Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-12-17
AWAITS PEACE TREATYs SIGNING
Will Be Made the Subject Of Spe-
cial Message to the Sen
ate Later On.
INDEPENDENCE FOR THE cUBAE'
America Will Restore Order and Aid
the Islanders I'm Setting Up a
Stable Government---War
Operations and Peace
Negotiations.

Washington, Dec. 5.--The presidents
message was read in the house and
senate this afternoon. In opening his
message the president says;
TO the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatiyes: Notwithstanding the add
ed burdens rendered necessary by the
war, u people rejoice in the very sat
isfactory and steadily increasing de-
gree of prosperity evidenced by the
largest volume of business ever record
ed. Manufacture has been productive;
agricultural pursuits have yielded
abundant returns; labor in all fields
of industry is better rewarded; rcve-
nue. Legislation passed by the present
congress has increased the trcasury's
receipts TO the amount estimated by
its authors: the finances OF the gov
eminent have been successfully adj
ministcred, and its credit advanced TO
the first rank, while it's currency has
been maintained ut tho worlds high
est standard. Military service under n
common flag and for Il righteous cause
has strengthened the national spirit
and served to cement more closely than
ever the fraternal bonds between every
section OF the country. A review of the
relations of the United States TO other
powers. always appropriate, is this
year of primary Importance in view
Of the momcntous issues which have
arisen, demanding in II instance an
ultimate determination by arms and
involving far reaching consequences
which will require the earnest attcn-
ton OF congress"
The president then speaks Of the
paragraphs in his last annual message
q reference to our relations with
Spain and Cuba; Of the futile efforts Of
Spain TO conquer Cuba; of the failure
Of the autonomous government set mp
i'm the island; of the suffering OF the
rcconcentrados and the evident iDabil-
ity of Spain to end the var success
fully.
The message next takes up the dc"
struction Of the Maine, the anger
which was aroused in the minds Of the
American people, the appointment n
work Of the naval board OF inquiry,
which established that the origin of
the explosion was external, by Il sub
marine mine. and only hesitatcd, from
lack OF positive testimony, 10 fix the
responsibility OF its authorship
Continuing, the message says these
things convinced the most thoughtful
that a crisis in u relations with Spain
and towards Cuba was at hand and 1t
needed but q brief executive session or
congress to receive an immediate an
swer TO the duty of making instant
provision for war, and the almost
unique spectacle was presented OF the
unanimous vote of both houses on the
9th Of March appropriating $50,O0O,OoO
for the national defense.
Came None Too Soon
The president declares this proyi-
sion came none too soon, as our forts
we're practically undefended, Il navy
needed Il large provision for Increased
ammunition and supplies TO cope with
any sudden attack from the navy OF
Spain, which comprised modern YES
sells Of the highest type of continental
perfection. Our army also required
enlargement, in men and munitions.
Referring congress to the reports of
the secretaries of war and the navy for
details, the president says:
at is sufficient to say the outbreak
OF war, when it did come, found our
nation not unprepared TO meet the
conflict"
Reference is made to the apprehcn-
sion Of coming strife felt by the con.
~tinental powers, voiced in an address
to the president through their ambas'
sailors and ENJOYS, and to the presi-
dents reply thereto. Still animated,
however. by the hope Of a peaceful So
luton of the difficulty and obeying
the dictates of duty, the president re-
Taxed no effort to bring about Il speedy
ending OF the Cuban struggle. Ncgo-
tiations with the Madrid government
proved futile, SO far as practical re-
suits were concerned, and then il was
the president presented the question
TO congress, saying:
I'm the name of humanity. in the
name Of civilization, in behalf of en-
dangered American interests, which
give us the right and duty TO speak
and act, the war in Cuba must stop
Beginning OF the War.
Tie result Of this statement Of the
case was the adoption of the memora-
Bile Joint resolution 10y congress, de-
the purpose Of the United
To intervene between the Span
iards and Cubans. Following swiftly
upon the enactment of this resolution
the severance of diplomatic re-
between the two countries, the
proclamation of Il blockade of Cuban
ports. the call for volunteers, and the
formal declaration Of the existence of
a state of war. All other governments
Immediately notified of the en-
OF war, and each proclaimed
neutrality. 1T is not among the least
gratifying incidents of the struggle
hat the obligations of neutrality were
impartially discharged by all, often
lnder delicate difficulties"
The president reviews NJ length the