The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-07
THE MESSAGE.

The word Imperialism does not occur in
this modestly phrascd record of an illus
trious year In an Administration that will
be forever memorable; but the spirit of
Imperialism i'm the new American sense
is there. in every line OF the document
y. Y. sun.
Does the President perhaps unwittingly
give an indication of his policy as to the
future Of these new possessions In
phrase which he uses I'm celebrating the
formal annexation Of Hawaii? He speaks
of the inhabitants of these Islands as
having elected to share our political
heritage. IN. Y. World.
A longer or a dullcr message has not
been sent by the President to the Con-
gress since we first had Presidents and
Congresses. The dulncss is not in the
topics discussed; it is in the discussion.
AT no time since the ending of the civil
war has there been more stirring event
or more commonplace comment. The
barrenness of important recommendation
il I'm part accounted for by the reasonable
suggestions that until treaty Of peace
with Spain shall have been ratified II
would DC Inappropriate 10 propose plans
for the future government or our new
possessions. But aside from this I'M
portant topic, there are ether matters OF
hieh import that are barely touched as
the message skins over them. The Con-
gress left practically to its own initia-
tive niladelphia Record.
In declining to discuss at this time the
government or the future Of the new
possessions which will come TO us as the
result of the war with Spain" President
Mckinley renounces that leadership or
public opinion which our great Presidents
have cherished as the noblest OF their
privileges "Such discussions, says the
President. Twill be appropriate after the
treaty OF peace shall be ratined. NO.
That will be too late. They are appro-
pirate now. I'm order that the people may
form and express their opinions before
the Senate takes ur the consideration Of
the treaty.-N. Y. Times.
President Mckinley has a habit Of dis
appointing expectations in his messages,
and in the portentous document submitted
To Congress Yesterday he did not deyiate
from the rule. The unprecedented cir
cumstances of the time invited and SEEM
| ed to compel the production of state
paper that should rank as one of the
| colossal landmarks Of our political his
| tory. But Mr. Mckinley successfully re-
sisted every inducement to produce such
a paper. The proof sheet of all the
twenty thousand words of the message
| might have been left unguarded over
night without tempting any journalistic
| burglar to appropriate them.N. Y. Jour
| nal.
The Presidents annual message TO Con-
| gress Is usually awaited with more OF
| less interest according to the degree OF
| interest felt in pending questions of do
| nestle politics. This year IL has an un
usual kind Of importance because of th'
| position the country has Unexpectedly
assumed in matters Of International sig
nificance and OF the responsibility tina
! thus devolves on the Executive. Mr.. Nc
| kinney appreciates this responsibility
and while he presents 10 the Congress
| comprehensive report Of the occurrence
of the year. he maintains judicious re
serve I'm the expression Of any polio,
that might be regarded as anticipating
events that are yet In the future.-Phila
delphia Times.