The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-12-06
Especial Dispatch 10 The Post

Especial Dispatch to The Pos..)
Washington. December 5--President Nc
Kinleys message was formally presented
20 the congress at 1:i0 After the usual
brief fornralities the reading clerks took
turn about in reading il. Long before
printed copies OF the historical document
had been served to members Of congress
and the press Those members who had no
personal matters or committee assignments
TO care for remained in their seats. The
others fled TO their hotels or committee
rooms, where they conld digest the preai-
dents pronuucismento in comparative
quiet. II was a tedious business. tho read
ing of the message, because 1t was so long
aud so thoroughly discounted. Mr.. McKin-
Icy rcctei history at intermlnable lengths
aud closed with n few recommends lions
which had been set forth in annual reports
OF his secretaries. presidents message
is always given respectful hearing, but
1t is seldom indeed That message from the
executive head OF these great United States
is the target for SO many criticisms as that
which was presented today. 1t would be
unfair to criticise such production from
"a standpoint OF sectionalism. 1t would be
unjust to critcise it because OF its parti-
sanism. In fact, the message should stand
for itself and Its writer just as it is and
that will be enough. Mr.. Mckinley in his
opening paragraph congratulates the czaf
of Russia In his disarmament propozlt.on
and brings all sorts OF epic gods 10 witness
that he is a peaceable man. But along to-
ward the end of his message In the same
inspired document he asks for discretionary
auuhority 10 irlrease The regular army to
100 600 at his own time and pleasure, and
then he adds the consoling postscript that
the volunteer army shall be mustered ont
as soon as his regular army IS mustered In.
MIR. Mckinley also refers to labor problems
in a way that might almost Lad one TO be-
lieve that he Is sorry for appointing nine
republicans to the industrial commission.
but leaving all Gthlr Things aside IL is
especially notable that Mr., Mckinley says
nothing 10 his congress about the GOV
eminent Of Philippines or Porto Rico. This
Is what the whole country looked forward
to; this, the real thing. this is what the
congress honestly "boned' Tor. aud behold.
it Is not. What shall we do With the
Philippines? What shah we do with Porto
Rico? What is the real outcome of this
wonderful expansion doctrine? Mr.. Nc
Kinley's massage is rink like In its utter
ambiguity OF eNplesslOn
one republican member OF the house:
member from New York State. 100. SAID
10 vour corresp0n lent do YOU remen-
Der what Mr. Dooley said month ago?
He said President Mckinley and ME are
inc only ones In the United states VINO
don't know what the foreign policy OF this
government Will be-
IL is said here tonight. and the expires
sion comes as freely from Republicans as
democrats, that this administration has
reached a position where 1t believes 1t can
carry out Its own policies and force the
moor main people 10 any position 1T may
reo,rire and that the ratification OF trsa-
ties and the voice OF financial PROPOSITIONS
by congress has deSenefHtea INTO inS'N
iormaiky.
MANY senators excused themselves from
mn expression OF an opinion nj length on
the message on the ground that they had
NOT been able to give careful attention TO
all the details. Republican senators we're.
however, willing TO express themselves IN
n few words OF conlkendaion. S-nator
CniIom regarded 1t as n ''paistaking en-
PERTAINING and accurate historical review"
Senate Piatt OF New York conmsndel
the expression OF a determination 10 IN
crease ths standing army and TO maintain
order in Cuba until the Cubans can taka
care OF themselves
document
Senator Lodge said 1t was "abie and az
celleut.''