The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-06
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

The Presidents message to Congress
IL very long, of necessity, but it should
be read by all voters since it gives a
clear history of the. conditions of the
country and it's finances, its relations
with foreign Powers, the needs of the
army and the NAVY, the body of the
suggestions of the departments, to-
gether with advice which the President
believes Congress should accept at the
present session.
One thing VIII strike the reader with
great force in the reading, the showing
of the great increase in volume and
value of our foreign commerce, which
Is followed ar, by the suggestion that
our maritime interests still more need
the fostering stimulation of govern
mental action.
The ffnancis i condition Of the country
the President finds very satisfactory,
and the trea. sury is in a healthy condi-
ton. He advises such amendment of
the national barking Act as will aug
ment the volume of the circulating me-
dunn, and that the gold standard shall
be preserved + re urges with emphasis.
The question. Of combines and trusts
is debated f1s eely as also the question
Of railway n ooling. The relations of
the Covering cent with foreign Powers
are set forth as usual and are declared
to be. in u lie main, entirely satisfac-
tory, thougs there are some controver-
sizes which are excepted because they
are still ~ nsettled.
He rene WIS his recommendation for a
commissi on to study the commercial
and indI Istria1 conditions in the Chin
csc EN- nire. as the subject Is one of
first and growing Importance to US. He
urges that criminal offenses against
the treaty rights Of aliens be commit
ted to the Jurisdiction of Federal
courts. thus repeating the advice OF
President Harrison.
The laying Of cable to Manila is
advised, and that it should be done
under Congressional action. The Pres
ident pays high compliment to the
volunteer soldiery which served in the
Philippines beyond the period of en-
lstment, and advises for them q special
medal Of honor. OF the force we have
in the Philippines. 300 are officers and
SO.5OS men OF the regular army, and
594 officers and 15,3SS men of the vol
unteer army. When all forces now
on the way arrive In thesislands we will
have there 2,051 officers and So, 4Sa
men.
The efficiency and service of the navy
are treated with high praise and the
condition Of our naval force IS clearly
stated with accompanying recommen-
dations as to construction, armor plates
and advice that Congress deal with the
navy in the matter of appropriations
with extreme liberality. Settlement OF
the railroad d. ebts, the question of for
estry and the work of the Agricultural
Department a re referred to appropri-
ately.
lating to the, Nicaragua canal are re-
ported; the Paris Exposition is COM
mended our relations with Germany
and Canada are specially treated and
somewhat fuller than usual, because Of
matters at issue concerning our food
product exports in the first case, anc
boundar and fishery questions in the
other. Our new treaty relations with
Japan are outlined and a statement is
made OF the settlement arrived at in the
matter of the Samoan group under
which England retires and the United
States is given complete control over g
distinct portion of the islands.
Coming to the Cuban question the
President repeats the disclaimer Of
America of any intention to maintain
permanent control in Cuba or do othel
than restore order, re-establissh indus
try and permit the soil once more L
become productive under cultivation
and when conditions are ripe to aid thu
people in the establishment Of stable
free Government. He believes excel