The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-12-16
NO STARTLING SUGGESTIONS.
she Peace Treaty Stlll Unsigned, the
President Does Not Discuss the Per-
manent Colonial Policy-The Chi
nese Question-Littlo New
on Currency-Army In
crease 100000.

est volume OF business ever re orded. Every
manufacture has been productive, agriculture
pursuits have yielded abundant returns, labor
In the fields of industry is better rewarded, rev.
enue legislation passed by the present congress
has increased the treasurys receipts to the
amount estimated by It's authorities, the
finances of the government have been carefully
administered and it's credit advanced to the
first rank while its currency has been main
tanned at the worlds highest standard Mill
tary service under a common flag and for a
righteous cause has strengthened the national
spirit and served to cement more closely than
ever the fraternal bonds between every section
OF the country
A review of the relation of the United States
TO other powers, always appropriate, is this
year OF primary importance in view Of the mo-
mentous questions which have arisen, demand
ing in one instance the ultimate determination
by arms and involving far-reaching conse-
quences which will require the earnest atten-
ton of congress.
THE WAR WITH SPAIN.
In my last annual message very full consid-
Grafton was given to the question OF the duty
OF the government OF the United States toward
Spain and the Cuban insurrection as
being by far the most important problem with
which we were then called upon to deal The
considerations then advanced. and the EXPOSE
zion OF tne views therein eApIOSStu, ulSCiOScu
my sense of the extreme gravity of the situa-
ton.
The message then reviews in detail the state
of affairs existing in Cuba up to the time OF the
destruction Of the battle ship Maine, and con-
tinues:
On the 18th OF February, last, occurred the
destruction Of the battleship Maine, while
rightfully lying in the harbor of Havana on a
mission Of international courtesy and good
villa catastrophe the suspicious nature and
horror OF which stirred the nations heart pro-
foundry 1t is q striking evidence of the p Use
and sturdy good sense distinguishing our ma
tional character that this shocking blow, fall
ing upon a generous people already deeply
touched by preceding events in Cuba, d not
move them to an instant, desperate resolve to
tolerate no longer the existence of condition
of danger and disorder at our doors that made
possible such deed by whomsoever wrought.
Yet the instinct Of justice prevailed
and the nation anxiously awaited the
result of the searching investigation at once set
on foot The finding OF the naval board of in
quiry established that tho origin Of the explos-
ion was external by a submarine mine and only
halted through lack of positive testimony to Xix
the responsibility Of its authorship.
All those things carried conviction to the
most thoughtful, even before the finding of the
naval court, that crisis in our relations with
Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong
was this belief that it needed but q brief eXeou-
tive suggestion to the Congress to receive i'm
mediate answer to the duty Of making instant
provision for the possible and perhaps speedily
probable emergency Of war and the remark
able, almost unique spectacle was presented or
a unanimous vote of both houses on the 9Th
OF March appropriating 0O) 'for the
national defense and for each and every pur-
pose connected Herewith, to be expended at the
discretion Of the President"
That this act Of provision came none too soon
was disclosed when the application Of the funds
was undertaken. Cur forts were practically
undefended. Our navy needed large provision
for increased ammunition and supplies and
even numbers to cope with any sudden
attack from the navy OF Spain,
which comprised modern vessels OF the
highest type of continental perfection Our
army also required enlargement OF men ana
munitions. The details Of the hurried prepara-
tions for the dreaded contingency is told in the
reports Of the secretaries OF war and of the
navy. and need not be repeated here. 1t Is SUI
hcient to say that the outbreak of war, when it
did come found our nation not unprepared to
meet the conflict.
Nor was the apprehension OF coming strife
confined to our own country. 1t was felt by the
continental powers which on April ith, through
their ambassadors and ENJOYS, addressed TO the
executive an expression Of hope that humanity
and moderation might mark the course of this
government and people. aad that further nego-
tiations would lead to an agreement, which,
while securing the maintenance Of peace, would
affirm all necessary guarantees for the re-
establishment of order in Cuba In responding
IN the nresentation. l also shared the hope That
the envoys had expressed that peace might be
preserved in q manner TO terminate tho chronic
condition Of disturbance in Cuba so injurious
aud menacing to our interests and tranquility
ne well as shocking TO our sentiments OF hu-
mnnitv. and while approaching the huIuanta-
rian and disinterested character OF the commu-
nitv they had made on behalf Of The powers II
stated that the confidence OF this government
for it's part, that equal appreciation would ht
shown for its earnest and unsellsh endeaVor'
to fulfill duty of humanity by ending situa,
ton, the indefinite prololgaiion OF which mas
become insuncrahle.
Still animated by the hope OF peaceful solu
ton ana obeying the dictates OF d2ty, no ehor
was relaxed to bring about a speedy ending o
the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this Oh
iect continued actively with the government o.
Snain. looking to the immediate conclusion CT I
civ months armistlce in Cuba with view Z
affect the recognition OF her peoples risAt Il
independence. Besides this, the instant re 0
cation OF the order OF RECOMMENDATION va
oelrcd co that the sufferers, returning to thci
homes anu UlllsN ny A4ilbld 1AAA---N''A '- % -
ish effort might be put in "a way to supper
themselves. and, by orderly re 5un9tiol OF tn
well nigh destroyed productive caergics Of tn
island. contribute to the restoration OF It's tran
nuilitv and well icing. Negotiations continue
for some little time at Madrid resulting /
offers bv the Spanish government which coul
not hut be regarded as Inadequate II was pro
posed to confide the preparation OF peace .
the insular parliament, yet to be convene
undcr the autonomous decree OF Noycmb5
1897 but without impairment in any wise OF IN
constitutional powers OF the Madrid govern
nent. which to that end, won grant an armii
tiee II solicited BIZ the Insurgents, for suci
dime as the generai-in-chief might see fit TO H.
How. nad with wnas scope OF dis;retio1ar
MOVERS the insulsr par lament was expected
set about the preparation" OF peace did NJ
,npaa-. II IL was to be By negotiation with q
Insurgents, the issue seemed u rest on the on
side with b0ly chosen by a faction Of tn
electors in the Districts under Spanish contr
and the other. with the insurgent Populate
holding the interior country, unrcpreseated
the so-called parliament AMI defiant at u
suggestion OF suing for pence.
Grieved and disi ppointed at this barren GU
come OF my sincere endeavors to reach pra
ticable solution. felt It my duty to remit
whole question to congress In the message
April II, 1893, announced that with this Ia
overture IN the dire ton Of immediate pea