The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-01-05

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assem-
bly, of the State of California and
Fellow-citizens: To faithfully fulfill the
solemn duties imposed upon me by the
official oath just administered is my
unalterable purpose individuals are,
at best, but weak instruments to guide
the destiny of a State. Conscious OF
this truth, and being fully aware of
the grave responsibilities incident to
this sacred trust of office now imposed
upon me, in order that I may be right
ly guided in my public duties, humbly
repose my faith in that Omniscient
Power which alike directs the course
of nations as of individuals.
THE WAR WITH SPAIN.
Our country has just emerged from
q foreign war. Springing from the
highest and noblest motives, the war,
through the gallantry of American SOL
diers and sailors, and the grand policy
of the National Administration, has
been waged to a. victorious end. While
We deeply mourn our heroes who died
In that great cause, we know that their
deaths were not in vain. History will
be tender to their memory; our flag will
more proudly wave above the soil that
shelters them; our country will en-
shrine their marvellous deeds.
THE EFFECT OF THE WAR UPON
OUR COMMERCE..
AS result of that contest, Spain,
crippled and bankrupt, pays it's debt to
America by the cession of territory.
The peaceful acquisition of the Ha-
waiian Islands, extending our empire
beyond our Pacific shore, should be
followed as political necessity by the
nf o
center Of commerce must move west
ward. California, favorably situated,
will, among other advantages, reap the
harvest of trade with these new terri
tries, developing our many, varied and
growing resources creating Western
merchant marine for the carriage of
our imports and exports, and Turing to
our markets the nations of the world.
The Nicaraguan Canal, soon to be
opened under the fostering care of
America, will give US a short eastern
outlet, and the great feat Of our ocean
fortress, the Oregon, will never again
be necessity.
Under these promising prospects the
Philippines must be retained. No short
sighted policy should yield the land
crimsoned with American blood.
The construction of the Trans-Si-
berian Railway will bring the wealth
of Russia. to our shores. Australia,
Japan, China, Asia and Africa will be
bound to us by the golden cords of
commerce. Within sight Of such a fu-
ture, we, ourselves, must assist in the
development of this State We must
be neither niggardly nor extravagant-
Parsimony in governmental affairs is
as dangerous as extravaganza.
THE PARIS EXPOSITION.
The year 1900 will usher in great
commercial theater-the Paris Expo
sition. 1t has been suggested that
some appropriation for this great event
should be granted, in order that Cali
fornia may be properly represented in
the exposition. If this matter is to re-
ceive legislative consideration at all,
since our Legislature meets only every
two years, the propriety and expedi-
ency Of an appropriation for this pur-
pose should be disposed Of at this Leg
islative session, for 1t would be too
burdensome upon the people to call
hereafter an extra session to deliberate
upon this subject
The question Of such an appropria-
ton is respectfully submitted to your
consideration, to take such action in
the premises as you deem advisable.
If any appropriation should, in your
judgment, be allowed, it ought not to
be so large or unreasonable as to be-
come onerous to the taxpayers; nor, In
1egislating upon this subject, should
you provide for numerous high-salaried
officers, with long retinue of salaried
attendants whose travelling and other