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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/13893-0.txt b/13893-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7768797 --- /dev/null +++ b/13893-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5463 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13893 *** + +A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + +BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON + +A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + + + +PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS + +1902 + + + + + * * * * * + +William McKinley + +Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the +Spanish-American War + + * * * * * + + + + +William McKinley + +William McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, was +born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His ancestors on +the paternal side, who were Scotch-Irish, came from Scotland and located +in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, David McKinley, after serving in +the Revolution, resided in Pennsylvania until 1814, when he went to +Ohio, where he died in 1840, at the age of 85. The grandmother of the +President, Mary Rose, came from a Puritan family that fled from England +to Holland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn. The father +of the President, William McKinley, sr., was born in Pine Township, +Mercer County, Pa., in 1807, and married Nancy Campbell Allison, of +Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1829. Both the grandfather and father of the +President were iron manufacturers. His father was a devout Methodist, +a stanch Whig and Republican, and an ardent advocate of a protective +tariff. He died during his son's first term as governor of Ohio, in +November, 1892, at the age of 85. The mother of the President passed +away at Canton, Ohio, in December, 1897, at the advanced age of 89. +William McKinley was educated in the public schools of Niles, Union +Seminary, at Poland, Ohio, and Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa. +Before attaining his majority taught in the public schools. At the +age of 16 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the +beginning of hostilities in the War between the States Mr. McKinley, +who was a clerk in the Poland post-office, volunteered his services, +and on June 11, 1861, was enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Ohio +Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the early engagements in West +Virginia, and in the winter's camp at Fayetteville received his first +promotion, commissary-sergeant, on April 15, 1862. In recognition of his +services at Antietam, Sergeant McKinley was made second lieutenant, his +commission dating from September 24, 1862, and on February 7, 1863, +while at Camp Piatt, he was again promoted, receiving the rank of first +lieutenant. In the retreat near Lynchburg, Va., his regiment marched 180 +miles, fighting nearly all the time, with scarcely any rest or food. +Lieutenant McKinley conducted himself with gallantry, and at Winchester +won additional honors. The Thirteenth West Virginia Regiment failed to +retire when the rest of Hayes's brigade fell back, and, being in great +danger of capture, the young lieutenant was directed to go and bring +it away, which he did in safety, after riding through a heavy fire. +On July 25, 1864, at the age of 21, McKinley was promoted to the rank of +captain. The brigade continued its fighting up and down the Shenandoah +Valley. At Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864, Captain McKinley's horse +was shot from under him. Served successively on the staffs of Generals +R.B. Hayes, George Crook, and Winfield S. Hancock, and on March 14, +1865, was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by President +Lincoln for gallantry in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, and +Fishers Hill. Was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general of the +First Division, First Army Corps, on the staff of General Samuel S. +Carroll. At the close of the war was urged to remain in the Army, but, +deferring to the judgment of his father, was mustered out of the service +July 26, 1865, and returned to Poland. At once began the study of law +under Glidden & Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio, and later attended the +law school in Albany, N.Y. Was admitted to the bar in March, 1867, at +Warren, Ohio, and the same year removed to Canton, Ohio, which has since +been his home. In 1867 his first political speeches were made in favor +of negro suffrage. In 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark +County, and served one term, being defeated two years later for the same +office. Mr. McKinley took an active interest in State politics, and made +speeches in many of the campaigns. On January 25, 1871, married Miss +Ida Saxton. Two daughters were born to them, both of whom died in +early childhood. In 1876 was elected a member of the National House of +Representatives, and for fourteen years represented the Congressional +district of which his county was a part, except for a portion of his +fourth term, when he was unseated late in the first session. While in +Congress served on the Committees on the Judiciary, Revision of the +Laws, Expenditures in the Post-Office Department, Rules, and Ways and +Means. As chairman of the last-named committee in the Fifty-first +Congress, reported the tariff law of 1890. At the beginning of this +Congress was defeated in the caucus of his party for the Speakership of +the House. In the meantime, his district having been materially changed, +he was defeated for reelection to Congress in November, 1890, though he +largely reduced the usual majority against his party in the counties of +which the new district was constituted. In 1891 was elected governor of +Ohio by a plurality of 21,500, and in 1893 was reelected by a plurality +of 80,995. In 1884 was a delegate at large to the Republican national +convention, and supported James G. Blaine for President; was a member +of the committee on resolutions, and presented the platform to the +convention. Also attended the convention of his party in 1888 as a +delegate at large from Ohio, supporting John Sherman for President, +and as chairman of the committee on resolutions again reported the +platform. In 1892 was again a delegate at large from Ohio, and +supported the renomination of Benjamin Harrison, and served as chairman +of the convention. At that convention 182 votes were cast for him +for President, although he had persistently refused to have his name +considered. On June 18, 1896, was nominated for President by the +national convention of his party at St. Louis, receiving on the first +ballot 661-1/2 out of a total of 922 votes. Was chosen President at the +ensuing November election by a plurality in the popular vote of over +600,000, and received 271 electoral votes, against 176 for William J. +Bryan, of Nebraska. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 17, 1897_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:_ + +Official information from our consuls in Cuba establishes the fact that +a large number of American citizens in the island are in a state of +destitution, suffering for want of food and medicines. This applies +particularly to the rural districts of the central and eastern parts. + +The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into +the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local +authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to +relieve the needs of their own people and are altogether powerless to +help our citizens. + +The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight hundred +Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that +provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend +that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be +immediately available, for use under the direction of the Secretary of +State. + +It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by +Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be +used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return +to the United States, are without means to do so. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1897_. + + * * * * * + +The most important problem with which this Government is now called upon +to deal pertaining to its foreign relations concerns its duty toward +Spain and the Cuban insurrection. Problems and conditions more or less +in common with those now existing have confronted this Government at +various times in the past. The story of Cuba for many years has been one +of unrest, growing discontent, an effort toward a larger enjoyment of +liberty and self-control, of organized resistance to the mother country, +of depression after distress and warfare, and of ineffectual settlement +to be followed by renewed revolt. For no enduring period since the +enfranchisement of the continental possessions of Spain in the Western +Continent has the condition of Cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba +not caused concern to the United States. + +The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon +the island and the political vicissitudes and embarrassments of the home +Government might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power +called forth between 1823 and 1860 various emphatic declarations of +the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's +connection with Spain unless in the direction of independence or +acquisition by us through purchase, nor has there been any change of +this declared policy since upon the part of the Government. + +The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years despite the +strenuous efforts of the successive peninsular governments to suppress +it. Then as now the Government of the United States testified its grave +concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The +overtures made by General Grant were refused and the war dragged on, +entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to +American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality upon +this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of Zanjon, +obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander, Martinez de +Campos, and the insurgent leaders. + +The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895. It is not +my purpose at this time to recall its remarkable increase or to +characterize its tenacious resistance against the enormous forces massed +against it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue it carried +destruction to every quarter of the island, developing wide proportions +and defying the efforts of Spain for its suppression. The civilized code +of war has been disregarded, no less so by the Spaniards than by the +Cubans. + +The existing conditions can not but fill this Government and the +American people with the gravest apprehension. There is no desire on the +part of our people to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We have only +the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and contented, enjoying that +measure of self-control which is the inalienable right of man, protected +in their right to reap the benefit of the exhaustless treasures of their +country. + +The offer made by my predecessor in April, 1896, tendering the friendly +offices of this Government, failed. Any mediation on our part was not +accepted. In brief, the answer read: "There is no effectual way to +pacify Cuba unless it begins with the actual submission of the rebels +to the mother country." Then only could Spain act in the promised +direction, of her own motion and after her own plans. + +The cruel policy of concentration was initiated February 16, 1896. The +productive districts controlled by the Spanish armies were depopulated. +The agricultural inhabitants were herded in and about the garrison +towns, their lands laid waste and their dwellings destroyed. This policy +the late cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary measure of war and as +a means of cutting off supplies from the insurgents. It has utterly +failed as a war measure. It was not civilized warfare. It was +extermination. + +Against this abuse of the rights of war I have felt constrained on +repeated occasions to enter the firm and earnest protest of this +Government. There was much of public condemnation of the treatment of +American citizens by alleged illegal arrests and long imprisonment +awaiting trial or pending protracted judicial proceedings. I felt it my +first duty to make instant demand for the release or speedy trial of all +American citizens under arrest. Before the change of the Spanish cabinet +in October last twenty-two prisoners, citizens of the United States, had +been given their freedom. + +For the relief of our own citizens suffering because of the conflict +the aid of Congress was sought in a special message,[1] and under +the appropriation of May 24, 1897,[2] effective aid has been given to +American citizens in Cuba, many of them at their own request having been +returned to the United States. + +The instructions given to our new minister to Spain before his departure +for his post directed him to impress upon that Government the sincere +wish of the United States to lend its aid toward the ending of the war +in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable +alike to Spain and to the Cuban people. These instructions recited the +character and duration of the contest, the widespread losses it entails, +the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance +of national interests, and the injury resulting from an indefinite +continuance of this state of things. It was stated that at this juncture +our Government was constrained to seriously inquire if the time was not +ripe when Spain of her own volition, moved by her own interests and +every sentiment of humanity, should put a stop to this destructive war +and make proposals of settlement honorable to herself and just to her +Cuban colony. It was urged that as a neighboring nation, with large +interests in Cuba, we could be required to wait only a reasonable time +for the mother country to establish its authority and restore peace and +order within the borders of the island; that we could not contemplate an +indefinite period for the accomplishment of this result. + +No solution was proposed to which the slightest idea of humiliation to +Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were withheld to +avoid embarrassment to that Government. All that was asked or expected +was that some safe way might be speedily provided and permanent peace +restored. It so chanced that the consideration of this offer, addressed +to the same Spanish administration which had declined the tenders of +my predecessor, and which for more than two years had poured men and +treasure into Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress the revolt, fell +to others. Between the departure of General Woodford, the new envoy, +and his arrival in Spain the statesman who had shaped the policy of his +country fell by the hand of an assassin, and although the cabinet of the +late premier still held office and received from our envoy the proposals +he bore, that cabinet gave place within a few days thereafter to a new +administration, under the leadership of Sagasta. + +The reply to our note was received on the 23d day of October. It is in +the direction of a better understanding. It appreciates the friendly +purposes of this Government. It admits that our country is deeply +affected by the war in Cuba and that its desires for peace are just. +It declares that the present Spanish government is bound by every +consideration to a change of policy that should satisfy the United +States and pacify Cuba within a reasonable time. To this end Spain has +decided to put into effect the political reforms heretofore advocated by +the present premier, without halting for any consideration in the path +which in its judgment leads to peace. The military operations, it is +said, will continue, but will be humane and conducted with all regard +for private rights, being accompanied by political action leading to +the autonomy of Cuba while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it is +claimed, will result in investing Cuba with a distinct personality, the +island to be governed by an executive and by a local council or chamber, +reserving to Spain the control of the foreign relations, the army and +navy, and the judicial administration. To accomplish this the present +government proposes to modify existing legislation by decree, leaving +the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators and deputies, to +solve the economic problem and properly distribute the existing debt. + +In the absence of a declaration of the measures that this Government +proposes to take in carrying out its proffer of good offices, it +suggests that Spain be left free to conduct military operations and +grant political reforms, while the United States for its part shall +enforce its neutral obligations and cut off the assistance which it is +asserted the insurgents receive from this country. The supposition of an +indefinite prolongation of the war is denied. It is asserted that the +western provinces are already well-nigh reclaimed, that the planting of +cane and tobacco therein has been resumed, and that by force of arms and +new and ample reforms very early and complete pacification is hoped for. + +The immediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new +administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal the +disturbance and all occasion for any change of attitude on the part +of the United States. Discussion of the question of the international +duties and responsibilities of the United States as Spain understands +them is presented, with an apparent disposition to charge us with +failure in this regard. This charge is without any basis in fact. It +could not have been made if Spain had been cognizant of the constant +efforts this Government has made, at the cost of millions and by the +employment of the administrative machinery of the nation at command, +to perform its full duty according to the law of nations. That it has +successfully prevented the departure of a single military expedition or +armed vessel from our shores in violation of our laws would seem to be +a sufficient answer. But of this aspect of the Spanish note it is not +necessary to speak further now. Firm in the conviction of a wholly +performed obligation, due response to this charge has been made in +diplomatic course. + +Throughout all these horrors and dangers to our own peace this +Government has never in any way abrogated its sovereign prerogative of +reserving to itself the determination of its policy and course according +to its own high sense of right and in consonance with the dearest +interests and convictions of our own people should the prolongation of +the strife so demand. + +Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents +as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral +intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between +the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. +I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. +That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + +Recognition of the belligerency of the Cuban insurgents has often +been canvassed as a possible, if not inevitable, step both in regard +to the previous ten years struggle and during the present war. I am +not unmindful that the two Houses of Congress in the spring of 1896 +expressed the opinion by concurrent resolution that a condition of +public war existed requiring or justifying the recognition of a state +of belligerency in Cuba, and during the extra session the Senate voted +a joint resolution of like import, which, however, was not brought +to a vote in the House of Representatives. In the presence of these +significant expressions of the sentiment of the legislative branch it +behooves the Executive to soberly consider the conditions under which +so important a measure must needs rest for justification. It is to be +seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection possesses beyond +dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone can demand the +recognition of belligerency in its favor. Possession, in short, of +the essential qualifications of sovereignty by the insurgents and the +conduct of the war by them according to the received code of war are +no less important factors toward the determination of the problem of +belligerency than are the influences and consequences of the struggle +upon the internal polity of the recognizing state. + +The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of +December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in +Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous +conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all +those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and +of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of +condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated. +Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously +affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United +States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and +intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which +now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem: + + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. + + In a former message to Congress[3] I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, + dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the + fearful dignity of war. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign + powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be + pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past + history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights + which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable + propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been + its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good + report. The question of according or of withholding rights of + belligerency must be judged in every case in view of the particular + attending facts. Unless justified by necessity, it is always, and + justly, regarded as an unfriendly act and a gratuitous demonstration + of moral support to the rebellion. It is necessary, and it is + required, when the interests and rights of another government or of + its people are so far affected by a pending civil conflict as to + require a definition of its relations to the parties thereto. But + this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the sense of + international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The mere + existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts do + not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and + manifest to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary + functions of government toward its own people and to other states, + with courts for the administration of justice, with a local + habitation, possessing such organization of force, such material, such + occupation of territory, as to take the contest out of the category of + a mere rebellious insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it + on the terrible footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency + would aim to elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the + insurrection has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it + may send forth its flag, nor has it any means of communication with + foreign powers except through the military lines of its adversaries. + No apprehension of any of those sudden and difficult complications + which a war upon the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, + both commercial and national, and upon the consular officers of other + powers calls for the definition of their relations to the parties to + the contest. Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the + accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and premature + as I regard it to be, at present, indefensible as a measure of right. + Such recognition entails upon the country according the rights which + flow from it difficult and complicated duties, and requires the + exaction from the contending parties of the strict observance of their + rights and obligations. It confers the right of search upon the high + seas by vessels of both parties; it would subject the carrying of arms + and munitions of war, which now may be transported freely and without + interruption in the vessels of the United States, to detention and to + possible seizure; it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, + would release the parent Government from responsibility for acts done + by the insurgents, and would invest Spain with the right to exercise + the supervision recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on + the high seas, a very large part of which, in its traffic between the + Atlantic and the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on + the Pacific, passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. + The exercise of this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to + abuses, certainly to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations + of the two States. There can be little doubt to what result such + supervision would before long draw this nation. It would be unworthy + of the United States to inaugurate the possibilities of such result by + measures of questionable right or expediency or by any indirection. + + +Turning to the practical aspects of a recognition of belligerency +and reviewing its inconveniences and positive dangers, still further +pertinent considerations appear. In the code of nations there is no +such thing as a naked recognition of belligerency, unaccompanied by the +assumption of international neutrality. Such recognition, without more, +will not confer upon either party to a domestic conflict a status not +theretofore actually possessed or affect the relation of either party to +other states. The act of recognition usually takes the form of a solemn +proclamation of neutrality, which recites the _de facto_ condition +of belligerency as its motive. It announces a domestic law of neutrality +in the declaring state. It assumes the international obligations of a +neutral in the presence of a public state of war. It warns all citizens +and others within the jurisdiction of the proclaimant that they violate +those rigorous obligations at their own peril and can not expect to be +shielded from the consequences. The right of visit and search on the +seas and seizure of vessels and cargoes and contraband of war and good +prize under admiralty law must under international law be admitted +as a legitimate consequence of a proclamation of belligerency. While +according the equal belligerent rights defined by public law to each +party in our ports disfavors would be imposed on both, which, while +nominally equal, would weigh heavily in behalf of Spain herself. +Possessing a navy and controlling the ports of Cuba, her maritime rights +could be asserted not only for the military investment of the island, +but up to the margin of our own territorial waters, and a condition of +things would exist for which the Cubans within their own domain could +not hope to create a parallel, while its creation through aid or +sympathy from within our domain would be even more impossible than now, +with the additional obligations of international neutrality we would +perforce assume. + +The enforcement of this enlarged and onerous code of neutrality would +only be influential within our own jurisdiction by land and sea and +applicable by our own instrumentalities. It could impart to the United +States no jurisdiction between Spain and the insurgents. It would give +the United States no right of intervention to enforce the conduct of the +strife within the paramount authority of Spain according to the +international code of war. + +For these reasons I regard the recognition of the belligerency of the +Cuban insurgents as now unwise, and therefore inadmissible. Should that +step hereafter be deemed wise as a measure of right and duty, the +Executive will take it. + +Intervention upon humanitarian grounds has been frequently suggested and +has not failed to receive my most anxious and earnest consideration. +But should such a step be now taken, when it is apparent that a hopeful +change has supervened in the policy of Spain toward Cuba? A new +government has taken office in the mother country. It is pledged in +advance to the declaration that all the effort in the world can not +suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet; that vague promises of +reform after subjugation afford no solution of the insular problem; that +with a substitution of commanders must come a change of the past system +of warfare for one in harmony with a new policy, which shall no longer +aim to drive the Cubans to the "horrible alternative of taking to the +thicket or succumbing in misery;" that reforms must be instituted in +accordance with the needs and circumstances of the time, and that these +reforms, while designed to give full autonomy to the colony and to +create a virtual entity and self-controlled administration, shall yet +conserve and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a just distribution of +powers and burdens upon a basis of mutual interest untainted by methods +of selfish expediency. + +The first acts of the new government lie in these honorable paths. +The policy of cruel rapine and extermination that so long shocked the +universal sentiment of humanity has been reversed. Under the new +military commander a broad clemency is proffered. Measures have already +been set on foot to relieve the horrors of starvation. The power of the +Spanish armies, it is asserted, is to be used not to spread ruin and +desolation, but to protect the resumption of peaceful agricultural +pursuits and productive industries. That past methods are futile to +force a peace by subjugation is freely admitted, and that ruin without +conciliation must inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity of a +contented dependency. + +Decrees in application of the foreshadowed reforms have already been +promulgated. The full text of these decrees has not been received, but +as furnished in a telegraphic summary from our minister are: All civil +and electoral rights of peninsular Spaniards are, in virtue of existing +constitutional authority, forthwith extended to colonial Spaniards. A +scheme of autonomy has been proclaimed by decree, to become effective +upon ratification by the Cortes. It creates a Cuban parliament, which, +with the insular executive, can consider and vote upon all subjects +affecting local order and interests, possessing unlimited powers save as +to matters of state, war, and the navy, as to which the Governor-General +acts by his own authority as the delegate of the central Government. +This parliament receives the oath of the Governor-General to preserve +faithfully the liberties and privileges of the colony, and to it the +colonial secretaries are responsible. It has the right to propose to the +central Government, through the Governor-General, modifications of the +national charter and to invite new projects of law or executive measures +in the interest of the colony. + +Besides its local powers, it is competent, first, to regulate electoral +registration and procedure and prescribe the qualifications of electors +and the manner of exercising suffrage; second, to organize courts of +justice with native judges from members of the local bar; third, to +frame the insular budget, both as to expenditures and revenues, without +limitation of any kind, and to set apart the revenues to meet the Cuban +share of the national budget, which latter will be voted by the national +Cortes with the assistance of Cuban senators and deputies; fourth, to +initiate or take part in the negotiations of the national Government for +commercial treaties which may affect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept +or reject commercial treaties which the national Government may have +concluded without the participation of the Cuban government; sixth, +to frame the colonial tariff, acting in accord with the peninsular +Government in scheduling articles of mutual commerce between the mother +country and the colonies. Before introducing or voting upon a bill the +Cuban government or the chambers will lay the project before the central +Government and hear its opinion thereon, all the correspondence in such +regard being made public. Finally, all conflicts of jurisdiction arising +between the different municipal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or +between the latter and the insular executive power, and which from their +nature may not be referable to the central Government for decision, +shall be submitted to the courts. + +That the government of Sagasta has entered upon a course from which +recession with honor is impossible can hardly be questioned; that in +the few weeks it has existed it has made earnest of the sincerity of its +professions is undeniable. I shall not impugn its sincerity, nor should +impatience be suffered to embarrass it in the task it has undertaken. +It is honestly due to Spain and to our friendly relations with Spain +that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations +and to prove the asserted efficacy of the new order of things to which +she stands irrevocably committed. She has recalled the commander whose +brutal orders inflamed the American mind and shocked the civilized +world. She has modified the horrible order of concentration and has +undertaken to care for the helpless and permit those who desire to +resume the cultivation of their fields to do so, and assures them of the +protection of the Spanish Government in their lawful occupations. She +has just released the _Competitor_ prisoners, heretofore sentenced +to death, and who have been the subject of repeated diplomatic +correspondence during both this and the preceding Administration. + +Not a single American citizen is now in arrest or confinement in Cuba of +whom this Government has any knowledge. The near future will demonstrate +whether the indispensable condition of a righteous peace, just alike to +the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our interests so +intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If +not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will +remain to be taken. When that time comes, that action will be determined +in the line of indisputable right and duty. It will be faced, without +misgiving or hesitancy, in the light of the obligation this Government +owes to itself, to the people who have confided to it the protection of +their interests and honor, and to humanity. + +Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated +only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion +nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over +the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of +its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall +be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty +imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity +to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only +because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command the +support and approval of the civilized world. + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION appropriating $50,000 for the relief of destitute +citizens of the United States in the island of Cuba. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the sum of $50,000 be, +and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury +not otherwise appropriated, for the relief of destitute citizens of the +United States in the island of Cuba, said money to be expended at the +discretion and under the direction of the President of the United States +in the purchase and furnishing of food, clothing, and medicines to such +citizens, and for transporting to the United States such of them as so +desire and who are without means to transport themselves. + +Approved, May 24, 1897. + +[Footnote 1: See p. 127.] + +[Footnote 2: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 3: See Vol. VII, pp. 64-69.] + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 28, 1898._ + +_To the Congress of the United States_: + +For some time prior to the visit of the _Maine_ to Havana Harbor +our consular representatives pointed out the advantages to flow from the +visit of national ships to the Cuban waters, in accustoming the people +to the presence of our flag as the symbol of good will and of our ships +in the fulfillment of the mission of protection to American interests, +even though no immediate need therefor might exist. + +Accordingly, on the 24th of January last, after conference with the +Spanish minister, in which the renewal of visits of our war vessels to +Spanish waters was discussed and accepted, the peninsular authorities at +Madrid and Havana were advised of the purpose of this Government to +resume friendly naval visits at Cuban ports, and that in that view the +_Maine_ would forthwith call at the port of Havana. + +This announcement was received by the Spanish Government with +appreciation of the friendly character of the visit of the _Maine_ +and with notification of intention to return the courtesy by sending +Spanish ships to the principal ports of the United States. Meanwhile the +_Maine_ entered the port of Havana on the 25th of January, her +arrival being marked with no special incident besides the exchange of +customary salutes and ceremonial visits. + +The _Maine_ continued in the harbor of Havana during the three +weeks following her arrival. No appreciable excitement attended her +stay. On the contrary, a feeling of relief and confidence followed the +resumption of the long-interrupted friendly intercourse. So noticeable +was this immediate effect of her visit that the consul-general strongly +urged that the presence of our ships in Cuban waters should be kept up +by retaining the _Maine_ at Havana, or, in the event of her recall, +by sending another vessel there to take her place. + +At forty minutes past 9 in the evening of the 15th of February the +_Maine_ was destroyed by an explosion, by which the entire forward +part of the ship was utterly wrecked. In this catastrophe 2 officers and +264 of her crew perished, those who were not killed outright by her +explosion being penned between decks by the tangle of wreckage and +drowned by the immediate sinking of the hull. + +Prompt assistance was rendered by the neighboring vessels anchored in +the harbor, aid being especially given by the boats of the Spanish +cruiser _Alfonso XII_ and the Ward Line steamer _City of Washington_, +which lay not far distant. The wounded were generously cared for by +the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, +while the earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the +municipality in a public cemetery in the city. Tributes of grief and +sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. + +The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with +crushing force, and for a brief time an intense excitement prevailed, +which in a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have +led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave +way to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to investigate +the facts and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the +cause, the responsibility, and, if the facts warranted, the remedy due. +This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the +Executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained +certainty could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty +in the matter. + +The usual procedure was followed, as in all cases of casualty or +disaster to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of +inquiry was at once organized, composed of officers well qualified by +rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed +upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court +proceeded to make a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every +available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes +of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost +deliberation and judgment, and, while independently pursued, no +attainable source of information was neglected, and the fullest +opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous investigation by the Spanish +authorities. + +The finding of the court of inquiry was reached, after twenty-three days +of continuous labor, on the 21st of March instant, and, having been +approved on the 22d by the commander in chief of the United States naval +force on the North Atlantic station, was transmitted to the Executive. + +It is herewith laid before the Congress, together with the voluminous +testimony taken before the court. + +Its purport is, in brief, as follows: + +When the _Maine_ arrived at Havana, she was conducted by the regular +Government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored in from 5-1/2 +to 6 fathoms of water. + +The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magazines, +boilers, coal bunkers, and storage compartments are passed in review, +with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no +indication of any cause for an internal explosion existed in any +quarter. + +At 8 o'clock in the evening of February 15 everything had been reported +secure, and all was quiet. + +At forty minutes past 9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly destroyed. + +There were two distinct explosions, with a brief interval between them. +The first lifted the forward part of the ship very perceptibly; the +second, which was more open, prolonged, and of greater volume, is +attributed by the court to the partial explosion of two or more of the +forward magazines. + +The evidence of the divers establishes that the after part of the ship +was practically intact and sank in that condition a very few moments +after the explosion. The forward part was completely demolished. + +Upon the evidence of a concurrent external cause the finding of the +court is as follows: + +At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point 11-1/2 feet from +the middle line of the ship and 6 feet above the keel when in its normal +position, has been forced up so as to be now about 4 feet above the +surface of the water, therefore about 34 feet above where it would be +had the ship sunk uninjured. + +The outside bottom plating is bent into a reversed V shape (*A), the +after wing of which, about 15 feet broad and 32 feet in length (from +frame 17 to frame 25), is doubled back upon itself against the +continuation of the same plating, extending forward. + +At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two and the flat keel bent +into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. +This break is now about 6 feet below the surface of the water and about +30 feet above its normal position. + +In the opinion of the court this effect could have been produced only by +the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about +frame 18 and somewhat on the port side of the ship. + + +The conclusions of the court are: + +That the loss of the _Maine_ was not in any respect due to fault or +negligence on the part of any of the officers or members of her crew; + +That the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which +caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines; +and + +That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the +destruction of the _Maine_ upon any person or persons. + +I have directed that the finding of the court of inquiry and the views +of this Government thereon be communicated to the Government of Her +Majesty the Queen Regent, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the +sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action +suggested by honor and the friendly relations of the two Governments. + +It will be the duty of the Executive to advise the Congress of the +result, and in the meantime deliberate consideration is invoked. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the +President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the +state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures +as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty to now +address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the +relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that +for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. + +I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with +the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which +it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the +traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the +precepts laid down by the founders of the Republic and religiously +observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. + +The present revolution is but the successor of other similar +insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, +extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which during +its progress has subjected the United States to great effort and expense +in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American +trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among +our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized +practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane +sympathies of our people. + +Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country has +seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword in +the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and +rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness +of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent +people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the +sovereign state. + +Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to +comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its +exceptional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills +in ruins, and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and +destitution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance +of that strict neutrality which our laws enjoin and which the law of +nations commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports +in prevention of any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. + +Our trade has suffered, the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba +has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people +have been so sorely tried as to beget a perilous unrest among our own +citizens, which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in +the National Legislature, so that issues wholly external to our own body +politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion to +domestic advancement that becomes a self-contained commonwealth whose +primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entanglements. All +this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused, the utmost concern on +the part of this Government, as well during my predecessor's term as in +my own. + +In April, 1896, the evils from which our country suffered through the +Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to bring +about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any way that +might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between Spain +and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of +self-government for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It +failed through the refusal of the Spanish government then in power to +consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement which +did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the mother +country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might see fit to +grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the insurgents was +in no wise diminished. + +The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh +levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of +a new and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history +of civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and +concentration, inaugurated by the Captain-General's _bando_ of +October 21, 1896, in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended +to embrace all of the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was +able to reach by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, +including all dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven +into the garrison towns or isolated places held by the troops. + +The raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. +The fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills +destroyed, and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and +render it unfit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or +the other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at +their disposal. + +By the time the present Administration took office, a year ago, +reconcentration (so called) had been made effective over the better part +of the four central and western provinces--Santa Clara, Matanzas, +Havana, and Pinar del Rio. + +The agricultural population to the estimated number of 300,000 or more +was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, deprived of +the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left poorly clad, +and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the scarcity of food +increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas of production, +destitution and want became misery and starvation. Month by month the +death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By March, 1897, according to +conservative estimates from official Spanish sources, the mortality +among the reconcentrados from starvation and the diseases thereto +incident exceeded 50 per cent of their total number. + +No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened +towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. +So-called "zones of cultivation" established within the immediate areas +of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps +proved illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being +for the most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, +enfeebled by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without +tools, seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the +cities. Reconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to +cut off the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. +As I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; +it was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the +wilderness and the grave. + +Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a +noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the +second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the thitherto +unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and destruction up +to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed into a dogged +struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The Spanish arms regained +a measure of control in Pinar del Rio and parts of Havana, but, under +the existing conditions of the rural country, without immediate +improvement of their productive situation. Even thus partially +restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their conquest and +submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole basis of +peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. + +In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted with +the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December[4] reviewed +the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to relieving its +acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable settlement. The +assassination of the prime minister, Canovas, led to a change of +government in Spain. The former administration, pledged to subjugation +without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal party, +committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the wider +principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. + +The overtures of this Government made through its new envoy, General +Woodford, and looking to an immediate and effective amelioration of the +condition of the island, although not accepted to the extent of admitted +mediation in any shape, were met by assurances that home rule in an +advanced phase would be forthwith offered to Cuba, without waiting for +the war to end, and that more humane methods should thenceforth prevail +in the conduct of hostilities. Coincidentally with these declarations +the new government of Spain continued and completed the policy, already +begun by its predecessor, of testifying friendly regard for this nation +by releasing American citizens held under one charge or another +connected with the insurrection, so that by the end of November not a +single person entitled in any way to our national protection remained in +a Spanish prison. + +While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution of +the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among them +claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the limited +measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens among them +by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies of the money +appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint resolution approved +May 24, 1897,[5] prompted the humane extension of a similar scheme of +aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to this end was +acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. + +On the 24th of December last I caused to be issued an appeal to the +American people inviting contributions in money or in kind for the +succor of the starving sufferers in Cuba, following this on the 8th of +January by a similar public announcement of the formation of a central +Cuban relief committee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of +three members representing the American National Red Cross and the +religious and business elements of the community. + +The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accomplished +much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have greatly aided +the charitable work. The president of the American Red Cross and +representatives of other contributory organizations have generously +visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and the local +authorities to make effective distribution of the relief collected +through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 in money +and supplies has already reached the sufferers, and more is forthcoming. +The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation to the interior +has been arranged, so that the relief, at first necessarily confined to +Havana and the larger cities, is now extended through most, if not all, +of the towns where suffering exists. + +Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a change +in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the Spanish +Government. Within a few days past the orders of General Weyler have +been revoked. The reconcentrados, it is said, are to be permitted to +return to their homes and aided to resume the self-supporting pursuits +of peace. Public works have been ordered to give them employment and a +sum of $600,000 has been appropriated for their relief. + +The war in Cuba is of such a nature that, short of subjugation or +extermination, a final military victory for either side seems +impracticable. The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the +one or the other party, or perhaps of both--a condition which in effect +ended the ten years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a +protraction and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly +to be contemplated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of +all by the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and +intimately, by its very existence. + +Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true +friendliness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans, who have so much to +lose by the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an +immediate termination of the war. To this end I submitted on the 27th +ultimo, as a result of much representation and correspondence, through +the United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish +Government looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation +of peace with the good offices of the President. + +In addition I asked the immediate revocation of the order of +reconcentration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and +the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United +States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full +relief. + +The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the +31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, +to confide the preparation thereof to the insular parliament, inasmuch +as the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final +result, it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the +constitution to the central Government are not lessened or diminished. +As the Cuban parliament does not meet until the 4th of May next, the +Spanish Government would not object for its part to accept at once +a suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the +general in chief, to whom it would pertain in such case to determine +the duration and conditions of the armistice. + +The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of the +Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the texts +of which are before me and are substantially in the language above +given. The function of the Cuban parliament in the matter of "preparing" +peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in the Spanish +memorandum, but from General Woodford's explanatory reports of +preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is understood +that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the insular congress +full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insurgents, whether by +direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legislation does not +appear. + +With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its +disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end of +his effort. + +In my annual message of December last I said: + + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + + +Thereupon I reviewed these alternatives in the light of President +Grant's measured words, uttered in 1875, when, after seven years of +sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba, he reached the +conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was +impracticable and indefensible and that the recognition of belligerence +was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public law. +I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, pointing +out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition of +belligerence, which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of +neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend our +influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. + +Nothing has since occurred to change my view in this regard, and +I recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of +neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents +is published, could of itself and unattended by other action accomplish +nothing toward the one end for which we labor--the instant pacification +of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. + +Turning to the question of recognizing at this time the independence +of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find safe precedents +in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in President +Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 1836, on the subject of the +recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: + + In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions of France, + out of the disputes relating to the crowns of Portugal and Spain, out + of the revolutionary movements of those Kingdoms, out of the separation + of the American possessions of both from the European Governments, and + out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in + Spanish America, so wisely consistent with our just principles has been + the action of our Government that we have under the most critical + circumstances avoided all censure and encountered no other evil than + that produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those against + whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. + + It has thus been made known to the world that the uniform policy and + practice of the United States is to avoid all interference in disputes + which merely relate to the internal government of other nations, and + eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party, without + reference to our particular interests and views or to the merits of the + original controversy. + + * * * * * + + * * * But on this as on every trying occasion safety is to be found in + a rigid adherence to principle. + + In the contest between Spain and her revolted colonies we stood aloof + and waited, not only until the ability of the new States to protect + themselves was fully established, but until the danger of their being + again subjugated had entirely passed away. Then, and not till then, were + they recognized. Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * + It is true that, with regard to Texas, the civil authority of Mexico has + been expelled, its invading army defeated, the chief of the Republic + himself captured, and all present power to control the newly organized + Government of Texas annihilated within its confines. But, on the other + hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical + force on the side of Mexico. The Mexican Republic under another + Executive is rallying its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh + invasion to recover its lost dominion. + + Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas + may be considered as suspended, and were there nothing peculiar in the + relative situation of the United States and Texas our acknowledgment + of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as + consistent with that prudent reserve with which we have heretofore + held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. + + +Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there might +be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view of +the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas and of the avowed +purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence as an +incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding thus: + +Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof +and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of +the great foreign powers shall recognize the independence of the new +Government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of events +shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of the people of +that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the +Government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can +justly complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying +out the long-established policy of our Government--a policy which +has secured to us respect and influence abroad and inspired confidence +at home. + +These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are +evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by +public law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a +neutral state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact +a body politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, +possessed of the elements of stability," and forming _de facto_, +"if left to itself, a state among the nations, reasonably capable of +discharging the duties of a state"), has imposed for its own governance +in dealing with cases like these the further condition that recognition +of independent statehood is not due to a revolted dependency until the +danger of its being again subjugated by the parent state has entirely +passed away. + +This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. +The Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as +one "probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for +"a previous understanding with that body by whom war can alone be +declared and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must +be furnished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the +discretion of the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a +diplomatic agent when the President should be satisfied that the +Republic of Texas had become "an independent state." It was so +recognized by President Van Buren, who commissioned a chargé d'affaires +March 7, 1837, after Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the +Texan territory, and when there was at the time no _bona fide_ +contest going on between the insurgent province and its former +sovereign. + +I said in my message of December last: + + It is to be seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection + possesses beyond dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone + can demand the recognition of belligerency in its favor. + + +The same requirement must certainly be no less seriously considered +when the graver issue of recognizing independence is in question, for +no less positive test can be applied to the greater act than to the +lesser, while, on the other hand, the influences and consequences of the +struggle upon the internal policy of the recognizing state, which form +important factors when the recognition of belligerency is concerned, are +secondary, if not rightly eliminable, factors when the real question is +whether the community claiming recognition is or is not independent +beyond peradventure. + +Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise +or prudent for this Government to recognize at the present time the +independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is not +necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and pacify +the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of any +particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing +conditions of international obligation toward the organization so +recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to the +approval or disapproval of such government. We would be required to +submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation of a +friendly ally. + +When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a +government capable of performing the duties and discharging the +functions of a separate nation, and having as a matter of fact the +proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be +promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the +United States with such nation adjusted. + +There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, +either as an impartial neutral, by imposing a rational compromise +between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the +other. + +As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few +months the relation of the United States has virtually been one of +friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but +all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate +pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The +spirit of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire +for peace and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us +and Spain and unstained by the blood of American citizens. + +The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the +war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following many +historical precedents where neighboring states have interfered to check +the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond their +borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, +hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. + +The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as follows: + +First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, +bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and +which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop +or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, +belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. +It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. + +Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection +and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or +will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive +them of legal protection. + +Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious +injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the +wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. + +Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condition of +affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this +Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict waged for years +in an island so near us and with which our people have such trade and +business relations; when the lives and liberty of our citizens are in +constant danger and their property destroyed and themselves ruined; +where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and are seized at +our very door by war ships of a foreign nation; the expeditions of +filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, and the +irritating questions and entanglements thus arising--all these and +others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, +are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep on a semi war +footing with a nation with which we are at peace. + +These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been +strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly +moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress the +report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle +ship _Maine_ in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th +of February.