Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1898-12-14

OF me matter 10 congress and the ac-
ton of that body is reviewed, follow
ed by a careful summary of the
events after the declara ton of war.
The resume, though brief, is an accu-
rate condensation of the history of
the naval and military operations
and will prove very valuable for fu-
ture reference. Then follows state
ment of the casualties on land and
sea, with a tribute to our soldiers
and sailors and words of warm praise
for American National Red Cross
Soclety. SPANS suit for peace and
the ultlmatum which followed receive
deserved attention. The work of the
peace commission is reviewed as fol.
lows:
Pursuant to the fifth article of the
protocol, L appointed William r. Day.
lately secretary of state; Cushman X.
Davis, William z. Frye and George
Gray, senators of the United States,
and "hitelaw Reid, to be the peace
commissioners on the part of the
United States. Proceeding in due sea-
son to Paris, they there met on the
LIST of October five commissioners
similarly appointed ON the part of
hopeful progress, so that 1 trust soon
to be able to lay a dennite treaty OF
peace before the senate, with a re-
view of the steps leading to its sigma
ture.
Il do not discuss at this time the
government of the future of the new
possessions which will come to us as
the result of the war with Spain.
Such discussion will be appropriate
after the treaty of pea &c shall be rati-
ned. In the meantime and until con-
gress has legislated otherwise, it will
be my duty to continue the military
governments which have existed since
our occupation and give it's people
security in life and property and en-
couragement under a. just and benefi-
cent rule.
AS soon as we are in possession of
Cuba and have pacifed the island, it
Will be necessary to give aid and di-
rection to this people to form a gov
eminent for themselves. This should
be undertaken at the earliest moment
consistent with safety and assured
success. 1t is important that our re-
fations with these people shall be Of
the most friendly character, and our
commercial relations close and recip-
rocal. 1t should be our duty to assist
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 tree and independent, thus
realizing the best aspirations of the
Cuban people.
Spanish rule must he repla ced by a
just, benevolent and humane govern
tod bxyt he 1e
capable of performing all interna-
tional obligations, and which shall
encourage thrift, industry and pros
perity and promote peace and good
will among all of the inha bitants,
whatever may have been their rela-
tions in the past. Neither revenge
nor passion should have place in
the new government. Until there is
complete tranquility in the island
and a stable government Inaugural
ted, military occupation will be con-
tinued."
The message is silent as to the pol
icy to be pursued in governing PorNo
Rico and the Philippines, it being the
intention doubtless to leave that IN
TIL after the treaty of peace has been
duly signed. The remainder of the
message deals with our relations with
Canada, Central and South American
governments, and with the govern
ments of the old world. The MESA ge
strongly favors the building of the
Nicaragua canal, but leaves the
plans to congress. Reference is made
to the Paris exposition. the prospect
of the United States being credita bly,
represented is set forth in fitting
terms. The splendid condition of the
treasury is dwelt upon, and the rec
ommenda tons for protecting the
gold reserve, set forth in the message
Of December, 1897, repeated. The
message also contains a recommends
ton for encouraging steamship SER
vice under the American flag with
our new-a cquired islands by generous
subsidies. The increase of the regu-
lar army to 100000 men is recon-
mended. as is also an increase of the
navy. The year 1900 being the cen
tennial of the founding of the city of
Washington, an appropriation to fit
tingly observe it is recommended. A
number of other matters such as the
necessity of providing new buildings
for the supreme court and postoffice
departments, ETC., are given proper
consideration.