Arizona republican., 1898-12-06

states since congress adjourned, were also overwhelmed with congratula- tions.
 The floral tributes today were un- usually numerous and made the hall a verItable bower of beautiful flowers. The proceedings themselves were duli all the interest centering on the reading Of the presidents message. For over two hours the clerk droned through the long document But Jhe interest of the members and spectators never Jagged. With rapt attention they fol- lowed the presidents recital of the war and listened eagerly to every sug- gestiOn or reeomm endation he mad to offer 10 expressions of approval or disapproval interrupted the reading.
 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
 The presentation Of the document had been awaited with the most intense interest, for since the adjournment of congress many problems nave arisen which were hardly then in even remote contemplation. After briefly describ- ing the welding together of the nation by foreign war and reviewing the events which led up to tha struggle, the message at once entered upon a pre- sentation of '5he questions which would come before congress for consideration. The allusion to the Philippines as the most important problem was not ex- tended.
 THE PHILIPPINES.
 Regarding the Philippines tbe mes sage says: Pursuant 10 the fifth ar ticle of the protocol, I appointed Will liam R. Day, lately secretary of state; Cushman K. Davis William Frye and George Gray, senators of the United States, and Wnitelaw Reid, to be peace commissione-9 on the part of the Uni.ed States. Proceeding in due season to Paris they there met on the 1st Of October five commissioners similarly appointed on the part o2 Spain. Negotiations have made hopeful progress, so that i trust soon 70 be able to lay a definite treaty of peace before the senate, with a review of the steps leading to its signature.
 'I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new possessions which will come to us aG result of the war with Spain. Such discussion will pc 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 government which has existed since our Occupa- tion, and give it's people security in life and property, and announcement under q just and beneicent rule.''
 The reorganization of the army and the streng gthening of the navy was thus disposed of in the following sections:
 THE ARMY AND NAVY.
 'FThe importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the army is manifest and the recommendation of the secretary of war for that purpose has my unqualified approvaI. There can be no question that at this time and probably for some time in the fu- tue 10c 900 men will be none too many to meet the necessities Of the situation. At all events, whether that number shall be regulated permanently or not, power should be given to the president Ito enlist that force, if, in his discretion, it should be necessary. It is my pur- pose to muster out the entire voIuntee- army as soon as congress shall providc for the increase of the regular estab- lishment"
 The report of the secretary of the navy recommending the construction Of the following additional vessels is approved by the president:
 1. Three sea going battleships of 13,5o0 tons carrying the heaviest ar nor and the most powerful ordnance for vessels Of their class.
 2. Three armOred cruisers of 12,O00 tons displacement, carrying the heavi- est armor and the most powerful ord nance for vessels of their class.
 3 Three protected cruisers of 5000 tons displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and the most power ful ordnance of vessels of their class.
 f. Six cruisers of 2,500 tons displace- ment, in every way perfect in their class.
 THE STORY OF CURA