Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1899-12-06

b,493, 900 rations at a cost of 81. All. 554. OF.
To promote the disarmament of the
Cuban volunteer army and in the inter-
est or public peace there was disbursed
S2547, $50, paid from the emergency fund
provided for that purpose. Out of the
Cuban island revenues during the six
months ending June so, 1899, 81, 712, Ola 20
was expended for sanitation: $293. SS1 20
for charities and hospitals, and $Ss ,944 O3
for aid of the destitute.
THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
In response to the invitation of his
majesty the Emperor of Russia COM
mission from the United States attended
the peace conference at The Hague.
The occasion seemed opportune fer the
serious consideration of plan for the
pacific adjustment of International diff
ferences and definite project for a
permanent international tribunal. The
final act of that Conference. In short. pro-
Fided for maintenance of general peace,
the exercise Of good offices and media
ton, formation of commissions of III
quiry and International arbitration The
mediation provided for is purely volun-
tary and advisory.
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 Il, SCI men serving
In the Philippines and 1850 of the regu-
lars, who We're entitled to be mustered
out voluntarily, remained at the front
until their places could be filled by new
troops. BY virtue of the authority of
congress the regular army has been in
creased to GI,999 enlisted men and 2243
officers. and new volunteer regiments
have been organized aggregating $3.50
men and 1924 officers. The force in Ma
mia now consists of 1899 officers and
A. $50 men. When the troops now under
orders shall reach Manila the force will
comprise 2051 officers and 63,4S3 men.
The muster out of the great volunteer
army and the creation of a new army
has been the work of great magnitude.
well and ably done. for which too much
credit can not be given the war depart
ment. During the year past the force
in Cuba and Porto Rico has been re-
duced to a total of 421 officers and 1861
men.
THE NAVY.
The message refers to the spirit and
high efficiency" which has characterized
the service and the pride of the nation
In its achievements. The president says
the people will justify liberal appropria-
tons. and he unites with the secretary
in recommending that congress enact
such special legislation as may be neces-
sary to enable the department to make
contracts early in the coming year for
armor plate of the best quality that can
be obtained in this country for the
Maine, Ohio and Missouri, and that the
act limiting the price of armor to $500
pr ton be removed.
PENSION DEPARTMENT.
The pensioners of the United States in
all wars, June 3d. 1899, numbered 991 $40.
The number added during the year was
1891; the number dropped from all
causes was 43.lS6. Claims disallowed
numbered l07 ,9l9. The amount disbursed
for army and navy pensions during the
year was $l3S, $50 o.. 95. which was 81 651, =
461 81 less than the appropriations. The
pltSlttIll, III dttpi A4dlllCe Win lilt W 1871
Of the national encampment, G.. \. r..
recommends the modification of the act
OF June -, 1890. which prescribes the
amount of income that determines pen
sionablc status of dependent widow.
The president recommends that the
amount of income allowed independent
Of the proceeds of her daily labor should
not be less than $50 per annum, and he
urges that the congress shall so amend
the act as to make this provision.
THE PHILIPPINES.
The president introduces the subject
with Il reference To the treaty OF peace
between Spain and the United States
under the provision OF W hich the Philip
pine archipelago MAS ceded to the United
States for 2o.0Oo,OUo, and says; have
every reason To believe, and stiH he
lieve, tsat this transfer of sovereignty
was in accordance with the wishes and
aspirations of the great mass Of the
Filipino people. From the earliest mo-
ment no opportunity was lost OF lssur-
ing the people of the islands of .ur ar
dent desire lor their welfare ana Of the
intention of this government to DO every
tlluE possible To dQN dIICt their interests.
The president quotes from various
orders issued to those in command of
the United States military and naval
forces at Manila to show that it was the
object of the United States to protect
the people and to establish benehcent
government even before the treaty of
peace was signed. After the treaty had
been ratified. the message says, orders
We're sent to the commander to proclaim
the kindly intention of the government
and saying it was most important that
there should be no conflict with the in
surgents." The president then gives an
account of the appointment of the Philip
pine commission who, assisted by Ad-
miral Dewey and General Otis, were to
facilitate the most humane and etfec-
tive extension of authority throughout
the islands, and says: But before their
arrival in Manila the sinister ambition
OF a few leaders of the tllipinos had
created a situation full of erlbalIa s.