Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-06
THE PREsIpENT,s MESSAGE.

The message OF Presldent Mckinney,
which was sent 10 each house OF Congress
yesterday is free from surprises. There
re sscaec6iy an, utterance in it that was
not anticipated ~ the public. The coun-
try is congratulated upon its business
prosperity, and we are assured that our
governments finances have been success
fully administered, and that our credit
has advanced TO the first rank" He re-
1oices. too, that service OF men from all
parts of the Union, under common nag
has cemented fraternal bonds more
closely.
A greater part of the message is re-
view Of the events leading TO our rupture
with Spain. and recapitulation Of our
military and naval operations. This leads
up TO the protocol, and the assembling OF
the peace commissioners at Paris. Among
the public documents cited by the Presi-
dent in this connection are the resolutions
of Congress providing for intervention in
behalf of Cuba, and declaring that the
United States have no intention of exer-
cising sovereignty over that island!
The President informs Congress that the
negotiations at Paris "have made hopeful
progress" and that he expects 'soon to
lay a defnitiye treaty OF peace before the
Senate"
The President does not, at this time,
discuss the government or the future Of
the new possessions which will come TO
us as the result of our war with Spain.
"Such discussion" he says, will be ap-
propriate after the treaty of peace shall
have been ratified. In the mean time,
and until Congress has legislated other
wise, il will be the Presidents duty 10
continue the military governments which
have existed since our occupation"
"As soon as we are in possession Of
Cuba, and have pacihed the island" the
President says. lit will be necessary TO
give aid and direction 10 its people to form
a government for themselves" This, he
thinks, SHOULD be done at the earliest
moment consistent with safety and as
sured success" He considers ii our duty
TO help the Cubans build up their waste
places. and assist them to form a govern
ment which shall be free and indepen-
dent"
Thus the President would assure the
world that we shall keep faith with Cuba,
but. in view Of the disinterestedness
which we proclaimed at the commence
ment OF hostilities. and the grasping dis
position we have shown since. 1t is scarce
ly probable the President Will be taken
seriously. That Cuba is to be incorporated
into the United States In the course OF
a few years. and that all legislation will
DO trained that way. We have not the
slightest doubt.
Next ,he President discusses the claims
that have been made upon us by the
Austrian Government for Indemnity fol
the loss OF lives Of certain of their citi.
gems who were killed by the sheriff's posse
At Luzerne, Pa. September 10. 1891 Ht
hopes a harmonious understanding vii
be reached.
Our trade relations with continental
Europe are also discussed. 1t appears
that several governments are causins
rigid, and, indeed. almost prohibiive, in
spections TO be made of our meats ant
fruits. Our dipiomatists are taking steps
TO correct these Determinations
or course. the construction OF the Mica
ragua canal by national aid is favored
The President is very pronounced on tina
question. He reports, however. that there
II a tangle about the concessions. Th'
attention OF Congress is urgently calle(
70 that matter. The report Of Admira
walkers Nicaragua canal commission
will soon be ready. and the Presiden
promises to submit II TO Congress as sool
~ possible. The President declares tina
the United states are not indifferent I
the events "sranspiring' In the Chimes
empire whereby portions Of china's mari
time provinces are passing under the con
txa 81 various European Powers. IL