Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1898-12-05

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and universal applause. To those
who gained this complete triumph,
which established the ascendancy
of the United States on land as the fight
of Santiago had fixed our supremacy
on the seas, the earnest and lasting
gratitude of the nation is unsparingly
given. With the fall Of Santiago the
occupation of Puerto Rico became the
next strategic necessity. General Miles
had previously been assigned to or
ganize the expedition for that purpose.
Fortunately he was already at Santiago,
where he had arrived July IL with re-
Inducements for General Skaters
army. The campaign was prosecuted
with great vigor and by the 18th of
August most Of the island was in our
possession and the acquisition of the
remainder was only matter of short
time.
"The last scene Of the war was en-
acted at Manila, its starting place. On
August l5, after a brief assault upon
the works by the land forces, in which
the naval squadron assisted, the capital
surrendered unconditionally. To Cen
eral Merritt, ais officers and men, for
their accomplishing and devoted SER
vices, for their gallantry in action, the
nation is sincerely grateful. Their long
voyage was made with singular success
and the soldierly conduct of the men of
whom many were without previous ex-
perience in military service deserves
unmeasured praise.
War Casualties.
"We lost in both arms of the service
. total of 1868 killed. and wounded;
and in the entire campaign by land and
yea we did not lose gun or a flag or
transport or ship. and, with the excep-
Jon of the crew of the Merrlmac, not
4 soldier or sailor was taken prisoner
Cube's Future.
81 do not discuss at this time the
government or the future of our new
possessions; (which will come to us as a
result of the war with Spain. Such
discussion:will be appropriate after the
treaty of peace shalIjhave been ratified.
AS soon as we.are in possession of Cuba,
and have pacifled the island, it will be
necessary to give aid and direction to
this people to form government for
themselves. Spanish rule must be re-
placed by just, benevolent and hui
name government created by the peo-
pie of Cuba. Until there is complete
tranquility in the island and stable
government is inaugurated, military
occupancy by the United States will be
continued.
Somewhat Dema;ogic.
The president says the per capita cir
culation was $500 Dec. /, 1898, that
the provision made for strengthening
the resources of the treasury in connec-
tion with the war has given increased
confidence in the purpose and power of
the government to maintain the pres
ent standard and establish more firmly
than ever the national credit at home
and abroad. Marked evidence of this is
found in the inflow of gold to the treas
ury. I renew SO much of my recon-
mendation Of December; 1897, as fol-
lows:
That when any United States notes
are presented for redemption and are
redeemed In gold, such notes shall be
kept and set .apart nd...cnly paid out
in exchange for gold.
The president adds that the compan-
ion proposition that eur domestic paper
currency shall be kept safe and yet SO
related to the needs of our industries
and internal commerce as to he ade-
quate and responsive.to all needs, is
proposition scarcely less important.
This subject, in all its parts, is COM
mended to the wise consideration of
congress.
Waters Of the Rio Grande.
The President refers to the controver-
sizes with Mexico regarding extradition,
recommends amendments to our exist.
ing extradition statue and says: The
subject of the equitable distribution of
the waters of the Rio Grande, for which
the commissioners recommended an
international dam and reservoir, is still
In allegiance. The recommendation has
been approved By Mexico, but is still
under consideration by this govern
ment. Pending these questions 1t is
necessary to extend the life of the COM
mission, which expires December %
next.
Mentions Our Pecos
Two new forest reserves were created
dtTing the year. Pine Mountain and
Zaca lake reservation in California. en-
bracing 1.844,594 acres, and the Pres
colt reservation. Arizona, embracing
l024o acres. while the Pecos River
New Mexico. has been enlarged to in
cluds 10000 acres.
How About New Mexfco9
Il cannot too strongly .indorse the
recommendation Of Dawes commission
and : secretary ef the interior for the