The Eddy current., 1898-04-30
PRESIDENTS
WAR MESSAGE.
CONGRESS REQUESTED TO DE.
CLARE WAR.
THE POSITION OF SPANIAROS.
special Attention Directed 10 the Atti.
ssde That Hss Heen Assumed ~
MadFid Government.

Washington, April 26-The president
yesterday sent congress the following
message, recommending a declaration OF
war against Spain:
To the senate and house OF representa-
uyes OF the United States OF America: I
transmit 10 congress for lts consldera-
tion and approval appropriate copies OF
correspondence recently had with the
representative OF Spain In the United
States, with the United States minister
at Madrid, and through the latter with
the government OF Spain. showing the
action taken under joint resolution, ap-
proved April 20, 1898, FOR the recognl-
ton OF the independence OF the people
OF Cuba, demanding that the govern
ment OF Spain rellnqulsh lts authority
and government IN the island OF Cuba.
and 10 withdraw rs land and naval
forces from Cuba aud cuban waters.
and directing the president OF the Uni
ted States to use the land and naval
forces OF the United States TO carry
these resolutions into effect"
o. 'pon communicating to the Spanish
$-.iinistor IN Washington the demand
which II became ire gn:y OF the execu-
tive 10 address TO the government OF
Spain In obedience 20 said resolution.
the minister asked for his passports aad
withdrew. The United States 4jnlster
al Madrid was In turn notified by the
Spanish minister for foreign Affairs that
the withdrawal OF the Spanish repre-.
sentative from the United States had
terminated diplomatic relations getween
the two countries. and that all Official
communications between the respective
representatives ceased Herewith.
recommend TO your special attention
the note addressed TO the United States
minister at Madrid by the Spanish min
lister for foreign affairs on the 2ist in
slant whereby the foregoing notlnca-
tion was conveyed. Il will be perceived
therefrom that the government OF Spain,
having cognlzance OF the joint resolu-
tion OF the United States congress. and
In view OF the things which the presl-
dent thereby rt1uired and authorized
20 do. responds by treating the reason
able demands OF this government as
measure OF hostility. following with that
instant and complete severance OF rola-
lions by its action. which. by the usage
OF nations. accompanies an exlstant
state OF war between sovereign powers.
The position OF Spain being thus made
known. and the demands Of the United
States being denied. with a complete
rupture Of intercourse by the act Of
Spain. have been constrained, In the
exercise Of the power and authority con
ferred upon me by the Joint resolution
aforesaid, 10 proclaim, under date OF
April 22, 1898. blockade OF certain
ports OF the north coast OF Cuba lying
between Cardenas and Bahia Hondo and
a port OF Clenfuegos. on the south
coast OF Cuba; and further. IN the ex-
ercise Of my constitutional powers and
usage. the authority conferred upon me
BY the act OF congress. approved April
22. 1895. 10 issue my proclamation, dated
April %. 1898, calling for volunteers,
in order to carry into effect these reso-
lutions OF April 20. 1895
Copies OF these proelamatlons are
hereto appended.
In view OF the measures 80 taken.
and with a view to the adoption Of such
other measures that may be necessary
90 enable me 10 carry out the expressed
will OF the congress OF the United States
IN the premises. now recommend 10
your honorable body the adoption OF a
joint resolution, declaring that state
OF war exists between the United States
OF America and the kingdom OF Spain,
Ia urge speedy action thereon. 20 the
y a that a definition OF the international
statutes Of the United States as a belllg-
crat power may be made known and
the assertion Of an rs duties IN the con-
duet OF a public war may be assured
WILLIAM M'KiNLEY.
Executive Mansion, Washington. ID. O..
April rs, 1898.