The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-12-06
THE INTELLIGENCER.
~. p,rsid.nl-, Mes,ape.

AAs ASStstSA'tS
No more important presidential mes
sage has been sent 10 Congress IN tae
past generation than the annual docu-
ment submitted to Congress YESTERDAY
by President Mckinley 1t Is important
and Interesting because OF the vital
questions with which It deals OF the at
PENDANT circumstances and OF the great
number OF matters concerning our lor-
eign and domestic relations ana the ae-
comPanyins recommendations thereon
which It brings 10 the atie1'ieief our ma
tIonal legislators and the people whom
they represent.
While the message is Of unusual
length, the character Of the subject mat
ter justifies that fact for few Presidents
have had so much TO discuss In q single
document Of this nature. The character
istlc conservatism. fairness Of express
sion, logical reasoning, and wisdom OF
recommendations which have marked
the public papers OF the President pre-
vailin every paragraph. The document
IS not dreary review Of departmental
reports. but deals mainly almost two
thirds Of It. In fact, win the war, Its
causes, its prosecution and its results,
and matters Of moment concerning our
foreign relations, concluding with a
splendid review Of our domestic condi-
tlons and questions. with important re-
commendations which will give plenty OF
work for Congress.
Concerning the war, after detailing the
events that led up to 1t, from che Presi-
dents efforts to secure through peace
ful means a restoration of peace In Cuba
aud cessation OF the suffering, starva-
ton and butchery that prevailed, the
Maine explosion, the repeated refusals
OF Spain to our demand and that coun-
try's broken promises. the message re-
We've briefly the salient features Of the
conflict. and the achievements OF the
army and navy, With eloquent tributes
10 the heroes on land and sea- the sur
render Of Spain, and her suit for peace
the terms OF the protocol and the pend
ing peace negotiations.
The President gives evidence OF the
full appreciation he has of his own re-
sponsibility and the tremendous Import
ance OF the questions which have grown
out Of the war. He makes no recon-
mendatlons regarding future policies or
provisions for the government of the
new possessions. very properly leaving
them for the special message which he
Will submit with the treaty OF peace
when 1t Is signed. In reference to Cuba
ne observes closely the pledge to set up
for the people there a stable govern
zaent. and declares that the obligations
made by Congress VIII not be violated.
In the meantime, military governments
Will be maintained and Congress will be
called upon to deal with all matters con-
corning the policies of the future-ihe
governments that are to replace Spanish
mIsrule.
Much OF the message IS given up to
our diplomatic relations with foreign
countries. and the peace which prevails
between the United States and all the
world, and, certain questions growing
out OF treaty relations that call FOR re-
concentrations to Congress. Among
these are the South American complica-
lions, Including the matter between Peru
and Chile, the Central American united
republic which was 50 short lived, and
SIS bearing on the Nicaragua canal mat
ter. Upon the canal question the Presl-
dent takes a decided stand for the con-
troll OF the proposed enterprise by the
United States government. and in view
ofthe overtures made by Nicaragua und
Costa Rica, recommends the maintain
ment of the status quo until the commits
sion appointed by this government re-
ports and Congress has opportunity tc
pass upon the entire question.
our Interes. In the Chinese situation
the President clearly points out II,
sees no need for our Involving ourselye,
in the politics OF Europe in this matter
but recommends that Congress appoint
a commission 10 study commercial and
industrial conditions in China and 10 re.
port as to the opportunities for the en-.