[6] The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the +national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight +brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the +fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief +and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. + +The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands +the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its +conclusion that the destruction of the _Maine_ was caused by an +exterior explosion--that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to +place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed. + +In any event, the destruction of the _Maine_, by whatever exterior +cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba +that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the +Spanish Government can not assure safety and security to a vessel of the +American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and +rightfully there. + +Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic +correspondence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain of the 26th ultimo +contained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor +and justice require in the matter of the _Maine_. The reply above +referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the +readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which +can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of +the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: + + As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views + between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes + that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, + whose decision Spain accepts in advance. + + +To this I have made no reply. + +President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as +it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation, +said: + + In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to + assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously + consider the only remaining measures possible--mediation and + intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating + the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to + have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest + wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the + part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the + good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good + faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in + sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by + Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they + would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the + opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife + continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the + interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems + quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well + as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of + peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, + and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party + shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other. + Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or + by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or + later, be invoked for the termination of the strife. + + +In the last annual message of my immediate predecessor, during the +pending struggle, it was said: + + When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection + has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is + extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a + hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife + which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and + the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a + situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty + of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly + hesitate to recognize and discharge. + + +In my annual message to Congress December last, speaking to this +question, I said: + + The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of + a righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as + equitable to all our interests so intimately involved in the welfare + of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If not, the exigency of further and + other action by the United States will remain to be taken. When that + time conies, that action will be determined in the line of indisputable + right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in + the light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the + people who have confided to it the protection of their interests and + honor, and to humanity. + + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command + the support and approval of the civilized world. + + +The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged +the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may +smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that +it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief +and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the +enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of +civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us +the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + +In view of these facts and of these considerations I ask the Congress +to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full +and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain +and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment +of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its +international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the +security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military +and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these +purposes. + +And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of +the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of +food and supplies be continued and that an appropriation be made out of +the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. + +The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. +I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of +affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation +imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. + +Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official +information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen +Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare and +facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration +and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. + +This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, +have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon +which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful +result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be +realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our +contemplated action. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 4: See pp. 127-136.] + +[Footnote 5: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 6: See pp. 136-139.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the +14th of February last, calling for information and correspondence in +regard to the condition of the island of Cuba and to negotiations for +commercial relations between the United States and that island, a report +of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence, +covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report +of the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial +negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, +1897, in response to the second inquiry. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _Washington_, _April 11, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference from +the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United States +on the 14th of February last, reading as follows: + +"_Resolved,_ That the President is requested, if in his opinion it +is not incompatible with the public service, to send to the Senate +copies of the reports of the consul-general and of the consuls of the +United States in Cuba written or received since March 4, 1897, which +relate to the state of war in that island and the condition of the +people there, or that he will send such parts of said reports as will +inform the Senate as to these facts. + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a +government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty of +reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government in +Cuba." + +This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable +inquiries: First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in +Cuba, and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the +overtures of the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial +agreement covering particularly the trade between the United States and +the island of Cuba. + +The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in +accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the +existing tariff act, approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a +special commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to +that end, it has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner the +preparation of a report in answer to the second part of the Senate +resolution, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the +first part thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions +of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John A. +Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith +independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmission +to the Senate, should such a course be, in the President's judgment, not +incompatible with the public service. + +The Senate resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to that +honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of the +consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written or +received since March 4, 1897, which relate to the state of war in that +island and the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the +discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be +so reported and the manner of its communication. The undersigned, having +taken the President's direction on both these points, has the honor to +lay before him a selection of the correspondence received by the +Department of State from the various consular representatives in Cuba, +aiming thereby to show the present situation in the island rather than +to give a historical account of all the reported incidents since the +date assigned by the resolution. + +Respectfully submitted. + +JOHN SHERMAN. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, + +_Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under date +of February 14, 1898, and which was referred to the undersigned for +report, viz-- + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of +a government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty +of reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government +in Cuba"-- + +I have the honor to submit the following report: + +In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised +the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure +to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into +negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with +Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated +for the interests of that island. + +Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at +Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish +Government in respect to these negotiations. + +Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred +to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were +made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the +United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that +the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that +island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from +the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for +Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the +negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th +of February. + +On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lôme, called +on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent +Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative +would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to +act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned +the name of Señor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba +for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to +this office. + +On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Señor Polo y Bernabé, +addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State, +was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this +Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain +to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Señor Manuel Rafael Angulo as +special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided +by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government; +and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be +added in the same character. + +His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the +commission so soon as the Government of the United States should +formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. + +Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. + +JOHN A KASSON, + +_Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 12, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose +herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a +report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +NAVY DEPARTMENT, _Washington, April 9, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE. + +SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of +April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of +human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle +ship _Maine_ in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February, +1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total +number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to +rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the +Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the +honor to be, sir, very respectfully, + +JOHN D. LONG, _Secretary_. + + + MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY. + + BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, _Washington, D.C., April 8, 1898._ + + Number on board the U.S.S. _Maine_ at the time of the disaster: + Officers 26 + Sailors 290 + Marines 39 + --- 355 + Number saved: + Officers 24 + Sailors 60 + Marines 11 + --- + 95 + Number lost: + Officers 2 + Sailors 230 + Marines 28 + --- + 260 + --- 355 + Bodies recovered: + Officers 1 + Sailors and marines 177 + Died from injuries: + Sailors and marines 8 + --- 186 + + Of the number recovered there were buried-- + In the cemetery at Havana 166 + At Key West 19 + At Pittsburg, Pa. (officer) 1 + --- 186 + Number of bodies not recovered: + Officers 1 + Enlisted men and marines 73 + --- 74 + + +The work of recovery was continued until April 6, when the wrecking tugs +were withdrawn, and nothing is now being done in that direction so far +as is known; and the last bodies reported as recovered were sent to Key +West on the 30th ultimo. No estimate has been made of the portions of +bodies which were recovered and buried. The large percentage of bodies +not recovered is due, no doubt, to the fact that the men were swinging +in their hammocks immediately over that portion of the vessel which was +totally destroyed. + +A.S. CROWNINSHIELD, + +_Chief of Bureau_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 25, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of +America_: + +I transmit to the Congress, for its consideration and appropriate +action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of +Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, +and through the latter with the Government of Spain, showing the action +taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, "for the +recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that +the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the +island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and +Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use +the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these +resolutions in to effect."[7] + +Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the demand +which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government +of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the minister asked for his +passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn +notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal +of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated +diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official +communications between their respective representatives ceased +therewith. + +I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United +States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. +It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having +cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, +and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and +authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this +Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and +complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of +nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. + +The position of Spain being thus made known and the demands of the +United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, +by the act of Spain, I have been constrained, in exercise of the power +and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to +proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898,[8] a blockade of certain ports +of the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and +of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba, and further in +exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred +upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my +proclamation dated April 23, 1898,[9] calling forth volunteers in order +to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of +these proclamations are hereto appended. + +In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of +such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the +expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I +now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution +declaring that a state of war exists between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon, to +the end that the definition of the international status of the United +States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all +its rights and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a +public war may be assured.[10] + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 7: See p. 155.] + +[Footnote 8: See pp. 202-203.] + +[Footnote 9: See pp. 203-204.] + +[Footnote 10: See p. 201.] + + +JOINT RESOLUTION for the recognition of the independence of the people +of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority +and government in the island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval +forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the +United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three +years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the +moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to +Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of +a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on +a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, +as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his +message to Congress of April 11, 1898,[11] upon which the action of +Congress was invited: Therefore, + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That the people of +the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent. + +Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the +Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government +of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island +of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban +waters. + +Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or +intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over +said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its +determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government +and control of the island to its people. + +Approved, April 20, 1898. + +[Footnote 11: See pp. 139-150.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 9, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 24th of April I directed the Secretary of the Navy to telegraph +orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding +the Asiatic Squadron, then lying in the port of Hongkong, to proceed +forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there-to commence operations and +engage the assembled Spanish fleet. + +Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consisting of +the flagship _Olympia_, _Baltimore_, _Raleigh_, _Boston_, _Concord_, and +_Petrel_, with the revenue cutter _McCulloch_ as an auxiliary dispatch +boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and +immediately engaged the entire Spanish fleet of eleven ships, which were +under the protection of the fire of the land forts. After a stubborn +fight, in which the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were +destroyed or completely disabled and the water battery at Cavite +silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost and only eight +injured, and those slightly. All of our ships escaped any serious +damage. + +By the 4th of May Commodore Dewey had taken possession of the naval +station at Cavite, destroying the fortifications there and at the +entrance of the bay and paroling their garrisons. The waters of the bay +are under his complete control. He has established hospitals within the +American lines, where 250 of the Spanish sick and wounded are assisted +and protected. + +The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary +standard of naval warfare. Outweighing any material advantage is the +moral effect of this initial success. At this unsurpassed achievement +the great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or with greed of +conquest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just +cause and that by the grace of God an effective step has thus been taken +toward the attainment of the wished-for peace. To those whose skill, +courage, and devotion have won the fight, to the gallant commander and +the brave officers and men who aided him, our country owes an +incalculable debt. + +Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent +a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for +their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and informing him +that I had appointed him an acting rear-admiral. + +I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing +the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress +be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United States Navy, +for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and to +the officers and men under his command for their gallantry in the +destruction of the enemy's fleet and the capture of the enemy's +fortifications in the bay of Manila. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 1, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore +George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United +States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of +the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with +the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet +and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, +and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American +people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and +skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to +communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers +and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary +of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been +received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress: + +I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be +transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for +the great compliment paid to me. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION tendering the thanks of Congress to Commodore George +Dewey, United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the squadron +under his command. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That, in pursuance of the +recommendation of the President, made in accordance with the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, the thanks of Congress and +of the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey, +United States Navy, commander in chief of the United States naval force +on the Asiatic station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict +with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish +fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, +1898. + +SEC. 2. That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby +extended through Commodore Dewey to the officers and men under his +command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion. + +SEC. 3. _Be it further resolved_, That the President of the United +States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to +Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers and men under his +command. + +Approved, May 10, 1898. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to present a +sword of honor to Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck +bronze medals commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute +such medals to the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron +of the United States. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the Secretary of the +Navy be, and he hereby is, authorized to present a sword of honor to +Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck bronze medals +commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute such medals to +the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron of the United +States under command of Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898; and that +to enable the Secretary to carry out this resolution the sum of $10,000, +or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of +any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. + +Approved, June 3, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 11th of May, 1898, there occurred a conflict in the bay of +Cardenas, Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat _Winslow_ was +disabled, her commander wounded, and one of her officers and a part +of her crew killed by the enemy's fire. + +In the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns the revenue +cutter _Hudson_, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, +United States Revenue-Cutter Service, rescued the disabled +_Winslow_, her wounded commander and remaining crew. The commander +of the _Hudson_ kept his vessel in the very hottest fire of the +action, although in constant danger of going ashore on account of the +shallow water, until he finally got a line made fast to the +_Winslow_ and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns--a +deed of special gallantry. + +I recommend that in recognition of the signal act of heroism of First +Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, above +set forth, the thanks of Congress be extended to him and to his officers +and men of the _Hudson_, and that a gold medal of honor be +presented to Lieutenant Newcomb, a silver medal of honor to each of his +officers, and a bronze medal of honor to each member of his crew who +served with him at Cardenas. + +It will be remembered that Congress by appropriate action recognized the +several commanders of ships of war for their services in the battle of +Manila, May 1, 1898. + +The commander of the revenue cutter _Hugh McCulloch_, present and +in active cooperation with the fleet under Commodore Dewey on that +occasion (by Executive order under the provisions of section 2757, +Revised Statutes), is the only commander of a national ship to whom +promotion or advancement was not and could not be given, because he +already held the highest rank known to the Revenue-Cutter Service. + +I now recommend that in recognition of the efficient and meritorious +services of Captain Daniel B. Hodgsdon, United States Revenue-Cutter +Service, who commanded the _Hugh McCulloch_ at the battle of Manila +(that officer being now in the sixty-third year of his age and having +served continuously on active duty for thirty-seven years), he be placed +upon the permanent waiting-orders or retired list of the Revenue-Cutter +Service on the full-duty pay of his grade. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the morning of the 3d of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor +Richmond P. Hobson, United States Navy, with a volunteer crew of seven +men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier _Merrimac_, +entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of +sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel, and thus +interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet which +had recently entered that harbor. This enterprise, demanding coolness, +judgment, and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful +execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as +well as from the fortifications on shore. + +Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander in chief of our naval force in Cuban +waters, in an official report dated "Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, +1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. +Hobson's gallant exploit, says: + + As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here I decided to make the + harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish + ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a + collier at that point. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional + opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most + lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he + presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate + sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the + channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. + Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. + + As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the + details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete + them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after + our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the + morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a + careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish + the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to + try it at all hazards. + + This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. + Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful + inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the _Merrimac_ + had been sunk in the channel. + + I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of + Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and + daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_. + + +The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable +occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, +which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the +Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval +Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the _Merrimac_ on her +perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of +that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been +prepared and will be submitted. + +Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram _Albemarle_ +during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of +the _Merrimac_, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation +of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such +advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to +line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the +Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced. + +In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval +Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred +to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the +recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that +he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position +therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the +Senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction +corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary +technical training as a graduate of the Naval Academy, where he stood +No. 1 in his class; and such action is recommended partly in deference +to what is understood to be his own desire, although, he being now a +prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the +subject has been received from him, and partly for the reason that the +abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to +indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 5, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_ + +Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our +people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily increasing degree of +prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. +Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded +abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, +revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the +Treasury's receipts to the amount estimated by its authors, the finances +of the Government have been successfully administered and its credit +advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at +the world's highest standard. Military service under a common flag and +for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to +cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section +of the country. + +A review of the relation of the United States to other powers, always +appropriate, is this year of primary importance in view of the momentous +issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate +determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will +require the earnest attention of the Congress. + +In my last annual message[12] very full consideration was given to the +question of the duty of the Government of the United States toward Spain +and the Cuban insurrection as being by far the most important problem +with which we were then called upon to deal. The considerations then +advanced and the exposition of the views therein expressed disclosed +my sense of the extreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside as +logically unfounded or practically inadmissible the recognition of the +Cuban insurgents as belligerents, the recognition of the independence +of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the war by imposing a rational +compromise between the contestants, intervention in favor of one or the +other party, and forcible annexation of the island, I concluded it was +honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be +given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which +she had become irrevocably committed. Within a few weeks previously she +had announced comprehensive plans which it was confidently asserted +would be efficacious to remedy the evils so deeply affecting our own +country, so injurious to the true interests of the mother country as +well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment +of humanity. + +The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the +pacification of Cuba. The autonomous administrations set up in the +capital and some of the principal cities appeared not to gain the favor +of the inhabitants nor to be able to extend their influence to the large +extent of territory held by the insurgents, while the military arm, +obviously unable to cope with the still active rebellion, continued many +of the most objectionable and offensive policies of the government that +had preceded it. No tangible relief was afforded the vast numbers of +unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made in that +regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered +expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory. Indeed no less +practical nor more delusive promises of succor could well have been +tendered to the exhausted and destitute people, stripped of all that +made life and home dear and herded in a strange region among +unsympathetic strangers hardly less necessitous than themselves. + +By the end of December the mortality among them had frightfully +increased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths +among these distressed people at over 40 per cent from the time General +Weyler's decree of reconcentration was enforced. With the acquiescence +of the Spanish authorities, a scheme was adopted for relief by +charitable contributions raised in this country and distributed, under +the direction of the consul-general and the several consuls, by noble +and earnest individual effort through the organized agencies of the +American Red Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many +thousands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. + +The war continued on the old footing, without comprehensive plan, +developing only the same spasmodic encounters, barren of strategic +result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion +as well as the present insurrection from its start. No alternative save +physical exhaustion of either combatant, and therewithal the practical +ruin of the island, lay in sight, but how far distant no one could +venture to conjecture. + +At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction +of the battle ship _Maine_ while rightfully lying in the harbor of +Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will--a +catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the +nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and +sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this +shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by +preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate +resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and +disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever +wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously +awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot. +The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of +the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through +lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. + +All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before +the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with +Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it +needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive +immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the +possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the +remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote +of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the +national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith, +to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of +prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the +fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy +needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even +numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which +comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection. +Our Army also required enlargement of men and munitions. The details +of the hurried preparation for the dreaded contingency are told in the +reports of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and need not be +repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war when +it did come found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. + +Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. +It was felt by the continental powers, which on April 6, through their +ambassadors and envoys, addressed to the Executive an expression of hope +that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this Government +and people, and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement +which, while securing the maintenance of peace, would afford all +necessary guaranties for the reestablishment of order in Cuba. In +responding to that representation I said I shared the hope the envoys +had expressed that peace might be preserved in a manner to terminate the +chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba, so injurious and menacing to +our interests and tranquillity, as well as shocking to our sentiments +of humanity; and while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested +character of the communication they had made on behalf of the powers, +I stated the confidence of this Government, for its part, that equal +appreciation would be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors +to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situation the indefinite +prolongation of which had become insufferable. + +Still animated by the hope of a peaceful solution and obeying the +dictates of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy +ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued +actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the immediate +conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect +the recognition of her people's right to independence. Besides this, +the instant revocation of the order of reconcentration was asked, +so that the sufferers, returning to their homes and aided by united +American and Spanish effort, might be put in a way to support +themselves and, by orderly resumption of the well-nigh destroyed +productive energies of the island, contribute to the restoration of +its tranquillity and well-being. Negotiations continued for some little +time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the Spanish Government which +could not but be regarded as inadequate. It was proposed to confide the +preparation of peace to the insular parliament, yet to be convened under +the autonomous decrees of November, 1897, but without impairment in any +wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid Government, which to +that end would grant an armistice, if solicited by the insurgents, for +such time as the general in chief might see fit to fix. How and with +what scope of discretionary powers the insular parliament was expected +to set about the "preparation" of peace did not appear. If it were to be +by negotiation with the insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on the one +side with a body chosen by a fraction of the electors in the districts +under Spanish control, and on the other with the insurgent population +holding the interior country, unrepresented in the so-called parliament +and defiant at the suggestion of suing for peace. + +Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my sincere endeavors +to reach a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to remit the whole +question to the Congress. In the message of April 11, 1898,[13] I +announced that with this last overture in the direction of immediate +peace in Cuba and its disappointing reception by Spain the effort of +the Executive was brought to an end. I again reviewed the alternative +courses of action which had been proposed, concluding that the only one +consonant with international policy and compatible with our firm-set +historical traditions was intervention as a neutral to stop the war and +check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even though that resort involved +"hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement." The grounds +justifying that step were the interests of humanity, the duty to protect +the life and property of our citizens in Cuba, the right to check injury +to our commerce and people through the devastation of the island, and, +most important, the need of removing at once and forever the constant +menace and the burdens entailed upon our Government by the uncertainties +and perils of the situation caused by the unendurable disturbance in +Cuba. I said: + + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + + +In view of all this the Congress was asked to authorize and empower the +President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of +hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba and to secure in the +island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining +order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and +tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and +for the accomplishment of those ends to use the military and naval +forces of the United States as might be necessary, with added authority +to continue generous relief to the starving people of Cuba. + +The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, +during which the almost unanimous sentiment of your body was developed +on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the proposed action +with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true and lawful +government of that island--a proposition which failed of adoption--the +Congress, after conference, on the 19th of April, by a vote of 42 to 35 +in the Senate and 311 to 6 in the House of Representatives, passed the +memorable joint resolution declaring-- + + First. That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought + to be, free and independent. + + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. + + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary + to carry these resolutions into effect. + + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and + control of the island to its people. + + +This resolution was approved by the Executive on the next day, April 20. +A copy was at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital, +who forthwith announced that his continuance in Washington had thereby +become impossible, and asked for his passports, which were given him. +He thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection of +Spanish interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the +Austro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously with its communication to +the Spanish minister here, General Woodford, the American minister at +Madrid, was telegraphed confirmation of the text of the joint resolution +and directed to communicate it to the Government of Spain with the +formal demand that it at once relinquish its authority and government +in the island of Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, coupling this +demand with announcement of the intentions of this Government as to +the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the +resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. + +That demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the +Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction +reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21, but before he could +present it, the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the +President's approval of the joint resolution the Madrid Government, +regarding the act as "equivalent to an evident declaration of war," had +ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off +diplomatic relations between the two countries and ceasing all official +communication between their respective representatives. General Woodford +thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. + +Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated +that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, +the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by +me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between sovereign +states. On April 22 I proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, +including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the +port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba,[14] and on the 23d I +called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution.[15] By +my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and +I recommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war +between the United States and Spain. [16] The Congress accordingly voted +on the same day the act approved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence +of such war from and including the 21st day of April,[17] and reenacted +the provision of the resolution of April 20 directing the President +to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into +effect.[18] Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was +given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the +United States maintain relations, in order that their neutrality +might be assured during the war. The various governments responded with +proclamations of neutrality, each after its own methods. It is not among +the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of +neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate and +difficult circumstances. + +In further fulfillment of international duty I issued, April 26, 1898, a +proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels +and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right +of search, and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under +enemy's flag.[19] A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish +Government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules of the Declaration +of Paris, including abstention from resort to privateering, have +accordingly been observed by both belligerents, although neither was a +party to that declaration. + +Our country thus, after an interval of half a century of peace with all +nations, found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a foreign enemy. +Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the +initial call for 125,000 volunteers[20] was instant and complete, as was +also the result of the second call, of May 25, for 75,000 additional +volunteers.[21] The ranks of the Regular Army were increased to the +limits provided by the act of April 26, 1898. + +The enlisted force of the Navy on the 15th day of August, when it +reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred +and three vessels were added to the Navy by purchase, 1 was presented +to the Government, 1 leased, and the 4 vessels of the International +Navigation Company--the _St. Paul_, _St. Louis_, _New York_, and +_Paris_--were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters +and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and +became temporarily a part of the auxiliary Navy. + +The maximum effective fighting force of the Navy during the war, +separated into classes, was as follows: + +Four battle ships of the first class, 1 battle ship of the second +class, 2 armored cruisers, 6 coast-defense monitors, 1 armored ram, +12 protected cruisers, 3 unprotected cruisers, 18 gunboats, 1 dynamite +cruiser, 11 torpedo boats; vessels of the old Navy, including monitors, +14. Auxiliary Navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers, 28 converted yachts, 27 +converted tugs, 19 converted colliers, 15 revenue cutters, 4 light-house +tenders, and 19 miscellaneous vessels. + +Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lest some attack +might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent +possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. Temporary +garrisons were provided, drawn from the State militia; infantry and +light batteries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops +were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for +observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the United +States, and the Life-Saving and Light-House services cooperated, which +enabled the Navy Department to have all portions of the Atlantic coast, +from Maine to Texas, under observation. + +The auxiliary Navy was created under the authority of Congress and was +officered and manned by the Naval Militia of the several States. This +organization patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second line +of defense. + +Under the direction of the Chief of Engineers submarine mines were +placed at the most exposed points. Before the outbreak of the war +permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at +nearly all important harbors. Most of the torpedo material was not to be +found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date +of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary +measures short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the +cables, and on April 22 telegraphic orders were issued to place the +loaded mines in position. + +The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors +from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting +of mines at certain other harbors, but owing to the early destruction of +the Spanish fleet these mines were not placed. + +The Signal Corps was promptly organized, and performed service of the +most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war +covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the +establishment of telephonic and telegraphic facilities for the camps at +Manila, Santiago, and in Puerto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles +of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from +those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. +Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's +fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. + +In Puerto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued +route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept +in telegraphic or telephonic communication with the division commanders +on four different lines of operations. + +There was placed in Cuban waters a completely outfitted cable ship, +with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of +communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment of our own. +Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. +The day previous to the landing of General Shafter's corps, at +Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications +were established and a cable station opened giving direct communication +with the Government at Washington. This service was invaluable to the +Executive in directing the operations of the Army and Navy. With a total +force of over 1,300, the loss was by disease in camp and field, officers +and men included, only 5. + +The national-defense fund of $50,000,000 was expended in large part +by the Army and Navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully +shown in the reports of the several Secretaries. It was a most timely +appropriation, enabling the Government to strengthen its defenses and +make preparations greatly needed in case of war. + +This fund being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the +conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in +the war-revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan +not to exceed $400,000,000 and by levying additional imposts and taxes. +Of the authorized loan $200,000,000 were offered and promptly taken, the +subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over, +while, preference being given to the smaller bids, no single allotment +exceeded $5,000. This was a most encouraging and significant result, +showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the +people to uphold their country's honor. + +It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of +the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21, +but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. + +The first encounter of the war in point of date took place April 27, +when a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnoissance in +force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts, and demolished several new +works in construction. + +The next engagement was destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime +warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for +some weeks at Hongkong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality +being issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given, +it repaired to Mirs Bay, near Hongkong, whence it proceeded to the +Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the +formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the +1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few +hours' engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, +consisting of ten war ships and a transport, besides capturing the naval +station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power +in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the bay of Manila, with +the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, +the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially +injured. For this gallant achievement the Congress, upon my +recommendation, fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and +substantial reward. + +The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people and +upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige of invincibility +thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. +Reenforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major-General +Merritt and firmly established within sight of the capital, which lay +helpless before our guns. + +On the 7th day of May the Government was advised officially of the +victory at Manila, and at once inquired of the commander of our fleet +what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th +day of May, and the first army expedition sailed May 25 and arrived off +Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon followed, the total force +consisting of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. + +Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented +the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute +military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had +resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of +December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and +eastern sides, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt +from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be done +in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should be accomplished +by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept +of war which enjoins the overcoming of the adversary and the extinction +of his power wherever assailable as the speedy and sure means to win a +peace, divided victory was not permissible, for no partition of the +rights and responsibilities attending the enforcement of a just and +advantageous peace could be thought of. + +Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces +were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Puerto +Rico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed +points. On May 11 the cruiser _Wilmington_ and torpedo boat +_Winslow_ were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries +at Cardenas, a gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen falling. +These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few +which occurred during our naval operations in this extraordinary +conflict. + +Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great +vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at +the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed +the ocean, and by its erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our +military plans while baffling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time +fears were felt lest the _Oregon_ and _Marietta_, then nearing +home after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles, +might be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet, but their fortunate +arrival dispelled these apprehensions and lent much-needed +reenforcement. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of +Santiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic +naval and military attack upon the Antillean possessions of Spain. + +Several demonstrations occurred on the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico in +preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic Squadron +shelled San Juan de Puerto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron +bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor. Neither +attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land +operations were indispensable to achieve a decisive advantage. + +The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen +but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 +Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow +outlet from Santiago Harbor by sinking the collier _Merrimac_ in +the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with +their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the +Spaniards. It is a most gratifying incident of the war that the bravery +of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish +admiral, who sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of their +safety and to compliment them on their daring act. They were +subsequently exchanged July 7. + +By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. +Thereafter the invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a +heavy protecting fire, a landing of 600 marines from the _Oregon_, +_Marblehead_, and _Yankee_ was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had +been determined to establish a naval station. + +This important and essential port was taken from the enemy, after severe +fighting, by the marines, who were the first organized force of the +United States to land in Cuba. + +The position so won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge +our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly +intrenched. On June 22 the advance of the invading army under +Major-General Shafter landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of +Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with +marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. +On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First +and Tenth Cavalry and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, General +Young's brigade of General Wheeler's division, participated, losing +heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within 5 miles of Santiago was +won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle +took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santiago; on the 2d El +Caney and San Juan were taken after a desperate charge, and the +investment of the city was completed. The Navy cooperated by shelling +the town and the coast forts. + +On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, the +3d of July, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish +fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron +under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the +Spanish ships were destroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk and the +_Maria Teresa_, _Almirante Oquendo_, _Vizcaya_, and _Cristóbal Colón_ +driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken +prisoners. While the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large, some 600 +perishing, on our side but one man was killed, on the _Brooklyn_, and +one man seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, +not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished +themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in +the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of +this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history +affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous +disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any for +especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous +actors. The nation's profoundest gratitude is due to all of these brave +men who by their skill and devotion in a few short hours crushed the sea +power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-reaching +consequences can scarcely be measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the +achievements of our builders, mechanics, and artisans for their skill in +the construction of our war ships. + +With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually +ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her +Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was +abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the +Suez Canal. + +The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by +land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief +on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of noncombatants +protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, when, under +menace of immediate assault, the preliminaries of surrender were agreed +upon. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation +embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers +surrendering was 22,000, all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain +at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful +campaign is told in the report of the Secretary of War, which will be +laid before you. The individual valor of officers and soldiers was never +more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the +surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive +victories won instant and universal applause. To those who gained this +complete triumph, which established the ascendency of the United States +upon land as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas, +the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor +should we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our +tears, and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at +the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war, however rightful +the cause or signal the victory. + +With the fall of Santiago the occupation of Puerto Rico became the next +strategic necessity. General Miles had previously been assigned to +organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at +Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July with reenforcements +for General Shafter's army. + +With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two +companies of engineers, and one company of the Signal Corps, General +Miles left Guantanamo on July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the +fleet under Captain Higginson with the _Massachusetts_ (flagship), _Dixie_, +_Gloucester_, _Columbia_, and _Yale_, the two latter carrying troops. +The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with +little opposition. Here the fleet was joined by the _Annapolis_ and +the _Wasp_, while the _Puritan_ and _Amphitrite_ went to San Juan and +joined the _New Orleans_, which was engaged in blockading that port. The +Major-General Commanding was subsequently reenforced by General Schwan's +brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson with a part of his +division, and also by General Brooke with a part of his corps, numbering +in all 16,973 officers and men. + +On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports in the +island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of +the island. + +With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, +Hormigueros, Coarno, and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape +San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted +with great vigor, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in +our possession and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter +of a short time. At most of the points in the island our troops were +enthusiastically welcomed. Protestations of loyalty to the flag and +gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule met our commanders at every +stage. As a potent influence toward peace the outcome of the Puerto +Rican expedition was of great consequence, and generous commendation +is due to those who participated in it. + +The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. On +August 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in +which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. +The casualties were comparatively few. By this the conquest of the +Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for +resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May, +was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for their +uncomplaining and devoted service and for their gallantry in action, the +nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular +success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without +previous experience in the military service, deserves unmeasured praise. + +The total casualties in killed and wounded in the Army during the war +with Spain were: Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, +280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. +Of the Navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 67; died as result of wounds, 1; +invalided from service, 6; total, 91. + +It will be observed that while our Navy was engaged in two great battles +and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment, and +more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and +were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in +unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of +1,668 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we +did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship, and, with the +exception of the crew of the _Merrimac_, not a soldier or sailor +was taken prisoner. + +On August 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General +Shafter's army in Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of +Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and +our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August +24. They were absent from the United States only two months. + +It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and +devotion of that large portion of our Army which, although eager to be +ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required +outside of the United States. They did their whole duty, and, like their +comrades at the front, have earned the gratitude of the nation. In like +manner, the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy who remained +in their departments and stations faithfully performing most important +duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assignment in the +field and at sea I was compelled to refuse because their services were +indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my +regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable +recognition. + +In this connection it is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of +cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of the American National +Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in +sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, +under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the +society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals +at the front in Cuba. Working in conjunction with the governmental +authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the +enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the +various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high +reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble +purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the +confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the +American people. To the members and officers of this society and all who +aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude +of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded. + +In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to +the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, +for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble +prayer for the continuance of His favor. + +The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's fleet, followed by the +capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government +a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now +become wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French +ambassador, who, with the assent of his Government, had acted as the +friendly representative of Spanish interests during the war. On the +26th of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the Duke of +Almodóvar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to +state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. On the +30th of July, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almodóvar +and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this Government were announced +substantially as in the protocol afterwards signed. On the 10th of +August the Spanish reply, dated August 7, was handed by M. Cambon to the +Secretary of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to +Cuba, Puerto Rico, and an island of the Ladrones group, but appeared to +seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as +to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving that discussion on this point +could neither be practical nor profitable, I directed that in order +to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith closed by +proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms upon which +the negotiations for peace were to be undertaken. The vague and +inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the +only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of protocol +embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30, +with added stipulations of detail as to the appointment of commissioners +to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 +M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol +so submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon of August 12, M. Cambon, +as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Secretary of State, as the +plenipotentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing-- + + ARTICLE I. