The Republican journal., 1898-12-08
The Presidents Message.

|
sanship, that it is conservative and digni-
fed in tone, goes without saying. In the
events which led up to the war with Spain,
during its progress, and in the negotiations
| looking to peace and settlement of the
questions at issue, the President has shown
himself to be a statesman, and his acts stand
approved not only by his own people but by
Anglo Saxons every where. 1t was the
most one sided war on record. The losses
were practically all on one side, the side
of Spain, and the gain all on our side.
The money expended by the United
States was well invested had it brought us
nothing more than the increased respect of
after the flag of our country will protect
its citizens wherever they may be. The
new islands that have come or are to come
to us, or which we shall control CONNER
cially, are so much clear gain.
All this has been brought about since
the Presidents last annual message, and
these are the epoch making events with
which his present message deals. He
touches first upon the material prosperity
the nation is enjoying, despite the burdens
and losses of the war and finds the
strengthening of the national spirit and
the cementing of the union between the
sections not the least of the causes for con-
| /
to hostilities, the Maine disaster, and the
broad grounds assumed for intervening in
Cuba are carefully considered. Then
comes review of the war preparations,
the cost of waging the war, and the glo-
rious achievements of the army and navy.
An important feature of the message is
that part which relates to conquered ter
ritory and our duties and responsibilities
in that direction. We quote as follows:
do not discuss at this time the govern
ment for the future of the new posses
siOns " hich viii come to us as the result
IF the war of Spain. Such decision will
be appropriate after the treaty of peace
shall be ratified. In the meantime and
until Congress has legislated otherwise, it
Will be my duty to continue the military
governments which have existed since
our occupation and give TO the people Sc
ourity in life and property, and encour-
agement under Just and beneticent rule.
As soon as we are in possession of Cuba
and have pacitied the island. it will be nee
esSaly to give aid and direction to its PEG
Pile to form government for themselves.
| This should be undertaken at the earliest
moment consistent with safety and assured
success Its important that our relations
with this people shall be of the most
friendly character and our commercial
relations close and reciprocal, 1t should
be our duty to assist in every proper way to
build up the waste places Of the island, en-
courage the industry of the people ana as
sist them to form a government which
shall be free and independent, thus realiz-
ing the best aspirations of the Cuban peo-
pie Spanish rule must be replaced by a
just, benevolent and humane government,
created by the people of Cuba, capable Of
performing all international obligations
and which shall encourage thrift. industry
and prosperity, and promote peace and
good will among all the inhabitants, what
ever may have been their relations in the
past. Neither revenge nor passion should
have place in the new government.
[ ntil there is complete tranquility in the
islands and a stable government iuau-
gurated military occupation viii be
continued.
As 10 the Philippines nothing is said
further than that the military government
will be continued But the treaty is not
yet completed and Congress will have the
final decision of what will be done with
the Philippines. Apart from these great
questions there are many important sug-
gestions and recommendations, of which
We can make but brief mention. Con
gIess is urged to take decisive action in
regard to the Nicaragua Canal, which is
now indispensable" Prompt legisla-
ton On Hawaiian matters is called for.
Turkey is to be pressed for our claims
against her The annexation of Hawaii
and ''changed relations with Cuba Por-
to Rico and the Philippines demand a
maritime policy" i. e., the establishing
of regular and frequent steamship com
mu nication. We need not NEEDLE with
the Chinese question. The Cars dis
armament proposal is approved, though
it is said to have no direct bearing on US.
Dewey's feat and Hobson's heroism are
praised and the revival Of the rank of ad :
miral is favored, presumably Tor Dewey.
Congress is advised to appropriate 81,
600, 600 for proper showing at the Paris
Exposition. Our domestic currency should
be kept ''safe." The necessity of pro id-
ing for the education of the 80, 900 white
children in the Indian Territory is strong
ly urged. In conclusion. President Nc
Kinley makes some important recommen-
dations for an increase in both army and
navy.
The agitation over the Australian bal
lot law continues, and it is certain to come
up in the legislature and it looks as though
if the law is not repealed altogether it
will be amended in several important ar
ticulars. SO says an Augusta dispatch
to the Boston Herald. This would indi-