Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1898-12-08
MEETING OF CONGRESS.

MEETING OF CONGRESS.
The second or short session of the ootn
Congress of the United States met at
Washington, Monday noon, and the
Congress will expire at midnight OF
March 3D.
Roth halls and the galleries were
crowded, and the Presidents Message
was listened to attentively, and then
Congress adjourned until next day.
THE MESSAGE.
The Message gives no idea of the
Presidents intentions regarding the
Philippines and Cuba. He reviews the
war and the events leading up 10 it, and
seems to be awaiting the final signing
of the Peace Articles at Paris.
Speaking of Maritime policy ne
says:
"The annexation of Hawaii and the
changed relations of the United States
to Cuba. Porto Rico and the Philippines
resulting from the war, compel the
prompt adoption of a maritime poilcy
by the United States. There should be
established regular and frequent steam
ship communication, encouraged by the
United States, under the American nag
with the newly acquired islands. spain
furnished its colonies at an annual cost
of about two millions of dollars, steam
ship lines communicating with portion
of the worlds markets as well as with
trade centers of the home government.
The United States will not undertake
to do less. 1t is our duty to furnish the
people with facilities, under national
control, for their export and import
trade. tt will be conceded that the
present situation calls for legislation
which shall be prompt, durable ana
liberal.
The part which American merchant
vessels and their seamen performed IN
the war with Spain demonstrates that
this service, furnishing both pickets
and the second line Of defense, is
national necessity, and should be en-
couraged in every constitutional way.
Details and methods for the accom-
plishment Of this purpose are discussed
in the report of the secretary OF the
treasury, to which the attention OF Con
gross is respectfully invited.
Other extracts from the Message of
general interest are as follows:
Porto Rico and Cuba.
The Porto Rican joint commission
speedly accomplished its task, and by
October 1S the evacuation of the island
was completed. The United States flag
was raised over the island at noon on
that day. The administration of its at
fairs has been Professionally intrusted to
q military governor until the Congress
shall otherwise provide. The Cuban
Joint high commission has not yet ter
minated its labors Owing to the diff
entities in the way of removing the large
Numbers of Spanish troops still In Cuba,
the evacuation cannot be completed be-
fore the 1st of January next.
Pursuant to the fifth article OF the
protocol, appointed William R. Day,
lately secretary of state; Cushman K.
Davis, William P. Fry and George
Gray. senators of the United States,
and White]aw Ried, to be the peace
commissioners on the part of the Unit
ed States. Proceeding in due season to
Paris, they were met on the first of DC
tober bv five commissioners similarly ap-
pointed on the part of Spain. Their
negotiations have made hopeful pro
press. SO that / trust soon to be able
to Law definite treaty of peace before
the Senate, with a review of the steps
leading to its signature.
I do not discuss at this time the gov
ernment or the nature of the new pos
sessions which will come to us as the
result of the war with Spain. Such dis
yn1if- DC facfncu. m the
meantime and until the congress has
legislated otherwise, it will be my duty
to continue the military governments
which have existed since our occupa
tion and give to the people security in
life and property and encouragement
under just and benefcent rule.
As soon as we are in possession OF
Cuba and haye- pacified the island 1t
will be necessary to give aid and d1rec-
ton to its people to form government
for themselves. This should be under
taken at the earliest moment consistent
with safety and assured success. 1t Is
important that our relations with this
people should be of the most friendly
character and our commercial relations
close and reciprocal. 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 government
which shall be free end independent,
thus realizing the best aspirations OF
the Cuban people.
Spanish rule must be replaced by a
lust, 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 new government. Until there IS
complete tranquility in the island and
q stable government inaugurated, mill
tary occupation will continue.
With the one exception of the rupture
with Spain. the intercourse of the Unit
ed States with the great family of ma
tions has been marked with cordiality,
and the close of the eventful year finds
most Of the issues that necessarily arise
in the complex relations of sovereign
States adjusted or presenting no serious
obstacle to a just and honorable solu-
ton by amicable agreement
Great Britain's Friendship.
Our relations with Great Britain have
continued on the most friendly footing.
Asserting to our request, the protection
of Americans and their interest in
Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by
the diplomatic and consular representa-