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title + to Cuba. + + ART. II. Spain will cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico + and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and + also an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. + + ART. III. The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and + harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall + determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. + + +The fourth article provided for the appointment of joint commissions on +the part of the United States and Spain, to meet in Havana and San Juan, +respectively, for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details +of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish +islands in the West Indies. + +The fifth article provided for the appointment of not more than five +commissioners on each side, to meet at Paris not later than October 1 +and to proceed to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty of peace, +subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms +of the two countries. + +The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the +protocol hostilities between the two countries should be suspended and +that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces. + +Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I issued a proclamation, +of August 12,[22] suspending hostilities on the part of the United +States. The necessary orders to that end were at once given by +telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Puerto Rico +was in like manner raised. On the 18th of August the muster out of +100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be +practicable, was ordered. + +On the 1st of December 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out +and discharged from the service, and 9,002 more will be mustered out +by the 10th of this month; also a corresponding number of general and +general staff officers have been honorably discharged the service. + +The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed--for Cuba, +Major-General James F. Wade, Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, +Major-General Matthew C. Butler; for Puerto Rico, Major-General John R. +Brooke, Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, Brigadier-General William W. +Gordon--who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and +San Juan, respectively. The Puerto Rican Joint Commission speedily +accomplished its task, and by the 18th of October the evacuation of the +island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island +at noon on that day. The administration of its affairs has been +provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall +otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint Commission has not yet terminated its +labors. Owing to the difficulties in the way of removing the large +numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation can not be +completed before the 1st of January next. + +Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William R. +Day, lately Secretary of State; Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, and +George Gray, Senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reid to be the +peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due +season to Paris, they there met on the 1st of October five commissioners +similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made +hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive +treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading +to its signature. + +I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new +possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. +Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall +be ratified. In the meantime and until the Congress has legislated +otherwise it will be my duty to continue the military governments which +have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in +life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. + +As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island +it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form +a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest +moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that +our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character +and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our +duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the +island, encourage the industry of the people, and assist them to form a +government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best +aspirations of the Cuban people. + +Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent, and humane +government, created by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all +international obligations, and which shall encourage thrift, industry, +and prosperity and promote peace and good will among all of the +inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations in the past. Neither +revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until +there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government +inaugurated military occupation will be continued. + +With the one exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of +the United States with the great family of nations has been marked with +cordiality, and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues +that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states +adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable +solution by amicable agreement. + +A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the +Argentine Republic and Chile, stretching along the Andean crests from +the southern border of the Atacama Desert to Magellan Straits, nearly a +third of the length of the South American continent, assumed an acute +stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this Government +occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already +contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail +despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. I am happy to +say that arrangements to this end have been perfected, the questions of +fact upon which the respective commissioners were unable to agree being +in course of reference to Her Britannic Majesty for determination. +A residual difference touching the northern boundary line across the +Atacama Desert, for which existing treaties provided no adequate +adjustment, bids fair to be settled in like manner by a joint +commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres has +been invited to serve as umpire in the last resort. + +I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view +to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an +American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the +cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passing from and +to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive +concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong +hope that a good understanding will be reached and that the important +channels of commercial communication between the United States and the +Atlantic cities of South America may be freed from an almost prohibitory +discrimination. + +In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness +of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over +connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. +The world has seen the postal system developed from a congeries of +independent and exclusive services into a well-ordered union, of which +all countries enjoy the manifold benefits. It would be strange were the +nations not in time brought to realize that modern civilization, which +owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of space by the +electric force, demands that this all-important means of communication +be a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their +common behoof. A step in this direction was taken when the international +convention of 1884 for the protection of submarine cables was signed, +and the day is, I trust, not far distant when this medium for the +transmission of thought from land to land may be brought within the +domain of international concert as completely as is the material +carriage of commerce and correspondence upon the face of the waters +that divide them. + +The claim of Thomas Jefferson Page against Argentina, which has been +pending many years, has been adjusted. The sum awarded by the Congress +of Argentina was $4,242.35. + +The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler +and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has +lately befallen them in the assassination of the Empress-Queen of that +historic realm. + +On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., +between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and +his deputies, in which 22 miners were killed and 44 wounded, of whom +10 of the killed and 12 of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian +subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the +Austro-Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing +and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed +reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and +peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal +Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in +order to be in a position to meet the urgent complaint of a friendly +power. The sheriff and his deputies, having been indicted for murder, +were tried, and acquitted, after protracted proceedings and the hearing +of hundreds of witnesses, on the ground that the killing was in the line +of their official duty to uphold law and preserve public order in the +State. A representative of the Department of Justice attended the trial +and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, +this Government expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the +subject with that of Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the renewed claim +of the latter, after learning the result of the trial, for indemnity for +its injured subjects. + +Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this +country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the +singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard +to the number and classes of articles entered than those of other +countries. The worth of such a result in making known our national +capacity to supply the world's markets is obvious. + +Exhibitions of this international character are becoming more frequent +as the exchanges of commercial countries grow more intimate and varied. +Hardly a year passes that this Government is not invited to national +participation at some important foreign center, but often on too short +notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do +so. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by +a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting such +invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. +This plan has my cordial approval. + +I trust that the Belgian restrictions on the importation of cattle from +the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at +an early day be relaxed as to their present features of hardship and +discrimination, so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their +slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of favorable change in +the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The growth +of direct trade between the two countries, not alone for Belgian +consumption and Belgian products, but by way of transit from and to +other continental states, has been both encouraging and beneficial. No +effort will be spared to enlarge its advantages by seeking the removal +of needless impediments and by arrangements for increased commercial +exchanges. + +The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. + +A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed +by the signature of a convention between the parties, with the +concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act +being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer +_Alert_, then lying in Central American waters. It is believed that +the good offices of our envoy and of the commander of that vessel +contributed toward this gratifying outcome. + +In my last annual message the situation was presented with respect to +the diplomatic representation of this Government in Central America +created by the association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador under +the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, and the delegation +of their international functions to the Diet thereof. While the +representative character of the Diet was recognized by my predecessor +and has been confirmed during my Administration by receiving its +accredited envoy and granting exequaturs to consuls commissioned under +its authority, that recognition was qualified by the distinct +understanding that the responsibility of each of the component sovereign +Republics toward the United States remained wholly unaffected. + +This proviso was needful inasmuch as the compact of the three +Republics was at the outset an association whereby certain +representative functions were delegated to a tripartite commission +rather than a federation possessing centralized powers of government +and administration. In this view of their relation and of the +relation of the United States to the several Republics, a change +in the representation of this country in Central America was neither +recommended by the Executive nor initiated by Congress, thus leaving one +of our envoys accredited, as heretofore, separately to two States of the +Greater Republic, Nicaragua and Salvador, and to a third State, Costa +Rica, which was not a party to the compact, while our other envoy was +similarly accredited to a union State, Honduras, and a nonunion State, +Guatemala. The result has been that the one has presented credentials +only to the President of Costa Rica, the other having been received only +by the Government of Guatemala. + +Subsequently the three associated Republics entered into negotiations +for taking the steps forecast in the original compact. A convention of +their delegates framed for them a federal constitution under the name of +the United States of Central America, and provided for a central federal +government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent States, +the 1st of November last was fixed for the new system to go into +operation. Within a few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested +by revolutionary movements arising, with a consequent demand for unity +of action on the part of the military power of the federal States to +suppress them. Under this strain the new union seems to have been +weakened through the withdrawal of its more important members. This +Government was not officially advised of the installation of the +federation and has maintained an attitude of friendly expectancy, while +in no wise relinquishing the position held from the outset that the +responsibilities of the several States toward us remained unaltered by +their tentative relations among themselves. + +The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the chairmanship of Rear-Admiral +John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a +provision in the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly +completed its labors, and the results of its exhaustive inquiry into the +proper route, the feasibility, and the cost of construction of an +interoceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route will be laid before you. In the +performance of its task the commission received all possible courtesy +and assistance from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which +thus testified their appreciation of the importance of giving a speedy +and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years +engrossed the attention of the respective countries. + +As the scope of the recent inquiry embraced the whole subject, with the +aim of making plans and surveys for a canal by the most convenient +route, it necessarily included a review of the results of previous +surveys and plans, and in particular those adopted by the Maritime Canal +Company under its existing concessions from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so +that to this extent those grants necessarily hold as essential a part +in the deliberations and conclusions of the Canal Commission as they +have held and must needs hold in the discussion of the matter by the +Congress. Under these circumstances and in view of overtures made to the +Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica by other parties for a new canal +concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts +of the Maritime Canal Company with those States, I have not hesitated +to express my conviction that considerations of expediency and +international policy as between the several governments interested in +the construction and control of an interoceanic canal by this route +require the maintenance of the _status quo_ until the Canal +Commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall have +had the opportunity to pass finally upon the whole matter during the +present session, without prejudice by reason of any change in the +existing conditions. + +Nevertheless, it appears that the Government of Nicaragua, as one +of its last sovereign acts before merging its powers in those of the +newly formed United States of Central America, has granted an optional +concession to another association, to become effective on the expiration +of the present grant. It does not appear what surveys have been made +or what route is proposed under this contingent grant, so that an +examination of the feasibility of its plans is necessarily not embraced +in the report of the Canal Commission. All these circumstances suggest +the urgency of some definite action by the Congress at this session +if the labors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the +Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a practical waterway is to be realized. +That the construction of such a maritime highway is now more than ever +indispensable to that intimate and ready intercommunication between our +eastern and western seaboards demanded by the annexation of the Hawaiian +Islands and the prospective expansion of our influence and commerce in +the Pacific, and that our national policy now more imperatively than +ever calls for its control by this Government, are propositions which +I doubt not the Congress will duly appreciate and wisely act upon. + +A convention providing for the revival of the late United States and +Chilean Claims Commission and the consideration of claims which were +duly presented to the late commission, but not considered because of the +expiration of the time limited for the duration of the commission, was +signed May 24, 1897, and has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The +term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having +elapsed, the convention falls unless the time be extended by amendment, +which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of +the Chilean Government. + +The United States has not been an indifferent spectator of the +extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby portions +of its maritime provinces are passing under the control of various +European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the +energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for +Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through +any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of +our country becoming an actor in the scene. Our position among nations, +having a large Pacific coast and a constantly expanding direct trade +with the farther Orient, gives us the equitable claim to consideration +and friendly treatment in this regard, and it will be my aim to subserve +our large interests in that quarter by all means appropriate to the +constant policy of our Government. The territories of Kiao-chow, of +Wei-hai-wei, and of Port Arthur and Talienwan, leased to Germany, +Great Britain, and Russia, respectively, for terms of years, will, +it is announced, be open to international commerce during such alien +occupation; and if no discriminating treatment of American citizens and +their trade be found to exist or be hereafter developed, the desire of +this Government would appear to be realized. + +In this relation, as showing the volume and value of our exchanges with +China and the peculiarly favorable conditions which exist for their +expansion in the normal course of trade, I refer to the communication +addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the +Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, with its +accompanying letter of the Secretary of State, recommending an +appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial +conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities +for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in China for the +raw products and manufactures of the United States. Action was not +taken thereon during the late session. I cordially urge that the +recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which its +importance and timeliness merit. + +Meanwhile there may be just ground for disquietude in view of the unrest +and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien +people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case +of the attacks upon our citizens in Szechuen and at Kutien in 1895, the +United States minister has been instructed to secure the fullest measure +of protection, both local and imperial, for any menaced American +interests, and to demand, in case of lawless injury to person or +property, instant reparation appropriate to the case. War ships have +been stationed at Tientsin for more ready observation of the disorders +which have invaded even the Chinese capital, so as to be in a position +to act should need arise, while a guard of marines has been sent to +Peking to afford the minister the same measure of authoritative +protection as the representatives of other nations have been constrained +to employ. + +Following close upon the rendition of the award of my predecessor as +arbitrator of the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti against the +Republic of Colombia, differences arose between the parties to the +arbitration in regard to the scope and extension of the award, of which +certain articles were contested by Colombia, while Italy claimed their +literal fulfillment. The award having been made by the President of the +United States, as an act of friendly consideration and with the sole +view to an impartial composition of the matter in dispute, I could +not but feel deep concern at such a miscarriage, and while unable to +accept the Colombian theory that I, in my official capacity, possessed +continuing functions as arbitrator, with power to interpret or revise +the terms of the award, my best efforts were lent to bring the parties +to a harmonious agreement as to the execution of its provisions. + +A naval demonstration by Italy resulted in an engagement to pay +the liabilities claimed upon their ascertainment; but this apparent +disposition of the controversy was followed by a rupture of diplomatic +intercourse between Colombia and Italy, which still continues, although, +fortunately, without acute symptoms having supervened. Notwithstanding +this, efforts are reported to be continuing for the ascertainment of +Colombia's contingent liability on account of Cerruti's debts under the +fifth article of the award. + +A claim of an American citizen against the Dominican Republic for +a public bridge over the Ozama River, which has been in diplomatic +controversy for several years, has been settled by expert arbitration +and an award in favor of the claimant amounting to about $90,000. It, +however, remains unpaid, despite urgent demands for its settlement +according to the terms of the compact. + +There is now every prospect that the participation of the United States +in the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris in 1900 will be on a +scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and +industries in the world's chief marts. + +The preliminary report of Mr. Moses P. Handy, who, under the act +approved July 19, 1897, was appointed special commissioner with a view +to securing all attainable information necessary to a full and complete +understanding by Congress in regard to the participation of this +Government in the Paris Exposition, was laid before you by my message +of December 6, 1897, and showed the large opportunities opened to make +known our national progress in arts, science, and manufactures, as +well as the urgent need of immediate and adequate provision to enable +due advantage thereof to be taken. Mr. Handy's death soon afterwards +rendered it necessary for another to take up and complete his unfinished +work, and on January 11 last Mr. Thomas W. Cridler, Third Assistant +Secretary of State, was designated to fulfill that task. His report was +laid before you by my message of June 14, 1898, with the gratifying +result of awakening renewed interest in the projected display. By a +provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, a sum +not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission +to care for the proper preparation and installation of American exhibits +and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several Executive +Departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish +Commission, and the Smithsonian Institution, in representation of the +Government of the United States. + +Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Mr. Ferdinand W. Peck, of +Chicago, commissioner-general, with an assistant commissioner-general +and a secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where his success +in enlarging the scope and variety of the United States exhibit has +been most gratifying. Notwithstanding the comparatively limited area +of the exposition site--less than one-half that of the World's Fair at +Chicago--the space assigned to the United States has been increased from +the absolute allotment of 157,403 square feet reported by Mr. Handy to +some 202,000 square feet, with corresponding augmentation of the field +for a truly characteristic representation of the various important +branches of our country's development. Mr. Peck's report will be laid +before you. In my judgment its recommendations will call for your early +consideration, especially as regards an increase of the appropriation to +at least one million dollars in all, so that not only may the assigned +space be fully taken up by the best possible exhibits in every class, +but the preparation and installation be on so perfect a scale as to +rank among the first in that unparalleled competition of artistic and +inventive production, and thus counterbalance the disadvantage with +which we start as compared with other countries whose appropriations are +on a more generous scale and whose preparations are in a state of much +greater forwardness than our own. + +Where our artisans have the admitted capacity to excel, where our +inventive genius has initiated many of the grandest discoveries of these +later days of the century, and where the native resources of our land +are as limitless as they are valuable to supply the world's needs, it is +our province, as it should be our earnest care, to lead in the march of +human progress, and not rest content with any secondary place. Moreover, +if this be due to ourselves, it is no less due to the great French +nation whose guests we become, and which has in so many ways testified +its wish and hope that our participation shall befit the place the two +peoples have won in the field of universal development. + +The commercial arrangement made with France on the 28th of May, 1898, +under the provisions of section 3 of the tariff act of 1897, went into +effect on the 1st day of June following. It has relieved a portion of +our export trade from serious embarrassment. Further negotiations +are now pending under section 4 of the same act with a view to the +increase of trade between the two countries to their mutual advantage. +Negotiations with other governments, in part interrupted by the war with +Spain, are in progress under both sections of the tariff act. I hope to +be able to announce some of the results of these negotiations during the +present session of Congress. + +Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. +Meanwhile no effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government +of the thoroughness of our inspection of pork products for exportation, +and it is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by +the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the +healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where +their use is large and necessary. + +I transmitted to the Senate on the 10th of February last information +touching the prohibition against the importation of fresh fruits from +this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the +ground of danger of disseminating the San José scale insect. This +precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the +drastic steps taken in several States of the Union against the spread of +the pest, the elaborate reports of the Department of Agriculture being +put in evidence to show the danger to German fruit-growing interests +should the scale obtain a lodgment in that country. Temporary relief was +afforded in the case of large consignments of fruit then on the way by +inspection and admission when found noninfected. Later the prohibition +was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to +apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the +alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar +inhibition. Efforts are in progress to induce the German and Swiss +Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to +have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal +life impossible. + +Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly +footing. Assenting to our request, the protection of Americans and their +interests in Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic and +consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate +and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. +I may be allowed to make fitting allusion to the instance of Mr. Ramsden, +Her Majesty's consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose untimely death after +distinguished service and untiring effort during the siege of that city +was sincerely lamented. + +In the early part of April last, pursuant to a request made at the +instance of the Secretary of State by the British ambassador at this +capital, the Canadian government granted facilities for the passage of +four United States revenue cutters from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic +coast by way of the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River. The +vessels had reached Lake Ontario and were there awaiting the opening of +navigation when war was declared between the United States and Spain. +Her Majesty's Government thereupon, by a communication of the latter +part of April, stated that the permission granted before the outbreak of +hostilities would not be withdrawn provided the United States Government +gave assurance that the vessels in question would proceed direct to +a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation. +This Government promptly agreed to the stipulated condition, it being +understood that the vessels would not be prohibited from resisting any +hostile attack. + +It will give me especial satisfaction if I shall be authorized to +communicate to you a favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations +with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. It is the +earnest wish of this Government to remove all sources of discord and +irritation in our relations with the neighboring Dominion. The trade +between the two countries is constantly increasing, and it is important +to both countries that all reasonable facilities should be granted for +its development. + +The Government of Greece strongly urges the onerousness of the duty here +imposed upon the currants of that country, amounting to 100 per cent or +more of their market value. This fruit is stated to be exclusively a +Greek product, not coming into competition with any domestic product. +The question of reciprocal commercial relations with Greece, including +the restoration of currants to the free list, is under consideration. + +The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for injuries +sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military +authorities in the island of Haiti has been settled by the agreement of +that Republic to pay him $10,000 in American gold. Of this sum $5,000 +has already been paid. It is hoped that other pending claims of American +citizens against that Republic may be amicably adjusted. + +Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, +1897, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic +of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint +resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered +cession and incorporating the ceded territory into the Union was adopted +by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed the +United States steamship _Philadelphia_ to convey Rear-Admiral +Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important +legislative act, to be delivered to the President of the Republic of +Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were +authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the +sovereignty of the islands to the United States. This was simply but +impressively accomplished on the 12th of August last by the delivery of +a certified copy of the resolution to President Dole, who thereupon +yielded up to the representative of the Government of the United States +the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. + +Pursuant to the terms of the joint resolution and in exercise of +the authority thereby conferred upon me, I directed that the civil, +judicial, and military powers theretofore exercised by the officers of +the Government of the Republic of Hawaii should continue to be exercised +by those officers until Congress shall provide a government for the +incorporated territory, subject to my power to remove such officers and +to fill vacancies. The President, officers, and troops of the Republic +thereupon took the oath of allegiance to the United States, thus +providing for the uninterrupted continuance of all the administrative +and municipal functions of the annexed territory until Congress shall +otherwise enact. + +Following the further provision of the joint resolution, I appointed the +Hons. Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, John T. Morgan, of Alabama, Robert +R. Hitt, of Illinois, Sanford B. Dole, of Hawaii, and Walter F. Frear, +of Hawaii, as commissioners to confer and recommend to Congress such +legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem +necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission +confided to them, their report will be laid before you at an early day. +It is believed that their recommendations will have the earnest +consideration due to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon +you to give such shape to the relationship of those mid-Pacific lands to +our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree, realizing the +aspirations of the community that has cast its lot with us and elected +to share our political heritage, while at the same time justifying the +foresight of those who for three-quarters of a century have looked to +the assimilation of Hawaii as a natural and inevitable consummation, in +harmony with our needs and in fulfillment of our cherished traditions. + +The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out +of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty immigrants were, I am +pleased to say, adjusted before the act of transfer by the payment of +a reasonable indemnity to the Government of Japan. + +Under the provisions of the joint resolution, the existing customs +relations of the Hawaiian Islands with the United States and with other +countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. +The consuls of Hawaii here and in foreign countries continue to fulfill +their commercial agencies, while the United States consulate at Honolulu +is maintained for all appropriate services pertaining to trade and the +revenue. It would be desirable that all foreign consuls in the Hawaiian +Islands should receive new exequaturs from this Government. + +The attention of Congress is called to the fact that, our consular +offices having ceased to exist in Hawaii and being about to cease in +other countries coming under the sovereignty of the United States, the +provisions for the relief and transportation of destitute American +seamen in these countries under our consular regulations will in +consequence terminate. It is proper, therefore, that new legislation +should be enacted upon this subject in order to meet the changed +conditions. + +The interpretation of certain provisions of the extradition convention +of December 11, 1861, has been at various times the occasion of +controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose in +the case of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesús Guerra, who, +having led a marauding expedition near the border with the proclaimed +purpose of initiating an insurrection against President Diaz, escaped +into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground that the alleged +offense was political in its character, and therefore came within the +treaty proviso of nonsurrender. The Mexican contention was that the +exception only related to purely political offenses, and that as +Guerra's acts were admixed with the common crime of murder, arson, +kidnaping, and robbery, the option of nondelivery became void, a +position which this Government was unable to admit in view of the +received international doctrine and practice in the matter. The Mexican +Government, in view of this, gave notice January 24, 1898, of the +termination of the convention, to take effect twelve months from that +date, at the same time inviting the conclusion of a new convention, +toward which negotiations are on foot. + +In this relation I may refer to the necessity of some amendment of +our existing extradition statute. It is a common stipulation of such +treaties that neither party shall be bound to give up its own citizens, +with the added proviso in one of our treaties, that with Japan, that it +may surrender if it see fit. It is held in this country by an almost +uniform course of decisions that where a treaty negatives the obligation +to surrender the President is not invested with legal authority to act. +The conferment of such authority would be in the line of that sound +morality which shrinks from affording secure asylum to the author of a +heinous crime. Again, statutory provision might well be made for what is +styled extradition by way of transit, whereby a fugitive surrendered by +one foreign government to another may be conveyed across the territory +of the United States to the jurisdiction of the demanding state. +A recommendation in this behalf made in the President's message of +1886[23] was not acted upon. The matter is presented for your +consideration. + +The problem of the Mexican free zone has been often discussed with +regard to its inconvenience as a provocative of smuggling into the +United States along an extensive and thinly guarded land border. +The effort made by the joint resolution of March 1, 1895, to remedy the +abuse charged by suspending the privilege of free transportation in +bond across the territory of the United States to Mexico failed of good +result, as is stated in Report No. 702 of the House of Representatives, +submitted in the last session, March 11, 1898. As the question is one to +be conveniently met by wise concurrent legislation of the two countries +looking to the protection of the revenues by harmonious measures +operating equally on either side of the boundary, rather than by +conventional arrangements, I suggest that Congress consider the +advisability of authorizing and inviting a conference of representatives +of the Treasury Departments of the United States and Mexico to consider +the subject in all its complex bearings, and make report with pertinent +recommendations to the respective Governments for the information and +consideration of their Congresses. + +The Mexican Water Boundary Commission has adjusted all matters +submitted to it to the satisfaction of both Governments save in three +important cases--that of the "Chamizal" at El Paso, Tex., where the two +commissioners failed to agree, and wherein, for this case only, this +Government has proposed to Mexico the addition of a third member; the +proposed elimination of what are known as "Bancos," small isolated +islands formed by the cutting off of bends in the Rio Grande, from +the operation of the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended by the +commissioners and approved by this Government, but still under +consideration by Mexico; and the subject of the "Equitable distribution +of the waters of the Rio Grande," for which the commissioners +recommended an international dam and reservoir, approved by Mexico, but +still under consideration by this Government. Pending these questions +it is necessary to extend the life of the commission, which expires +December 23 next. + +The coronation of the young Queen of the Netherlands was made the +occasion of fitting congratulations. + +The claim of Victor H. McCord against Peru, which for a number of +years has been pressed by this Government and has on several occasions +attracted the attention of the Congress, has been satisfactorily +adjusted. A protocol was signed May 17, 1898, whereby, the fact of +liability being admitted, the question of the amount to be awarded was +submitted to the chief justice of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award +sets the indemnity due the claimant at $40,000. + +The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of its +intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation +concluded with this country August 31, 1887. As that treaty contains +many important provisions necessary to the maintenance of commerce +and good relations, which could with difficulty be replaced by the +negotiation of renewed provisions within the brief twelve months +intervening before the treaty terminates, I have invited suggestions by +Peru as to the particular provisions it is desired to annul, in the hope +of reaching an arrangement whereby the remaining articles may be +provisionally saved. + +His Majesty the Czar having announced his purpose to raise the +Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, +I responded, under the authority conferred by the act of March 3, +1893, by commissioning and accrediting the actual representative +at St. Petersburg in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary and +plenipotentiary. The Russian ambassador to this country has since +presented his credentials. + +The proposal of the Czar for a general reduction of the vast military +establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace +was communicated to this Government with an earnest invitation to be +represented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with +a view to discussing the means of accomplishing so desirable a result. +His Majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of this +Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of +the readiness of the United States to take part in the conference. +The active military force of the United States, as measured by our +population, territorial area, and taxable wealth, is, and under any +conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace +so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Czar's +appeal is especially addressed that the question can have for us no +practical importance save as marking an auspicious step toward the +betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation +of peace and good will among them; but in this view it behooves us as +a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent project. + +The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian +cruisers in Bering Sea are being pressed to a settlement. The equities +of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will +eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the +proven facts. + +The recommendation made in my special message of April 27 last is +renewed, that appropriation be made to reimburse the master and owners +of the Russian bark _Hans_ for wrongful arrest of the master and +detention of the vessel in February, 1896, by officers of the United +States district court for the southern district of Mississippi. The +papers accompanying my said message make out a most meritorious claim +and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the +Government of Russia. + +Malietoa Laupepa, King of Samoa, died on August 22 last. According to +Article I of the general act of Berlin, "his successor shall be duly +elected according to the laws and customs of Samoa." + +Arrangements having been agreed upon between the signatories of the +general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan +chiefs, they were brought from Jaluit by a German war vessel and landed +at Apia on September 18 last. + +Whether the death of Malietoa and the return of his old-time rival +Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which the execution of +the tripartite general act has heretofore developed remains to be seen. +The efforts of this Government will, as heretofore, be addressed toward +a harmonious and exact fulfillment of the terms of the international +engagement to which the United States became a party in 1889. + +The Cheek claim against Siam, after some five years of controversy, has +been adjusted by arbitration under an agreement signed July 6, 1897, an +award of 706,721 ticals (about $187,987.78), with release of the Cheek +estate from mortgage claims, having been rendered March 21, 1898, in +favor of the claimant by the arbitrator, Sir Nicholas John Hannen, +British chief justice for China and Japan. + +An envoy from Siam has been accredited to this Government and has +presented his credentials. + +Immediately upon the outbreak of the war with Spain the Swiss +Government, fulfilling the high mission it has deservedly assumed as the +patron of the International Red Cross, proposed to the United States and +Spain that they should severally recognize and carry into execution, +as a _modus vivendi_, during the continuance of hostilities, the +additional articles proposed by the international conference of Geneva, +October 20, 1868, extending the effects of the existing Red Cross +convention of 1864 to the conduct of naval war. Following the example +set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a _modus vivendi_, +and in view of the accession of the United States to those additional +articles in 1882, although the exchange of ratifications thereof still +remained uneffected, the Swiss proposal was promptly and cordially +accepted by us, and simultaneously by Spain. + +This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled to +testify its adherence to the broadest principles of humanity even amidst +the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the Red +Cross compact to hostilities by sea as well as on land may soon become +an accomplished fact through the general promulgation of the additional +naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the +convention of 1864. + +The important question of the claim of Switzerland to the perpetual +cantonal allegiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made +hopeful progress toward a solution, and controversies in this regard +still continue. + +The newly accredited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman Porte +carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy +with Turkey for a number of years. He is especially charged to press for +a just settlement of our claims for indemnity by reason of the +destruction of the property of American missionaries resident in that +country during the Armenian troubles of 1895, as well as for the +recognition of older claims of equal justness. + +He is also instructed to seek an adjustment of the dispute growing +out of the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of +Ottoman-born persons naturalized in the United States since 1869 without +prior imperial consent, and in the same general relation he is directed +to endeavor to bring about a solution of the question which has more or +less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdictional rights of +the United States in matters of criminal procedure and punishment under +Article IV of the treaty of 1830. This latter difficulty grows out of a +verbal difference, claimed by Turkey to be essential, between the +original Turkish text and the promulgated translation. + +After more than two years from the appointment of a consul of this +country to Erzerum, he has received his exequatur. + +The arbitral tribunal appointed under the treaty of February 2, 1897, +between Great Britain and Venezuela, to determine the boundary line +between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at +Paris during the present month. It is a source of much gratification to +this Government to see the friendly resort of arbitration applied to the +settlement of this controversy, not alone because of the earnest part we +have had in bringing about the result, but also because the two members +named on behalf of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuller and Mr. Justice +Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appropriately testify the +continuing interest we feel in the definitive adjustment of the question +according to the strictest rules of justice. The British members, +Lord Herschell and Sir Richard Collins, are jurists of no less exalted +repute, while the fifth member and president of the tribunal, M.F. +De Martens, has earned a world-wide reputation as an authority upon +international law. + +The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expulsion +and injury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the +order of expulsion and by the payment of the sum of $16,000. + +I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of +the American Republics, created in 1890 as the organ for promoting +commercial intercourse and fraternal relations among the countries of +the Western Hemisphere, has become a more efficient instrument of the +wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial support of +the contributing members of the international union which are actually +represented in its board of management. A commercial directory, in two +volumes, containing a mass of statistical matter descriptive of the +industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been +printed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a monthly +bulletin published in these four languages and distributed in the +Latin-American countries as well as in the United States has proved to +be a valuable medium for disseminating information and furthering the +varied interests of the international union. + +During the past year the important work of collecting information of +practical benefit to American industries and trade through the agency +of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily advanced, and +in order to lay such data before the public with the least delay the +practice was begun in January, 1898, of issuing the commercial reports +from day to day as they are received by the Department of State. It is +believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of information the +service thus supplied to our merchants and manufacturers will be found +to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of +Congress. + +The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of +the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in common with most +civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage +sustained in time of war-by peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we +may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations +are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehension +into which an outbreak of hostilities throws the entire commercial +world. It should be our object, therefore, to minimize, so far as +practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can +probably best be accomplished by an international agreement to regard +all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the +forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many +years advocated this humane and beneficent principle, and is now in +position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of +selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your consideration that the +Executive be authorized to correspond with the governments of the +principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the +permanent law of civilized nations the principle of the exemption of +all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or +destruction by belligerent powers. + +The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the +Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, +1898, including $64,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, +amounted to $405,321,335 and its expenditures to $443,368,582. There +was collected from customs $149,575,062 and from internal revenue +$170,900,641. Our dutiable imports amounted to $324,635,479, a decrease +of $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty +amounted to $291,414,175, a decrease from the preceding year of +$90,524,068. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding +year by $24,212,067. + +The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $92,546,999; +on manufactured tobacco, $36,230,522, and on fermented liquors, +$39,515,421. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to +$1,231,482,330, an increase of $180,488,774 from the preceding year. + +It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the +receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will +be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a +deficiency of $112,000,000. + +On the 1st of December, 1898, there was held in the Treasury gold coin +amounting to $138,441,547, gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545, +silver bullion amounting to $93,359,250, and other forms of money +amounting to $451,963,981. + +On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not +included in Treasury holdings, was $1,886,879,504, an increase for the +year of $165,794,966. Estimating our population at 75,194,000 at the +time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.09. On the same date +there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545. + +The provisions made for strengthening the resources of the Treasury in +connection with the war have given increased confidence in the purpose +and power of the Government to maintain the present standard, and have +established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and +abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the inflow of gold to the +Treasury. Its net gold holdings on November 1, 1898, were $239,885,162 +as compared with $153,573,147 on November 1, 1897, and an increase of +net cash of $207,756,100, November 1, 1897, to $300,238,275, November 1, +1898. The present ratio of net Treasury gold to outstanding Government +liabilities, including United States notes, Treasury notes of 1890, +silver certificates, currency certificates, standard silver dollars, +and fractional silver coin, November 1, 1898, was 25.35 per cent, as +compared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1897. + +I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: + + That when any of the United States notes are presented for redemption + in gold and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set + apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an obvious duty. + If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it + from the Government, he should not receive back from the Government a + United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason + for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an + interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United + States notes--a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay + them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in + any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond + issue to redeem them--another interest-bearing debt to redeem a + non-interest-bearing debt. + + +This recommendation was made in the belief that such provisions of law +would insure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and +better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected +from a disturbance in the general business conditions of the country. + +In my judgment the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the +immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under +which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund +from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when +once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. + +It is not to be inferred that other legislation relating to our currency +is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for it. + +The importance of adequate provision which will insure to our future a +money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our +commercial rivals is generally recognized. + +The companion proposition that our domestic paper currency shall be kept +safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal +commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs is a proposition +scarcely less important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to +the wise consideration of the Congress. + +The annexation of Hawaii and the changed relations of the United States +to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines resulting from the war, compel +the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United States. There +should be established regular and frequent steamship communication, +encouraged by the United States, under the American flag, with the newly +acquired islands. Spain furnished to its colonies, at an annual cost of +about $2,000,000, steamship lines communicating with a portion of the +world's markets, as well as with trade centers of the home Government. +The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to +furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, under national control, +for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present +situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and +liberal. + +The part which American merchant vessels and their seamen performed +in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both +pickets and the second line of defense, is a national necessity, and +should be encouraged in every constitutional way. Details and methods +for the accomplishment of this purpose are discussed in the report of +the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is +respectfully invited. + +In my last annual message I recommended that Congress authorize the +appointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic +investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow +fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result +of the military occupation of the island of Cuba and the commercial +intercourse between this island and the United States which we have +every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new +relations with the island of Cuba and the acquisition of Puerto Rico +are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and +administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be +considered by competent experts and that everything may be done +which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the +protection of the health of our soldiers in those islands and of +our citizens who are exposed to the dangers of infection from the +importation of yellow fever. I therefore renew my recommendation that +the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made +to provide for a commission of experts to be appointed for the purpose +indicated. + +Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the +President in his discretion, "upon a declaration of war by Congress, or +a declaration by Congress that war exists," I directed the increase of +the Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. + +There are now in the Regular Army 57,862 officers and men. In said act +it was provided-- + + That at the end of any war in which the United States may become + involved the Army shall be reduced to a peace basis by the transfer + in the same arm of the service or absorption by promotion or honorable + discharge, under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish, + of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or + transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this + act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent increase of the + commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now + provided by the law in force prior to the passage of this act, + except as to the increase of twenty-five majors provided for in + section I hereof. + + +The importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the Army is +therefore manifest, and the recommendation of the Secretary of War for +that purpose has my unqualified approval. There can be no question that +at this time, and probably for some time in the future, 100,000 men +will be none too many to meet the necessities of the situation. At all +events, whether that number shall be required permanently or not, the +power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his +discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should +be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the +inhabitants of the islands with the government of which we are charged. +It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the +Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. +This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the +brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in +its emergency. + +In my last annual message I stated: + + The Union Pacific Railway, main line, was sold under the decree of the + United States court for the district of Nebraska on the 1st and 2d of + November of this year. The amount due the Government consisted of the + principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,512, and the accrued interest + thereon, $31,211,711.75, making the total indebtedness $58,448,223.75. + The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire + mortgage claim of the Government, principal and interest. + + +This left the Kansas Pacific case unconcluded. By a decree of the court +in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which +would yield to the Government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale, +at the instance of the Government, was postponed first to December 15, +1897, and later, upon the application of the United States, was +postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. + +Having satisfied myself that the interests of the Government required +that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the +Secretary of the Treasury, under the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay +out of the Treasury to the persons entitled to receive the same the +amounts due upon all prior mortgages upon the Eastern and Middle +divisions of said railroad out of any money in the Treasury not +otherwise appropriated, whereupon the Attorney-General prepared a +petition to be presented to the court, offering to redeem said prior +liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that +thereupon the United States might be held to be subrogated to all the +rights of said prior lien holders and that a receiver might be appointed +to take possession of the mortgaged premises and maintain and operate +the same until the court or Congress otherwise directed. Thereupon the +reorganization committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and +the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they would +bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Government the entire +principal of its debt, $6,303,000. + +Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the +difficulties under which the Government would labor if it should become +the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any authority +by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon +the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the +principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the +Government secured an advance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which +the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization +committee had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the +property. + +It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the +Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the Government +has received on account of its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, +an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the sum which the reorganization +committee originally agreed to bid for the joint property, the +Government receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the +Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas Pacific +Railroad. + +Steps had been taken to foreclose the Government's lien upon the Central +Pacific Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress +passed an act, approved July 7, 1898, creating a commission consisting +of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the +Secretary of the Interior, and their successors in office, with full +power to settle the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the +issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and +Western Pacific bond-aided railroads, subject to the approval of the +President. + +No report has yet been made to me by the commission thus created. +Whatever action is had looking to a settlement of the indebtedness in +accordance with the act referred to will be duly submitted to the +Congress. + +I deem it my duty to call to the attention of Congress the condition of +the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The business +of that Department has increased very greatly since it was established +in its present quarters. The building now occupied by it is neither +large enough nor of suitable arrangement for the proper accommodation of +the business of the Department. The Supervising Architect has pronounced +it unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The +Attorney-General in his report states that the library of the Department +is upon the fourth floor, and that all the space allotted to it is so +crowded with books as to dangerously overload the structure. The first +floor is occupied by the Court of Claims. The building is of an old and +dilapidated appearance, unsuited to the dignity which should attach to +this important Department. + +A proper regard for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the officers +and employees would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in +the erection of, a new building of commodious proportions and handsome +appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that +purpose, including the ground occupied by the present structure and +adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet on +Pennsylvania avenue and a depth of 136 feet. + +In this connection I may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations +provided for the Supreme Court in the Capitol, and suggest the wisdom of +making provision for the erection of a separate building for the court +and its officers and library upon available ground near the Capitol. + +The postal service of the country advances with extraordinary growth. +Within twenty years both the revenues and the expenditures of the +Post-Office Department have multiplied threefold. In the last ten years +they have nearly doubled. Our postal business grows much more rapidly +than our population. It now involves an expenditure of $100,000,000 a +year, numbers 73,000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 employees. This +remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of the +public conditions presents gratifying evidence of the advancement of +education, of the increase of communication and business activity, and +of the improvement of mail facilities leading to their constantly +augmenting use. + +The war with Spain laid new and exceptional labors on the Post-Office +Department. The mustering of the military and naval forces of the United +States required special mail arrangements for every camp and every +campaign. The communication between home and camp was naturally eager +and expectant. In some of the larger places of rendezvous as many as +50,000 letters a day required handling. This necessity was met by the +prompt detail and dispatch of experienced men from the established force +and by directing all the instrumentalities of the railway mail and +post-office service, so far as necessary, to this new need. Congress +passed an act empowering the Postmaster-General to establish offices or +branches at every military camp or station, and under this authority the +postal machinery was speedily put into effective operation. + +Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the Philippines they were attended and followed by the postal +service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of +postmasters where necessary, it was early determined that the public +interests would best be subserved, not by new designations, but by the +detail of experienced men familiar with every branch of the service, +and this policy was steadily followed. When the territory which was the +theater of conflict came into our possession, it became necessary to +reestablish mail facilities for the resident population as well as to +provide them for our forces of occupation, and the former requirement +was met through the extension and application of the latter obligation. +I gave the requisite authority, and the same general principle was +applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under +military occupation. The details are more particularly given in the +report of the Postmaster-General, and, while the work is only just +begun, it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the +territory which has come under our control is already materially +improved. + +The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to +the increase of the Navy have my earnest approval: + +1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 +tons trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $3,600,000 each. + +2. Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,000 tons +trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $4,000,000 each. + +3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons +trial displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and great +radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for +vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, +$2,150,000 each. + +4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial +displacement, to have the highest speed compatible with good cruising +qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful +ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive +of armament, $1,141,800 each. + +I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades +of admiral and vice-admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by +officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with +Spain. + +I earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of early legislation +providing for the taking of the Twelfth Census. This is necessary in +view of the large amount of work which must be performed in the +preparation of the schedules preparatory to the enumeration of the +population. + +There were on the pension rolls on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an +increase of nearly 18,000 over the number on the rolls on the same day +of the preceding year. The amount appropriated by the act of December +22, 1896, for the payment of pensions for the fiscal year of 1898 +was $140,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hundred and +seventy-two dollars and forty-six cents was appropriated by the act of +March 31, 1898, to cover deficiencies in army pensions, and repayments +in the sum of $12,020.33, making a total of $148,082,892.79 available +for the payment of pensions during the fiscal year 1898. The amount +disbursed from that sum was $144,651,879.80, leaving a balance of +$3,431,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of June, 1898, which was covered +into the Treasury. There were 389 names added to the rolls during the +year by special acts passed at the second session of the Fifty-fifth +Congress, making a total of 6,486 pensioners by Congressional enactments +since 1861. + +The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were +$1,253,948.44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus +of $172,314.65. + +The public lands disposed of by the Government during the year reached +8,453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previous +year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year +amounted to $2,277,995.18, an increase of $190,063.90 over the preceding +year. The lands embraced in the eleven forest reservations which were +suspended by the act of June 4, 1897, again became subject to the +operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1897, creating them, +which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area embraced +in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves +were created during the year--the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve, +in California, embracing 1,644,594 acres, and the Prescott Reserve, in +Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres--while the Pecos River Reserve, in New +Mexico, has been changed and enlarged to include 120,000 additional +acres. + +At the close of the year thirty forest reservations, not including those +of the Afognak Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve, in Alaska, had been +created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March +3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. + +The Department of the Interior has inaugurated a forest system, made +possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in +control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation +since August, but good results have already been secured in many +sections. The reports received indicate that the system of patrol has +not only prevented destructive fires from gaining headway, but has +diminished the number of fires. + +The special attention of the Congress is called to that part of +the report of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the Five +Civilized Tribes. It is noteworthy that the general condition of the +Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of a serious character +occurred during the year, and that among the Chippewa Indians of +Minnesota, which happily has been suppressed. + +While it has not yet been practicable to enforce all the provisions +of the act of June 28, 1898, "for the protection of the people of the +Indian Territory, and for other purposes," it is having a salutary +effect upon the nations composing the five tribes. The Dawes Commission +reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance toward the +attainment of the objects of the Government have been secured in the +past year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the +recommendation of the commission and of the Secretary of the Interior +for the necessity of providing for the education of the 30,000 white +children resident in the Indian Territory. + +The Department of Agriculture has been active in the past year. +Explorers have been sent to many of the countries of the Eastern and +Western hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the +United States, and with the further view of opening up markets for our +surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving +special attention to the treeless regions of our country and is +introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires, +which seriously interfere with production, especially in irrigated +regions, are being studied, that losses from this cause may be avoided. +The Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many +States of the West, and collating information regarding the laws of the +States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in +this regard, so that uniformity may be secured. Experiment stations are +becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,000 +by Congress is supplemented by $400,000 from the States. Nation-wide +experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil +and climate and States for growing sugar beets. The number of sugar +factories has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the +United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly +demonstrated. + +The Weather Bureau forecast and observation stations have been extended +around the Caribbean Sea, to give early warning of the approach of +hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine. + +In the year 1900 will occur the centennial anniversary of the founding +of the city of Washington for the permanent capital of the Government of +the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, +1790. In May, 1800, the archives and general offices of the Federal +Government were removed to this place. On the 17th of November, 1800, +the National Congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive +control of the Federal district and city. This interesting event assumes +all the more significance when we recall the circumstances attending the +choosing of the site, the naming of the capital in honor of the Father +of his Country, and the interest taken by him in the adoption of plans +for its future development on a magnificent scale. + +These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and +a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. +The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and +government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and +education which here find their natural home. + +A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary +celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the +establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an +occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with +general favor on the part of the public. + +I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this +purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. +It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a +committee from the country at large, which, acting with the +Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the +plans for an appropriate national celebration. + +The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a +measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful +application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the +principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend +these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. + +The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in +great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the +past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel +called upon to act. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 12: See pp. 127-136.] +[Footnote 13: pp. 139-150.] +[Footnote 14: See pp. 202-203.] +[Footnote 15: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 16: See pp. 153-155.] +[Footnote 17: See p. 201.] +[Footnote 18: See p. 155.] +[Footnote 19: See pp. 204-205.] +[Footnote 20: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 21: See pp. 205-206.] +[Footnote 22: See pp. 206-207.] +[Footnote 23: See Vol. VIII, pp. 501-503.] + + + +AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America +and the Kingdom of Spain. + +_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the +United States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That war be, +and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed +since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the +United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain. + +Second. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry this act into effect. + +Approved, April 25, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 10, 1899_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +As a consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace between the +United States and Spain and its expected ratification by the Spanish +Government, the United States will come into possession of the +Philippine Islands, on the farther shores of the Pacific. The Hawaiian +Islands and Guam becoming United States territory and forming convenient +stopping places on the way across the sea, the necessity for speedy +cable communication between the United States and all these Pacific +islands has become imperative. + +Such communication should be established in such a way as to be wholly +under the control of the United States, whether in time of peace or of +war. At present the Philippines can be reached only by cables which +pass through many foreign countries, and the Hawaiian Islands and Guam +can only be communicated with by steamers, involving delays in each +instance of at least a week. The present conditions should not be +allowed to continue for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. + +So long ago as 1885 reference was made in an Executive message to +Congress to the necessity for cable communication between the United +States and Hawaii. This necessity has greatly increased since then. +The question has been discussed in the Fifty-second, Fifty-fourth, and +Fifty-fifth Congresses, in each of which some effort has been made +looking toward laying a cable at least as far as the Hawaiian Islands. +The time has now arrived when a cable in the Pacific must extend at +least as far as Manila, touching at the Hawaiian Islands and Guam on +the way. + +Two methods of establishing this cable communication at once suggest +themselves: First, construction and maintenance of such a cable by +and at the expense of the United States Government, and, second, +construction and maintenance of such a cable by a private United States +corporation, under such safeguards as Congress shall impose. + +I do not make any recommendations to Congress as to which of these +methods would be the more desirable. A cable of the length of that +proposed requires so much time for construction and laying that it is +estimated that at least two years must elapse after giving the order for +the cable before the entire system could be successfully laid and put in +operation. Further deep-sea soundings must be taken west of the Hawaiian +Islands before the final route for the cable can be selected. Under +these circumstances it becomes a paramount necessity that measures +should be taken before the close of the present Congress to provide such +means as may seem most suitable for the establishment of a cable system. + +I commend the whole subject to the careful consideration of the Congress +and to such prompt action as may seem advisable. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April +20, 1898,[24] and communicated to the Government of Spain, it was +demanded that said Government at once relinquish its authority and +government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces +from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as might be necessary +to carry said resolution into effect; and + +Whereas in carrying into effect said resolution the President of the +United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade +of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between +Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast +of Cuba: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in +order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim +that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a +blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast +between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the +south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United +States and the law of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient +force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels +from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said +ports or attempting to leave the same without notice or knowledge of the +establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of +the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the +date of such warning, where such indorsement was made; and if the same +vessel shall again attempt to enter any blockaded port she will be +captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such proceedings +against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the +establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the +seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 24: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the 20th day of +April, 1898,[25] entitled "Joint resolution for the recognition of the +independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of +Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and +to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and +directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval +forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war, and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 +in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the +same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several States +and Territories and the District of Columbia according to population and +to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this +object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities +through the War Department. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 25: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898,[26] it is +declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 21st day of +April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain; and + +Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon +principles in harmony with the present views of nations and sanctioned +by their recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy +of this Government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere +to the rules of the Declaration of Paris: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of +America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the +laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: + +1. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of +contraband of war. + +2. Neutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation +under the enemy's flag. + +3. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. + +4. Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United +States shall be allowed till May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their +cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish +merchant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue their voyage if on examination of their papers +it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the +expiration of the above term: _Provided_, That nothing herein +contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officer in +the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal (except such as +may be necessary for their voyage), or any other article prohibited or +contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish Government. + +5. Any Spanish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1898, shall have +sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United +States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge +her cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without molestation; and +any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. + +6. The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the +rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be +interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a +violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + ALVEY A. ADEE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 26: See p. 201.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April, +1898,[27] entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United +States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 75,000 +in addition to the volunteers called forth by my proclamation of the 23d +of April, in the present year,[28] the same to be apportioned, as far as +practicable, among the several States and Territories and the District +of Columbia according to population and to serve for two years unless +sooner discharged. The proportion of each arm and the details of +enlistment and organization will be made known through the War +Department. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused +the seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 27: See p. 201.] + +[Footnote 28: See pp. 203-204.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas, for the reasons set forth in my proclamation of April 22, +1898,[29] a blockade of the ports on the northern coast of Cuba from +Cardenas to Bahia Honda, inclusive, and of the port of Cienfuegos, on +the south coast of Cuba, was declared to have been instituted; and + +Whereas it has become desirable to extend the blockade to other Spanish +ports: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do hereby declare and proclaim that in addition to the blockade of the +ports specified in my proclamation of April 22, 1898, the United States +of America has instituted and will maintain an effective blockade of all +the ports on the south coast of Cuba from Cape Frances to Cape Cruz, +inclusive, and also of the port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto +Rico. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by +the present proclamation extended will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom with cargo. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of June, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + J.B. MOORE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 29: See pp. 202-203.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a protocol concluded and signed August 12, 1898[30] by +William R. Day, Secretary of State of the United States, and His +Excellency Jules Cambon, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of +the Republic of France at Washington, respectively representing for this +purpose the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, +the United States and Spain have formally agreed upon the terms on which +negotiations for the establishment of peace between the two countries +shall be undertaken; and + +Whereas it is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and +signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended and +that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and +proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities +and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the +proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces +of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this +proclamation. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 30: See p. 174.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors, +hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving +thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us +during the year. + +Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as +this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce +have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and +strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought +together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity. + +The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we +were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are +permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and +the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have +been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire +us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and +magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as +to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend +protracted war. + +I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be +at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart +and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national +thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a +service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of +the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the +soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and +valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a +righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought +us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the +years to come. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN HAY, + _Secretary of State_. + + + + +EXECUTIVE ORDERS. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 7, 1898_. + + +DEWEY, + _Care American Consul, Hongkong_: + +The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your +officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. + +In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will +recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for +further promotion. + +LONG. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the +Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States +to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. +It will therefore be the duty of the commander of the expedition, +immediately upon his arrival in the islands, to publish a proclamation +declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the +Philippines, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect +them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and +religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest +submission, cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give +effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support +and protection. Our occupation should be as free from severity as +possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the authority of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which the +commander of the expedition will have to deal is that of the treatment +of property and the collection and administration of the revenues. +It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the +government of the country in its own right and all arms and supplies and +other movable property of such government may be seized by the military +occupant and converted to the use of this Government. The real property +of the state he may hold and administer, at the same time enjoying +the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy it save in the case +of military necessity. All public means of transportation, such as +telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may +be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity +they are not to be destroyed. All churches and buildings devoted to +religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, +so far as possible, to be protected, and all destruction or intentional +defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of +works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent +military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is +to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated. +Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, +and boats, may, although they belong to private individuals or +corporations, be seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed +under military necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of a conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and +the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines, you are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary +for the purpose of devising measures to secure the harmonious action of +those, two branches of the public service. + +I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a +report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a +view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient. +All ports and places in the Philippines which may be in the actual +possession of our land and naval forces will be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, and upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all +places which may be in military possession by conquest, and to apply +the proceeds to defray the cost of the war, including the expenses of +government during the military occupation. It is desirable, however, +and in accordance with the views of modern civilization, to confine +the exercise of this power, so far as possible, to the collection of +such contributions as are equivalent to the duties and taxes already +established in the territory. I have determined to order that all ports +or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession +of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the rates of duty which may be in force at the time when the +goods are imported. In the execution of this policy it may be advisable +to substitute new rates of duty and new taxes for those now levied in +the Philippines. You are therefore instructed to examine the existing +Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes, and to report to me such +recommendations as you may deem it proper to make with respect either +to the rates of duties and taxes or to the regulations which should be +adopted for their imposition and collection. + +As the levy of all contributions in territory occupied by a belligerent +is a military right derived from the law of nations, the collection and +distribution of duties and taxes in the Philippines during the military +occupation of the United States will be made, under the orders of the +Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, by the military or naval +commanders, as the case may be, of the ports or places which may be in +the possession of our forces. Your report is desired in order that I may +be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of +the Navy. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +I inclose herewith a copy of an order which I have this day addressed +to the Secretary of War, setting forth the principles on which the +occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.[31] You are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures +may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers +of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided. + +I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine +the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines +and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to +make in regard to the revenues of the islands.[32] I have informed him, +however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes +collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the +law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and +the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the +case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our +forces. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 31: See pp. 208-211.] + +[Footnote 32: See pp. 211-212.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 4, 1898._ + + +Admiral SAMPSON, + _Playa del Este, Cuba_: + +You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people. +Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors +have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and +appreciation of the nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 6, 1898._ + +_To the People of the United States of America_: + +At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented +success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the +bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no +less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved +country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and, +staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds +wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow +before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who +holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the +marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the +light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory. + +I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling +for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer +thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading +our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in +a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even +though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to +far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the +success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace. + +With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that +our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and +in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and +disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and +withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought +of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with +compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure +sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above +all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good, +may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to +our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now +ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and +tranquillity. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 8, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Playa, Cuba_: + +Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows: + +The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the +nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the +fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill +the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who +fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes. + +R.A. ALGER, _Secretary of War_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 13,1898._ + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The capitulation of the Spanish forces in Santiago de Cuba and in +the eastern part of the Province of Santiago, and the occupation of the +territory by the forces of the United States, render it necessary to +instruct the military commander of the United States as to the conduct +which he is to observe during the military occupation. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the inhabitants of +Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to +discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. It will +therefore be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make +war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among +them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in +their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active +aid or by honest submission, cooperate with the United States in its +efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the +reward of its support and protection. Our occupation should be as free +from severity as possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the supremacy of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which it +will be necessary to deal is that of the treatment of property and the +collection and administration of the revenues. It is conceded that all +public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country +in its own right and all arms and supplies and other movable property of +such government may be seized by the military occupant and converted to +his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer, +at the same time enjoying the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy +it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats, +belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in +case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed. All churches +and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, +all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected, and all +destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical +monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited +save when required by urgent military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, +is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause. Means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, and boats, +may, although they belong to private individuals or corporations, be +seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed under military +necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of the conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of +our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 16, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa_: + +The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the +profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant achievements at +Santiago, resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish +troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has +endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and +battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles +which would have overcome men less brave and determined. One and all +have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude +of the nation. The hearts of the people turn with tender sympathy to the +sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 21, 1898_. + +In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the +United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the +United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening +of hostilities with Spain, may be resumed, subject to such military +regulations as may be deemed necessary. + +As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of +the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may +be opened under the same conditions. + +The domestic postal service within the territory thus occupied may be +continued on the same principles already indicated for the continuance +of the local municipal and judicial administration, and it maybe +extended as the local requirements may justify, under the supervision of +the military commander. + +The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses +of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to +be used. + +The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in +cooperation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War +will issue the necessary directions. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 6, 1898_. + +_Ordered_, That the graves of our soldiers at Santiago shall be +permanently marked. The present marking will last but a short time, and +before its effacement occurs suitable and permanent markers should be +put up. + +The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, August 17, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _Manila, Philippines_: + +The President directs that there must be no joint occupation with the +insurgents. The United States, in the possession of Manila City, Manila +Bay and Harbor, must preserve the peace and protect persons and property +within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces. +The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation +and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities +proclaimed by the President. Use whatever means in your judgment are +necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike. + +By order Secretary War: + +H.C. CORBIN, + _Adjutant-General._ + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _United States Army, Manila_: + +In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers +and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the +conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898_. + +Admiral DEWEY, + _Manila_: + +Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your +command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the +gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 4, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila, Philippine Islands_: + +By direction of the Secretary of War, following from the President is +sent you for your early consideration. + +CORBIN. + + +The President desires that Admiral Dewey and General Otis shall have +an early conference and advise him what force and equipment will be +necessary in the Philippine Islands. The President would be glad to have +suggestions from these commanders as to the government of the islands, +which of necessity must be by the Army and the Navy for some time to +come. When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that +peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a +government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged +in their industries and made secure in life and property. The fullest +suggestions are invited. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 9, 1898_. + +By virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander in Chief of the +Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order and direct that +during the occupancy by the military authorities of the United States +of the island of Cuba and all islands in the West Indies west of the +seventy-fourth degree, west longitude, evacuated by Spain, said islands +shall constitute a collection district for customs purposes. Havana +shall be the chief port of entry. An officer of the Army shall be +assigned to such port, who shall be the collector of customs of the +islands and of the chief port and shall have general jurisdiction over +the collection of customs in the islands. + +The ports of Matanzas, Cardenas, Cienfuegos, Sagua, Caibarien, Santiago, +Manzanillo, Nuevitas, Guantanamo, Gibara, and Baracoa, in said islands, +are hereby declared to be subports of entry, and an officer of the Army +will be assigned to each of the subports, who will be the collector +of customs of a subport and shall have general jurisdiction of the +collection of customs at such port. He shall make weekly reports to +the collector of customs of the islands at the chief port of all +transactions at the subport over which he has jurisdiction, with copies +of all entries of merchandise, duly certified. + +The Secretary of War shall appoint such civilian deputy collectors, +inspectors, and other employees as may be found necessary. + +The collectors of the subports shall deposit all moneys collected by +them with the collector of the islands, and a receipt from the collector +of the islands must be taken in duplicate for all such deposits. + +There shall be appointed an auditor, who shall be stationed at the chief +port, whose duty it shall be to examine all entries of merchandise and +if found correct to certify to them. Such auditor shall on the first +of each month make a full and complete report, duly certified, to the +Secretary of War of all duties collected at each port, with an itemized +report of all expenditures made therefrom, which shall be referred to +the Auditor for the War Department for audit. + +All questions arising in the administration of customs in the islands +shall be referred to the collector of the islands at the chief port for +decision, from which there shall be no appeal, except in such cases as +may be referred by the collector of the islands to the Secretary of War +for his decision. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the +United States naval squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed +by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, +practically effected the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the +suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein. + +With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States +and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris, on the 10th +instant, and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future +control, disposition, and government of the Philippine Islands are ceded +to the United States. In fulfillment of the rights of sovereignty thus +acquired and the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, +the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the +Philippine Islands become immediately necessary, and the military +government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, +harbor, and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch +to the whole of the ceded territory. + +In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is +enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands +that in succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in severing the former +political relations of the inhabitants, and in establishing a new +political power the authority of the United States is to be exerted for +the security of the persons and property of the people of the islands +and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. + +It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as +invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in +their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious +rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, +cooperate with the Government of the United States to give effect to +these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and +protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have +assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity so far as may +be possible. + +Within the absolute domain of military authority, which necessarily is +and must remain supreme in the ceded territory until the legislation of +the United States shall otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the +territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression +of crime are to be considered as continuing in force and to be +administered by the ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. The +operations of civil and municipal government are to be performed by such +officers as may accept the supremacy of the United States by taking the +oath of allegiance, or by officers chosen as far as may be practicable +from the inhabitants of the islands. + +While the control of all the public property and the revenues of the +state passes with the cession, and while the use and management of all +public means of transportation are necessarily reserved to the authority +of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals +or corporations, is to be respected, except for cause duly established. +The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabitants to the late +government become payable to the authorities of the United States, +unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reasonable rates or +modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or +local. If private property be taken for military use, it shall be paid +for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash +is not practicable receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in the Philippine Islands in the actual possession +of the land and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the +commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares not prohibited for +military reasons, by due announcement of the military authority, will be +admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in +force at the time of their importation. + +Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the military +administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the +inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible +way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the +heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the +United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild +sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this +high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the +greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the +strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all +obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government +upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the +United States. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you +send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life +and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with +the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. + +By order of the Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate +rights or franchises for the construction of public or _quasi_ +public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone +lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made +by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba, +except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military +forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such +grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were +issued.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR: + + * * * * * + +The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the +senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are +directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation +of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to +them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid +in carrying out such arrangements. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, January 1, 1899--4.30 p.m._ + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +The President considers it of first importance that a conflict brought +on by you be avoided at this time, if possible. Can not Miller get into +communication with insurgents, giving them President's proclamation and +informing them of the purposes of the Government, assuring them that +while it will assert its sovereignty its purpose is to give them a good +government and security in their personal rights. + +By order Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 20, 1899._ + +The SECRETARY OF STATE: + +My communication to the Secretary of War dated December 21, 1898,[33] +declares the necessity of extending the actual occupation and +administration of the city, harbor, and bay of Manila to the whole of +the territory which by the treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, +passed from the sovereignty of Spain to the sovereignty of the United +States and the consequent establishment of military government +throughout the entire group of the Philippine Islands. + +While the treaty has not yet been ratified, it is believed that it will +be by the time of the arrival at Manila of the commissioners named +below. In order to facilitate the most humane, specific, and effective +extension of authority throughout these islands and to secure with the +least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of +life and property to the inhabitants, I have named Jacob G. Schurman, +Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, Charles Denby, +and Dean C. Worcester to constitute a commission to aid in the +accomplishment of these results. + +In the performance of this duty the commissioners are enjoined to meet +at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to announce by a +public proclamation their presence and the mission intrusted to them, +carefully setting forth that while the military government already +proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may +require, efforts will be made to alleviate the burdens of taxation, to +establish industrial and commercial prosperity, and to provide for the +safety of persons and of property by such means as may be found +conducive to these ends. + +The commissioners will endeavor, without interference with the military +authorities of the United States now in control of the Philippines, to +ascertain what amelioration in the condition of the inhabitants and what +improvements in public order may be practicable, and for this purpose +they will study attentively the existing social and political state of +the various populations, particularly as regards the forms of local +government, the administration of justice, the collection of customs +and other taxes, the means of transportation, and the need of public +improvements. + +They will report through the State Department, according to the forms +customary or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and preserving such +communications, the results of their observations and reflections, and +will recommend such executive action as may from time to time seem to +them wise and useful. + +The commissioners are hereby authorized to confer authoritatively +with any persons resident in the islands from whom they may believe +themselves able to derive information or suggestions valuable for the +purposes of their commission, or whom they may choose to employ as +agents, as may be necessary for this purpose. + +The temporary government of the islands is intrusted to the military +authorities, as already provided for by my instructions to the Secretary +of War of December 21, 1898,[34] and will continue until Congress shall +determine otherwise. The commission may render valuable services by +examining with special care the legislative needs of the various groups +of inhabitants and by reporting, with recommendations, the measures +which should be instituted for the maintenance of order, peace, and +public welfare, either as temporary steps to be taken immediately for +the perfection of present administration or as suggestions for future +legislation. + +In so far as immediate personal changes in the civil administration may +seem to be advisable, the commissioners are empowered to recommend +suitable persons for appointment to these offices from among the +inhabitants of the islands who have previously acknowledged their +allegiance to this Government. + +It is my desire that in all their relations with the inhabitants of +the islands the commissioners exercise due respect for all the ideals, +customs, and institutions of the tribes and races which compose the +population, emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent +intentions of the Government of the United States. + +It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners may be +received in a manner due to the honored and authorized representatives +of the American Republic, duly commissioned, on account of their +knowledge, skill, and integrity, as bearers of the good will, the +protection, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than +a conquering nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 33: See pp. 219-221.] + +[Footnote 34: See pp. 219-221.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers +of the Presidents, by William McKinley + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13893 *** diff --git a/13893-h/13893-h.htm b/13893-h/13893-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..467fcdb --- /dev/null +++ b/13893-h/13893-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6287 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary v0.16)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + A Compilation of the Messages and Papers Of The Presidents, + by James D. Richardson +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + p { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; } + hr { width: 50%; } + hr.full { width: 100%; } + .foot { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 85%; } + center { padding: 0.8em;} + .r { text-align: right; } + .q { margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; font-size: 80%; } + .t { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + td { font-size: 85%; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13893 ***</div> + +<div style="height: 8em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h1> + A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS +</h1> +<center><b> + BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON +</b></center> +<center> + A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE +</center> +<center> + PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS +</center> +<center> + 1902 +</center> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> +<hr> +<h2> + William McKinley +</h2> +<h3> + Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the + Spanish-American War +</h3> +<hr> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + William McKinley +</h2> +<p> + William McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, was + born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His ancestors on + the paternal side, who were Scotch-Irish, came from Scotland and located + in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, David McKinley, after serving in + the Revolution, resided in Pennsylvania until 1814, when he went to + Ohio, where he died in 1840, at the age of 85. The grandmother of the + President, Mary Rose, came from a Puritan family that fled from England + to Holland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn. The father + of the President, William McKinley, sr., was born in Pine Township, + Mercer County, Pa., in 1807, and married Nancy Campbell Allison, of + Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1829. Both the grandfather and father of the + President were iron manufacturers. His father was a devout Methodist, + a stanch Whig and Republican, and an ardent advocate of a protective + tariff. He died during his son's first term as governor of Ohio, in + November, 1892, at the age of 85. The mother of the President passed + away at Canton, Ohio, in December, 1897, at the advanced age of 89. + William McKinley was educated in the public schools of Niles, Union + Seminary, at Poland, Ohio, and Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa. + Before attaining his majority taught in the public schools. At the + age of 16 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the + beginning of hostilities in the War between the States Mr. McKinley, + who was a clerk in the Poland post-office, volunteered his services, + and on June 11, 1861, was enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Ohio + Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the early engagements in West + Virginia, and in the winter's camp at Fayetteville received his first + promotion, commissary-sergeant, on April 15, 1862. In recognition of his + services at Antietam, Sergeant McKinley was made second lieutenant, his + commission dating from September 24, 1862, and on February 7, 1863, + while at Camp Piatt, he was again promoted, receiving the rank of first + lieutenant. In the retreat near Lynchburg, Va., his regiment marched 180 + miles, fighting nearly all the time, with scarcely any rest or food. + Lieutenant McKinley conducted himself with gallantry, and at Winchester + won additional honors. The Thirteenth West Virginia Regiment failed to + retire when the rest of Hayes's brigade fell back, and, being in great + danger of capture, the young lieutenant was directed to go and bring + it away, which he did in safety, after riding through a heavy fire. + On July 25, 1864, at the age of 21, McKinley was promoted to the rank of + captain. The brigade continued its fighting up and down the Shenandoah + Valley. At Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864, Captain McKinley's horse + was shot from under him. Served successively on the staffs of Generals + R.B. Hayes, George Crook, and Winfield S. Hancock, and on March 14, + 1865, was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by President + Lincoln for gallantry in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, and + Fishers Hill. Was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general of the + First Division, First Army Corps, on the staff of General Samuel S. + Carroll. At the close of the war was urged to remain in the Army, but, + deferring to the judgment of his father, was mustered out of the service + July 26, 1865, and returned to Poland. At once began the study of law + under Glidden & Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio, and later attended the + law school in Albany, N.Y. Was admitted to the bar in March, 1867, at + Warren, Ohio, and the same year removed to Canton, Ohio, which has since + been his home. In 1867 his first political speeches were made in favor + of negro suffrage. In 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark + County, and served one term, being defeated two years later for the same + office. Mr. McKinley took an active interest in State politics, and made + speeches in many of the campaigns. On January 25, 1871, married Miss + Ida Saxton. Two daughters were born to them, both of whom died in + early childhood. In 1876 was elected a member of the National House of + Representatives, and for fourteen years represented the Congressional + district of which his county was a part, except for a portion of his + fourth term, when he was unseated late in the first session. While in + Congress served on the Committees on the Judiciary, Revision of the + Laws, Expenditures in the Post-Office Department, Rules, and Ways and + Means. As chairman of the last-named committee in the Fifty-first + Congress, reported the tariff law of 1890. At the beginning of this + Congress was defeated in the caucus of his party for the Speakership of + the House. In the meantime, his district having been materially changed, + he was defeated for reelection to Congress in November, 1890, though he + largely reduced the usual majority against his party in the counties of + which the new district was constituted. In 1891 was elected governor of + Ohio by a plurality of 21,500, and in 1893 was reelected by a plurality + of 80,995. In 1884 was a delegate at large to the Republican national + convention, and supported James G. Blaine for President; was a member + of the committee on resolutions, and presented the platform to the + convention. Also attended the convention of his party in 1888 as a + delegate at large from Ohio, supporting John Sherman for President, + and as chairman of the committee on resolutions again reported the + platform. In 1892 was again a delegate at large from Ohio, and + supported the renomination of Benjamin Harrison, and served as chairman + of the convention. At that convention 182 votes were cast for him + for President, although he had persistently refused to have his name + considered. On June 18, 1896, was nominated for President by the + national convention of his party at St. Louis, receiving on the first + ballot 661-1/2 out of a total of 922 votes. Was chosen President at the + ensuing November election by a plurality in the popular vote of over + 600,000, and received 271 electoral votes, against 176 for William J. + Bryan, of Nebraska. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 17, 1897</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Official information from our consuls in Cuba establishes the fact that + a large number of American citizens in the island are in a state of + destitution, suffering for want of food and medicines. This applies + particularly to the rural districts of the central and eastern parts. +</p> +<p> + The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into + the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local + authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to + relieve the needs of their own people and are altogether powerless to + help our citizens. +</p> +<p> + The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight hundred + Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that + provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend + that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be + immediately available, for use under the direction of the Secretary of + State. +</p> +<p> + It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by + Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be + used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return + to the United States, are without means to do so. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 6, 1897</i>. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + The most important problem with which this Government is now called upon + to deal pertaining to its foreign relations concerns its duty toward + Spain and the Cuban insurrection. Problems and conditions more or less + in common with those now existing have confronted this Government at + various times in the past. The story of Cuba for many years has been one + of unrest, growing discontent, an effort toward a larger enjoyment of + liberty and self-control, of organized resistance to the mother country, + of depression after distress and warfare, and of ineffectual settlement + to be followed by renewed revolt. For no enduring period since the + enfranchisement of the continental possessions of Spain in the Western + Continent has the condition of Cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba + not caused concern to the United States. +</p> +<p> + The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon + the island and the political vicissitudes and embarrassments of the home + Government might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power + called forth between 1823 and 1860 various emphatic declarations of + the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's + connection with Spain unless in the direction of independence or + acquisition by us through purchase, nor has there been any change of + this declared policy since upon the part of the Government. +</p> +<p> + The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years despite the + strenuous efforts of the successive peninsular governments to suppress + it. Then as now the Government of the United States testified its grave + concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The + overtures made by General Grant were refused and the war dragged on, + entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to + American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality upon + this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of Zanjon, + obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander, Martinez de + Campos, and the insurgent leaders. +</p> +<p> + The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895. It is not + my purpose at this time to recall its remarkable increase or to + characterize its tenacious resistance against the enormous forces massed + against it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue it carried + destruction to every quarter of the island, developing wide proportions + and defying the efforts of Spain for its suppression. The civilized code + of war has been disregarded, no less so by the Spaniards than by the + Cubans. +</p> +<p> + The existing conditions can not but fill this Government and the + American people with the gravest apprehension. There is no desire on the + part of our people to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We have only + the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and contented, enjoying that + measure of self-control which is the inalienable right of man, protected + in their right to reap the benefit of the exhaustless treasures of their + country. +</p> +<p> + The offer made by my predecessor in April, 1896, tendering the friendly + offices of this Government, failed. Any mediation on our part was not + accepted. In brief, the answer read: "There is no effectual way to + pacify Cuba unless it begins with the actual submission of the rebels + to the mother country." Then only could Spain act in the promised + direction, of her own motion and after her own plans. +</p> +<p> + The cruel policy of concentration was initiated February 16, 1896. The + productive districts controlled by the Spanish armies were depopulated. + The agricultural inhabitants were herded in and about the garrison + towns, their lands laid waste and their dwellings destroyed. This policy + the late cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary measure of war and as + a means of cutting off supplies from the insurgents. It has utterly + failed as a war measure. It was not civilized warfare. It was + extermination. +</p> +<p> + Against this abuse of the rights of war I have felt constrained on + repeated occasions to enter the firm and earnest protest of this + Government. There was much of public condemnation of the treatment of + American citizens by alleged illegal arrests and long imprisonment + awaiting trial or pending protracted judicial proceedings. I felt it my + first duty to make instant demand for the release or speedy trial of all + American citizens under arrest. Before the change of the Spanish cabinet + in October last twenty-two prisoners, citizens of the United States, had + been given their freedom. +</p> +<p> + For the relief of our own citizens suffering because of the conflict + the aid of Congress was sought in a special message,<a href="#note-1"><small>1</small></a> and under + the appropriation of May 24, 1897,<a href="#note-2"><small>2</small></a> effective aid has been given to + American citizens in Cuba, many of them at their own request having been + returned to the United States. +</p> +<p> + The instructions given to our new minister to Spain before his departure + for his post directed him to impress upon that Government the sincere + wish of the United States to lend its aid toward the ending of the war + in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable + alike to Spain and to the Cuban people. These instructions recited the + character and duration of the contest, the widespread losses it entails, + the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance + of national interests, and the injury resulting from an indefinite + continuance of this state of things. It was stated that at this juncture + our Government was constrained to seriously inquire if the time was not + ripe when Spain of her own volition, moved by her own interests and + every sentiment of humanity, should put a stop to this destructive war + and make proposals of settlement honorable to herself and just to her + Cuban colony. It was urged that as a neighboring nation, with large + interests in Cuba, we could be required to wait only a reasonable time + for the mother country to establish its authority and restore peace and + order within the borders of the island; that we could not contemplate an + indefinite period for the accomplishment of this result. +</p> +<p> + No solution was proposed to which the slightest idea of humiliation to + Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were withheld to + avoid embarrassment to that Government. All that was asked or expected + was that some safe way might be speedily provided and permanent peace + restored. It so chanced that the consideration of this offer, addressed + to the same Spanish administration which had declined the tenders of + my predecessor, and which for more than two years had poured men and + treasure into Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress the revolt, fell + to others. Between the departure of General Woodford, the new envoy, + and his arrival in Spain the statesman who had shaped the policy of his + country fell by the hand of an assassin, and although the cabinet of the + late premier still held office and received from our envoy the proposals + he bore, that cabinet gave place within a few days thereafter to a new + administration, under the leadership of Sagasta. +</p> +<p> + The reply to our note was received on the 23d day of October. It is in + the direction of a better understanding. It appreciates the friendly + purposes of this Government. It admits that our country is deeply + affected by the war in Cuba and that its desires for peace are just. + It declares that the present Spanish government is bound by every + consideration to a change of policy that should satisfy the United + States and pacify Cuba within a reasonable time. To this end Spain has + decided to put into effect the political reforms heretofore advocated by + the present premier, without halting for any consideration in the path + which in its judgment leads to peace. The military operations, it is + said, will continue, but will be humane and conducted with all regard + for private rights, being accompanied by political action leading to + the autonomy of Cuba while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it is + claimed, will result in investing Cuba with a distinct personality, the + island to be governed by an executive and by a local council or chamber, + reserving to Spain the control of the foreign relations, the army and + navy, and the judicial administration. To accomplish this the present + government proposes to modify existing legislation by decree, leaving + the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators and deputies, to + solve the economic problem and properly distribute the existing debt. +</p> +<p> + In the absence of a declaration of the measures that this Government + proposes to take in carrying out its proffer of good offices, it + suggests that Spain be left free to conduct military operations and + grant political reforms, while the United States for its part shall + enforce its neutral obligations and cut off the assistance which it is + asserted the insurgents receive from this country. The supposition of an + indefinite prolongation of the war is denied. It is asserted that the + western provinces are already well-nigh reclaimed, that the planting of + cane and tobacco therein has been resumed, and that by force of arms and + new and ample reforms very early and complete pacification is hoped for. +</p> +<p> + The immediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new + administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal the + disturbance and all occasion for any change of attitude on the part + of the United States. Discussion of the question of the international + duties and responsibilities of the United States as Spain understands + them is presented, with an apparent disposition to charge us with + failure in this regard. This charge is without any basis in fact. It + could not have been made if Spain had been cognizant of the constant + efforts this Government has made, at the cost of millions and by the + employment of the administrative machinery of the nation at command, + to perform its full duty according to the law of nations. That it has + successfully prevented the departure of a single military expedition or + armed vessel from our shores in violation of our laws would seem to be + a sufficient answer. But of this aspect of the Spanish note it is not + necessary to speak further now. Firm in the conviction of a wholly + performed obligation, due response to this charge has been made in + diplomatic course. +</p> +<p> + Throughout all these horrors and dangers to our own peace this + Government has never in any way abrogated its sovereign prerogative of + reserving to itself the determination of its policy and course according + to its own high sense of right and in consonance with the dearest + interests and convictions of our own people should the prolongation of + the strife so demand. +</p> +<p> + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. +</p> +<p> + Recognition of the belligerency of the Cuban insurgents has often + been canvassed as a possible, if not inevitable, step both in regard + to the previous ten years struggle and during the present war. I am + not unmindful that the two Houses of Congress in the spring of 1896 + expressed the opinion by concurrent resolution that a condition of + public war existed requiring or justifying the recognition of a state + of belligerency in Cuba, and during the extra session the Senate voted + a joint resolution of like import, which, however, was not brought + to a vote in the House of Representatives. In the presence of these + significant expressions of the sentiment of the legislative branch it + behooves the Executive to soberly consider the conditions under which + so important a measure must needs rest for justification. It is to be + seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection possesses beyond + dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone can demand the + recognition of belligerency in its favor. Possession, in short, of + the essential qualifications of sovereignty by the insurgents and the + conduct of the war by them according to the received code of war are + no less important factors toward the determination of the problem of + belligerency than are the influences and consequences of the struggle + upon the internal polity of the recognizing state. +</p> +<p> + The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of + December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in + Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous + conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all + those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and + of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of + condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated. + Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously + affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United + States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and + intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which + now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem: +</p> +<p class="q"> + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. +</p> +<p class="q"> + In a former message to Congress<a href="#note-3"><small>3</small></a> I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, + dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the + fearful dignity of war. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign + powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be + pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past + history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights + which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable + propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been + its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good + report. The question of according or of withholding rights of + belligerency must be judged in every case in view of the particular + attending facts. Unless justified by necessity, it is always, and + justly, regarded as an unfriendly act and a gratuitous demonstration + of moral support to the rebellion. It is necessary, and it is + required, when the interests and rights of another government or of + its people are so far affected by a pending civil conflict as to + require a definition of its relations to the parties thereto. But + this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the sense of + international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The mere + existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts do + not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and + manifest to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary + functions of government toward its own people and to other states, + with courts for the administration of justice, with a local + habitation, possessing such organization of force, such material, such + occupation of territory, as to take the contest out of the category of + a mere rebellious insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it + on the terrible footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency + would aim to elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the + insurrection has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it + may send forth its flag, nor has it any means of communication with + foreign powers except through the military lines of its adversaries. + No apprehension of any of those sudden and difficult complications + which a war upon the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, + both commercial and national, and upon the consular officers of other + powers calls for the definition of their relations to the parties to + the contest. Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the + accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and premature + as I regard it to be, at present, indefensible as a measure of right. + Such recognition entails upon the country according the rights which + flow from it difficult and complicated duties, and requires the + exaction from the contending parties of the strict observance of their + rights and obligations. It confers the right of search upon the high + seas by vessels of both parties; it would subject the carrying of arms + and munitions of war, which now may be transported freely and without + interruption in the vessels of the United States, to detention and to + possible seizure; it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, + would release the parent Government from responsibility for acts done + by the insurgents, and would invest Spain with the right to exercise + the supervision recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on + the high seas, a very large part of which, in its traffic between the + Atlantic and the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on + the Pacific, passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. + The exercise of this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to + abuses, certainly to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations + of the two States. There can be little doubt to what result such + supervision would before long draw this nation. It would be unworthy + of the United States to inaugurate the possibilities of such result by + measures of questionable right or expediency or by any indirection. +</p> +<p> + Turning to the practical aspects of a recognition of belligerency + and reviewing its inconveniences and positive dangers, still further + pertinent considerations appear. In the code of nations there is no + such thing as a naked recognition of belligerency, unaccompanied by the + assumption of international neutrality. Such recognition, without more, + will not confer upon either party to a domestic conflict a status not + theretofore actually possessed or affect the relation of either party to + other states. The act of recognition usually takes the form of a solemn + proclamation of neutrality, which recites the <i>de facto</i> condition + of belligerency as its motive. It announces a domestic law of neutrality + in the declaring state. It assumes the international obligations of a + neutral in the presence of a public state of war. It warns all citizens + and others within the jurisdiction of the proclaimant that they violate + those rigorous obligations at their own peril and can not expect to be + shielded from the consequences. The right of visit and search on the + seas and seizure of vessels and cargoes and contraband of war and good + prize under admiralty law must under international law be admitted + as a legitimate consequence of a proclamation of belligerency. While + according the equal belligerent rights defined by public law to each + party in our ports disfavors would be imposed on both, which, while + nominally equal, would weigh heavily in behalf of Spain herself. + Possessing a navy and controlling the ports of Cuba, her maritime rights + could be asserted not only for the military investment of the island, + but up to the margin of our own territorial waters, and a condition of + things would exist for which the Cubans within their own domain could + not hope to create a parallel, while its creation through aid or + sympathy from within our domain would be even more impossible than now, + with the additional obligations of international neutrality we would + perforce assume. +</p> +<p> + The enforcement of this enlarged and onerous code of neutrality would + only be influential within our own jurisdiction by land and sea and + applicable by our own instrumentalities. It could impart to the United + States no jurisdiction between Spain and the insurgents. It would give + the United States no right of intervention to enforce the conduct of the + strife within the paramount authority of Spain according to the + international code of war. +</p> +<p> + For these reasons I regard the recognition of the belligerency of the + Cuban insurgents as now unwise, and therefore inadmissible. Should that + step hereafter be deemed wise as a measure of right and duty, the + Executive will take it. +</p> +<p> + Intervention upon humanitarian grounds has been frequently suggested and + has not failed to receive my most anxious and earnest consideration. + But should such a step be now taken, when it is apparent that a hopeful + change has supervened in the policy of Spain toward Cuba? A new + government has taken office in the mother country. It is pledged in + advance to the declaration that all the effort in the world can not + suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet; that vague promises of + reform after subjugation afford no solution of the insular problem; that + with a substitution of commanders must come a change of the past system + of warfare for one in harmony with a new policy, which shall no longer + aim to drive the Cubans to the "horrible alternative of taking to the + thicket or succumbing in misery;" that reforms must be instituted in + accordance with the needs and circumstances of the time, and that these + reforms, while designed to give full autonomy to the colony and to + create a virtual entity and self-controlled administration, shall yet + conserve and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a just distribution of + powers and burdens upon a basis of mutual interest untainted by methods + of selfish expediency. +</p> +<p> + The first acts of the new government lie in these honorable paths. + The policy of cruel rapine and extermination that so long shocked the + universal sentiment of humanity has been reversed. Under the new + military commander a broad clemency is proffered. Measures have already + been set on foot to relieve the horrors of starvation. The power of the + Spanish armies, it is asserted, is to be used not to spread ruin and + desolation, but to protect the resumption of peaceful agricultural + pursuits and productive industries. That past methods are futile to + force a peace by subjugation is freely admitted, and that ruin without + conciliation must inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity of a + contented dependency. +</p> +<p> + Decrees in application of the foreshadowed reforms have already been + promulgated. The full text of these decrees has not been received, but + as furnished in a telegraphic summary from our minister are: All civil + and electoral rights of peninsular Spaniards are, in virtue of existing + constitutional authority, forthwith extended to colonial Spaniards. A + scheme of autonomy has been proclaimed by decree, to become effective + upon ratification by the Cortes. It creates a Cuban parliament, which, + with the insular executive, can consider and vote upon all subjects + affecting local order and interests, possessing unlimited powers save as + to matters of state, war, and the navy, as to which the Governor-General + acts by his own authority as the delegate of the central Government. + This parliament receives the oath of the Governor-General to preserve + faithfully the liberties and privileges of the colony, and to it the + colonial secretaries are responsible. It has the right to propose to the + central Government, through the Governor-General, modifications of the + national charter and to invite new projects of law or executive measures + in the interest of the colony. +</p> +<p> + Besides its local powers, it is competent, first, to regulate electoral + registration and procedure and prescribe the qualifications of electors + and the manner of exercising suffrage; second, to organize courts of + justice with native judges from members of the local bar; third, to + frame the insular budget, both as to expenditures and revenues, without + limitation of any kind, and to set apart the revenues to meet the Cuban + share of the national budget, which latter will be voted by the national + Cortes with the assistance of Cuban senators and deputies; fourth, to + initiate or take part in the negotiations of the national Government for + commercial treaties which may affect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept + or reject commercial treaties which the national Government may have + concluded without the participation of the Cuban government; sixth, + to frame the colonial tariff, acting in accord with the peninsular + Government in scheduling articles of mutual commerce between the mother + country and the colonies. Before introducing or voting upon a bill the + Cuban government or the chambers will lay the project before the central + Government and hear its opinion thereon, all the correspondence in such + regard being made public. Finally, all conflicts of jurisdiction arising + between the different municipal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or + between the latter and the insular executive power, and which from their + nature may not be referable to the central Government for decision, + shall be submitted to the courts. +</p> +<p> + That the government of Sagasta has entered upon a course from which + recession with honor is impossible can hardly be questioned; that in + the few weeks it has existed it has made earnest of the sincerity of its + professions is undeniable. I shall not impugn its sincerity, nor should + impatience be suffered to embarrass it in the task it has undertaken. + It is honestly due to Spain and to our friendly relations with Spain + that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations + and to prove the asserted efficacy of the new order of things to which + she stands irrevocably committed. She has recalled the commander whose + brutal orders inflamed the American mind and shocked the civilized + world. She has modified the horrible order of concentration and has + undertaken to care for the helpless and permit those who desire to + resume the cultivation of their fields to do so, and assures them of the + protection of the Spanish Government in their lawful occupations. She + has just released the <i>Competitor</i> prisoners, heretofore sentenced + to death, and who have been the subject of repeated diplomatic + correspondence during both this and the preceding Administration. +</p> +<p> + Not a single American citizen is now in arrest or confinement in Cuba of + whom this Government has any knowledge. The near future will demonstrate + whether the indispensable condition of a righteous peace, just alike to + the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our interests so + intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If + not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will + remain to be taken. When that time comes, that action will be determined + in the line of indisputable right and duty. It will be faced, without + misgiving or hesitancy, in the light of the obligation this Government + owes to itself, to the people who have confided to it the protection of + their interests and honor, and to humanity. +</p> +<p> + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command the + support and approval of the civilized world. +</p> +<hr> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION appropriating $50,000 for the relief of destitute + citizens of the United States in the island of Cuba. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That the sum of $50,000 be, + and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury + not otherwise appropriated, for the relief of destitute citizens of the + United States in the island of Cuba, said money to be expended at the + discretion and under the direction of the President of the United States + in the purchase and furnishing of food, clothing, and medicines to such + citizens, and for transporting to the United States such of them as so + desire and who are without means to transport themselves. +</p> +<p> + Approved, May 24, 1897. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 28, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + For some time prior to the visit of the <i>Maine</i> to Havana Harbor + our consular representatives pointed out the advantages to flow from the + visit of national ships to the Cuban waters, in accustoming the people + to the presence of our flag as the symbol of good will and of our ships + in the fulfillment of the mission of protection to American interests, + even though no immediate need therefor might exist. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, on the 24th of January last, after conference with the + Spanish minister, in which the renewal of visits of our war vessels to + Spanish waters was discussed and accepted, the peninsular authorities at + Madrid and Havana were advised of the purpose of this Government to + resume friendly naval visits at Cuban ports, and that in that view the + <i>Maine</i> would forthwith call at the port of Havana. +</p> +<p> + This announcement was received by the Spanish Government with + appreciation of the friendly character of the visit of the <i>Maine</i> + and with notification of intention to return the courtesy by sending + Spanish ships to the principal ports of the United States. Meanwhile the + <i>Maine</i> entered the port of Havana on the 25th of January, her + arrival being marked with no special incident besides the exchange of + customary salutes and ceremonial visits. +</p> +<p> + The <i>Maine</i> continued in the harbor of Havana during the three + weeks following her arrival. No appreciable excitement attended her + stay. On the contrary, a feeling of relief and confidence followed the + resumption of the long-interrupted friendly intercourse. So noticeable + was this immediate effect of her visit that the consul-general strongly + urged that the presence of our ships in Cuban waters should be kept up + by retaining the <i>Maine</i> at Havana, or, in the event of her recall, + by sending another vessel there to take her place. +</p> +<p> + At forty minutes past 9 in the evening of the 15th of February the + <i>Maine</i> was destroyed by an explosion, by which the entire forward + part of the ship was utterly wrecked. In this catastrophe 2 officers and + 264 of her crew perished, those who were not killed outright by her + explosion being penned between decks by the tangle of wreckage and + drowned by the immediate sinking of the hull. +</p> +<p> + Prompt assistance was rendered by the neighboring vessels anchored in + the harbor, aid being especially given by the boats of the Spanish + cruiser <i>Alfonso XII</i> and the Ward Line steamer <i>City of Washington</i>, + which lay not far distant. The wounded were generously cared for by + the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, + while the earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the + municipality in a public cemetery in the city. Tributes of grief and + sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. +</p> +<p> + The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with + crushing force, and for a brief time an intense excitement prevailed, + which in a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have + led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave + way to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to investigate + the facts and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the + cause, the responsibility, and, if the facts warranted, the remedy due. + This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the + Executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained + certainty could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty + in the matter. +</p> +<p> + The usual procedure was followed, as in all cases of casualty or + disaster to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of + inquiry was at once organized, composed of officers well qualified by + rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed + upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court + proceeded to make a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every + available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes + of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost + deliberation and judgment, and, while independently pursued, no + attainable source of information was neglected, and the fullest + opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous investigation by the Spanish + authorities. +</p> +<p> + The finding of the court of inquiry was reached, after twenty-three days + of continuous labor, on the 21st of March instant, and, having been + approved on the 22d by the commander in chief of the United States naval + force on the North Atlantic station, was transmitted to the Executive. +</p> +<p> + It is herewith laid before the Congress, together with the voluminous + testimony taken before the court. +</p> +<p> + Its purport is, in brief, as follows: +</p> +<p> + When the <i>Maine</i> arrived at Havana, she was conducted by the regular + Government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored in from 5-1/2 + to 6 fathoms of water. +</p> +<p> + The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magazines, + boilers, coal bunkers, and storage compartments are passed in review, + with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no + indication of any cause for an internal explosion existed in any + quarter. +</p> +<p> + At 8 o'clock in the evening of February 15 everything had been reported + secure, and all was quiet. +</p> +<p> + At forty minutes past 9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly destroyed. +</p> +<p> + There were two distinct explosions, with a brief interval between them. + The first lifted the forward part of the ship very perceptibly; the + second, which was more open, prolonged, and of greater volume, is + attributed by the court to the partial explosion of two or more of the + forward magazines. +</p> +<p> + The evidence of the divers establishes that the after part of the ship + was practically intact and sank in that condition a very few moments + after the explosion. The forward part was completely demolished. +</p> +<p> + Upon the evidence of a concurrent external cause the finding of the + court is as follows: +</p> +<p> + At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point 11-1/2 feet from + the middle line of the ship and 6 feet above the keel when in its normal + position, has been forced up so as to be now about 4 feet above the + surface of the water, therefore about 34 feet above where it would be + had the ship sunk uninjured. +</p> +<p> + The outside bottom plating is bent into a reversed V shape (*A), the + after wing of which, about 15 feet broad and 32 feet in length (from + frame 17 to frame 25), is doubled back upon itself against the + continuation of the same plating, extending forward. +</p> +<p> + At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two and the flat keel bent + into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. + This break is now about 6 feet below the surface of the water and about + 30 feet above its normal position. +</p> +<p> + In the opinion of the court this effect could have been produced only by + the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about + frame 18 and somewhat on the port side of the ship. +</p> +<p> + The conclusions of the court are: +</p> +<p> + That the loss of the <i>Maine</i> was not in any respect due to fault or + negligence on the part of any of the officers or members of her crew; +</p> +<p> + That the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which + caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines; + and +</p> +<p> + That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the + destruction of the <i>Maine</i> upon any person or persons. +</p> +<p> + I have directed that the finding of the court of inquiry and the views + of this Government thereon be communicated to the Government of Her + Majesty the Queen Regent, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the + sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action + suggested by honor and the friendly relations of the two Governments. +</p> +<p> + It will be the duty of the Executive to advise the Congress of the + result, and in the meantime deliberate consideration is invoked. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the + President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the + state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures + as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty to now + address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the + relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that + for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with + the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which + it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the + traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the + precepts laid down by the founders of the Republic and religiously + observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. +</p> +<p> + The present revolution is but the successor of other similar + insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, + extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which during + its progress has subjected the United States to great effort and expense + in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American + trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among + our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized + practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane + sympathies of our people. +</p> +<p> + Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country has + seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword in + the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and + rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness + of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent + people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the + sovereign state. +</p> +<p> + Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to + comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its + exceptional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills + in ruins, and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and + destitution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance + of that strict neutrality which our laws enjoin and which the law of + nations commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports + in prevention of any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. +</p> +<p> + Our trade has suffered, the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba + has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people + have been so sorely tried as to beget a perilous unrest among our own + citizens, which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in + the National Legislature, so that issues wholly external to our own body + politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion to + domestic advancement that becomes a self-contained commonwealth whose + primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entanglements. All + this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused, the utmost concern on + the part of this Government, as well during my predecessor's term as in + my own. +</p> +<p> + In April, 1896, the evils from which our country suffered through the + Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to bring + about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any way that + might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between Spain + and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of + self-government for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It + failed through the refusal of the Spanish government then in power to + consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement which + did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the mother + country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might see fit to + grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the insurgents was + in no wise diminished. +</p> +<p> + The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh + levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of + a new and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history + of civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and + concentration, inaugurated by the Captain-General's <i>bando</i> of + October 21, 1896, in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended + to embrace all of the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was + able to reach by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, + including all dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven + into the garrison towns or isolated places held by the troops. +</p> +<p> + The raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. + The fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills + destroyed, and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and + render it unfit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or + the other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at + their disposal. +</p> +<p> + By the time the present Administration took office, a year ago, + reconcentration (so called) had been made effective over the better part + of the four central and western provinces—Santa Clara, Matanzas, + Havana, and Pinar del Rio. +</p> +<p> + The agricultural population to the estimated number of 300,000 or more + was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, deprived of + the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left poorly clad, + and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the scarcity of food + increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas of production, + destitution and want became misery and starvation. Month by month the + death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By March, 1897, according to + conservative estimates from official Spanish sources, the mortality + among the reconcentrados from starvation and the diseases thereto + incident exceeded 50 per cent of their total number. +</p> +<p> + No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened + towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. + So-called "zones of cultivation" established within the immediate areas + of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps + proved illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being + for the most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, + enfeebled by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without + tools, seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the + cities. Reconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to + cut off the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. + As I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; + it was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the + wilderness and the grave. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a + noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the + second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the thitherto + unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and destruction up + to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed into a dogged + struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The Spanish arms regained + a measure of control in Pinar del Rio and parts of Havana, but, under + the existing conditions of the rural country, without immediate + improvement of their productive situation. Even thus partially + restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their conquest and + submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole basis of + peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. +</p> +<p> + In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted with + the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December<a href="#note-4"><small>4</small></a> reviewed + the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to relieving its + acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable settlement. The + assassination of the prime minister, Canovas, led to a change of + government in Spain. The former administration, pledged to subjugation + without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal party, + committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the wider + principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. +</p> +<p> + The overtures of this Government made through its new envoy, General + Woodford, and looking to an immediate and effective amelioration of the + condition of the island, although not accepted to the extent of admitted + mediation in any shape, were met by assurances that home rule in an + advanced phase would be forthwith offered to Cuba, without waiting for + the war to end, and that more humane methods should thenceforth prevail + in the conduct of hostilities. Coincidentally with these declarations + the new government of Spain continued and completed the policy, already + begun by its predecessor, of testifying friendly regard for this nation + by releasing American citizens held under one charge or another + connected with the insurrection, so that by the end of November not a + single person entitled in any way to our national protection remained in + a Spanish prison. +</p> +<p> + While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution of + the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among them + claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the limited + measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens among them + by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies of the money + appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint resolution approved + May 24, 1897,<a href="#note-5"><small>5</small></a> prompted the humane extension of a similar scheme of + aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to this end was + acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. +</p> +<p> + On the 24th of December last I caused to be issued an appeal to the + American people inviting contributions in money or in kind for the + succor of the starving sufferers in Cuba, following this on the 8th of + January by a similar public announcement of the formation of a central + Cuban relief committee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of + three members representing the American National Red Cross and the + religious and business elements of the community. +</p> +<p> + The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accomplished + much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have greatly aided + the charitable work. The president of the American Red Cross and + representatives of other contributory organizations have generously + visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and the local + authorities to make effective distribution of the relief collected + through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 in money + and supplies has already reached the sufferers, and more is forthcoming. + The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation to the interior + has been arranged, so that the relief, at first necessarily confined to + Havana and the larger cities, is now extended through most, if not all, + of the towns where suffering exists. +</p> +<p> + Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a change + in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the Spanish + Government. Within a few days past the orders of General Weyler have + been revoked. The reconcentrados, it is said, are to be permitted to + return to their homes and aided to resume the self-supporting pursuits + of peace. Public works have been ordered to give them employment and a + sum of $600,000 has been appropriated for their relief. +</p> +<p> + The war in Cuba is of such a nature that, short of subjugation or + extermination, a final military victory for either side seems + impracticable. The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the + one or the other party, or perhaps of both—a condition which in effect + ended the ten years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a + protraction and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly + to be contemplated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of + all by the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and + intimately, by its very existence. +</p> +<p> + Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true + friendliness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans, who have so much to + lose by the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an + immediate termination of the war. To this end I submitted on the 27th + ultimo, as a result of much representation and correspondence, through + the United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish + Government looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation + of peace with the good offices of the President. +</p> +<p> + In addition I asked the immediate revocation of the order of + reconcentration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and + the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United + States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full + relief. +</p> +<p> + The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the + 31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, + to confide the preparation thereof to the insular parliament, inasmuch + as the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final + result, it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the + constitution to the central Government are not lessened or diminished. + As the Cuban parliament does not meet until the 4th of May next, the + Spanish Government would not object for its part to accept at once + a suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the + general in chief, to whom it would pertain in such case to determine + the duration and conditions of the armistice. +</p> +<p> + The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of the + Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the texts + of which are before me and are substantially in the language above + given. The function of the Cuban parliament in the matter of "preparing" + peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in the Spanish + memorandum, but from General Woodford's explanatory reports of + preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is understood + that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the insular congress + full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insurgents, whether by + direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legislation does not + appear. +</p> +<p> + With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its + disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end of + his effort. +</p> +<p> + In my annual message of December last I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. +</p> +<p> + Thereupon I reviewed these alternatives in the light of President + Grant's measured words, uttered in 1875, when, after seven years of + sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba, he reached the + conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was + impracticable and indefensible and that the recognition of belligerence + was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public law. + I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, pointing + out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition of + belligerence, which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of + neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend our + influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. +</p> +<p> + Nothing has since occurred to change my view in this regard, and + I recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of + neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents + is published, could of itself and unattended by other action accomplish + nothing toward the one end for which we labor—the instant pacification + of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. +</p> +<p> + Turning to the question of recognizing at this time the independence + of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find safe precedents + in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in President + Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 1836, on the subject of the + recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions of France, + out of the disputes relating to the crowns of Portugal and Spain, out + of the revolutionary movements of those Kingdoms, out of the separation + of the American possessions of both from the European Governments, and + out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in + Spanish America, so wisely consistent with our just principles has been + the action of our Government that we have under the most critical + circumstances avoided all censure and encountered no other evil than + that produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those against + whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. +</p> +<p class="q"> + It has thus been made known to the world that the uniform policy and + practice of the United States is to avoid all interference in disputes + which merely relate to the internal government of other nations, and + eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party, without + reference to our particular interests and views or to the merits of the + original controversy. +</p> +<hr> +<p class="q"> + * * * But on this as on every trying occasion safety is to be found in + a rigid adherence to principle. +</p> +<p class="q"> + In the contest between Spain and her revolted colonies we stood aloof + and waited, not only until the ability of the new States to protect + themselves was fully established, but until the danger of their being + again subjugated had entirely passed away. Then, and not till then, were + they recognized. Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * + It is true that, with regard to Texas, the civil authority of Mexico has + been expelled, its invading army defeated, the chief of the Republic + himself captured, and all present power to control the newly organized + Government of Texas annihilated within its confines. But, on the other + hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical + force on the side of Mexico. The Mexican Republic under another + Executive is rallying its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh + invasion to recover its lost dominion. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas + may be considered as suspended, and were there nothing peculiar in the + relative situation of the United States and Texas our acknowledgment + of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as + consistent with that prudent reserve with which we have heretofore + held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. +</p> +<p> + Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there might + be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view of + the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas and of the avowed + purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence as an + incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding thus: +</p> +<p> + Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof + and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of + the great foreign powers shall recognize the independence of the new + Government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of events + shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of the people of + that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the + Government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can + justly complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying + out the long-established policy of our Government—a policy which + has secured to us respect and influence abroad and inspired confidence + at home. +</p> +<p> + These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are + evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by + public law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a + neutral state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact + a body politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, + possessed of the elements of stability," and forming <i>de facto</i>, + "if left to itself, a state among the nations, reasonably capable of + discharging the duties of a state"), has imposed for its own governance + in dealing with cases like these the further condition that recognition + of independent statehood is not due to a revolted dependency until the + danger of its being again subjugated by the parent state has entirely + passed away. +</p> +<p> + This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. + The Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as + one "probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for + "a previous understanding with that body by whom war can alone be + declared and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must + be furnished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the + discretion of the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a + diplomatic agent when the President should be satisfied that the + Republic of Texas had become "an independent state." It was so + recognized by President Van Buren, who commissioned a chargé d'affaires + March 7, 1837, after Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the + Texan territory, and when there was at the time no <i>bona fide</i> + contest going on between the insurgent province and its former + sovereign. +</p> +<p> + I said in my message of December last: +</p> +<p class="q"> + It is to be seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection + possesses beyond dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone + can demand the recognition of belligerency in its favor. +</p> +<p> + The same requirement must certainly be no less seriously considered + when the graver issue of recognizing independence is in question, for + no less positive test can be applied to the greater act than to the + lesser, while, on the other hand, the influences and consequences of the + struggle upon the internal policy of the recognizing state, which form + important factors when the recognition of belligerency is concerned, are + secondary, if not rightly eliminable, factors when the real question is + whether the community claiming recognition is or is not independent + beyond peradventure. +</p> +<p> + Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise + or prudent for this Government to recognize at the present time the + independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is not + necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and pacify + the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of any + particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing + conditions of international obligation toward the organization so + recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to the + approval or disapproval of such government. We would be required to + submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation of a + friendly ally. +</p> +<p> + When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a + government capable of performing the duties and discharging the + functions of a separate nation, and having as a matter of fact the + proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be + promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the + United States with such nation adjusted. +</p> +<p> + There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, + either as an impartial neutral, by imposing a rational compromise + between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the + other. +</p> +<p> + As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few + months the relation of the United States has virtually been one of + friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but + all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate + pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The + spirit of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire + for peace and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us + and Spain and unstained by the blood of American citizens. +</p> +<p> + The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the + war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following many + historical precedents where neighboring states have interfered to check + the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond their + borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, + hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to + enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. +</p> +<p> + The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as follows: +</p> +<p> + First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, + bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and + which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop + or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, + belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. + It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. +</p> +<p> + Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection + and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or + will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive + them of legal protection. +</p> +<p> + Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious + injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the + wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. +</p> +<p> + Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condition of + affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this + Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict waged for years + in an island so near us and with which our people have such trade and + business relations; when the lives and liberty of our citizens are in + constant danger and their property destroyed and themselves ruined; + where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and are seized at + our very door by war ships of a foreign nation; the expeditions of + filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, and the + irritating questions and entanglements thus arising—all these and + others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, + are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep on a semi war + footing with a nation with which we are at peace. +</p> +<p> + These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been + strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly + moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress the + report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle + ship <i>Maine</i> in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th + of February.<a href="#note-6"><small>6</small></a> The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the + national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight + brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the + fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief + and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. +</p> +<p> + The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands + the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its + conclusion that the destruction of the <i>Maine</i> was caused by an + exterior explosion—that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to + place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed. +</p> +<p> + In any event, the destruction of the <i>Maine</i>, by whatever exterior + cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba + that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the + Spanish Government can not assure safety and security to a vessel of the + American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and + rightfully there. +</p> +<p> + Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic + correspondence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain of the 26th ultimo + contained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs + assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor + and justice require in the matter of the <i>Maine</i>. The reply above + referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the + readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which + can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of + the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views + between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes + that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, + whose decision Spain accepts in advance. +</p> +<p> + To this I have made no reply. +</p> +<p> + President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as + it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation, + said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to + assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously + consider the only remaining measures possible—mediation and + intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating + the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to + have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest + wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the + part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the + good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good + faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in + sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by + Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they + would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the + opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife + continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the + interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems + quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well + as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of + peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, + and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party + shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other. + Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or + by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or + later, be invoked for the termination of the strife. +</p> +<p> + In the last annual message of my immediate predecessor, during the + pending struggle, it was said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection + has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is + extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a + hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife + which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and + the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a + situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty + of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly + hesitate to recognize and discharge. +</p> +<p> + In my annual message to Congress December last, speaking to this + question, I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of + a righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as + equitable to all our interests so intimately involved in the welfare + of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If not, the exigency of further and + other action by the United States will remain to be taken. When that + time conies, that action will be determined in the line of indisputable + right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in + the light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the + people who have confided to it the protection of their interests and + honor, and to humanity. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command + the support and approval of the civilized world. +</p> +<p> + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. +</p> +<p> + In view of these facts and of these considerations I ask the Congress + to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full + and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain + and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment + of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its + international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the + security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military + and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these + purposes. +</p> +<p> + And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of + the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of + food and supplies be continued and that an appropriation be made out of + the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. +</p> +<p> + The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. + I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of + affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation + imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. +</p> +<p> + Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official + information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen + Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare and + facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration + and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. +</p> +<p> + This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, + have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon + which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful + result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be + realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our + contemplated action. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the + 14th of February last, calling for information and correspondence in + regard to the condition of the island of Cuba and to negotiations for + commercial relations between the United States and that island, a report + of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence, + covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report + of the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial + negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, + 1897, in response to the second inquiry. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington</i>, <i>April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference from + the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United States + on the 14th of February last, reading as follows: +</p> +<p> + "<i>Resolved,</i> That the President is requested, if in his opinion it + is not incompatible with the public service, to send to the Senate + copies of the reports of the consul-general and of the consuls of the + United States in Cuba written or received since March 4, 1897, which + relate to the state of war in that island and the condition of the + people there, or that he will send such parts of said reports as will + inform the Senate as to these facts. +</p> +<p> + "Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a + government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the + President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty of + reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or + commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has + been recognized and received as the representative of such government in + Cuba." +</p> +<p> + This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable + inquiries: First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in + Cuba, and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the + overtures of the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial + agreement covering particularly the trade between the United States and + the island of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in + accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the + existing tariff act, approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a + special commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to + that end, it has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner the + preparation of a report in answer to the second part of the Senate + resolution, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the + first part thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions + of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John A. + Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith + independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmission + to the Senate, should such a course be, in the President's judgment, not + incompatible with the public service. +</p> +<p> + The Senate resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to that + honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of the + consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written or + received since March 4, 1897, which relate to the state of war in that + island and the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the + discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be + so reported and the manner of its communication. The undersigned, having + taken the President's direction on both these points, has the honor to + lay before him a selection of the correspondence received by the + Department of State from the various consular representatives in Cuba, + aiming thereby to show the present situation in the island rather than + to give a historical account of all the reported incidents since the + date assigned by the resolution. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JOHN SHERMAN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, +<br> + <i>Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under date + of February 14, 1898, and which was referred to the undersigned for + report, viz— +</p> +<p> + "Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of + a government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the + President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty + of reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or + commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has + been recognized and received as the representative of such government + in Cuba"— +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to submit the following report: +</p> +<p> + In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised + the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure + to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into + negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with + Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated + for the interests of that island. +</p> +<p> + Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at + Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish + Government in respect to these negotiations. +</p> +<p> + Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred + to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were + made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the + United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that + the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that + island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from + the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for + Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the + negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th + of February. +</p> +<p> + On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lôme, called + on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent + Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative + would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to + act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned + the name of Señor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba + for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to + this office. +</p> +<p> + On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Señor Polo y Bernabé, + addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State, + was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this + Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain + to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Señor Manuel Rafael Angulo as + special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided + by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government; + and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be + added in the same character. +</p> +<p> + His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the + commission so soon as the Government of the United States should + formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JOHN A KASSON, +<br> + <i>Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 12, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose + herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a + report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, April 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of + April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of + human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle + ship <i>Maine</i> in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February, + 1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total + number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to + rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the + Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the + honor to be, sir, very respectfully, +</p> +<p> + JOHN D. LONG, <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> + +<center> MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY.</center> + +<p class="r"> BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, <i>Washington, D.C., April 8, 1898.</i></p> + +<table summary="" align="center" width="90%"> +<tr><td colspan="3">Number on board the U.S.S. <i>Maine</i> at the time of the disaster:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">26</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">290</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">39</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">355</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number saved:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">24</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">60</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">11</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">95</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number lost:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">2</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">230</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">28</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right"> 260</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">355</td></tr> +<tr><td> Bodies recovered:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors and marines</td><td align="right">177</td></tr> +<tr><td> Died from injuries:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors and marines</td><td align="right">8</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">186</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> Of the number recovered there were buried—</td></tr> +<tr><td> In the cemetery at Havana</td><td align="right">166</td></tr> +<tr><td> At Key West</td><td align="right">19</td></tr> +<tr><td> At Pittsburg, Pa. (officer)</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">186</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number of bodies not recovered:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td> Enlisted men and marines</td><td align="right">73</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">74</td></tr> +</table> + +<p> + The work of recovery was continued until April 6, when the wrecking tugs + were withdrawn, and nothing is now being done in that direction so far + as is known; and the last bodies reported as recovered were sent to Key + West on the 30th ultimo. No estimate has been made of the portions of + bodies which were recovered and buried. The large percentage of bodies + not recovered is due, no doubt, to the fact that the men were swinging + in their hammocks immediately over that portion of the vessel which was + totally destroyed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + A.S. CROWNINSHIELD, +<br> + <i>Chief of Bureau</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 25, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Congress, for its consideration and appropriate + action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of + Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, + and through the latter with the Government of Spain, showing the action + taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, "for the + recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that + the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the + island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and + Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use + the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these + resolutions in to effect."<a href="#note-7"><small>7</small></a> +</p> +<p> + Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the demand + which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government + of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the minister asked for his + passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn + notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal + of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated + diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official + communications between their respective representatives ceased + therewith. +</p> +<p> + I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United + States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs + on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. + It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having + cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, + and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and + authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this + Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and + complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of + nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. +</p> +<p> + The position of Spain being thus made known and the demands of the + United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, + by the act of Spain, I have been constrained, in exercise of the power + and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to + proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898,<a href="#note-8"><small>8</small></a> a blockade of certain ports + of the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and + of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba, and further in + exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred + upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my + proclamation dated April 23, 1898,<a href="#note-9"><small>9</small></a> calling forth volunteers in order + to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of + these proclamations are hereto appended. +</p> +<p> + In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of + such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the + expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I + now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution + declaring that a state of war exists between the United States of + America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon, to + the end that the definition of the international status of the United + States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all + its rights and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a + public war may be assured.<a href="#note-10"><small>10</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION for the recognition of the independence of the people + of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority + and government in the island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval + forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the + United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to + carry these resolutions into effect. +</center> +<p> + Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three + years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the + moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to + Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of + a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on + a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, + as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his + message to Congress of April 11, 1898,<a href="#note-11"><small>11</small></a> upon which the action of + Congress was invited: Therefore, +</p> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, First. That the people of + the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent. +</p> +<p> + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. +</p> +<p> + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to + carry these resolutions into effect. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government + and control of the island to its people. +</p> +<p> + Approved, April 20, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the 24th of April I directed the Secretary of the Navy to telegraph + orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding + the Asiatic Squadron, then lying in the port of Hongkong, to proceed + forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there-to commence operations and + engage the assembled Spanish fleet. +</p> +<p> + Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consisting of + the flagship <i>Olympia</i>, <i>Baltimore</i>, <i>Raleigh</i>, <i>Boston</i>, <i>Concord</i>, and + <i>Petrel</i>, with the revenue cutter <i>McCulloch</i> as an auxiliary dispatch + boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and + immediately engaged the entire Spanish fleet of eleven ships, which were + under the protection of the fire of the land forts. After a stubborn + fight, in which the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were + destroyed or completely disabled and the water battery at Cavite + silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost and only eight + injured, and those slightly. All of our ships escaped any serious + damage. +</p> +<p> + By the 4th of May Commodore Dewey had taken possession of the naval + station at Cavite, destroying the fortifications there and at the + entrance of the bay and paroling their garrisons. The waters of the bay + are under his complete control. He has established hospitals within the + American lines, where 250 of the Spanish sick and wounded are assisted + and protected. +</p> +<p> + The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary + standard of naval warfare. Outweighing any material advantage is the + moral effect of this initial success. At this unsurpassed achievement + the great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or with greed of + conquest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just + cause and that by the grace of God an effective step has thus been taken + toward the attainment of the wished-for peace. To those whose skill, + courage, and devotion have won the fight, to the gallant commander and + the brave officers and men who aided him, our country owes an + incalculable debt. +</p> +<p> + Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent + a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for + their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and informing him + that I had appointed him an acting rear-admiral. +</p> +<p> + I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing + the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress + be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United States Navy, + for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and to + the officers and men under his command for their gallantry in the + destruction of the enemy's fleet and the capture of the enemy's + fortifications in the bay of Manila. