Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-12-08

proved lneHeCtlVe not because VI any
lack of disposition or attempt to enforce
them, but simply because the laws
themselves as interpreted by the courts
do not reach the difficulty. The decision
of our highest court on this precise ques-
ton renders 1t quite doubtful whether
the evils of trusts and monopolies can
be adequately treated through federal
action, unless they seek directly and
purposely to include in their objects
transportation or intercourse between
states or between the United States and
foreign countries"
The state legislation to which Presi-
dent Cleveland looked for relief from the
evils of trusts has failed to accomplish
fully that object. 1t Is apparent that
uniformity of legislation upon this SUBJ
ject in the several states is much to be
desired. 1t is to be hoped that such uni
formity may be obtained and that means
may be found for congress to supple
ment state legislation. The whole ques-
ton is so important and far reaching
that am sire no part of 1t will be lightly
considered
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
The contract of the Maritime Canal
forfeited by the Nicaraguan government
in October on the ground of non-fultil-
ment. The Maritime Canal company
has lodged a protest. The Nicaraguan
canal commission having completed its
labors, was dissolved on May 81, and on
June 10 new commission, the Isthmian
canal commission. was organized. This
commission entered promptly upon the
work intrusted to 1t, and is now carrying
on examination in Nicaragua along the
route of the Panama canal The work
will be prosecuted as expeditiously as
possible. The Importance Of this work
cannot be too strongly pressed upon
congress.
THE CANADIAN COMMISSION.
In my last annual message referred
to the pending negotiations with Great
Britain in respect to Canada. A Joint
high commission had been created for
the purpose of adjusting all unsettled
questions between the United States and
Canada, embracing IL subjects. Apart
from these questions the most friendly
disposition has marked the intercourse
of me United States with Great Britain.
THE BOER WAR.
This government has maintained an
attitude Of neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between Great Britain and the
| Boer states of South Africa. The United
| States representative at Pretoria was
early instructed to see that all neutral
| American interests be respected by the
| combatants. Upon the withdrawal of
the British agent from Pretoria the
| United States consul was authorized to
exercise the customary good offices OF a
neutral for the care OF British interests.
In the discharge of this function oppor-
tunity has been afforded to show the i'm
| Partially of this government toward
| both the combatapts.
| OUR PLEDGE TO CUBA.
| My annual message of last year was
necessarily devoted to the results of the
Spanish war and the conditions II i'm
posed for the future. The treaty Of
peace has restored friendly relations be-
tween the two powers. The withdrawal
Of the authority of Spain from the island
Of Cuba was effected by the LIST OF Janu
airy, so that the full re-establishment of
peace found the relinquished territory
held by us in trust for the inhabitants.
under the direction of the executive to
build up that tranquil development OF
the domestic state as proclaimed in the
joint resolution adopted by congress, by
which the United States disclaimed any
disposition or intention to exercise
sovereignty, Jurisdiction or control over
Cuba.
BY the treaty OF peace the Spanish peo-
pie of the island have until April IL. 1900.
to elect whether they will remain citI-
Gems of Spain or become citizens of Cuba.
BY that time the result of the census will
be tabulated and we shall proceed to
provide for elections which will commit
the municipal government of the island
to the officers elected by the people. In
the meantime and so long as we exercise
control over the island the products Of
Cuba should have a market in the United
States on as good terms as are given to
the West India islands. For the relief
Of the distressed In the island of Cuba
the war department has issued supplies
to destitute persons which amounted to
6,493, 900 rations at a cost of 81 All, 554.07
To promote the disarmament OF the
Cuban volunteer army and in the inter
est of public peace there was disbursed
$2,547, $50, paid from the emergency fund
provided for that purpose. Out OF the
Cuban island revenues during the siN
months ending June 80. 1899, 81, III, 0l4.2I
was expended for sanitation; $29S, SSl7C
for charities and hospitals, and $751;, $40
for aid of the destitute.
THE ARMY.
Since my last message and in obedi-
ence to acts of congress the remaining
volunteer force enlisted for the Spanish
war has been discharged. OF the Volun.
teers 667 officers and 1881 men serving
In the Philippines and 1850 of the regu
lars, who were entitled to be mustered
out voluntarily, remained at the from
until their places could be filled by new
troops. By virtue of the authority o.
congress the regular army has been in
creased to 81, 1893 enlisted men and 224;
officers, and new volunteer regiments
have been organized aggregating 33, 05t
men and 1924 officers. The force in Ma
Mia now consists of 1899 officers ant
1896 men. When the troops now unde
orders shall reach Manila the force will
comprise POSI- officers and 63,4S3 men
The muster out of the great volunteer
army and the creation Of a new arm,
has been the work of great magnitude
well and ably done, for which too mucl
credit can not be given the war depart
ment. During the year past the fore,
In Cuba and Porto Rico has been re-
duced to total Of 421 officers and 1s, 05
men.