The state herald., 1898-04-15

F, this government owes to itself, to the
people who have cOniided to it the pro-
lection of their interests aud honor,
and to humanity.
i" Sure of the right, keeping free from
all offense ourselves, nctuated by up
right and pntriotlc considerations,
moved. neither by passion nor selfish
hess, the government will continue its
watchful cnre over the rights and prop
erty of American citizens, and will
abate hoie Of Its efforts to bring about
by peaceful agencies d peace which
shall be honorable and enduring. If IL
shall hereafter appear to be n duty i'm
posed by our obligations to ourselves,
to civilization and 10 humanity. to in
tervene with force. 1t shall be without
fault on our part, and only because the
necessity for such action will be so
clear as to command the support and
approval of the civilized world"
The long trial has proved that the
object for which Spain has wnged the
war cannot be attained. The fire of
insurrection may fame or may smOuld-
or with varying seasons, but 1t has not
been. and II is plain that 1t cannot be
eXtinguished by present methods. The
only hope of relief and repose from Il
condition which cannot longer he en-
dured is the enforced pacitication of
Cubn.
In the name of humanity. In the
name of civilization. in behalf of en-
dangered American interests, which
give us the right and the duty to speak
and to act, the war in Cuba must
stop.
In view of these facts and these con
sidcra,ions, | ask the Congress TO au-
thorlze and empower the President to
take measures to secure full and
final termination of hostiliies between
the government of Spain and the peo-
pie of Cuba. and to secure In the island
the establishment of stable govern.
ment. and recognizing its International
character and tranquility and the Sc
CURLY of its citizens. ms well as our
own. and to use the military and naval
forces of the United States as may be
necessary for these purposes.
And in the interest of humanity and
TO aid in preserving the lives of the
starving people of the island, | recon-
mend that the distribution of food and
clothing be continued until peace be
secured and that an appropriation be
made ont of the public treasury to sup
plement the charity of our citizens.
The issue is now with the Congress.
II is a solemn responsibility. ! have
exhausted every effort to relieve the
intolerable condition of affairs which is
at our doors.
Prepared to execute every obligation
imposed upon me by the constitution
and the law, await your action.
Yesterday and since the preparation
OF the foregoing message official in
formation was received by me that the
latest decree of the queen regent of
Spain directs General Blanco. In order
to prepare and facilitate peace. to pro-
claim n suspension OF hostilities, the
duration and details of which have not
yet been communicated TO me.
This fact. with every other consider
alton will. am sure, have your Just
and careful attention. In the solemn de
liberation upon which you are about TO
enter.
II this measure attalns successful
result. then our aspirations as Chris
tlan. peace-loving people will be real
lied.
II " IHllS. II VIII Only ne Hnpiher
justification for our contemplated
action.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion. April II. 1s9S.
At ESQ o'clock the reading of The
message was concluded In the Senate.
Mr. Davis then moved that the mes
sage bc referred TO the foreign rela-
tlons committee.
This was carried. and the Senate. mt
1:l5 o'clock. adjourned.
Applause followed the close of the
reading OF the message In the House.
The message was referred at once To
the committee ON foreign relations.