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 1, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore + George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United + States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of + the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with + the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet + and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, + and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American + people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and + skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to + communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers + and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary + of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been + received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress: +</p> +<p> + I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be + transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for + the great compliment paid to me. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION tendering the thanks of Congress to Commodore George + Dewey, United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the squadron + under his command. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That, in pursuance of the + recommendation of the President, made in accordance with the provisions + of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, the thanks of Congress and + of the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey, + United States Navy, commander in chief of the United States naval force + on the Asiatic station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict + with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish + fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, + 1898. +</p> +<p> + SEC. 2. That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby + extended through Commodore Dewey to the officers and men under his + command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion. +</p> +<p> + SEC. 3. <i>Be it further resolved</i>, That the President of the United + States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to + Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers and men under his + command. +</p> +<p> + Approved, May 10, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to present a + sword of honor to Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck + bronze medals commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute + such medals to the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron + of the United States. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That the Secretary of the + Navy be, and he hereby is, authorized to present a sword of honor to + Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck bronze medals + commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute such medals to + the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron of the United + States under command of Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898; and that + to enable the Secretary to carry out this resolution the sum of $10,000, + or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of + any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. +</p> +<p> + Approved, June 3, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 27, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the 11th of May, 1898, there occurred a conflict in the bay of + Cardenas, Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat <i>Winslow</i> was + disabled, her commander wounded, and one of her officers and a part + of her crew killed by the enemy's fire. +</p> +<p> + In the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns the revenue + cutter <i>Hudson</i>, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, + United States Revenue-Cutter Service, rescued the disabled + <i>Winslow</i>, her wounded commander and remaining crew. The commander + of the <i>Hudson</i> kept his vessel in the very hottest fire of the + action, although in constant danger of going ashore on account of the + shallow water, until he finally got a line made fast to the + <i>Winslow</i> and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns—a + deed of special gallantry. +</p> +<p> + I recommend that in recognition of the signal act of heroism of First + Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, above + set forth, the thanks of Congress be extended to him and to his officers + and men of the <i>Hudson</i>, and that a gold medal of honor be + presented to Lieutenant Newcomb, a silver medal of honor to each of his + officers, and a bronze medal of honor to each member of his crew who + served with him at Cardenas. +</p> +<p> + It will be remembered that Congress by appropriate action recognized the + several commanders of ships of war for their services in the battle of + Manila, May 1, 1898. +</p> +<p> + The commander of the revenue cutter <i>Hugh McCulloch</i>, present and + in active cooperation with the fleet under Commodore Dewey on that + occasion (by Executive order under the provisions of section 2757, + Revised Statutes), is the only commander of a national ship to whom + promotion or advancement was not and could not be given, because he + already held the highest rank known to the Revenue-Cutter Service. +</p> +<p> + I now recommend that in recognition of the efficient and meritorious + services of Captain Daniel B. Hodgsdon, United States Revenue-Cutter + Service, who commanded the <i>Hugh McCulloch</i> at the battle of Manila + (that officer being now in the sixty-third year of his age and having + served continuously on active duty for thirty-seven years), he be placed + upon the permanent waiting-orders or retired list of the Revenue-Cutter + Service on the full-duty pay of his grade. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 27, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the morning of the 3d of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor + Richmond P. Hobson, United States Navy, with a volunteer crew of seven + men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier <i>Merrimac</i>, + entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of + sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel, and thus + interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet which + had recently entered that harbor. This enterprise, demanding coolness, + judgment, and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful + execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as + well as from the fortifications on shore. +</p> +<p> + Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander in chief of our naval force in Cuban + waters, in an official report dated "Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, + 1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. + Hobson's gallant exploit, says: +</p> +<p class="q"> + As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here I decided to make the + harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish + ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a + collier at that point. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional + opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most + lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he + presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate + sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the + channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. + Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. +</p> +<p class="q"> + As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the + details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete + them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after + our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the + morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a + careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish + the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to + try it at all hazards. +</p> +<p class="q"> + This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. + Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful + inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the <i>Merrimac</i> + had been sunk in the channel. +</p> +<p class="q"> + I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of + Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and + daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the <i>Albemarle</i>. +</p> +<p> + The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable + occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, + which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the + Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval + Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the <i>Merrimac</i> on her + perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of + that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been + prepared and will be submitted. +</p> +<p> + Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram <i>Albemarle</i> + during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of + the <i>Merrimac</i>, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation + of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions + of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such + advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to + line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the + Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced. +</p> +<p> + In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval + Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred + to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the + recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that + he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position + therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the + Senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction + corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary + technical training as a graduate of the Naval Academy, where he stood + No. 1 in his class; and such action is recommended partly in deference + to what is understood to be his own desire, although, he being now a + prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the + subject has been received from him, and partly for the reason that the + abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to + indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 5, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our + people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily increasing degree of + prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. + Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded + abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, + revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the + Treasury's receipts to the amount estimated by its authors, the finances + of the Government have been successfully administered and its credit + advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at + the world's highest standard. Military service under a common flag and + for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to + cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section + of the country. +</p> +<p> + A review of the relation of the United States to other powers, always + appropriate, is this year of primary importance in view of the momentous + issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate + determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will + require the earnest attention of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message<a href="#note-12"><small>12</small></a> very full consideration was given to the + question of the duty of the Government of the United States toward Spain + and the Cuban insurrection as being by far the most important problem + with which we were then called upon to deal. The considerations then + advanced and the exposition of the views therein expressed disclosed + my sense of the extreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside as + logically unfounded or practically inadmissible the recognition of the + Cuban insurgents as belligerents, the recognition of the independence + of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the war by imposing a rational + compromise between the contestants, intervention in favor of one or the + other party, and forcible annexation of the island, I concluded it was + honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be + given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which + she had become irrevocably committed. Within a few weeks previously she + had announced comprehensive plans which it was confidently asserted + would be efficacious to remedy the evils so deeply affecting our own + country, so injurious to the true interests of the mother country as + well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment + of humanity. +</p> +<p> + The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the + pacification of Cuba. The autonomous administrations set up in the + capital and some of the principal cities appeared not to gain the favor + of the inhabitants nor to be able to extend their influence to the large + extent of territory held by the insurgents, while the military arm, + obviously unable to cope with the still active rebellion, continued many + of the most objectionable and offensive policies of the government that + had preceded it. No tangible relief was afforded the vast numbers of + unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made in that + regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered + expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory. Indeed no less + practical nor more delusive promises of succor could well have been + tendered to the exhausted and destitute people, stripped of all that + made life and home dear and herded in a strange region among + unsympathetic strangers hardly less necessitous than themselves. +</p> +<p> + By the end of December the mortality among them had frightfully + increased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths + among these distressed people at over 40 per cent from the time General + Weyler's decree of reconcentration was enforced. With the acquiescence + of the Spanish authorities, a scheme was adopted for relief by + charitable contributions raised in this country and distributed, under + the direction of the consul-general and the several consuls, by noble + and earnest individual effort through the organized agencies of the + American Red Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many + thousands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. +</p> +<p> + The war continued on the old footing, without comprehensive plan, + developing only the same spasmodic encounters, barren of strategic + result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion + as well as the present insurrection from its start. No alternative save + physical exhaustion of either combatant, and therewithal the practical + ruin of the island, lay in sight, but how far distant no one could + venture to conjecture. +</p> +<p> + At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction + of the battle ship <i>Maine</i> while rightfully lying in the harbor of + Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will—a + catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the + nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and + sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this + shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by + preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate + resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and + disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever + wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously + awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot. + The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of + the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through + lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. +</p> +<p> + All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before + the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with + Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it + needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive + immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the + possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the + remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote + of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the + national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith, + to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of + prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the + fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy + needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even + numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which + comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection. + Our Army also required enlargement of men and munitions. The details + of the hurried preparation for the dreaded contingency are told in the + reports of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and need not be + repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war when + it did come found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. +</p> +<p> + Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. + It was felt by the continental powers, which on April 6, through their + ambassadors and envoys, addressed to the Executive an expression of hope + that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this Government + and people, and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement + which, while securing the maintenance of peace, would afford all + necessary guaranties for the reestablishment of order in Cuba. In + responding to that representation I said I shared the hope the envoys + had expressed that peace might be preserved in a manner to terminate the + chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba, so injurious and menacing to + our interests and tranquillity, as well as shocking to our sentiments + of humanity; and while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested + character of the communication they had made on behalf of the powers, + I stated the confidence of this Government, for its part, that equal + appreciation would be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors + to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situation the indefinite + prolongation of which had become insufferable. +</p> +<p> + Still animated by the hope of a peaceful solution and obeying the + dictates of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy + ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued + actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the immediate + conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect + the recognition of her people's right to independence. Besides this, + the instant revocation of the order of reconcentration was asked, + so that the sufferers, returning to their homes and aided by united + American and Spanish effort, might be put in a way to support + themselves and, by orderly resumption of the well-nigh destroyed + productive energies of the island, contribute to the restoration of + its tranquillity and well-being. Negotiations continued for some little + time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the Spanish Government which + could not but be regarded as inadequate. It was proposed to confide the + preparation of peace to the insular parliament, yet to be convened under + the autonomous decrees of November, 1897, but without impairment in any + wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid Government, which to + that end would grant an armistice, if solicited by the insurgents, for + such time as the general in chief might see fit to fix. How and with + what scope of discretionary powers the insular parliament was expected + to set about the "preparation" of peace did not appear. If it were to be + by negotiation with the insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on the one + side with a body chosen by a fraction of the electors in the districts + under Spanish control, and on the other with the insurgent population + holding the interior country, unrepresented in the so-called parliament + and defiant at the suggestion of suing for peace. +</p> +<p> + Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my sincere endeavors + to reach a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to remit the whole + question to the Congress. In the message of April 11, 1898,<a href="#note-13"><small>13</small></a> I + announced that with this last overture in the direction of immediate + peace in Cuba and its disappointing reception by Spain the effort of + the Executive was brought to an end. I again reviewed the alternative + courses of action which had been proposed, concluding that the only one + consonant with international policy and compatible with our firm-set + historical traditions was intervention as a neutral to stop the war and + check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even though that resort involved + "hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to + enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement." The grounds + justifying that step were the interests of humanity, the duty to protect + the life and property of our citizens in Cuba, the right to check injury + to our commerce and people through the devastation of the island, and, + most important, the need of removing at once and forever the constant + menace and the burdens entailed upon our Government by the uncertainties + and perils of the situation caused by the unendurable disturbance in + Cuba. I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. +</p> +<p> + In view of all this the Congress was asked to authorize and empower the + President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of + hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba and to secure in the + island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining + order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and + tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and + for the accomplishment of those ends to use the military and naval + forces of the United States as might be necessary, with added authority + to continue generous relief to the starving people of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, + during which the almost unanimous sentiment of your body was developed + on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the proposed action + with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true and lawful + government of that island—a proposition which failed of adoption—the + Congress, after conference, on the 19th of April, by a vote of 42 to 35 + in the Senate and 311 to 6 in the House of Representatives, passed the + memorable joint resolution declaring— +</p> +<p class="q"> + First. That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought + to be, free and independent. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary + to carry these resolutions into effect. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and + control of the island to its people. +</p> +<p> + This resolution was approved by the Executive on the next day, April 20. + A copy was at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital, + who forthwith announced that his continuance in Washington had thereby + become impossible, and asked for his passports, which were given him. + He thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection of + Spanish interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the + Austro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously with its communication to + the Spanish minister here, General Woodford, the American minister at + Madrid, was telegraphed confirmation of the text of the joint resolution + and directed to communicate it to the Government of Spain with the + formal demand that it at once relinquish its authority and government + in the island of Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, coupling this + demand with announcement of the intentions of this Government as to + the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the + resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. +</p> +<p> + That demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the + Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction + reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21, but before he could + present it, the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the + President's approval of the joint resolution the Madrid Government, + regarding the act as "equivalent to an evident declaration of war," had + ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off + diplomatic relations between the two countries and ceasing all official + communication between their respective representatives. General Woodford + thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. +</p> +<p> + Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated + that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, + the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by + me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between sovereign + states. On April 22 I proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, + including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the + port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba,<a href="#note-14"><small>14</small></a> and on the 23d I + called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution.<a href="#note-15"><small>15</small></a> By + my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and + I recommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war + between the United States and Spain. <a href="#note-16"><small>16</small></a> The Congress accordingly voted + on the same day the act approved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence + of such war from and including the 21st day of April,<a href="#note-17"><small>17</small></a> and reenacted + the provision of the resolution of April 20 directing the President + to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into + effect.<a href="#note-18"><small>18</small></a> Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was + given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the + United States maintain relations, in order that their neutrality + might be assured during the war. The various governments responded with + proclamations of neutrality, each after its own methods. It is not among + the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of + neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate and + difficult circumstances. +</p> +<p> + In further fulfillment of international duty I issued, April 26, 1898, a + proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels + and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right + of search, and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under + enemy's flag.<a href="#note-19"><small>19</small></a> A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish + Government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules of the Declaration + of Paris, including abstention from resort to privateering, have + accordingly been observed by both belligerents, although neither was a + party to that declaration. +</p> +<p> + Our country thus, after an interval of half a century of peace with all + nations, found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a foreign enemy. + Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the + initial call for 125,000 volunteers<a href="#note-20"><small>20</small></a> was instant and complete, as was + also the result of the second call, of May 25, for 75,000 additional + volunteers.<a href="#note-21"><small>21</small></a> The ranks of the Regular Army were increased to the + limits provided by the act of April 26, 1898. +</p> +<p> + The enlisted force of the Navy on the 15th day of August, when it + reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred + and three vessels were added to the Navy by purchase, 1 was presented + to the Government, 1 leased, and the 4 vessels of the International + Navigation Company—the <i>St. Paul</i>, <i>St. Louis</i>, <i>New York</i>, and + <i>Paris</i>—were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters + and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and + became temporarily a part of the auxiliary Navy. +</p> +<p> + The maximum effective fighting force of the Navy during the war, + separated into classes, was as follows: +</p> +<p> + Four battle ships of the first class, 1 battle ship of the second + class, 2 armored cruisers, 6 coast-defense monitors, 1 armored ram, + 12 protected cruisers, 3 unprotected cruisers, 18 gunboats, 1 dynamite + cruiser, 11 torpedo boats; vessels of the old Navy, including monitors, + 14. Auxiliary Navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers, 28 converted yachts, 27 + converted tugs, 19 converted colliers, 15 revenue cutters, 4 light-house + tenders, and 19 miscellaneous vessels. +</p> +<p> + Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lest some attack + might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent + possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. Temporary + garrisons were provided, drawn from the State militia; infantry and + light batteries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops + were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for + observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the United + States, and the Life-Saving and Light-House services cooperated, which + enabled the Navy Department to have all portions of the Atlantic coast, + from Maine to Texas, under observation. +</p> +<p> + The auxiliary Navy was created under the authority of Congress and was + officered and manned by the Naval Militia of the several States. This + organization patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second line + of defense. +</p> +<p> + Under the direction of the Chief of Engineers submarine mines were + placed at the most exposed points. Before the outbreak of the war + permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at + nearly all important harbors. Most of the torpedo material was not to be + found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date + of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary + measures short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the + cables, and on April 22 telegraphic orders were issued to place the + loaded mines in position. +</p> +<p> + The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors + from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting + of mines at certain other harbors, but owing to the early destruction of + the Spanish fleet these mines were not placed. +</p> +<p> + The Signal Corps was promptly organized, and performed service of the + most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war + covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the + establishment of telephonic and telegraphic facilities for the camps at + Manila, Santiago, and in Puerto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles + of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from + those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. + Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's + fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. +</p> +<p> + In Puerto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued + route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept + in telegraphic or telephonic communication with the division commanders + on four different lines of operations. +</p> +<p> + There was placed in Cuban waters a completely outfitted cable ship, + with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of + communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment of our own. + Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. + The day previous to the landing of General Shafter's corps, at + Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications + were established and a cable station opened giving direct communication + with the Government at Washington. This service was invaluable to the + Executive in directing the operations of the Army and Navy. With a total + force of over 1,300, the loss was by disease in camp and field, officers + and men included, only 5. +</p> +<p> + The national-defense fund of $50,000,000 was expended in large part + by the Army and Navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully + shown in the reports of the several Secretaries. It was a most timely + appropriation, enabling the Government to strengthen its defenses and + make preparations greatly needed in case of war. +</p> +<p> + This fund being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the + conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in + the war-revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan + not to exceed $400,000,000 and by levying additional imposts and taxes. + Of the authorized loan $200,000,000 were offered and promptly taken, the + subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over, + while, preference being given to the smaller bids, no single allotment + exceeded $5,000. This was a most encouraging and significant result, + showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the + people to uphold their country's honor. +</p> +<p> + It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of + the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21, + but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. +</p> +<p> + The first encounter of the war in point of date took place April 27, + when a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnoissance in + force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts, and demolished several new + works in construction. +</p> +<p> + The next engagement was destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime + warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for + some weeks at Hongkong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality + being issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given, + it repaired to Mirs Bay, near Hongkong, whence it proceeded to the + Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the + formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the + 1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few + hours' engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, + consisting of ten war ships and a transport, besides capturing the naval + station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power + in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the bay of Manila, with + the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, + the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially + injured. For this gallant achievement the Congress, upon my + recommendation, fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and + substantial reward. +</p> +<p> + The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people and + upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige of invincibility + thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. + Reenforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major-General + Merritt and firmly established within sight of the capital, which lay + helpless before our guns. +</p> +<p> + On the 7th day of May the Government was advised officially of the + victory at Manila, and at once inquired of the commander of our fleet + what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th + day of May, and the first army expedition sailed May 25 and arrived off + Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon followed, the total force + consisting of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. +</p> +<p> + Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented + the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute + military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had + resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of + December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and + eastern sides, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt + from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be done + in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should be accomplished + by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept + of war which enjoins the overcoming of the adversary and the extinction + of his power wherever assailable as the speedy and sure means to win a + peace, divided victory was not permissible, for no partition of the + rights and responsibilities attending the enforcement of a just and + advantageous peace could be thought of. +</p> +<p> + Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces + were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Puerto + Rico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed + points. On May 11 the cruiser <i>Wilmington</i> and torpedo boat + <i>Winslow</i> were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries + at Cardenas, a gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen falling. + These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few + which occurred during our naval operations in this extraordinary + conflict. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great + vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at + the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed + the ocean, and by its erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our + military plans while baffling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time + fears were felt lest the <i>Oregon</i> and <i>Marietta</i>, then nearing + home after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles, + might be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet, but their fortunate + arrival dispelled these apprehensions and lent much-needed + reenforcement. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of + Santiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic + naval and military attack upon the Antillean possessions of Spain. +</p> +<p> + Several demonstrations occurred on the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico in + preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic Squadron + shelled San Juan de Puerto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron + bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor. Neither + attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land + operations were indispensable to achieve a decisive advantage. +</p> +<p> + The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen + but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 + Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow + outlet from Santiago Harbor by sinking the collier <i>Merrimac</i> in + the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with + their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the + Spaniards. It is a most gratifying incident of the war that the bravery + of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish + admiral, who sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of their + safety and to compliment them on their daring act. They were + subsequently exchanged July 7. +</p> +<p> + By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. + Thereafter the invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a + heavy protecting fire, a landing of 600 marines from the <i>Oregon</i>, + <i>Marblehead</i>, and <i>Yankee</i> was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had + been determined to establish a naval station. +</p> +<p> + This important and essential port was taken from the enemy, after severe + fighting, by the marines, who were the first organized force of the + United States to land in Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The position so won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge + our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly + intrenched. On June 22 the advance of the invading army under + Major-General Shafter landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of + Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with + marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. + On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First + and Tenth Cavalry and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, General + Young's brigade of General Wheeler's division, participated, losing + heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within 5 miles of Santiago was + won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle + took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santiago; on the 2d El + Caney and San Juan were taken after a desperate charge, and the + investment of the city was completed. The Navy cooperated by shelling + the town and the coast forts. +</p> +<p> + On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, the + 3d of July, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish + fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron + under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the + Spanish ships were destroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk and the + <i>Maria Teresa</i>, <i>Almirante Oquendo</i>, <i>Vizcaya</i>, and <i>Cristóbal Colón</i> + driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken + prisoners. While the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large, some 600 + perishing, on our side but one man was killed, on the <i>Brooklyn</i>, and + one man seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, + not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished + themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in + the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of + this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history + affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous + disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any for + especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous + actors. The nation's profoundest gratitude is due to all of these brave + men who by their skill and devotion in a few short hours crushed the sea + power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-reaching + consequences can scarcely be measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the + achievements of our builders, mechanics, and artisans for their skill in + the construction of our war ships. +</p> +<p> + With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually + ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her + Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was + abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the + Suez Canal. +</p> +<p> + The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by + land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief + on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of noncombatants + protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, when, under + menace of immediate assault, the preliminaries of surrender were agreed + upon. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation + embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers + surrendering was 22,000, all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain + at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful + campaign is told in the report of the Secretary of War, which will be + laid before you. The individual valor of officers and soldiers was never + more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the + surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive + victories won instant and universal applause. To those who gained this + complete triumph, which established the ascendency of the United States + upon land as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas, + the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor + should we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our + tears, and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at + the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war, however rightful + the cause or signal the victory. +</p> +<p> + With the fall of Santiago the occupation of Puerto Rico became the next + strategic necessity. General Miles had previously been assigned to + organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at + Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July with reenforcements + for General Shafter's army. +</p> +<p> + With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two + companies of engineers, and one company of the Signal Corps, General + Miles left Guantanamo on July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the + fleet under Captain Higginson with the <i>Massachusetts</i> (flagship), <i>Dixie</i>, + <i>Gloucester</i>, <i>Columbia</i>, and <i>Yale</i>, the two latter carrying troops. + The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with + little opposition. Here the fleet was joined by the <i>Annapolis</i> and + the <i>Wasp</i>, while the <i>Puritan</i> and <i>Amphitrite</i> went to San Juan and + joined the <i>New Orleans</i>, which was engaged in blockading that port. The + Major-General Commanding was subsequently reenforced by General Schwan's + brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson with a part of his + division, and also by General Brooke with a part of his corps, numbering + in all 16,973 officers and men. +</p> +<p> + On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports in the + island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of + the island. +</p> +<p> + With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, + Hormigueros, Coarno, and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape + San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted + with great vigor, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in + our possession and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter + of a short time. At most of the points in the island our troops were + enthusiastically welcomed. Protestations of loyalty to the flag and + gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule met our commanders at every + stage. As a potent influence toward peace the outcome of the Puerto + Rican expedition was of great consequence, and generous commendation + is due to those who participated in it. +</p> +<p> + The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. On + August 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in + which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. + The casualties were comparatively few. By this the conquest of the + Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for + resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May, + was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for their + uncomplaining and devoted service and for their gallantry in action, the + nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular + success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without + previous experience in the military service, deserves unmeasured praise. +</p> +<p> + The total casualties in killed and wounded in the Army during the war + with Spain were: Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, + 280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. + Of the Navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 67; died as result of wounds, 1; + invalided from service, 6; total, 91. +</p> +<p> + It will be observed that while our Navy was engaged in two great battles + and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment, and + more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and + were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in + unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of + 1,668 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we + did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship, and, with the + exception of the crew of the <i>Merrimac</i>, not a soldier or sailor + was taken prisoner. +</p> +<p> + On August 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General + Shafter's army in Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of + Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and + our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August + 24. They were absent from the United States only two months. +</p> +<p> + It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and + devotion of that large portion of our Army which, although eager to be + ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required + outside of the United States. They did their whole duty, and, like their + comrades at the front, have earned the gratitude of the nation. In like + manner, the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy who remained + in their departments and stations faithfully performing most important + duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assignment in the + field and at sea I was compelled to refuse because their services were + indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my + regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable + recognition. +</p> +<p> + In this connection it is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of + cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of the American National + Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in + sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, + under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the + society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals + at the front in Cuba. Working in conjunction with the governmental + authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the + enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the + various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high + reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble + purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the + confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the + American people. To the members and officers of this society and all who + aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude + of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded. +</p> +<p> + In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to + the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, + for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble + prayer for the continuance of His favor. +</p> +<p> + The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's fleet, followed by the + capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government + a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now + become wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French + ambassador, who, with the assent of his Government, had acted as the + friendly representative of Spanish interests during the war. On the + 26th of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the Duke of + Almodóvar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to + state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. On the + 30th of July, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almodóvar + and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this Government were announced + substantially as in the protocol afterwards signed. On the 10th of + August the Spanish reply, dated August 7, was handed by M. Cambon to the + Secretary of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to + Cuba, Puerto Rico, and an island of the Ladrones group, but appeared to + seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as + to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving that discussion on this point + could neither be practical nor profitable, I directed that in order + to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith closed by + proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms upon which + the negotiations for peace were to be undertaken. The vague and + inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the + only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of protocol + embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30, + with added stipulations of detail as to the appointment of commissioners + to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 + M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol + so submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon of August 12, M. Cambon, + as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Secretary of State, as the + plenipotentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing— +</p> +<p class="q"> + ARTICLE I. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title + to Cuba. +</p> +<p class="q"> + ART. II. Spain will cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico + and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and + also an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. +</p> +<p class="q"> + ART. III. The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and + harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall + determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. +</p> +<p> + The fourth article provided for the appointment of joint commissions on + the part of the United States and Spain, to meet in Havana and San Juan, + respectively, for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details + of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish + islands in the West Indies. +</p> +<p> + The fifth article provided for the appointment of not more than five + commissioners on each side, to meet at Paris not later than October 1 + and to proceed to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty of peace, + subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms + of the two countries. +</p> +<p> + The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the + protocol hostilities between the two countries should be suspended and + that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each + Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces. +</p> +<p> + Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I issued a proclamation, + of August 12,<a href="#note-22"><small>22</small></a> suspending hostilities on the part of the United + States. The necessary orders to that end were at once given by + telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Puerto Rico + was in like manner raised. On the 18th of August the muster out of + 100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be + practicable, was ordered. +</p> +<p> + On the 1st of December 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out + and discharged from the service, and 9,002 more will be mustered out + by the 10th of this month; also a corresponding number of general and + general staff officers have been honorably discharged the service. +</p> +<p> + The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Puerto + Rico, and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed—for Cuba, + Major-General James F. Wade, Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, + Major-General Matthew C. Butler; for Puerto Rico, Major-General John R. + Brooke, Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, Brigadier-General William W. + Gordon—who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and + San Juan, respectively. The Puerto Rican Joint Commission speedily + accomplished its task, and by the 18th of October the evacuation of the + island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island + at noon on that day. The administration of its affairs has been + provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall + otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint Commission has not yet terminated its + labors. Owing to the difficulties in the way of removing the large + numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation can not be + completed before the 1st of January next. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William R. + Day, lately Secretary of State; Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, and + George Gray, Senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reid to be the + peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due + season to Paris, they there met on the 1st of October five commissioners + similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made + hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive + treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading + to its signature. +</p> +<p> + I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new + possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. + Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall + be ratified. In the meantime and until the Congress has legislated + otherwise it will be my duty to continue the military governments which + have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in + life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. +</p> +<p> + As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island + it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form + a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest + moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that + our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character + and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our + duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the + island, encourage the industry of the people, and assist them to form a + government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best + aspirations of the Cuban people. +</p> +<p> + Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent, and humane + government, created by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all + international obligations, and which shall encourage thrift, industry, + and prosperity and promote peace and good will among all of the + inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations in the past. Neither + revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until + there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government + inaugurated military occupation will be continued. +</p> +<p> + With the one exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of + the United States with the great family of nations has been marked with + cordiality, and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues + that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states + adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable + solution by amicable agreement. +</p> +<p> + A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the + Argentine Republic and Chile, stretching along the Andean crests from + the southern border of the Atacama Desert to Magellan Straits, nearly a + third of the length of the South American continent, assumed an acute + stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this Government + occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already + contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail + despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. I am happy to + say that arrangements to this end have been perfected, the questions of + fact upon which the respective commissioners were unable to agree being + in course of reference to Her Britannic Majesty for determination. + A residual difference touching the northern boundary line across the + Atacama Desert, for which existing treaties provided no adequate + adjustment, bids fair to be settled in like manner by a joint + commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres has + been invited to serve as umpire in the last resort. +</p> +<p> + I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view + to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an + American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the + cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passing from and + to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive + concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong + hope that a good understanding will be reached and that the important + channels of commercial communication between the United States and the + Atlantic cities of South America may be freed from an almost prohibitory + discrimination. +</p> +<p> + In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness + of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over + connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. + The world has seen the postal system developed from a congeries of + independent and exclusive services into a well-ordered union, of which + all countries enjoy the manifold benefits. It would be strange were the + nations not in time brought to realize that modern civilization, which + owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of space by the + electric force, demands that this all-important means of communication + be a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their + common behoof. A step in this direction was taken when the international + convention of 1884 for the protection of submarine cables was signed, + and the day is, I trust, not far distant when this medium for the + transmission of thought from land to land may be brought within the + domain of international concert as completely as is the material + carriage of commerce and correspondence upon the face of the waters + that divide them. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Thomas Jefferson Page against Argentina, which has been + pending many years, has been adjusted. The sum awarded by the Congress + of Argentina was $4,242.35. +</p> +<p> + The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler + and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has + lately befallen them in the assassination of the Empress-Queen of that + historic realm. +</p> +<p> + On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., + between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and + his deputies, in which 22 miners were killed and 44 wounded, of whom + 10 of the killed and 12 of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian + subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the + Austro-Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing + and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed + reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and + peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal + Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in + order to be in a position to meet the urgent complaint of a friendly + power. The sheriff and his deputies, having been indicted for murder, + were tried, and acquitted, after protracted proceedings and the hearing + of hundreds of witnesses, on the ground that the killing was in the line + of their official duty to uphold law and preserve public order in the + State. A representative of the Department of Justice attended the trial + and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, + this Government expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the + subject with that of Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the renewed claim + of the latter, after learning the result of the trial, for indemnity for + its injured subjects. +</p> +<p> + Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this + country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the + singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard + to the number and classes of articles entered than those of other + countries. The worth of such a result in making known our national + capacity to supply the world's markets is obvious. +</p> +<p> + Exhibitions of this international character are becoming more frequent + as the exchanges of commercial countries grow more intimate and varied. + Hardly a year passes that this Government is not invited to national + participation at some important foreign center, but often on too short + notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do + so. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by + a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting such + invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. + This plan has my cordial approval. +</p> +<p> + I trust that the Belgian restrictions on the importation of cattle from + the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at + an early day be relaxed as to their present features of hardship and + discrimination, so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their + slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of favorable change in + the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The growth + of direct trade between the two countries, not alone for Belgian + consumption and Belgian products, but by way of transit from and to + other continental states, has been both encouraging and beneficial. No + effort will be spared to enlarge its advantages by seeking the removal + of needless impediments and by arrangements for increased commercial + exchanges. +</p> +<p> + The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. +</p> +<p> + A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed + by the signature of a convention between the parties, with the + concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act + being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer + <i>Alert</i>, then lying in Central American waters. It is believed that + the good offices of our envoy and of the commander of that vessel + contributed toward this gratifying outcome. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message the situation was presented with respect to + the diplomatic representation of this Government in Central America + created by the association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador under + the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, and the delegation + of their international functions to the Diet thereof. While the + representative character of the Diet was recognized by my predecessor + and has been confirmed during my Administration by receiving its + accredited envoy and granting exequaturs to consuls commissioned under + its authority, that recognition was qualified by the distinct + understanding that the responsibility of each of the component sovereign + Republics toward the United States remained wholly unaffected. +</p> +<p> + This proviso was needful inasmuch as the compact of the three + Republics was at the outset an association whereby certain + representative functions were delegated to a tripartite commission + rather than a federation possessing centralized powers of government + and administration. In this view of their relation and of the + relation of the United States to the several Republics, a change + in the representation of this country in Central America was neither + recommended by the Executive nor initiated by Congress, thus leaving one + of our envoys accredited, as heretofore, separately to two States of the + Greater Republic, Nicaragua and Salvador, and to a third State, Costa + Rica, which was not a party to the compact, while our other envoy was + similarly accredited to a union State, Honduras, and a nonunion State, + Guatemala. The result has been that the one has presented credentials + only to the President of Costa Rica, the other having been received only + by the Government of Guatemala. +</p> +<p> + Subsequently the three associated Republics entered into negotiations + for taking the steps forecast in the original compact. A convention of + their delegates framed for them a federal constitution under the name of + the United States of Central America, and provided for a central federal + government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent States, + the 1st of November last was fixed for the new system to go into + operation. Within a few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested + by revolutionary movements arising, with a consequent demand for unity + of action on the part of the military power of the federal States to + suppress them. Under this strain the new union seems to have been + weakened through the withdrawal of its more important members. This + Government was not officially advised of the installation of the + federation and has maintained an attitude of friendly expectancy, while + in no wise relinquishing the position held from the outset that the + responsibilities of the several States toward us remained unaltered by + their tentative relations among themselves. +</p> +<p> + The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the chairmanship of Rear-Admiral + John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a + provision in the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly + completed its labors, and the results of its exhaustive inquiry into the + proper route, the feasibility, and the cost of construction of an + interoceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route will be laid before you. In the + performance of its task the commission received all possible courtesy + and assistance from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which + thus testified their appreciation of the importance of giving a speedy + and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years + engrossed the attention of the respective countries. +</p> +<p> + As the scope of the recent inquiry embraced the whole subject, with the + aim of making plans and surveys for a canal by the most convenient + route, it necessarily included a review of the results of previous + surveys and plans, and in particular those adopted by the Maritime Canal + Company under its existing concessions from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so + that to this extent those grants necessarily hold as essential a part + in the deliberations and conclusions of the Canal Commission as they + have held and must needs hold in the discussion of the matter by the + Congress. Under these circumstances and in view of overtures made to the + Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica by other parties for a new canal + concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts + of the Maritime Canal Company with those States, I have not hesitated + to express my conviction that considerations of expediency and + international policy as between the several governments interested in + the construction and control of an interoceanic canal by this route + require the maintenance of the <i>status quo</i> until the Canal + Commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall have + had the opportunity to pass finally upon the whole matter during the + present session, without prejudice by reason of any change in the + existing conditions. +</p> +<p> + Nevertheless, it appears that the Government of Nicaragua, as one + of its last sovereign acts before merging its powers in those of the + newly formed United States of Central America, has granted an optional + concession to another association, to become effective on the expiration + of the present grant. It does not appear what surveys have been made + or what route is proposed under this contingent grant, so that an + examination of the feasibility of its plans is necessarily not embraced + in the report of the Canal Commission. All these circumstances suggest + the urgency of some definite action by the Congress at this session + if the labors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the + Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a practical waterway is to be realized. + That the construction of such a maritime highway is now more than ever + indispensable to that intimate and ready intercommunication between our + eastern and western seaboards demanded by the annexation of the Hawaiian + Islands and the prospective expansion of our influence and commerce in + the Pacific, and that our national policy now more imperatively than + ever calls for its control by this Government, are propositions which + I doubt not the Congress will duly appreciate and wisely act upon. +</p> +<p> + A convention providing for the revival of the late United States and + Chilean Claims Commission and the consideration of claims which were + duly presented to the late commission, but not considered because of the + expiration of the time limited for the duration of the commission, was + signed May 24, 1897, and has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The + term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having + elapsed, the convention falls unless the time be extended by amendment, + which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of + the Chilean Government. +</p> +<p> + The United States has not been an indifferent spectator of the + extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby portions + of its maritime provinces are passing under the control of various + European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the + energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for + Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through + any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of + our country becoming an actor in the scene. Our position among nations, + having a large Pacific coast and a constantly expanding direct trade + with the farther Orient, gives us the equitable claim to consideration + and friendly treatment in this regard, and it will be my aim to subserve + our large interests in that quarter by all means appropriate to the + constant policy of our Government. The territories of Kiao-chow, of + Wei-hai-wei, and of Port Arthur and Talienwan, leased to Germany, + Great Britain, and Russia, respectively, for terms of years, will, + it is announced, be open to international commerce during such alien + occupation; and if no discriminating treatment of American citizens and + their trade be found to exist or be hereafter developed, the desire of + this Government would appear to be realized. +</p> +<p> + In this relation, as showing the volume and value of our exchanges with + China and the peculiarly favorable conditions which exist for their + expansion in the normal course of trade, I refer to the communication + addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the + Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, with its + accompanying letter of the Secretary of State, recommending an + appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial + conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities + for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in China for the + raw products and manufactures of the United States. Action was not + taken thereon during the late session. I cordially urge that the + recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which its + importance and timeliness merit. