The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-12-08

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Dec. 5.-Presi
dent McKinley's second annual mes
sage which was submitted to Congress
to-day, contains about 10000 words
and deals with the various questions
which have arisen since his last com
munication to Congress. The mes
sage for some length is devoted to the
Spanish American controversy, Civ
ing a synopsis of the -eyenfswhieh led
up to the declaration of war and the
brilliant advances OF our forces on
land and sea which compelled the
Spaniards to sue for peace. Asa pre-
lude to the history of the struggle the
President says: Notwithstanding
the added burdens rendered necessary
by the war, our people rejoice in a
very satisfactory and steadily increas-
ing degree of prosperity, evidenced by
the largest volume of business ever
recorded
To our army and navy heroes, our
builders, mechanics and artisans, and
even the humble stokers in the holds
of our warships, the President declares
THAT the earnest and lasting graft
tude of the nation is unsparingly due
Referring to the work of the Peace
Commissioners in Paris, the President
says that he hopes soon to be able to
lay before the Senate definite treaty
of peace. Until this is done he will
not discuss the government of the fu-
ture of the new possessions, beyond
the statement that he will continue
the military rule which has existed
since our occupation until Congress
shall have legislated otherwise.
In regard to Cuba, the President
says that as soon as we are in posses
sion and have pacified the island it
will be necessary at the earliest posi-
BILE moment consistent with safety
and assured success to give aid and
direction to its people to form gov
ernment for themselves.
With the exception of the rupture
with Spain, the President declares our
relations with the great family of ma
tions has been marked with cordial
ity.
After briefly mentioning the ques-
ton of cable rates in the Argentine
Republic and the status of the Litti-
more strike in reference to the AustrO-
Hungarian government, Mr.. McKin-
ley says that the construction of a
maritime highway across the Isthmus
of Panama is now more than ever
Indispensable No action by Congress,
however, is advised until the report
of the canal commission is placed be-
fore that body.
The President believes the present
condition of the treasury justities the
immediate enactment of the financial
legislation recommended year ago,
and that there is an obvious demand
for other legislation relating to our
currency.
The recommendation made by the
Secretaries of War and the Navy ask
ing for increased forces to meet the
Presidents unqualified approval, and
it is Furthermore urged that closer
steamship relations be established
with the newly acquired islands. He
recommends Il new building for the
Departments Of Justice and also that
the grades of admiral and vice-admir-
al be temporarily revived
The recent events in China, the
claims OF our citizens against other
nations, the friendly relations with
Great Britain, our proposed exhibits
at the Paris Exposition, the Cars un-
iversal peace proposal, the report of
the Hawaiian Commission, the finan-
cial affairs of the country, the dis
posal of matters in controversy with
Turkey, the necessity for early legis-
lation for taking the 12th census and
the Indian question are commented
upon.
DEWEY'S VICTORY.
That portion of the message relat-
ing to Dewey's victory in Manila Bay
reads as follows:
THE next engagement was destined
to mark a memorable epoch in mari
time warfare The Pacific fleet, un-
der Commodore George Dewey, had
lain for some weeks at Hong Kong.
Upon the colonial proclamation of
neutrality being issued and the custo-
mary tWenty-1Ouf nOufS notice beng
given, it repaired to Mrs Bay, near
Hong Kong, whence it proceeded to
the Philippines under telegraphed Or
ders to capture or destroy the formid-
able Spanish feet then assembled at
Manila. At daybreak on the 1st of
May the American force entered Man
lila Bay and after few hours engage
ment effected the total destruction of
the Spanish fleet, consisting of ten
warships and transport, besides cap
turing the naval station and forts at
Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish
naval power in the Pacific Ocean and
completely controlling theBay Of Man
lila, with the ability to take the city
at will. Not a life was lost on our
ships, the wounded only numbering
seven, while not vessel was mater
tally injured. For this gallant achieve
ment the Congress, upon my recon-
mendation, fifty bestowed upon the
actors preferment and substantial re-
ward.
"The effect of this remarkable vic