The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-04-12
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

| ity and confidence as any Nation on earth,
------------------
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
II viii he seen from the full text of Mr..
McKinley's message to congress yesterday
that 1t has been accurately forecasted for
several days past. There is nothing in 1t
that was not anticipated in previous dis
patches.
That 1t Is not what the great majority
of the American people wanted from the
White House, will go without saying 1t
is weak and disappointing In many par
tleulars and reads rather like a special
plea In behalf of inactivity, than docu-
ment which is presumably call OF the
Nation to its duty In great crisis.
The references to the Maine stll show
failure to grasp the extent of that Insult
to our flag and want of promptitude In
dealing with such an outrage, while the
idea of possible Intervention, only at some
future time, without previous recognition
OF the loss OF Cuba to Spain, will hnd
thousands OF critics and meet doubtless
with strong opposition In the houses OF
congress.
But mother McKinleys character nor
his past conduct with reference to this
ovorshadowing issue, warranted tho ex-
pectation OF aggressive recommendations
or bold policy on his part 1t is not In the
man TO strike out clear-cut, fearless,
or statesmanlike course for himself, and
he Is unfortunately dominated by in
lluences that care little for National honor
or the high behcsts of duty when weigh I'd
in the scale against dollars and cents, He
has So completely estrapgcd himself In
this whole affair from the great body Of
the American people that 1t Is enough to
leave him and his present suggestions to
the critical estimation and judgment of the
great mass OF his fellow citizens.
But the question is before congress at
last and in shape to secure definite ac-
ton by the United States. That is the chief
matter for public congratulation. That
congress Will take such course as will re-
suit in driving Spain out Of Cuba and,
stopping the barbarous warfare that for
three years has been blot upon so-callod
civilization ia now more than probable
and this will be cause for almost universal
rejoicing.
1t has taken the most emphatic express
sion of National opinion and National in
dignation in this country to arouse the
executive to even his present action. And
yet there are no stronger reasons now for
intervention than have existed for months
past.
Now the eyes OF the world are upon
congress. Today we may hear something
definite from that body. Possibly the
-~-''''-' '-~~i>-S' " :" fostNs may ne de-
layod day or two longer, but we can
at least anticipate a speedy relief from
tho suspense which has SO long pre-
vailed. And whatever course congress takes
the Nation viii follow, We are united and
determined and we shall make no mistake
In actively onlisting once more In tight
FOR freedom, justice aud humanity.
-----------------------e
ihc people OF tho United Suites do no,
want 70 intervene In Cuba on account OF the
loss OF cur trade. and Mr.. Mckinley mas
been talking to Tho Mtnna crowd II he i.n-
lsnes that tho rierccnary element enters INTO
American tndgnstlon, II Ia sympathy with
suffering, and rage at tho destruction Of he
Mtiht, that aic firing the heart Of tho Amer
lean public,
Nen' VEAL u consreHs going 70 do about itY
The destruction Of life on tho Chlikoot trail
es''ns out 70 be greater thar, at hrst reported
New many Of these sixty mine or seventy Vic.
NV sspsetss y CONS hack home asx. tsil