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile there may be just ground for disquietude in view of the unrest + and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien + people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case + of the attacks upon our citizens in Szechuen and at Kutien in 1895, the + United States minister has been instructed to secure the fullest measure + of protection, both local and imperial, for any menaced American + interests, and to demand, in case of lawless injury to person or + property, instant reparation appropriate to the case. War ships have + been stationed at Tientsin for more ready observation of the disorders + which have invaded even the Chinese capital, so as to be in a position + to act should need arise, while a guard of marines has been sent to + Peking to afford the minister the same measure of authoritative + protection as the representatives of other nations have been constrained + to employ. +</p> +<p> + Following close upon the rendition of the award of my predecessor as + arbitrator of the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti against the + Republic of Colombia, differences arose between the parties to the + arbitration in regard to the scope and extension of the award, of which + certain articles were contested by Colombia, while Italy claimed their + literal fulfillment. The award having been made by the President of the + United States, as an act of friendly consideration and with the sole + view to an impartial composition of the matter in dispute, I could + not but feel deep concern at such a miscarriage, and while unable to + accept the Colombian theory that I, in my official capacity, possessed + continuing functions as arbitrator, with power to interpret or revise + the terms of the award, my best efforts were lent to bring the parties + to a harmonious agreement as to the execution of its provisions. +</p> +<p> + A naval demonstration by Italy resulted in an engagement to pay + the liabilities claimed upon their ascertainment; but this apparent + disposition of the controversy was followed by a rupture of diplomatic + intercourse between Colombia and Italy, which still continues, although, + fortunately, without acute symptoms having supervened. Notwithstanding + this, efforts are reported to be continuing for the ascertainment of + Colombia's contingent liability on account of Cerruti's debts under the + fifth article of the award. +</p> +<p> + A claim of an American citizen against the Dominican Republic for + a public bridge over the Ozama River, which has been in diplomatic + controversy for several years, has been settled by expert arbitration + and an award in favor of the claimant amounting to about $90,000. It, + however, remains unpaid, despite urgent demands for its settlement + according to the terms of the compact. +</p> +<p> + There is now every prospect that the participation of the United States + in the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris in 1900 will be on a + scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and + industries in the world's chief marts. +</p> +<p> + The preliminary report of Mr. Moses P. Handy, who, under the act + approved July 19, 1897, was appointed special commissioner with a view + to securing all attainable information necessary to a full and complete + understanding by Congress in regard to the participation of this + Government in the Paris Exposition, was laid before you by my message + of December 6, 1897, and showed the large opportunities opened to make + known our national progress in arts, science, and manufactures, as + well as the urgent need of immediate and adequate provision to enable + due advantage thereof to be taken. Mr. Handy's death soon afterwards + rendered it necessary for another to take up and complete his unfinished + work, and on January 11 last Mr. Thomas W. Cridler, Third Assistant + Secretary of State, was designated to fulfill that task. His report was + laid before you by my message of June 14, 1898, with the gratifying + result of awakening renewed interest in the projected display. By a + provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, a sum + not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission + to care for the proper preparation and installation of American exhibits + and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several Executive + Departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish + Commission, and the Smithsonian Institution, in representation of the + Government of the United States. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Mr. Ferdinand W. Peck, of + Chicago, commissioner-general, with an assistant commissioner-general + and a secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where his success + in enlarging the scope and variety of the United States exhibit has + been most gratifying. Notwithstanding the comparatively limited area + of the exposition site—less than one-half that of the World's Fair at + Chicago—the space assigned to the United States has been increased from + the absolute allotment of 157,403 square feet reported by Mr. Handy to + some 202,000 square feet, with corresponding augmentation of the field + for a truly characteristic representation of the various important + branches of our country's development. Mr. Peck's report will be laid + before you. In my judgment its recommendations will call for your early + consideration, especially as regards an increase of the appropriation to + at least one million dollars in all, so that not only may the assigned + space be fully taken up by the best possible exhibits in every class, + but the preparation and installation be on so perfect a scale as to + rank among the first in that unparalleled competition of artistic and + inventive production, and thus counterbalance the disadvantage with + which we start as compared with other countries whose appropriations are + on a more generous scale and whose preparations are in a state of much + greater forwardness than our own. +</p> +<p> + Where our artisans have the admitted capacity to excel, where our + inventive genius has initiated many of the grandest discoveries of these + later days of the century, and where the native resources of our land + are as limitless as they are valuable to supply the world's needs, it is + our province, as it should be our earnest care, to lead in the march of + human progress, and not rest content with any secondary place. Moreover, + if this be due to ourselves, it is no less due to the great French + nation whose guests we become, and which has in so many ways testified + its wish and hope that our participation shall befit the place the two + peoples have won in the field of universal development. +</p> +<p> + The commercial arrangement made with France on the 28th of May, 1898, + under the provisions of section 3 of the tariff act of 1897, went into + effect on the 1st day of June following. It has relieved a portion of + our export trade from serious embarrassment. Further negotiations + are now pending under section 4 of the same act with a view to the + increase of trade between the two countries to their mutual advantage. + Negotiations with other governments, in part interrupted by the war with + Spain, are in progress under both sections of the tariff act. I hope to + be able to announce some of the results of these negotiations during the + present session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. + Meanwhile no effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government + of the thoroughness of our inspection of pork products for exportation, + and it is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by + the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the + healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where + their use is large and necessary. +</p> +<p> + I transmitted to the Senate on the 10th of February last information + touching the prohibition against the importation of fresh fruits from + this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the + ground of danger of disseminating the San José scale insect. This + precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the + drastic steps taken in several States of the Union against the spread of + the pest, the elaborate reports of the Department of Agriculture being + put in evidence to show the danger to German fruit-growing interests + should the scale obtain a lodgment in that country. Temporary relief was + afforded in the case of large consignments of fruit then on the way by + inspection and admission when found noninfected. Later the prohibition + was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to + apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the + alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar + inhibition. Efforts are in progress to induce the German and Swiss + Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to + have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal + life impossible. +</p> +<p> + Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly + footing. Assenting to our request, the protection of Americans and their + interests in Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic and + consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate + and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. + I may be allowed to make fitting allusion to the instance of Mr. Ramsden, + Her Majesty's consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose untimely death after + distinguished service and untiring effort during the siege of that city + was sincerely lamented. +</p> +<p> + In the early part of April last, pursuant to a request made at the + instance of the Secretary of State by the British ambassador at this + capital, the Canadian government granted facilities for the passage of + four United States revenue cutters from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic + coast by way of the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River. The + vessels had reached Lake Ontario and were there awaiting the opening of + navigation when war was declared between the United States and Spain. + Her Majesty's Government thereupon, by a communication of the latter + part of April, stated that the permission granted before the outbreak of + hostilities would not be withdrawn provided the United States Government + gave assurance that the vessels in question would proceed direct to + a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation. + This Government promptly agreed to the stipulated condition, it being + understood that the vessels would not be prohibited from resisting any + hostile attack. +</p> +<p> + It will give me especial satisfaction if I shall be authorized to + communicate to you a favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations + with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. It is the + earnest wish of this Government to remove all sources of discord and + irritation in our relations with the neighboring Dominion. The trade + between the two countries is constantly increasing, and it is important + to both countries that all reasonable facilities should be granted for + its development. +</p> +<p> + The Government of Greece strongly urges the onerousness of the duty here + imposed upon the currants of that country, amounting to 100 per cent or + more of their market value. This fruit is stated to be exclusively a + Greek product, not coming into competition with any domestic product. + The question of reciprocal commercial relations with Greece, including + the restoration of currants to the free list, is under consideration. +</p> +<p> + The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for injuries + sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military + authorities in the island of Haiti has been settled by the agreement of + that Republic to pay him $10,000 in American gold. Of this sum $5,000 + has already been paid. It is hoped that other pending claims of American + citizens against that Republic may be amicably adjusted. +</p> +<p> + Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, + 1897, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic + of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint + resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered + cession and incorporating the ceded territory into the Union was adopted + by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed the + United States steamship <i>Philadelphia</i> to convey Rear-Admiral + Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important + legislative act, to be delivered to the President of the Republic of + Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were + authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the + sovereignty of the islands to the United States. This was simply but + impressively accomplished on the 12th of August last by the delivery of + a certified copy of the resolution to President Dole, who thereupon + yielded up to the representative of the Government of the United States + the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to the terms of the joint resolution and in exercise of + the authority thereby conferred upon me, I directed that the civil, + judicial, and military powers theretofore exercised by the officers of + the Government of the Republic of Hawaii should continue to be exercised + by those officers until Congress shall provide a government for the + incorporated territory, subject to my power to remove such officers and + to fill vacancies. The President, officers, and troops of the Republic + thereupon took the oath of allegiance to the United States, thus + providing for the uninterrupted continuance of all the administrative + and municipal functions of the annexed territory until Congress shall + otherwise enact. +</p> +<p> + Following the further provision of the joint resolution, I appointed the + Hons. Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, John T. Morgan, of Alabama, Robert + R. Hitt, of Illinois, Sanford B. Dole, of Hawaii, and Walter F. Frear, + of Hawaii, as commissioners to confer and recommend to Congress such + legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem + necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission + confided to them, their report will be laid before you at an early day. + It is believed that their recommendations will have the earnest + consideration due to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon + you to give such shape to the relationship of those mid-Pacific lands to + our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree, realizing the + aspirations of the community that has cast its lot with us and elected + to share our political heritage, while at the same time justifying the + foresight of those who for three-quarters of a century have looked to + the assimilation of Hawaii as a natural and inevitable consummation, in + harmony with our needs and in fulfillment of our cherished traditions. +</p> +<p> + The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out + of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty immigrants were, I am + pleased to say, adjusted before the act of transfer by the payment of + a reasonable indemnity to the Government of Japan. +</p> +<p> + Under the provisions of the joint resolution, the existing customs + relations of the Hawaiian Islands with the United States and with other + countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. + The consuls of Hawaii here and in foreign countries continue to fulfill + their commercial agencies, while the United States consulate at Honolulu + is maintained for all appropriate services pertaining to trade and the + revenue. It would be desirable that all foreign consuls in the Hawaiian + Islands should receive new exequaturs from this Government. +</p> +<p> + The attention of Congress is called to the fact that, our consular + offices having ceased to exist in Hawaii and being about to cease in + other countries coming under the sovereignty of the United States, the + provisions for the relief and transportation of destitute American + seamen in these countries under our consular regulations will in + consequence terminate. It is proper, therefore, that new legislation + should be enacted upon this subject in order to meet the changed + conditions. +</p> +<p> + The interpretation of certain provisions of the extradition convention + of December 11, 1861, has been at various times the occasion of + controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose in + the case of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesús Guerra, who, + having led a marauding expedition near the border with the proclaimed + purpose of initiating an insurrection against President Diaz, escaped + into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground that the alleged + offense was political in its character, and therefore came within the + treaty proviso of nonsurrender. The Mexican contention was that the + exception only related to purely political offenses, and that as + Guerra's acts were admixed with the common crime of murder, arson, + kidnaping, and robbery, the option of nondelivery became void, a + position which this Government was unable to admit in view of the + received international doctrine and practice in the matter. The Mexican + Government, in view of this, gave notice January 24, 1898, of the + termination of the convention, to take effect twelve months from that + date, at the same time inviting the conclusion of a new convention, + toward which negotiations are on foot. +</p> +<p> + In this relation I may refer to the necessity of some amendment of + our existing extradition statute. It is a common stipulation of such + treaties that neither party shall be bound to give up its own citizens, + with the added proviso in one of our treaties, that with Japan, that it + may surrender if it see fit. It is held in this country by an almost + uniform course of decisions that where a treaty negatives the obligation + to surrender the President is not invested with legal authority to act. + The conferment of such authority would be in the line of that sound + morality which shrinks from affording secure asylum to the author of a + heinous crime. Again, statutory provision might well be made for what is + styled extradition by way of transit, whereby a fugitive surrendered by + one foreign government to another may be conveyed across the territory + of the United States to the jurisdiction of the demanding state. + A recommendation in this behalf made in the President's message of + 1886<a href="#note-23"><small>23</small></a> was not acted upon. The matter is presented for your + consideration. +</p> +<p> + The problem of the Mexican free zone has been often discussed with + regard to its inconvenience as a provocative of smuggling into the + United States along an extensive and thinly guarded land border. + The effort made by the joint resolution of March 1, 1895, to remedy the + abuse charged by suspending the privilege of free transportation in + bond across the territory of the United States to Mexico failed of good + result, as is stated in Report No. 702 of the House of Representatives, + submitted in the last session, March 11, 1898. As the question is one to + be conveniently met by wise concurrent legislation of the two countries + looking to the protection of the revenues by harmonious measures + operating equally on either side of the boundary, rather than by + conventional arrangements, I suggest that Congress consider the + advisability of authorizing and inviting a conference of representatives + of the Treasury Departments of the United States and Mexico to consider + the subject in all its complex bearings, and make report with pertinent + recommendations to the respective Governments for the information and + consideration of their Congresses. +</p> +<p> + The Mexican Water Boundary Commission has adjusted all matters + submitted to it to the satisfaction of both Governments save in three + important cases—that of the "Chamizal" at El Paso, Tex., where the two + commissioners failed to agree, and wherein, for this case only, this + Government has proposed to Mexico the addition of a third member; the + proposed elimination of what are known as "Bancos," small isolated + islands formed by the cutting off of bends in the Rio Grande, from + the operation of the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended by the + commissioners and approved by this Government, but still under + consideration by Mexico; and the subject of the "Equitable distribution + of the waters of the Rio Grande," for which the commissioners + recommended an international dam and reservoir, approved by Mexico, but + still under consideration by this Government. Pending these questions + it is necessary to extend the life of the commission, which expires + December 23 next. +</p> +<p> + The coronation of the young Queen of the Netherlands was made the + occasion of fitting congratulations. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Victor H. McCord against Peru, which for a number of + years has been pressed by this Government and has on several occasions + attracted the attention of the Congress, has been satisfactorily + adjusted. A protocol was signed May 17, 1898, whereby, the fact of + liability being admitted, the question of the amount to be awarded was + submitted to the chief justice of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award + sets the indemnity due the claimant at $40,000. +</p> +<p> + The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of its + intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation + concluded with this country August 31, 1887. As that treaty contains + many important provisions necessary to the maintenance of commerce + and good relations, which could with difficulty be replaced by the + negotiation of renewed provisions within the brief twelve months + intervening before the treaty terminates, I have invited suggestions by + Peru as to the particular provisions it is desired to annul, in the hope + of reaching an arrangement whereby the remaining articles may be + provisionally saved. +</p> +<p> + His Majesty the Czar having announced his purpose to raise the + Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, + I responded, under the authority conferred by the act of March 3, + 1893, by commissioning and accrediting the actual representative + at St. Petersburg in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary and + plenipotentiary. The Russian ambassador to this country has since + presented his credentials. +</p> +<p> + The proposal of the Czar for a general reduction of the vast military + establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace + was communicated to this Government with an earnest invitation to be + represented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with + a view to discussing the means of accomplishing so desirable a result. + His Majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of this + Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of + the readiness of the United States to take part in the conference. + The active military force of the United States, as measured by our + population, territorial area, and taxable wealth, is, and under any + conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace + so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Czar's + appeal is especially addressed that the question can have for us no + practical importance save as marking an auspicious step toward the + betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation + of peace and good will among them; but in this view it behooves us as + a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent project. +</p> +<p> + The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian + cruisers in Bering Sea are being pressed to a settlement. The equities + of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will + eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the + proven facts. +</p> +<p> + The recommendation made in my special message of April 27 last is + renewed, that appropriation be made to reimburse the master and owners + of the Russian bark <i>Hans</i> for wrongful arrest of the master and + detention of the vessel in February, 1896, by officers of the United + States district court for the southern district of Mississippi. The + papers accompanying my said message make out a most meritorious claim + and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the + Government of Russia. +</p> +<p> + Malietoa Laupepa, King of Samoa, died on August 22 last. According to + Article I of the general act of Berlin, "his successor shall be duly + elected according to the laws and customs of Samoa." +</p> +<p> + Arrangements having been agreed upon between the signatories of the + general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan + chiefs, they were brought from Jaluit by a German war vessel and landed + at Apia on September 18 last. +</p> +<p> + Whether the death of Malietoa and the return of his old-time rival + Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which the execution of + the tripartite general act has heretofore developed remains to be seen. + The efforts of this Government will, as heretofore, be addressed toward + a harmonious and exact fulfillment of the terms of the international + engagement to which the United States became a party in 1889. +</p> +<p> + The Cheek claim against Siam, after some five years of controversy, has + been adjusted by arbitration under an agreement signed July 6, 1897, an + award of 706,721 ticals (about $187,987.78), with release of the Cheek + estate from mortgage claims, having been rendered March 21, 1898, in + favor of the claimant by the arbitrator, Sir Nicholas John Hannen, + British chief justice for China and Japan. +</p> +<p> + An envoy from Siam has been accredited to this Government and has + presented his credentials. +</p> +<p> + Immediately upon the outbreak of the war with Spain the Swiss + Government, fulfilling the high mission it has deservedly assumed as the + patron of the International Red Cross, proposed to the United States and + Spain that they should severally recognize and carry into execution, + as a <i>modus vivendi</i>, during the continuance of hostilities, the + additional articles proposed by the international conference of Geneva, + October 20, 1868, extending the effects of the existing Red Cross + convention of 1864 to the conduct of naval war. Following the example + set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a <i>modus vivendi</i>, + and in view of the accession of the United States to those additional + articles in 1882, although the exchange of ratifications thereof still + remained uneffected, the Swiss proposal was promptly and cordially + accepted by us, and simultaneously by Spain. +</p> +<p> + This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled to + testify its adherence to the broadest principles of humanity even amidst + the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the Red + Cross compact to hostilities by sea as well as on land may soon become + an accomplished fact through the general promulgation of the additional + naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the + convention of 1864. +</p> +<p> + The important question of the claim of Switzerland to the perpetual + cantonal allegiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made + hopeful progress toward a solution, and controversies in this regard + still continue. +</p> +<p> + The newly accredited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman Porte + carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy + with Turkey for a number of years. He is especially charged to press for + a just settlement of our claims for indemnity by reason of the + destruction of the property of American missionaries resident in that + country during the Armenian troubles of 1895, as well as for the + recognition of older claims of equal justness. +</p> +<p> + He is also instructed to seek an adjustment of the dispute growing + out of the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of + Ottoman-born persons naturalized in the United States since 1869 without + prior imperial consent, and in the same general relation he is directed + to endeavor to bring about a solution of the question which has more or + less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdictional rights of + the United States in matters of criminal procedure and punishment under + Article IV of the treaty of 1830. This latter difficulty grows out of a + verbal difference, claimed by Turkey to be essential, between the + original Turkish text and the promulgated translation. +</p> +<p> + After more than two years from the appointment of a consul of this + country to Erzerum, he has received his exequatur. +</p> +<p> + The arbitral tribunal appointed under the treaty of February 2, 1897, + between Great Britain and Venezuela, to determine the boundary line + between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at + Paris during the present month. It is a source of much gratification to + this Government to see the friendly resort of arbitration applied to the + settlement of this controversy, not alone because of the earnest part we + have had in bringing about the result, but also because the two members + named on behalf of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuller and Mr. Justice + Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appropriately testify the + continuing interest we feel in the definitive adjustment of the question + according to the strictest rules of justice. The British members, + Lord Herschell and Sir Richard Collins, are jurists of no less exalted + repute, while the fifth member and president of the tribunal, M.F. + De Martens, has earned a world-wide reputation as an authority upon + international law. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expulsion + and injury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the + order of expulsion and by the payment of the sum of $16,000. +</p> +<p> + I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of + the American Republics, created in 1890 as the organ for promoting + commercial intercourse and fraternal relations among the countries of + the Western Hemisphere, has become a more efficient instrument of the + wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial support of + the contributing members of the international union which are actually + represented in its board of management. A commercial directory, in two + volumes, containing a mass of statistical matter descriptive of the + industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been + printed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a monthly + bulletin published in these four languages and distributed in the + Latin-American countries as well as in the United States has proved to + be a valuable medium for disseminating information and furthering the + varied interests of the international union. +</p> +<p> + During the past year the important work of collecting information of + practical benefit to American industries and trade through the agency + of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily advanced, and + in order to lay such data before the public with the least delay the + practice was begun in January, 1898, of issuing the commercial reports + from day to day as they are received by the Department of State. It is + believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of information the + service thus supplied to our merchants and manufacturers will be found + to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of + Congress. +</p> +<p> + The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of + the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in common with most + civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage + sustained in time of war-by peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we + may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations + are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehension + into which an outbreak of hostilities throws the entire commercial + world. It should be our object, therefore, to minimize, so far as + practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can + probably best be accomplished by an international agreement to regard + all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the + forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many + years advocated this humane and beneficent principle, and is now in + position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of + selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your consideration that the + Executive be authorized to correspond with the governments of the + principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the + permanent law of civilized nations the principle of the exemption of + all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or + destruction by belligerent powers. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the + Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, + 1898, including $64,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, + amounted to $405,321,335 and its expenditures to $443,368,582. There + was collected from customs $149,575,062 and from internal revenue + $170,900,641. Our dutiable imports amounted to $324,635,479, a decrease + of $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty + amounted to $291,414,175, a decrease from the preceding year of + $90,524,068. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding + year by $24,212,067. +</p> +<p> + The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $92,546,999; + on manufactured tobacco, $36,230,522, and on fermented liquors, + $39,515,421. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to + $1,231,482,330, an increase of $180,488,774 from the preceding year. +</p> +<p> + It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the + receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will + be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a + deficiency of $112,000,000. +</p> +<p> + On the 1st of December, 1898, there was held in the Treasury gold coin + amounting to $138,441,547, gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545, + silver bullion amounting to $93,359,250, and other forms of money + amounting to $451,963,981. +</p> +<p> + On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not + included in Treasury holdings, was $1,886,879,504, an increase for the + year of $165,794,966. Estimating our population at 75,194,000 at the + time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.09. On the same date + there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545. +</p> +<p> + The provisions made for strengthening the resources of the Treasury in + connection with the war have given increased confidence in the purpose + and power of the Government to maintain the present standard, and have + established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and + abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the inflow of gold to the + Treasury. Its net gold holdings on November 1, 1898, were $239,885,162 + as compared with $153,573,147 on November 1, 1897, and an increase of + net cash of $207,756,100, November 1, 1897, to $300,238,275, November 1, + 1898. The present ratio of net Treasury gold to outstanding Government + liabilities, including United States notes, Treasury notes of 1890, + silver certificates, currency certificates, standard silver dollars, + and fractional silver coin, November 1, 1898, was 25.35 per cent, as + compared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1897. +</p> +<p> + I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That when any of the United States notes are presented for redemption + in gold and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set + apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an obvious duty. + If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it + from the Government, he should not receive back from the Government a + United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason + for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an + interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United + States notes—a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay + them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in + any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond + issue to redeem them—another interest-bearing debt to redeem a + non-interest-bearing debt. +</p> +<p> + This recommendation was made in the belief that such provisions of law + would insure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and + better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected + from a disturbance in the general business conditions of the country. +</p> +<p> + In my judgment the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the + immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under + which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund + from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when + once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. +</p> +<p> + It is not to be inferred that other legislation relating to our currency + is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for it. +</p> +<p> + The importance of adequate provision which will insure to our future a + money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our + commercial rivals is generally recognized. +</p> +<p> + The companion proposition that our domestic paper currency shall be kept + safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal + commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs is a proposition + scarcely less important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to + the wise consideration of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + The annexation of Hawaii and the changed relations of the United States + to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines resulting from the war, compel + the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United States. There + should be established regular and frequent steamship communication, + encouraged by the United States, under the American flag, with the newly + acquired islands. Spain furnished to its colonies, at an annual cost of + about $2,000,000, steamship lines communicating with a portion of the + world's markets, as well as with trade centers of the home Government. + The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to + furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, under national control, + for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present + situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and + liberal. +</p> +<p> + The part which American merchant vessels and their seamen performed + in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both + pickets and the second line of defense, is a national necessity, and + should be encouraged in every constitutional way. Details and methods + for the accomplishment of this purpose are discussed in the report of + the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is + respectfully invited. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message I recommended that Congress authorize the + appointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic + investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow + fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result + of the military occupation of the island of Cuba and the commercial + intercourse between this island and the United States which we have + every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new + relations with the island of Cuba and the acquisition of Puerto Rico + are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and + administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be + considered by competent experts and that everything may be done + which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the + protection of the health of our soldiers in those islands and of + our citizens who are exposed to the dangers of infection from the + importation of yellow fever. I therefore renew my recommendation that + the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made + to provide for a commission of experts to be appointed for the purpose + indicated. +</p> +<p> + Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the + President in his discretion, "upon a declaration of war by Congress, or + a declaration by Congress that war exists," I directed the increase of + the Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. +</p> +<p> + There are now in the Regular Army 57,862 officers and men. In said act + it was provided— +</p> +<p class="q"> + That at the end of any war in which the United States may become + involved the Army shall be reduced to a peace basis by the transfer + in the same arm of the service or absorption by promotion or honorable + discharge, under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish, + of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or + transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this + act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent increase of the + commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now + provided by the law in force prior to the passage of this act, + except as to the increase of twenty-five majors provided for in + section I hereof. +</p> +<p> + The importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the Army is + therefore manifest, and the recommendation of the Secretary of War for + that purpose has my unqualified approval. There can be no question that + at this time, and probably for some time in the future, 100,000 men + will be none too many to meet the necessities of the situation. At all + events, whether that number shall be required permanently or not, the + power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his + discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should + be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the + inhabitants of the islands with the government of which we are charged. + It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the + Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. + This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the + brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in + its emergency. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message I stated: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The Union Pacific Railway, main line, was sold under the decree of the + United States court for the district of Nebraska on the 1st and 2d of + November of this year. The amount due the Government consisted of the + principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,512, and the accrued interest + thereon, $31,211,711.75, making the total indebtedness $58,448,223.75. + The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire + mortgage claim of the Government, principal and interest. +</p> +<p> + This left the Kansas Pacific case unconcluded. By a decree of the court + in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which + would yield to the Government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale, + at the instance of the Government, was postponed first to December 15, + 1897, and later, upon the application of the United States, was + postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. +</p> +<p> + Having satisfied myself that the interests of the Government required + that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the + Secretary of the Treasury, under the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay + out of the Treasury to the persons entitled to receive the same the + amounts due upon all prior mortgages upon the Eastern and Middle + divisions of said railroad out of any money in the Treasury not + otherwise appropriated, whereupon the Attorney-General prepared a + petition to be presented to the court, offering to redeem said prior + liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that + thereupon the United States might be held to be subrogated to all the + rights of said prior lien holders and that a receiver might be appointed + to take possession of the mortgaged premises and maintain and operate + the same until the court or Congress otherwise directed. Thereupon the + reorganization committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and + the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they would + bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Government the entire + principal of its debt, $6,303,000. +</p> +<p> + Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the + difficulties under which the Government would labor if it should become + the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any authority + by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon + the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the + principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the + Government secured an advance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which + the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization + committee had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the + property. +</p> +<p> + It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the + Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the Government + has received on account of its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, + an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the sum which the reorganization + committee originally agreed to bid for the joint property, the + Government receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the + Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas Pacific + Railroad. +</p> +<p> + Steps had been taken to foreclose the Government's lien upon the Central + Pacific Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress + passed an act, approved July 7, 1898, creating a commission consisting + of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the + Secretary of the Interior, and their successors in office, with full + power to settle the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the + issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and + Western Pacific bond-aided railroads, subject to the approval of the + President. +</p> +<p> + No report has yet been made to me by the commission thus created. + Whatever action is had looking to a settlement of the indebtedness in + accordance with the act referred to will be duly submitted to the + Congress. +</p> +<p> + I deem it my duty to call to the attention of Congress the condition of + the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The business + of that Department has increased very greatly since it was established + in its present quarters. The building now occupied by it is neither + large enough nor of suitable arrangement for the proper accommodation of + the business of the Department. The Supervising Architect has pronounced + it unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The + Attorney-General in his report states that the library of the Department + is upon the fourth floor, and that all the space allotted to it is so + crowded with books as to dangerously overload the structure. The first + floor is occupied by the Court of Claims. The building is of an old and + dilapidated appearance, unsuited to the dignity which should attach to + this important Department. +</p> +<p> + A proper regard for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the officers + and employees would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in + the erection of, a new building of commodious proportions and handsome + appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that + purpose, including the ground occupied by the present structure and + adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet on + Pennsylvania avenue and a depth of 136 feet. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations + provided for the Supreme Court in the Capitol, and suggest the wisdom of + making provision for the erection of a separate building for the court + and its officers and library upon available ground near the Capitol. +</p> +<p> + The postal service of the country advances with extraordinary growth. + Within twenty years both the revenues and the expenditures of the + Post-Office Department have multiplied threefold. In the last ten years + they have nearly doubled. Our postal business grows much more rapidly + than our population. It now involves an expenditure of $100,000,000 a + year, numbers 73,000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 employees. This + remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of the + public conditions presents gratifying evidence of the advancement of + education, of the increase of communication and business activity, and + of the improvement of mail facilities leading to their constantly + augmenting use. +</p> +<p> + The war with Spain laid new and exceptional labors on the Post-Office + Department. The mustering of the military and naval forces of the United + States required special mail arrangements for every camp and every + campaign. The communication between home and camp was naturally eager + and expectant. In some of the larger places of rendezvous as many as + 50,000 letters a day required handling. This necessity was met by the + prompt detail and dispatch of experienced men from the established force + and by directing all the instrumentalities of the railway mail and + post-office service, so far as necessary, to this new need. Congress + passed an act empowering the Postmaster-General to establish offices or + branches at every military camp or station, and under this authority the + postal machinery was speedily put into effective operation. +</p> +<p> + Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Puerto + Rico, and the Philippines they were attended and followed by the postal + service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of + postmasters where necessary, it was early determined that the public + interests would best be subserved, not by new designations, but by the + detail of experienced men familiar with every branch of the service, + and this policy was steadily followed. When the territory which was the + theater of conflict came into our possession, it became necessary to + reestablish mail facilities for the resident population as well as to + provide them for our forces of occupation, and the former requirement + was met through the extension and application of the latter obligation. + I gave the requisite authority, and the same general principle was + applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under + military occupation. The details are more particularly given in the + report of the Postmaster-General, and, while the work is only just + begun, it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the + territory which has come under our control is already materially + improved. +</p> +<p> + The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to + the increase of the Navy have my earnest approval: +</p> +<p> + 1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 + tons trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful + ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable + speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and + armament, $3,600,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 2. Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,000 tons + trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful + ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable + speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and + armament, $4,000,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons + trial displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and great + radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for + vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, + $2,150,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial + displacement, to have the highest speed compatible with good cruising + qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful + ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive + of armament, $1,141,800 each. +</p> +<p> + I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades + of admiral and vice-admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by + officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with + Spain. +</p> +<p> + I earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of early legislation + providing for the taking of the Twelfth Census. This is necessary in + view of the large amount of work which must be performed in the + preparation of the schedules preparatory to the enumeration of the + population. +</p> +<p> + There were on the pension rolls on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an + increase of nearly 18,000 over the number on the rolls on the same day + of the preceding year. The amount appropriated by the act of December + 22, 1896, for the payment of pensions for the fiscal year of 1898 + was $140,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hundred and + seventy-two dollars and forty-six cents was appropriated by the act of + March 31, 1898, to cover deficiencies in army pensions, and repayments + in the sum of $12,020.33, making a total of $148,082,892.79 available + for the payment of pensions during the fiscal year 1898. The amount + disbursed from that sum was $144,651,879.80, leaving a balance of + $3,431,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of June, 1898, which was covered + into the Treasury. There were 389 names added to the rolls during the + year by special acts passed at the second session of the Fifty-fifth + Congress, making a total of 6,486 pensioners by Congressional enactments + since 1861. +</p> +<p> + The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were + $1,253,948.44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus + of $172,314.65. +</p> +<p> + The public lands disposed of by the Government during the year reached + 8,453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previous + year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year + amounted to $2,277,995.18, an increase of $190,063.90 over the preceding + year. The lands embraced in the eleven forest reservations which were + suspended by the act of June 4, 1897, again became subject to the + operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1897, creating them, + which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area embraced + in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves + were created during the year—the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve, + in California, embracing 1,644,594 acres, and the Prescott Reserve, in + Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres—while the Pecos River Reserve, in New + Mexico, has been changed and enlarged to include 120,000 additional + acres. +</p> +<p> + At the close of the year thirty forest reservations, not including those + of the Afognak Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve, in Alaska, had been + created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March + 3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. +</p> +<p> + The Department of the Interior has inaugurated a forest system, made + possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in + control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation + since August, but good results have already been secured in many + sections. The reports received indicate that the system of patrol has + not only prevented destructive fires from gaining headway, but has + diminished the number of fires. +</p> +<p> + The special attention of the Congress is called to that part of + the report of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the Five + Civilized Tribes. It is noteworthy that the general condition of the + Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of a serious character + occurred during the year, and that among the Chippewa Indians of + Minnesota, which happily has been suppressed. +</p> +<p> + While it has not yet been practicable to enforce all the provisions + of the act of June 28, 1898, "for the protection of the people of the + Indian Territory, and for other purposes," it is having a salutary + effect upon the nations composing the five tribes. The Dawes Commission + reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance toward the + attainment of the objects of the Government have been secured in the + past year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the + recommendation of the commission and of the Secretary of the Interior + for the necessity of providing for the education of the 30,000 white + children resident in the Indian Territory. +</p> +<p> + The Department of Agriculture has been active in the past year. + Explorers have been sent to many of the countries of the Eastern and + Western hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the + United States, and with the further view of opening up markets for our + surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving + special attention to the treeless regions of our country and is + introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires, + which seriously interfere with production, especially in irrigated + regions, are being studied, that losses from this cause may be avoided. + The Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many + States of the West, and collating information regarding the laws of the + States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in + this regard, so that uniformity may be secured. Experiment stations are + becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,000 + by Congress is supplemented by $400,000 from the States. Nation-wide + experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil + and climate and States for growing sugar beets. The number of sugar + factories has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the + United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly + demonstrated. +</p> +<p> + The Weather Bureau forecast and observation stations have been extended + around the Caribbean Sea, to give early warning of the approach of + hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine. +</p> +<p> + In the year 1900 will occur the centennial anniversary of the founding + of the city of Washington for the permanent capital of the Government of + the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, + 1790. In May, 1800, the archives and general offices of the Federal + Government were removed to this place. On the 17th of November, 1800, + the National Congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive + control of the Federal district and city. This interesting event assumes + all the more significance when we recall the circumstances attending the + choosing of the site, the naming of the capital in honor of the Father + of his Country, and the interest taken by him in the adoption of plans + for its future development on a magnificent scale. +</p> +<p> + These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and + a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. + The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and + government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and + education which here find their natural home. +</p> +<p> + A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary + celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the + establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an + occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with + general favor on the part of the public. +</p> +<p> + I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this + purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. + It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a + committee from the country at large, which, acting with the + Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the + plans for an appropriate national celebration. +</p> +<p> + The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a + measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful + application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the + principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend + these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in + great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the + past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel + called upon to act. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + + +<center> + AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America + and the Kingdom of Spain. +</center> +<p> + <i>Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the + United States of America in Congress assembled</i>, First. That war be, + and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed + since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the + United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain. +</p> +<p> + Second. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to + carry this act into effect. +</p> +<p> + Approved, April 25, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, February 10, 1899</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + As a consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace between the + United States and Spain and its expected ratification by the Spanish + Government, the United States will come into possession of the + Philippine Islands, on the farther shores of the Pacific. The Hawaiian + Islands and Guam becoming United States territory and forming convenient + stopping places on the way across the sea, the necessity for speedy + cable communication between the United States and all these Pacific + islands has become imperative. +</p> +<p> + Such communication should be established in such a way as to be wholly + under the control of the United States, whether in time of peace or of + war. At present the Philippines can be reached only by cables which + pass through many foreign countries, and the Hawaiian Islands and Guam + can only be communicated with by steamers, involving delays in each + instance of at least a week. The present conditions should not be + allowed to continue for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. +</p> +<p> + So long ago as 1885 reference was made in an Executive message to + Congress to the necessity for cable communication between the United + States and Hawaii. This necessity has greatly increased since then. + The question has been discussed in the Fifty-second, Fifty-fourth, and + Fifty-fifth Congresses, in each of which some effort has been made + looking toward laying a cable at least as far as the Hawaiian Islands. + The time has now arrived when a cable in the Pacific must extend at + least as far as Manila, touching at the Hawaiian Islands and Guam on + the way. +</p> +<p> + Two methods of establishing this cable communication at once suggest + themselves: First, construction and maintenance of such a cable by + and at the expense of the United States Government, and, second, + construction and maintenance of such a cable by a private United States + corporation, under such safeguards as Congress shall impose. +</p> +<p> + I do not make any recommendations to Congress as to which of these + methods would be the more desirable. A cable of the length of that + proposed requires so much time for construction and laying that it is + estimated that at least two years must elapse after giving the order for + the cable before the entire system could be successfully laid and put in + operation. Further deep-sea soundings must be taken west of the Hawaiian + Islands before the final route for the cable can be selected. Under + these circumstances it becomes a paramount necessity that measures + should be taken before the close of the present Congress to provide such + means as may seem most suitable for the establishment of a cable system. +</p> +<p> + I commend the whole subject to the careful consideration of the Congress + and to such prompt action as may seem advisable. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<a name="2H_4_0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April + 20, 1898,<a href="#note-24"><small>24</small></a> and communicated to the Government of Spain, it was + demanded that said Government at once relinquish its authority and + government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces + from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as might be necessary + to carry said resolution into effect; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas in carrying into effect said resolution the President of the + United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade + of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between + Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast + of Cuba: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in + order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim + that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a + blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast + between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the + south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United + States and the law of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient + force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels + from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said + ports or attempting to leave the same without notice or knowledge of the + establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of + the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the + date of such warning, where such indorsement was made; and if the same + vessel shall again attempt to enter any blockaded port she will be + captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such proceedings + against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. +</p> +<p> + Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the + establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue + therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the + seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN SHERMAN,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the 20th day of + April, 1898,<a href="#note-25"><small>25</small></a> entitled "Joint resolution for the recognition of the + independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of + Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and + to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and + directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval + forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for + temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States + in time of war, and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the + President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue + his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the + United States: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by + virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and + deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, + and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 + in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the + same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several States + and Territories and the District of Columbia according to population and + to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this + object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities + through the War Department. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN SHERMAN,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898,<a href="#note-26"><small>26</small></a> it is + declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 21st day of + April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of + America and the Kingdom of Spain; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon + principles in harmony with the present views of nations and sanctioned + by their recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy + of this Government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere + to the rules of the Declaration of Paris: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the + laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: +</p> +<p> + 1. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of + contraband of war. +</p> +<p> + 2. Neutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation + under the enemy's flag. +</p> +<p> + 3. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. +</p> +<p> + 4. Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United + States shall be allowed till May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their + cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish + merchant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be + permitted to continue their voyage if on examination of their papers + it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the + expiration of the above term: <i>Provided</i>, That nothing herein + contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officer in + the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal (except such as + may be necessary for their voyage), or any other article prohibited or + contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish Government. +</p> +<p> + 5. Any Spanish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1898, shall have + sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United + States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge + her cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without molestation; and + any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be + permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. +</p> +<p> + 6. The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the + rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be + interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a + violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + ALVEY A. ADEE,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April, + 1898,<a href="#note-27"><small>27</small></a> entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United + States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for + temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States + in time of war and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the + President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue + his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the + United States: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by + virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and + deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, + and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 75,000 + in addition to the volunteers called forth by my proclamation of the 23d + of April, in the present year,<a href="#note-28"><small>28</small></a> the same to be apportioned, as far as + practicable, among the several States and Territories and the District + of Columbia according to population and to serve for two years unless + sooner discharged. The proportion of each arm and the details of + enlistment and organization will be made known through the War + Department. