Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1900-12-04
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.

The aIl-1mpOrtant matter OF an inter-
| oceanic canal has assumed new phase.
Adhering TO its refusal to open the ques-
ton of the forfeiture of the contract OF
the Maritime Canal company which
was terminated in October, 1899, the
government of Nicaragua has since sup
plemented that action by declaring the
so-styled Eyre Cragin option void for
nonpayment of the stipulated advance.
Deeming itself relieved from existing
engagements the Nicaraguan govern
ment shows disposition to deal freely
with the canal question either in the
way of negotiations with the United
States or by taking measures to promote
the waterway.
commend to the early attention of
the senate the convention of Great
Britain to facilitate the construction of
such canal and to remove any objec-
ton which might arise out of the con-
vention commonly called the Clayton
Bolwer, treaty.
Satisfactory progress has been made
toward the conclusion of general
treaty of friendship and intercourse
with Spain, in replacement of the old
treaty, which passed into allegiance by
reason OF the late war.
RECOMMENDS TAX REDUCTION.
After reviewing the condition of the
treasury showing a large surplus the
message recommends that congress at
It's present session reduce the internal
revenue taxes imposed to meet the ex-
penses of the war with Spain in the sum
of $50, 900, 900.
LEGISLATION AGAINST TRITSTS.
In my last message to the congress
called attention to the necessity for
early action to remedy such evils as
might be found to exist in connection
with combinations of capital organized
into trusts, and again invite attention
to my discussion of the subject at that
time. Restraint upon such combina-
lions as are injurious, and which are
within federal jurisdiction, should be
promptly applied by congress.
PHILIPPINES AND PORTO RICO.
After dwelling at length on his in
structions to the Philippine commission
the president says:
1t is evident that the most enlightened
thought of the Philippine islands fully
appreciates the Importance of these
principles and rules and they will inevi-
tably within short time command uni
versal assent.
The civil government of Porto Rico,
provided for by the act of congress, ap-
proved April, 1900, is in successful OPP
alton.
AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ARMY
After reviewing the need of troops
the message says it must be apparent
that we will require an army of about
60, 200, and that during present condi-
tons in Cuba and the Philippines the
president should have authority to in
crease the force to the present number
of 100000. Included in this authority
should be given to raise native troops in
the Philippines up to $4,000.
SUGGESTS REAPPORTIONMENT.
The message dwells at considerable
length on the census and recommends
| that congress, at it's present session, ap-
portion representation among the sew
eral states as provided by the constitu-
ton.
Following is the conclusion:
In our great prosperity we must guard
against the danger it invites of extrava-
gance in government expenditures and
appropriations. In this era of great
business activity and opportunity eau
ton is not untimely. Our growing
power brings with it temptations and
perils requiring constant vigilance to
avoid. Let us keep always in mind that
the foundation of our government is
| liberty, It's superstructure peace.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion Dec g. 1900