events of
the war, the president reviews them care
fully; The first encounter was the she'll
foiloWeo by an engagement which was
Destined to mark memorable epoch in
Dewey's wonderful victory at Manila on
May / The effect of this remarkable vic
our people and upon the fortunes Of war
sRer inst sftaebss prestige Of
timed throughout the struggle"
The president says that .'only reluctance
to cause needless loss of life and prop
tire of the city CIanila5, and Herewith 1s
the absolute military occupation of the
trip of the battleship Oregon from San Fran
cisco to Key West and the bomba rdment
of San Juan and the forts of Santiago to
iGent says:
Hobson's Heroism.
The next act in the war thrilled not
alone the hearts of our countrymen but
the night Of June Lieut.. Hobson, aided by
seven volunteers, blockaded the outlet from
rimac in the channel, under a fierce fire
from the shore batteries, escaping with
their lives as by miracle, but falling into
the hands Of the Spaniards. It is a most
gratifying incident of the war that the
bravery Of this little band of heroes was
cordially appreciated by the Spanish ad-
miral-''
The campaign of Santiago, resulting in
the investment and the capture of that
city, is referred to a brilliant achieve
ment. brief review is then presented of
the decisive naval combat of the war on
July 3, resulting in the complete destruc
ticn of Admiral Cervera's feet Concern
ing IL, the president says:
Where all so conspicuously distin-
guished themselves, from the commanders
to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in
the boiler rooms, eacn and all contribut-
ing toward the achievement of this
astounding victory, for which neither an
cient nor modern history affords a paraI-
lei in the completeness of the event and
the marvellous disproportion Of casualties
il would be invidious to single out any
one for special honor" In this connection