The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-29
PRESIDENT PALMA'S FIRST
MESSAGE


President Palma's first message to the
Cuban Congress fully sustains the favor
able opinion generally held regarding him.
1t is likely to prove a fortunate circum-
stance for the Cubans that in the choice OF
their first President they selected a man
who. thoroughly identified with the cause
of Cuban independence and a leader in one
of its former wars, had not been in the
latest revolutionary movement and who
had the benefit of many years residence
in the United States, with good opportuni-
ties OF studying the working of our insti-
tutions and imbibiing the spirit of our peo-
pie. These facts may prove tc have much
influence in shaping the incipient policies
of the new republic. There is reason to be-
heve that President Palma has studied the
character and career of Washington and
will try to make them model for his ad-
ministration. There are some points of re-
semblance between his first message and
Washington's inaugural address. President
Palma's message opens by giving thanks to
the Almighty for His assistance in carry
ing out the work of obtaining Cuban indie
pendence and asks divine aid in the estab-
hshment of a firm and stable government.
Washington in his inaugural said: mo
people can be bound to acknowledge and
adore the Invisible Hand which conducts
the affairs of men more than those of the
United States. Every step by which they
have advanced to the character of an indie
pendent nation seems to have been distin-
guished by some token of providential
agency; and in the important revolution
just accomplished in the system of their
united government, the tranquil delibera-
lions and voluntary consent of so many
distinct communities from which the event
has resulted cannot be compared with the
been established without some return of
pious gratitude, along with humble an
ticipation of the future b ssings which the
past seems to presage." 1t augurs well for
a nation when it's first chief executive
makes his first official message the occa-
sion of expressing gratitude for divine
guidance and assistance. In his inaugural
message Washington did not recommend
any legislation or foreshadow any policy.
preferring. as he said, '1n place of a rec
ommendation of particular measures. the
tribute that is due to the talents, the recti-
tude and the patriotism which adorn the
characters selected to devise and adopt
them" In his first annual message. how
ever, delivered eight months after his in
augural address, Washington made a num-
Der of important recommendations. some
of which are repeated in a modified form
by President Palma. The dominant spirit
of both messages is the same, viz. the de-
velopment of internal resources the estab-
lishment of friendly relations with foreign
powers, the cultivation of harmony among
the people and the building UP of trade
For the rest. President Palma's message
shows that he has made a close study of
is likely to be vigilant and watchful in pro-
noting them. His expression OF gratitude
towards the United States is unreserved.
and he says: ITO recognize this debt of
gratitude to the great nation is an act
which exalts US and which makes us
worthy of the respect of other nations of
the world" He recommends cordial rela-
tons with all nations, and especial care
that the relations between Cuba and the
United States be most friendly" If the
Cubans live up to the first message of their
first President they will be all right.