The Saint Paul globe., 1900-12-05
a STRONG MESSAGE.

Few messages have ever been read be-
fore congress, the sentiments of which
have had the sustainment of the coun-
try to the extent to which the message
or President Mckinley enjoys that ad-
vantage. Coming Immediately after the
most decisive popular verdict Of approval
bestowed on the policy of the adplinistra.
ton OF its author, there will be few found
to take exception to it's utterances. 1t
is an extended and business-lil1e review
OF the public business of the nation, and
its recitals are naturally so made as to
show the administration off to the best
advantage. Yet taking those Of its state
ments which find dispute nowhere, and
those alone, it must be admitted that
the showing is one with reference to the
material interest OF this nation of which
evary American, without regard to party,
has much reason to be proud.
The policy Of the administration in
China has thus far been. attended by
signal success. The review of the events
leading to the appearance of the Ameri,
can soldier on Chinese soil, while cover
ing great detail is essentially correct in
all its statements and is not open to
serious dispute in its conclusions. There
are two features Of the presidential refer
ence to China and its affairs which will
receive the heartiest approval Of all
patriotic citizens. These are the sug-
gestons put forward, first, that the
probable financial inability of China to
meet in actual money the indemnity de,
mands of the powers may be made good
through the increased guarantees for for
eign rights and immunities and by the
opening Of the empire to the commerce
Of the world on terms Of equality among
the nations: and, secondly, that the
recommendation of the Russian govern
ment in favor of referring disputed ques-
tons regarding Indemnity; ETC., to The
Hague arbitration body for adjustment
be adopted by the powers. Acting along
the lines thus indicated, there is brought
into view an early and an entirely hu-
name and equitable adjustment of the
most difficult problems now attracting
the attention of the world, and the fail
ure to settle which may lead to the most
serious consequences on the territorial
integrity of China.
Despite the extended space accorded in
the message to the subject of the admin
istration of the affairs of the Philippine
islands, there is, perhaps, no other por-
ton of the message which will he re-
ceived by the country with less OF as
surance. The question has been settled
that we are to continue in control and
ownership of the former possessions of
Spain forfeited as the result of the late
war. The great issue which will prob
ably divide public sentiment in the fu-
ture will be the wisdom or unwisdom of
the methods resorted to in the govern
aqent of those possessions. In that re-
gard the United States have before them
an opportunity to demonstrate to the
world in the most impressive manner
the inherent superiority of representa-
tive institutions, and they are too, con-
Gronted by the danger of bringing indei-
ible disgrace upon free institutions, as
well as on the good name Of this people.
We have had one experience already Of
what the spirit Of spoiis can accomplish
fer US away from home. The custom
house and postal scandals at Havana
have never been made known in their
real significance and extent, and they
probably never would have been made
known at all had it not been for the
courageous initiative of Gen. Wood.
Those who believe that all the preten-
tious machinery made mention of in the
presidents message, of peace commits
sions, civil service regulations and the
like, will save us in the immediate fu-
ture from even still more gigantic scan
da,s arising out CT the division of the
spoils of the Orient among the hench-
men of Mr.. Hanna and Mr.. Platt and
Mr.. Quay, and the other recognized ma
tional leaders of the Republican party
have far more confidence in the rectitude
of the class of men whose activity in pol.
itics is dependent on the gain they can
acquire either through Office or official
perquisities than the average non-ofice-
seeking citizen enjoys. This, indeed, il
the most ominous subject of concern With
which the administration will be called
on to deal during the coming four years
OF all this long official presentment OF
President Mckinley what may be re.
gacded as the most important portion is
embodied in its closing details. The
recommendations of the message regard.
ms the foreign shipping of the United
States may be accepted, together witt
those relating to trusts, and the review
made Of the fiscal affairs of the govern.
ment as embodying considerations OF
future policy of the most momentous
bearing on the welfare of the people. Il
would certainly have been more satisfac.
tory to public opinion had the president
treated the matter of trusts in a NOR:
ample and less reserved form than that
ge=orted to by L!m. His administration
may be said, notwithstanding the great
popular Endorsement just bestowed On it,