Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1898-12-07

tices. One hundred and three vessels were
added to the navy by purchase, one was
presented to the government, one leased
and four vessels of the International Nav
igation Company, the St Paul, St. Louis,
New York and Paris, were chartered. In
addition to these the revenue cutters and
lighthouse tenders were turned over to
the navy department and become tenn
porarily part OF the auxiliary navy.
The Popular Loan.
The national defense under the $50,OOO,-
600 fund was expended in large part by
the army and navy, and the objects for
which it was used are fully shown in the
reports of the several secretaries. 1t was ii
most timely appropriation, enabling the
government to strengthen its defense and
to make preparations greatly needed IN
case of war. This fund being inadequate
to the requirements of equipment and for
the conduct of the war, the patriotism OF
the congress provided the means in the
war revenue act of June l3, by authoriz-
ing a per cent popular loan not to ex-
coed 4OO,000,0O0, and by levying addi-
llODdi lHpOots diu tdASo.
Of the authorized loan $2O0,OO0,OO0
were offered and promptly taken from
subscriptions so far exceeding the call as
to cover it many times over, while, pref
erence being given to the smaller bids,
no single allotment exceeded $4,000. This
was most encouraging and significant
result, showing the vast resources d the
nation and the determination OF the peo-
pie to uphold their country's honor.
Oyertures for Peace.
The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's
fleet, followed by the capitulation OF San
tiago, having brought to the Spanish gov
ernment a realizing sense Of the hopeless
ness of continuing struggle now becon-
ing wholly unequal, it made overtures OF
peace through the French ambassador
who, with the assent of his government,
had acted as the friendly representative OF
Spain's interests during the war.
On the 26th OF July M. Cambon present
ed a communica ton, signed by the Duke
of Almodovar. the Spanish minister OF
state, inviting the United States to state
the terms upon which it would be willing
to make peace. On July 30, by commun-
ication addressed to the Duke of Almodo-
var and handed by NJ. Cambon, the terms
of this government were announced sub
stantially in the protocol, afterwards sign
ed.
The Peace Commission.
Pursuant to the fifth article of the pro-
tocol, l appointed William r. Day, lately
secretary of state; Cushman X. Davis,
William P. Frye and George Gray, sena-
tors of the United States, and Whitelaw
Reid, to be the peace commissioners on
the part of the United States.
Proceeding in due season to Paris they
there met, on the first of October, hve
commissioners similarly appointed on the
part OF Spain. The negotiations have
made hopeful progress SO that l trust
soon to be able to lay definite treaty OF
peace before the senate with review OF
the steps leading to its signature.
l do not discuss at this time the gov
ernment or the future of the new pos
sessions which will come to us as the re-
suit of the war with Spain. Such dis
cussion will be appropriate after the
treaty OF peace shall be ratified. In the
meantime, and until congress has legislat-
ed otherwise, it will be my duty to con-
tinue the military government which has
existed since our occupation and give its
people security in life and property and
encouragement under just and bene-
ficent rule.
Cuba to De Independent.
As soon as we are in possession OF Cuba
and have pacified the island, it will be
necessary to give aid and direction to
this people to form government for
themselves. This should be undertaken
at the earliest moment consistent with
safety and assured success. 1t is import
ant That our relations with these people
shall be of the most friendly character
and our commercial relations close and
reciprocal 1t should be our duty to as
sist in every proper way to build up the
waste places of the island, encourage the
industry Of the people and assist them
to form a government which shall be free
and independent, thus realizing the best
aspirations of the Cuban people.
Spanish rule must be replaced by just,
benevolent and humane government, Gre
ated by the people of Cuba, capable Of
performing all international obligations
and which shall encourage thrift, indus
try and prosperity and promote peace
and good will among all of the inhabi-
tants, whatever may have been their rela-
tions in the past. Neither revenge nor pas
sion should have place in the new gov
ernment Until there is complete tran
guilty on the island and stable gov
ernn,ent inaugurated military occupation
will be continued.
| Trade Relations I'm Europe.
The commercial arrangements made
with France on May 2s, 1898, under the
provisions Of section 3 Of the tariff act
| Of 1897, went into effect on June follow
ing. 1t has relieved portion of our ex-
/ port trade from serious embarrassment
Further negotiations are now pending
under section a OF the same act, with a
view to the increase OF trade between the
two countries TO their mutual advantage
i Negotiations with other governments.
in part interrupted by the war with Spain
are in progress under both sections OF the
tariff act. / hope to be able to announce
some of the results Of these negotiations
during the present session OF congress.
Negotiations to the same end with Ger
many have been set on foot. Meanwhile
M atforf hos hapn r,eiaxed To convince the