The San Francisco call., 1898-12-06
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

submit to Congress definite and final policy
 of action with regard to the islands taken from Spain the Presidential message will prove disap- pointing. To those, however, who understand the difficulties of the problem and the necessity of a thorough consideration of every issue before any ir- revocabe step is taken in connection with it, the cautious and conservative statesnanship displayed in the message will be highly gratifying.
 The President urges no nasty action, no leap in the dark. He reviews for the instruction of Congress the leading up the war; the conduct of the and the situation as it stands and in conclusion says:
 'I do not discuss at this time the government or tke future of the possessions which will come to the result of the war with Spain. Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall be ratified In the meantime and until Congress has egislated otherwise, it will be my duty tc continue the military government which has ex- ised since occupation and give the people secur ity in life and property and encouragement under just and benefcent rule"
 It IS to be noted that the President does not include Cuba among the possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain" He re- views the Cuban situation separately and announces that as we are in possession "and have paci- fled the island, 1t will be necessary to give aid and direction to this people to form a government for themselves" The President does not mean, how to shirk any of the responsibilities that morally rest upon us to prevent reign of awlessness in the island, for he adds: Neither revenge nor passion should have place in the Government Until there is complete tranquility on the island and stable government inaugurated, military occupation will continue"
 While not expressly urging upon Congress the rec concentrations of the Hawaiian Commission as to the form of government to be provided for Hawaii the President virtually does by declaring: Tt is be- lieved their recommendations will have the earnest consideration due to the magnitude of the respon- sibiity resting upon you give such shape to the relationship of those midPacifc lands to our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree"
 While wisely leaving the decision of the perpexing questions involved in the government of the islands to time when experience in their management shall enable us to judge better how to deal with them, the President IS quite firm and decided on other matters hardly less important For the construction of the Nicaragua canal, for the encouragement of our mer- chant marine and for currency reform he asks imme date legislation
 Important reasons exist for prompt action in each ot these cases, but particularly in that of the canal serious complications menacing the canal project have arisen in Nicaragua and after stating them fully the President says: All these circumstances suggest the urgency of some definite action by Congress at this session. if the abors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by practical waterway is to be realized"
 On that showing the country has right to expect that this long delayed issue will be dealt with at last and our Government take this winter the first step in the accomplishment of the great enterprise
 The message is long, but not too long for the themes discussed. This has been momentous wear for the republic The President has as commodity as possible stated the problems before us and outlined a policy of wise and prudent statesmanship. The riessage will surely have the approval of the con- servative sentiment of the country