The Advocate and news., 1898-12-07

most important duties connected with,
the war, and whose requests for assign
ment In the field and at sea 1t was COM
PEELED to refuse because their services
was Indispensable here, are entitled to
the highest commendatiOn. It Is my re-
gret that there seems to be no provision
for their suitable recognition.
In this connection II is a pleasure for
me to mention in terms Of cordial apprO-
baton the timely and useful work of the
American National Red Cross, both In re-
lief measures, preparatory to the cam
paigns, in sanitary assistance at several
Of the camps of assemblage and later,
under the able and experienced leader
ship Of the president OF the society, Miss
Clara Barton, on the fields Of battle and
in the hospitals at the front In Cuba.
Working in conjunction with the gov
ernment authorities, and under their
sanction and approval, and with the en-
thusiastic cooperation of many patriotic
women and societies In the various
States, the Red Cross has fully main
tanned It's already high reputation for
intense earnestness and ability to exer-
else the noble purpose OF its organiza-
tiOn, thus justlfying the confidence and
support which 1t has received at the
hands Of the American people. To the
members and officers Of this society and
all who aided them in their phllanthroplc
work, the sincere and lasting gratitude
Of the soldiers and the public Is due and
Is freely accorded.
In tracing these events we are con-
stantly reminded of our obligations 10
the Divine Master for His watchful care
over us and His safe guidance, for which
the nation makes reverent acknowledg-
ment and offers humble prayer for the
continuance OF His favor,
=: :: -
Pursuant to the fifth article of the
protocol, I appointed William r. Day,
lately Secretary of State; Cushman
Davis, William P. Frye and George Gray,
Senator's OF the United States, and
Whitelaw Reid, to be peace commission
ers on the part Of the United States. Pro-
ceeding in due season to Paris they were
there met on the first Of October, by Ave
commissioners on the part OF Spain. The
negotiations have made hopeful prog
ress; so that / trust soon to be able to
lay definite treaty Of peace before the
Senate, with a review Of the steps lead
ing to It's signature.
do not discuss at this time the gov
ernment Of the future Of the new pos
sessions which will come to us as the
result of the war with Spain. Such a
discussion will be appropriate after the
treaty of peace shall be ratified. In the
meantime and until Congress has legls-
lated otherwise, it will be my duty to
continue the military government which
has existed since our occupation and
give Its people security in life and prop
erty and encouragement under just and
beneflcent rule.
AS soon as we are In possession OF
Cuba and have pacihed the island 1t will
be necessary to give aid and directions
to these people to form government for
themselves. This should be undertaken
at the earliest moment consistent with
safety and assured success. It Is impor-
tant that our relations with these people
shall be OF the most friendly character,
and our commercial relations close and
reciprocal. It should be our duty to as
slst In every proper, way to build up the
waste places of the island, encourage the
industry of the people and to assist them
to form government which shall be
free and independent, thus realizing the
best aspirations Of the Cuban people.
- = -
Spanish rule must be replaced by a
Just, benevolent and humane govern
ment, created by the people Of Cuba,
capable Of performing all international
obligations and which shall encourage
thrift, industry and prosperity and pro-
mote peace and good will among all the
inhabitants whatever may have been
their relations in the past. Neither re-
venge nor passion should have place
in the government Until there is COM