The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-12-15

Washington, Dec. 6.-The presidents
message was delivered to congress yes
tertlay. and is one Of the most important
documents coming from an executive III
recent years:
To the Senate and House of Represent
tatives:
notwithstanding the added burdens
'!ejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily
increasing degree of prosperity, evidenced
aae arg vGe Of has bssn
ed abundant returns, labor in all fields of
Industry is better rewarded; revenue leg
jislation passed by the present congress
has increased the treasury's receipts to
the amount estimated by it's authors; the
successfully administered and its is credit it
advanced to the first rank; while it's cur
irency has been maintained at the worlds
2 common flag and for righteous cause
has strengthened the national spirit and
served to cement more closely than ever
1 u + traternai bonds between every section
Il In y reviewing the ,eontroversy which led
terminated in his last annual message.
He concluded: 1T was honestly due to
our friendly relations with Spain that she
should be given a reasonable chance to
realize her expectations of reform to
w whiea she had become irrevocaDly COM
1t became evident. however, that the
proposed plans were barren Of good re-
suits. No tangible relief was afforded the
mortality frightfuliy increased; the prof
.ferred, eXpedient Of zones of cultivation
proved illusory; and it was apparent that
ruin of the island Of Cuba could result
from the the str9ggle then in
of the battleship "Maine" occurred Con-
corning it. the president says.
is striking OF the 2ogs
national character. that this unlooked-for
p ploW f falling upon generous people, al
slant, desperate resolve to tolerate no
longer the existence of a condition of dan
possible such deed. by. whomsoever
Resuming the war narrative, the presi-
Guiding the $50. 900, 600 appropriation for for
national defense, taken to place the coun-
try on a war footing, and adds: 1T is
when it did come. found our nation not
unprepared to meet the conflict
~ is MADE hl ., to the
ers, voiced in the address to the president
through their ambassadors and ENJOYS.
and to the presidents reply thereto Still
peaceful solution Of the difficulty, and
obeying the dictates of duty, the president
relaxed no eort to bring about q speedy
ending Of the Cuban struggle. Negotia-
tions with the Madrid government proved
futile. SO far as practical results were
conc concerned go and when the president pre-
In the name of humanity, in the name
'of civilization, in behalf Of endangered
American interests. which give us the
right and duty to speak. and to act, the
war IN Cuba must STOP"
The Declaration of War.
The result of this statement of the case
was the adoption of the memorable Joint
resolution by congress. declaring the pur-
pose of the United States to intervene be-
tween the Spanish and Cubans. Follow
Ing swiftly upon the enactment of the res
iolution came the severance Of diplomatic
relations between the two countries. the
proclamation Of blockade Of Cuban
ports, the calling for volunteers and the
formal declaration of the existence OF
state of war All other governments
were Immediately notified of the existence
Iof war, and each proclaimed neutrality,
1T is not among the least gratifying in
Itions OF neutrality were impartially dis
ehaarg Sitd by all often under most delicate
The president reviews at length the
work of preparation for war, referring
particularly TO the enlistment Of the vol.
unleeis' TO the material increase of the
navy in both men and ships and to the
precautionary measures taken for the
protection of the seaboard coast and the
.cit ties uuo..o
was 1875 in the principal harbors, from
Maine to California"
t t9 It'll te end @
signal corps. the president says:
This service was invaluable to the ex-
WITH tota force Of o os
camp al, ana field, officers and ~ men ' ineladed.
AS to the authorized loan of 5000 600, 900,
ders, the president says:
ntEcant suit. showing the vast resources
of the nation ard the determination Of the
people to uphold their country's honor"
message to narrats the history Of the ' ex.
'declaration Of April ,2lst, but a brief re.
,propriate. The first encounter OF the war
an, point OF date took place April 9th,
when detachment of the bfockading
at MatanZas. shelled the harhor forts and
demolished severa. new works in con-
|struction.
! The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch in maritime war
fare. Tho Pacific fleet. under Commodore
ton Of neutrality being issued and the
ing given II repaired to Mrs Bay. near
Hong Kong whence It proceeded to the
philippine islands under telegraphed or
|dersIto capture or destroy the formidable
Spanish feet then assembled at Manila.
American forces entered Manila bay. and
latter few hours engagement EFFECTED
the total destruction of the Spanish fleet.
consisting Of ten warshtps and a trans:
port, besides capturing the naval station
Spanish sna naval power.in the Pacific ocean:
Manila. with the ability to take the city
st. Ct Will Not HE was lost on our ships.
not vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achicvemert congress upon
the actors preferment and substantial
The result Of this remarkable victorv
upon. the spirit OF our people and ucon
the fortunes Of the war was instantan.
eouA, A prestige of invincibility IN reby
attaehed to. our arms, which Continued
throughout the struggle. Reinforcement