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused + the seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + WILLIAM R. DAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, for the reasons set forth in my proclamation of April 22, + 1898,<a href="#note-29"><small>29</small></a> a blockade of the ports on the northern coast of Cuba from + Cardenas to Bahia Honda, inclusive, and of the port of Cienfuegos, on + the south coast of Cuba, was declared to have been instituted; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has become desirable to extend the blockade to other Spanish + ports: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, + do hereby declare and proclaim that in addition to the blockade of the + ports specified in my proclamation of April 22, 1898, the United States + of America has instituted and will maintain an effective blockade of all + the ports on the south coast of Cuba from Cape Frances to Cape Cruz, + inclusive, and also of the port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto + Rico. +</p> +<p> + Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by + the present proclamation extended will be allowed thirty days to issue + therefrom with cargo. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of June, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + J.B. MOORE,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by a protocol concluded and signed August 12, 1898<a href="#note-30"><small>30</small></a> by + William R. Day, Secretary of State of the United States, and His + Excellency Jules Cambon, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of + the Republic of France at Washington, respectively representing for this + purpose the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, + the United States and Spain have formally agreed upon the terms on which + negotiations for the establishment of peace between the two countries + shall be undertaken; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and + signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended and + that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each + Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, + do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and + proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities + and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the + proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces + of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this + proclamation. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + WILLIAM R. DAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors, + hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving + thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us + during the year. +</p> +<p> + Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as + this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce + have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and + strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought + together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity. +</p> +<p> + The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we + were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are + permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and + the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have + been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire + us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and + magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as + to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend + protracted war. +</p> +<p> + I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be + at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart + and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national + thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a + service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of + the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the + soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and + valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a + righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought + us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the + years to come. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN HAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 7, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +DEWEY,<br> + <i>Care American Consul, Hongkong</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your + officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. +</p> +<p> + In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will + recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for + further promotion. +</p> +<p class="r"> + LONG. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is + the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and + the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition + of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are + entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their + private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the + Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States + to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. + It will therefore be the duty of the commander of the expedition, + immediately upon his arrival in the islands, to publish a proclamation + declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the + Philippines, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect + them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and + religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest + submission, cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give + effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support + and protection. Our occupation should be as free from severity as + possible. +</p> +<p> + Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and + immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the + municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights + of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are + considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with + the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the + occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, + but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the + ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. + This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on + the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with + the administration of justice may, if they accept the authority of the + United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as + between man and man under the supervision of the American commander + in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, + be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed + occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. +</p> +<p> + While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be + such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures + of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should + render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. + He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials + in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution + for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary + tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the + commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high + sense of justice. +</p> +<p> + One of the most important and most practical problems with which the + commander of the expedition will have to deal is that of the treatment + of property and the collection and administration of the revenues. + It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the + government of the country in its own right and all arms and supplies and + other movable property of such government may be seized by the military + occupant and converted to the use of this Government. The real property + of the state he may hold and administer, at the same time enjoying + the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy it save in the case + of military necessity. All public means of transportation, such as + telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may + be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity + they are not to be destroyed. All churches and buildings devoted to + religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, + so far as possible, to be protected, and all destruction or intentional + defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of + works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent + military necessity. +</p> +<p> + Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is + to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated. + Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, + and boats, may, although they belong to private individuals or + corporations, be seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed + under military necessity are not to be retained. +</p> +<p> + While it is held to be the right of a conqueror to levy contributions + upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in + his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray + the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such + limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of + military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to + the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he + sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to + the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used + for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military + occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for + the payment of the expenses of the army. +</p> +<p> + Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when + possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not + possible receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and + the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines, you are + instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary + for the purpose of devising measures to secure the harmonious action of + those, two branches of the public service. +</p> +<p> + I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a + report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a + view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient. + All ports and places in the Philippines which may be in the actual + possession of our land and naval forces will be opened, while our + military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, and upon + payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the + time of the importation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all + places which may be in military possession by conquest, and to apply + the proceeds to defray the cost of the war, including the expenses of + government during the military occupation. It is desirable, however, + and in accordance with the views of modern civilization, to confine + the exercise of this power, so far as possible, to the collection of + such contributions as are equivalent to the duties and taxes already + established in the territory. I have determined to order that all ports + or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession + of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened, while our + military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon + payment of the rates of duty which may be in force at the time when the + goods are imported. In the execution of this policy it may be advisable + to substitute new rates of duty and new taxes for those now levied in + the Philippines. You are therefore instructed to examine the existing + Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes, and to report to me such + recommendations as you may deem it proper to make with respect either + to the rates of duties and taxes or to the regulations which should be + adopted for their imposition and collection. +</p> +<p> + As the levy of all contributions in territory occupied by a belligerent + is a military right derived from the law of nations, the collection and + distribution of duties and taxes in the Philippines during the military + occupation of the United States will be made, under the orders of the + Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, by the military or naval + commanders, as the case may be, of the ports or places which may be in + the possession of our forces. Your report is desired in order that I may + be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of + the Navy. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + I inclose herewith a copy of an order which I have this day addressed + to the Secretary of War, setting forth the principles on which the + occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.<a href="#note-31"><small>31</small></a> You are + instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures + may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers + of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided. +</p> +<p> + I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine + the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines + and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to + make in regard to the revenues of the islands.<a href="#note-32"><small>32</small></a> I have informed him, + however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes + collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the + law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and + the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the + case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our + forces. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 4, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Admiral SAMPSON,<br> + <i>Playa del Este, Cuba</i>: +</p> +<p> + You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people. + Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors + have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and + appreciation of the nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h3> + THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. +</h3> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 6, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + <i>To the People of the United States of America</i>: +</p> +<p> + At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented + success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the + bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no + less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved + country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and, + staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds + wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow + before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who + holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the + marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the + light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory. +</p> +<p> + I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling + for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer + thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading + our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in + a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even + though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to + far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the + success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace. +</p> +<p> + With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that + our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and + in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and + disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and + withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought + of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with + compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure + sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above + all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good, + may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to + our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now + ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and + tranquillity. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>July 8, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General SHAFTER,<br> + <i>Playa, Cuba</i>: +</p> +<p> + Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows: +</p> +<p> + The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the + nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the + fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill + the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who + fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes. +</p> +<p class="r"> + R.A. ALGER, <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 13,1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The capitulation of the Spanish forces in Santiago de Cuba and in + the eastern part of the Province of Santiago, and the occupation of the + territory by the forces of the United States, render it necessary to + instruct the military commander of the United States as to the conduct + which he is to observe during the military occupation. +</p> +<p> + The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is + the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and + the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition + of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are + entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their + private rights and relations. It is my desire that the inhabitants of + Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to + discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. It will + therefore be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to + announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make + war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among + them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in + their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active + aid or by honest submission, cooperate with the United States in its + efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the + reward of its support and protection. Our occupation should be as free + from severity as possible. +</p> +<p> + Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and + immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the + municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights + of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are + considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with + the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the + occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, + but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the + ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. + This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on + the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with + the administration of justice may, if they accept the supremacy of the + United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as + between man and man under the supervision of the American commander + in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, + be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed + occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. +</p> +<p> + While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be + such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures + of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should + render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. + He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials + in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution + for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary + tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the + commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high + sense of justice. +</p> +<p> + One of the most important and most practical problems with which it + will be necessary to deal is that of the treatment of property and the + collection and administration of the revenues. It is conceded that all + public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country + in its own right and all arms and supplies and other movable property of + such government may be seized by the military occupant and converted to + his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer, + at the same time enjoying the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy + it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of + transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats, + belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in + case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed. All churches + and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, + all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected, and all + destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical + monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited + save when required by urgent military necessity. +</p> +<p> + Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, + is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause. Means of + transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, and boats, + may, although they belong to private individuals or corporations, be + seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed under military + necessity are not to be retained. +</p> +<p> + While it is held to be the right of the conqueror to levy contributions + upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in + his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray + the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such + limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of + military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to + the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he + sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to + the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used + for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military + occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for + the payment of the expenses of the army. +</p> +<p> + Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when + possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not + possible receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of + our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon + payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the + time of the importation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>July 16, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General SHAFTER,<br> + <i>Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the + profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant achievements at + Santiago, resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish + troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has + endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and + battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles + which would have overcome men less brave and determined. One and all + have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude + of the nation. The hearts of the people turn with tender sympathy to the + sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the + United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the + United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening + of hostilities with Spain, may be resumed, subject to such military + regulations as may be deemed necessary. +</p> +<p> + As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of + the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may + be opened under the same conditions. +</p> +<p> + The domestic postal service within the territory thus occupied may be + continued on the same principles already indicated for the continuance + of the local municipal and judicial administration, and it maybe + extended as the local requirements may justify, under the supervision of + the military commander. +</p> +<p> + The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses + of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to + be used. +</p> +<p> + The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in + cooperation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War + will issue the necessary directions. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p style="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 6, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>Ordered</i>, That the graves of our soldiers at Santiago shall be + permanently marked. The present marking will last but a short time, and + before its effacement occurs suitable and permanent markers should be + put up. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, August 17, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Major-General MERRITT,<br> + <i>Manila, Philippines</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President directs that there must be no joint occupation with the + insurgents. The United States, in the possession of Manila City, Manila + Bay and Harbor, must preserve the peace and protect persons and property + within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces. + The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation + and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities + proclaimed by the President. Use whatever means in your judgment are + necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike. +</p> +<p> + By order Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> +H.C. CORBIN,<br> + <i>Adjutant-General.</i> +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 21, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Major-General MERRITT,<br> + <i>United States Army, Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers + and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the + conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +Admiral DEWEY,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your + command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the + gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, December 4, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila, Philippine Islands</i>: +</p> +<p> + By direction of the Secretary of War, following from the President is + sent you for your early consideration. +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> + The President desires that Admiral Dewey and General Otis shall have + an early conference and advise him what force and equipment will be + necessary in the Philippine Islands. The President would be glad to have + suggestions from these commanders as to the government of the islands, + which of necessity must be by the Army and the Navy for some time to + come. When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that + peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a + government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged + in their industries and made secure in life and property. The fullest + suggestions are invited. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + By virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander in Chief of the + Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order and direct that + during the occupancy by the military authorities of the United States + of the island of Cuba and all islands in the West Indies west of the + seventy-fourth degree, west longitude, evacuated by Spain, said islands + shall constitute a collection district for customs purposes. Havana + shall be the chief port of entry. An officer of the Army shall be + assigned to such port, who shall be the collector of customs of the + islands and of the chief port and shall have general jurisdiction over + the collection of customs in the islands. +</p> +<p> + The ports of Matanzas, Cardenas, Cienfuegos, Sagua, Caibarien, Santiago, + Manzanillo, Nuevitas, Guantanamo, Gibara, and Baracoa, in said islands, + are hereby declared to be subports of entry, and an officer of the Army + will be assigned to each of the subports, who will be the collector + of customs of a subport and shall have general jurisdiction of the + collection of customs at such port. He shall make weekly reports to + the collector of customs of the islands at the chief port of all + transactions at the subport over which he has jurisdiction, with copies + of all entries of merchandise, duly certified. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of War shall appoint such civilian deputy collectors, + inspectors, and other employees as may be found necessary. +</p> +<p> + The collectors of the subports shall deposit all moneys collected by + them with the collector of the islands, and a receipt from the collector + of the islands must be taken in duplicate for all such deposits. +</p> +<p> + There shall be appointed an auditor, who shall be stationed at the chief + port, whose duty it shall be to examine all entries of merchandise and + if found correct to certify to them. Such auditor shall on the first + of each month make a full and complete report, duly certified, to the + Secretary of War of all duties collected at each port, with an itemized + report of all expenditures made therefrom, which shall be referred to + the Auditor for the War Department for audit. +</p> +<p> + All questions arising in the administration of customs in the islands + shall be referred to the collector of the islands at the chief port for + decision, from which there shall be no appeal, except in such cases as + may be referred by the collector of the islands to the Secretary of War + for his decision. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the + United States naval squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed + by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, + practically effected the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the + suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein. +</p> +<p> + With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States + and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris, on the 10th + instant, and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future + control, disposition, and government of the Philippine Islands are ceded + to the United States. In fulfillment of the rights of sovereignty thus + acquired and the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, + the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the + Philippine Islands become immediately necessary, and the military + government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, + harbor, and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch + to the whole of the ceded territory. +</p> +<p> + In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is + enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands + that in succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in severing the former + political relations of the inhabitants, and in establishing a new + political power the authority of the United States is to be exerted for + the security of the persons and property of the people of the islands + and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. +</p> +<p> + It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to + announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as + invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in + their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious + rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, + cooperate with the Government of the United States to give effect to + these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and + protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have + assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity so far as may + be possible. +</p> +<p> + Within the absolute domain of military authority, which necessarily is + and must remain supreme in the ceded territory until the legislation of + the United States shall otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the + territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression + of crime are to be considered as continuing in force and to be + administered by the ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. The + operations of civil and municipal government are to be performed by such + officers as may accept the supremacy of the United States by taking the + oath of allegiance, or by officers chosen as far as may be practicable + from the inhabitants of the islands. +</p> +<p> + While the control of all the public property and the revenues of the + state passes with the cession, and while the use and management of all + public means of transportation are necessarily reserved to the authority + of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals + or corporations, is to be respected, except for cause duly established. + The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabitants to the late + government become payable to the authorities of the United States, + unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reasonable rates or + modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or + local. If private property be taken for military use, it shall be paid + for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash + is not practicable receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + All ports and places in the Philippine Islands in the actual possession + of the land and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the + commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares not prohibited for + military reasons, by due announcement of the military authority, will be + admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in + force at the time of their importation. +</p> +<p> + Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the military + administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the + inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible + way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the + heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the + United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild + sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this + high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the + greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the + strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all + obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government + upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the + United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, December 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you + send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life + and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with + the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. +</p> +<p> + By order of the Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 22, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate + rights or franchises for the construction of public or <i>quasi</i> + public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone + lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made + by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba, + except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military + forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such + grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<center> + [Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were + issued.] +</center> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 22, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR: +</p> +<hr> +<p> + The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the + senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are + directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation + of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to + them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid + in carrying out such arrangements. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,<br> <i>Washington, January 1, 1899—4.30 p.m.</i> +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President considers it of first importance that a conflict brought + on by you be avoided at this time, if possible. Can not Miller get into + communication with insurgents, giving them President's proclamation and + informing them of the purposes of the Government, assuring them that + while it will assert its sovereignty its purpose is to give them a good + government and security in their personal rights. +</p> +<p> + By order Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, January 20, 1899.</i> +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF STATE: +</p> +<p> + My communication to the Secretary of War dated December 21, 1898,<a href="#note-33"><small>33</small></a> + declares the necessity of extending the actual occupation and + administration of the city, harbor, and bay of Manila to the whole of + the territory which by the treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, + passed from the sovereignty of Spain to the sovereignty of the United + States and the consequent establishment of military government + throughout the entire group of the Philippine Islands. +</p> +<p> + While the treaty has not yet been ratified, it is believed that it will + be by the time of the arrival at Manila of the commissioners named + below. In order to facilitate the most humane, specific, and effective + extension of authority throughout these islands and to secure with the + least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of + life and property to the inhabitants, I have named Jacob G. Schurman, + Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, Charles Denby, + and Dean C. Worcester to constitute a commission to aid in the + accomplishment of these results. +</p> +<p> + In the performance of this duty the commissioners are enjoined to meet + at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to announce by a + public proclamation their presence and the mission intrusted to them, + carefully setting forth that while the military government already + proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may + require, efforts will be made to alleviate the burdens of taxation, to + establish industrial and commercial prosperity, and to provide for the + safety of persons and of property by such means as may be found + conducive to these ends. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners will endeavor, without interference with the military + authorities of the United States now in control of the Philippines, to + ascertain what amelioration in the condition of the inhabitants and what + improvements in public order may be practicable, and for this purpose + they will study attentively the existing social and political state of + the various populations, particularly as regards the forms of local + government, the administration of justice, the collection of customs + and other taxes, the means of transportation, and the need of public + improvements. +</p> +<p> + They will report through the State Department, according to the forms + customary or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and preserving such + communications, the results of their observations and reflections, and + will recommend such executive action as may from time to time seem to + them wise and useful. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners are hereby authorized to confer authoritatively + with any persons resident in the islands from whom they may believe + themselves able to derive information or suggestions valuable for the + purposes of their commission, or whom they may choose to employ as + agents, as may be necessary for this purpose. +</p> +<p> + The temporary government of the islands is intrusted to the military + authorities, as already provided for by my instructions to the Secretary + of War of December 21, 1898,<a href="#note-34"><small>34</small></a> and will continue until Congress shall + determine otherwise. The commission may render valuable services by + examining with special care the legislative needs of the various groups + of inhabitants and by reporting, with recommendations, the measures + which should be instituted for the maintenance of order, peace, and + public welfare, either as temporary steps to be taken immediately for + the perfection of present administration or as suggestions for future + legislation. +</p> +<p> + In so far as immediate personal changes in the civil administration may + seem to be advisable, the commissioners are empowered to recommend + suitable persons for appointment to these offices from among the + inhabitants of the islands who have previously acknowledged their + allegiance to this Government. +</p> +<p> + It is my desire that in all their relations with the inhabitants of + the islands the commissioners exercise due respect for all the ideals, + customs, and institutions of the tribes and races which compose the + population, emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent + intentions of the Government of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners may be + received in a manner due to the honored and authorized representatives + of the American Republic, duly commissioned, on account of their + knowledge, skill, and integrity, as bearers of the good will, the + protection, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than + a conquering nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> + +<div style="height: 6em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + +<hr class="full "> + +<h2>Footnotes</h2> + +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> See p. 127. + </p> +<a name="note-2"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>2</u> See p. 136. + </p> +<a name="note-3"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>3</u> See Vol. VII, pp. 64-69. + </p> +<a name="note-4"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>4</u> See pp. 127-136. + </p> +<a name="note-5"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>5</u> See p. 136. + </p> +<a name="note-6"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>6</u> See pp. 136-139. + </p> +<a name="note-7"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>7</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-8"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>8</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-9"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>9</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-10"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>10</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-11"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>11</u> See pp. 139-150. + </p> +<a name="note-12"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>12</u> See pp. 127-136. + </p> +<a name="note-13"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>13</u> pp. 139-150. + </p> +<a name="note-14"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>14</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-15"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>15</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-16"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>16</u> See pp. 153-155. + </p> +<a name="note-17"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>17</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-18"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>18</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-19"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>19</u> See pp. 204-205. + </p> +<a name="note-20"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>20</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-21"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>21</u> See pp. 205-206. + </p> +<a name="note-22"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>22</u> See pp. 206-207. + </p> +<a name="note-23"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>23</u> See Vol. VIII, pp. 501-503. + </p> +<a name="note-24"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>24</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-25"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>25</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-26"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>26</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-27"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>27</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-28"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>28</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-29"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>29</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-30"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>30</u> See p. 174. + </p> +<a name="note-31"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>31</u> See pp. 208-211. + </p> +<a name="note-32"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>32</u> See pp. 211-212. + </p> +<a name="note-33"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>33</u> See pp. 219-221. + </p> +<a name="note-34"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>34</u> See pp. 219-221. + </p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13893 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents + William McKinley, Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders + Relating to the Spanish-American War + + +Author: William McKinley + +Release Date: October 29, 2004 [EBook #13893] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + +BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON + +A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + + + +PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS + +1902 + + + + + * * * * * + +William McKinley + +Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the +Spanish-American War + + * * * * * + + + + +William McKinley + +William McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, was +born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His ancestors on +the paternal side, who were Scotch-Irish, came from Scotland and located +in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, David McKinley, after serving in +the Revolution, resided in Pennsylvania until 1814, when he went to +Ohio, where he died in 1840, at the age of 85. The grandmother of the +President, Mary Rose, came from a Puritan family that fled from England +to Holland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn. The father +of the President, William McKinley, sr., was born in Pine Township, +Mercer County, Pa., in 1807, and married Nancy Campbell Allison, of +Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1829. Both the grandfather and father of the +President were iron manufacturers. His father was a devout Methodist, +a stanch Whig and Republican, and an ardent advocate of a protective +tariff. He died during his son's first term as governor of Ohio, in +November, 1892, at the age of 85. The mother of the President passed +away at Canton, Ohio, in December, 1897, at the advanced age of 89. +William McKinley was educated in the public schools of Niles, Union +Seminary, at Poland, Ohio, and Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa. +Before attaining his majority taught in the public schools. At the +age of 16 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the +beginning of hostilities in the War between the States Mr. McKinley, +who was a clerk in the Poland post-office, volunteered his services, +and on June 11, 1861, was enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Ohio +Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the early engagements in West +Virginia, and in the winter's camp at Fayetteville received his first +promotion, commissary-sergeant, on April 15, 1862. In recognition of his +services at Antietam, Sergeant McKinley was made second lieutenant, his +commission dating from September 24, 1862, and on February 7, 1863, +while at Camp Piatt, he was again promoted, receiving the rank of first +lieutenant. In the retreat near Lynchburg, Va., his regiment marched 180 +miles, fighting nearly all the time, with scarcely any rest or food. +Lieutenant McKinley conducted himself with gallantry, and at Winchester +won additional honors. The Thirteenth West Virginia Regiment failed to +retire when the rest of Hayes's brigade fell back, and, being in great +danger of capture, the young lieutenant was directed to go and bring +it away, which he did in safety, after riding through a heavy fire. +On July 25, 1864, at the age of 21, McKinley was promoted to the rank of +captain. The brigade continued its fighting up and down the Shenandoah +Valley. At Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864, Captain McKinley's horse +was shot from under him. Served successively on the staffs of Generals +R.B. Hayes, George Crook, and Winfield S. Hancock, and on March 14, +1865, was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by President +Lincoln for gallantry in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, and +Fishers Hill. Was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general of the +First Division, First Army Corps, on the staff of General Samuel S. +Carroll. At the close of the war was urged to remain in the Army, but, +deferring to the judgment of his father, was mustered out of the service +July 26, 1865, and returned to Poland. At once began the study of law +under Glidden & Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio, and later attended the +law school in Albany, N.Y. Was admitted to the bar in March, 1867, at +Warren, Ohio, and the same year removed to Canton, Ohio, which has since +been his home. In 1867 his first political speeches were made in favor +of negro suffrage. In 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark +County, and served one term, being defeated two years later for the same +office. Mr. McKinley took an active interest in State politics, and made +speeches in many of the campaigns. On January 25, 1871, married Miss +Ida Saxton. Two daughters were born to them, both of whom died in +early childhood. In 1876 was elected a member of the National House of +Representatives, and for fourteen years represented the Congressional +district of which his county was a part, except for a portion of his +fourth term, when he was unseated late in the first session. While in +Congress served on the Committees on the Judiciary, Revision of the +Laws, Expenditures in the Post-Office Department, Rules, and Ways and +Means. As chairman of the last-named committee in the Fifty-first +Congress, reported the tariff law of 1890. At the beginning of this +Congress was defeated in the caucus of his party for the Speakership of +the House. In the meantime, his district having been materially changed, +he was defeated for reelection to Congress in November, 1890, though he +largely reduced the usual majority against his party in the counties of +which the new district was constituted. In 1891 was elected governor of +Ohio by a plurality of 21,500, and in 1893 was reelected by a plurality +of 80,995. In 1884 was a delegate at large to the Republican national +convention, and supported James G. Blaine for President; was a member +of the committee on resolutions, and presented the platform to the +convention. Also attended the convention of his party in 1888 as a +delegate at large from Ohio, supporting John Sherman for President, +and as chairman of the committee on resolutions again reported the +platform. In 1892 was again a delegate at large from Ohio, and +supported the renomination of Benjamin Harrison, and served as chairman +of the convention. At that convention 182 votes were cast for him +for President, although he had persistently refused to have his name +considered. On June 18, 1896, was nominated for President by the +national convention of his party at St. Louis, receiving on the first +ballot 661-1/2 out of a total of 922 votes. Was chosen President at the +ensuing November election by a plurality in the popular vote of over +600,000, and received 271 electoral votes, against 176 for William J. +Bryan, of Nebraska. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 17, 1897_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:_ + +Official information from our consuls in Cuba establishes the fact that +a large number of American citizens in the island are in a state of +destitution, suffering for want of food and medicines. This applies +particularly to the rural districts of the central and eastern parts. + +The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into +the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local +authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to +relieve the needs of their own people and are altogether powerless to +help our citizens. + +The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight hundred +Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that +provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend +that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be +immediately available, for use under the direction of the Secretary of +State. + +It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by +Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be +used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return +to the United States, are without means to do so. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1897_. + + * * * * * + +The most important problem with which this Government is now called upon +to deal pertaining to its foreign relations concerns its duty toward +Spain and the Cuban insurrection. Problems and conditions more or less +in common with those now existing have confronted this Government at +various times in the past. The story of Cuba for many years has been one +of unrest, growing discontent, an effort toward a larger enjoyment of +liberty and self-control, of organized resistance to the mother country, +of depression after distress and warfare, and of ineffectual settlement +to be followed by renewed revolt. For no enduring period since the +enfranchisement of the continental possessions of Spain in the Western +Continent has the condition of Cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba +not caused concern to the United States. + +The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon +the island and the political vicissitudes and embarrassments of the home +Government might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power +called forth between 1823 and 1860 various emphatic declarations of +the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's +connection with Spain unless in the direction of independence or +acquisition by us through purchase, nor has there been any change of +this declared policy since upon the part of the Government. + +The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years despite the +strenuous efforts of the successive peninsular governments to suppress +it. Then as now the Government of the United States testified its grave +concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The +overtures made by General Grant were refused and the war dragged on, +entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to +American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality upon +this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of Zanjon, +obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander, Martinez de +Campos, and the insurgent leaders. + +The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895. It is not +my purpose at this time to recall its remarkable increase or to +characterize its tenacious resistance against the enormous forces massed +against it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue it carried +destruction to every quarter of the island, developing wide proportions +and defying the efforts of Spain for its suppression. The civilized code +of war has been disregarded, no less so by the Spaniards than by the +Cubans. + +The existing conditions can not but fill this Government and the +American people with the gravest apprehension. There is no desire on the +part of our people to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We have only +the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and contented, enjoying that +measure of self-control which is the inalienable right of man, protected +in their right to reap the benefit of the exhaustless treasures of their +country. + +The offer made by my predecessor in April, 1896, tendering the friendly +offices of this Government, failed. Any mediation on our part was not +accepted. In brief, the answer read: "There is no effectual way to +pacify Cuba unless it begins with the actual submission of the rebels +to the mother country." Then only could Spain act in the promised +direction, of her own motion and after her own plans. + +The cruel policy of concentration was initiated February 16, 1896. The +productive districts controlled by the Spanish armies were depopulated. +The agricultural inhabitants were herded in and about the garrison +towns, their lands laid waste and their dwellings destroyed. This policy +the late cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary measure of war and as +a means of cutting off supplies from the insurgents. It has utterly +failed as a war measure. It was not civilized warfare. It was +extermination. + +Against this abuse of the rights of war I have felt constrained on +repeated occasions to enter the firm and earnest protest of this +Government. There was much of public condemnation of the treatment of +American citizens by alleged illegal arrests and long imprisonment +awaiting trial or pending protracted judicial proceedings. I felt it my +first duty to make instant demand for the release or speedy trial of all +American citizens under arrest. Before the change of the Spanish cabinet +in October last twenty-two prisoners, citizens of the United States, had +been given their freedom. + +For the relief of our own citizens suffering because of the conflict +the aid of Congress was sought in a special message,[1] and under +the appropriation of May 24, 1897,[2] effective aid has been given to +American citizens in Cuba, many of them at their own request having been +returned to the United States. + +The instructions given to our new minister to Spain before his departure +for his post directed him to impress upon that Government the sincere +wish of the United States to lend its aid toward the ending of the war +in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable +alike to Spain and to the Cuban people. These instructions recited the +character and duration of the contest, the widespread losses it entails, +the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance +of national interests, and the injury resulting from an indefinite +continuance of this state of things. It was stated that at this juncture +our Government was constrained to seriously inquire if the time was not +ripe when Spain of her own volition, moved by her own interests and +every sentiment of humanity, should put a stop to this destructive war +and make proposals of settlement honorable to herself and just to her +Cuban colony. It was urged that as a neighboring nation, with large +interests in Cuba, we could be required to wait only a reasonable time +for the mother country to establish its authority and restore peace and +order within the borders of the island; that we could not contemplate an +indefinite period for the accomplishment of this result. + +No solution was proposed to which the slightest idea of humiliation to +Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were withheld to +avoid embarrassment to that Government. All that was asked or expected +was that some safe way might be speedily provided and permanent peace +restored. It so chanced that the consideration of this offer, addressed +to the same Spanish administration which had declined the tenders of +my predecessor, and which for more than two years had poured men and +treasure into Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress the revolt, fell +to others. Between the departure of General Woodford, the new envoy, +and his arrival in Spain the statesman who had shaped the policy of his +country fell by the hand of an assassin, and although the cabinet of the +late premier still held office and received from our envoy the proposals +he bore, that cabinet gave place within a few days thereafter to a new +administration, under the leadership of Sagasta. + +The reply to our note was received on the 23d day of October. It is in +the direction of a better understanding. It appreciates the friendly +purposes of this Government. It admits that our country is deeply +affected by the war in Cuba and that its desires for peace are just. +It declares that the present Spanish government is bound by every +consideration to a change of policy that should satisfy the United +States and pacify Cuba within a reasonable time. To this end Spain has +decided to put into effect the political reforms heretofore advocated by +the present premier, without halting for any consideration in the path +which in its judgment leads to peace. The military operations, it is +said, will continue, but will be humane and conducted with all regard +for private rights, being accompanied by political action leading to +the autonomy of Cuba while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it is +claimed, will result in investing Cuba with a distinct personality, the +island to be governed by an executive and by a local council or chamber, +reserving to Spain the control of the foreign relations, the army and +navy, and the judicial administration. To accomplish this the present +government proposes to modify existing legislation by decree, leaving +the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators and deputies, to +solve the economic problem and properly distribute the existing debt. + +In the absence of a declaration of the measures that this Government +proposes to take in carrying out its proffer of good offices, it +suggests that Spain be left free to conduct military operations and +grant political reforms, while the United States for its part shall +enforce its neutral obligations and cut off the assistance which it is +asserted the insurgents receive from this country. The supposition of an +indefinite prolongation of the war is denied. It is asserted that the +western provinces are already well-nigh reclaimed, that the planting of +cane and tobacco therein has been resumed, and that by force of arms and +new and ample reforms very early and complete pacification is hoped for. + +The immediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new +administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal the +disturbance and all occasion for any change of attitude on the part +of the United States. Discussion of the question of the international +duties and responsibilities of the United States as Spain understands +them is presented, with an apparent disposition to charge us with +failure in this regard. This charge is without any basis in fact. It +could not have been made if Spain had been cognizant of the constant +efforts this Government has made, at the cost of millions and by the +employment of the administrative machinery of the nation at command, +to perform its full duty according to the law of nations. That it has +successfully prevented the departure of a single military expedition or +armed vessel from our shores in violation of our laws would seem to be +a sufficient answer. But of this aspect of the Spanish note it is not +necessary to speak further now. Firm in the conviction of a wholly +performed obligation, due response to this charge has been made in +diplomatic course. + +Throughout all these horrors and dangers to our own peace this +Government has never in any way abrogated its sovereign prerogative of +reserving to itself the determination of its policy and course according +to its own high sense of right and in consonance with the dearest +interests and convictions of our own people should the prolongation of +the strife so demand. + +Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents +as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral +intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between +the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. +I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. +That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + +Recognition of the belligerency of the Cuban insurgents has often +been canvassed as a possible, if not inevitable, step both in regard +to the previous ten years struggle and during the present war. I am +not unmindful that the two Houses of Congress in the spring of 1896 +expressed the opinion by concurrent resolution that a condition of +public war existed requiring or justifying the recognition of a state +of belligerency in Cuba, and during the extra session the Senate voted +a joint resolution of like import, which, however, was not brought +to a vote in the House of Representatives. In the presence of these +significant expressions of the sentiment of the legislative branch it +behooves the Executive to soberly consider the conditions under which +so important a measure must needs rest for justification. It is to be +seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection possesses beyond +dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone can demand the +recognition of belligerency in its favor. Possession, in short, of +the essential qualifications of sovereignty by the insurgents and the +conduct of the war by them according to the received code of war are +no less important factors toward the determination of the problem of +belligerency than are the influences and consequences of the struggle +upon the internal polity of the recognizing state. + +The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of +December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in +Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous +conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all +those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and +of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of +condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated. +Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously +affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United +States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and +intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which +now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem: + + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. + + In a former message to Congress[3] I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, + dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the + fearful dignity of war. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign + powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be + pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past + history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights + which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable + propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been + its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good + report. The question of according or of withholding rights of + belligerency must be judged in every case in view of the particular + attending facts. Unless justified by necessity, it is always, and + justly, regarded as an unfriendly act and a gratuitous demonstration + of moral support to the rebellion. It is necessary, and it is + required, when the interests and rights of another government or of + its people are so far affected by a pending civil conflict as to + require a definition of its relations to the parties thereto. But + this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the sense of + international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The mere + existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts do + not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and + manifest to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary + functions of government toward its own people and to other states, + with courts for the administration of justice, with a local + habitation, possessing such organization of force, such material, such + occupation of territory, as to take the contest out of the category of + a mere rebellious insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it + on the terrible footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency + would aim to elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the + insurrection has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it + may send forth its flag, nor has it any means of communication with + foreign powers except through the military lines of its adversaries. + No apprehension of any of those sudden and difficult complications + which a war upon the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, + both commercial and national, and upon the consular officers of other + powers calls for the definition of their relations to the parties to + the contest. Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the + accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and premature + as I regard it to be, at present, indefensible as a measure of right. + Such recognition entails upon the country according the rights which + flow from it difficult and complicated duties, and requires the + exaction from the contending parties of the strict observance of their + rights and obligations. It confers the right of search upon the high + seas by vessels of both parties; it would subject the carrying of arms + and munitions of war, which now may be transported freely and without + interruption in the vessels of the United States, to detention and to + possible seizure; it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, + would release the parent Government from responsibility for acts done + by the insurgents, and would invest Spain with the right to exercise + the supervision recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on + the high seas, a very large part of which, in its traffic between the + Atlantic and the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on + the Pacific, passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. + The exercise of this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to + abuses, certainly to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations + of the two States. There can be little doubt to what result such + supervision would before long draw this nation. It would be unworthy + of the United States to inaugurate the possibilities of such result by + measures of questionable right or expediency or by any indirection. + + +Turning to the practical aspects of a recognition of belligerency +and reviewing its inconveniences and positive dangers, still further +pertinent considerations appear. In the code of nations there is no +such thing as a naked recognition of belligerency, unaccompanied by the +assumption of international neutrality. Such recognition, without more, +will not confer upon either party to a domestic conflict a status not +theretofore actually possessed or affect the relation of either party to +other states. The act of recognition usually takes the form of a solemn +proclamation of neutrality, which recites the _de facto_ condition +of belligerency as its motive. It announces a domestic law of neutrality +in the declaring state. It assumes the international obligations of a +neutral in the presence of a public state of war. It warns all citizens +and others within the jurisdiction of the proclaimant that they violate +those rigorous obligations at their own peril and can not expect to be +shielded from the consequences. The right of visit and search on the +seas and seizure of vessels and cargoes and contraband of war and good +prize under admiralty law must under international law be admitted +as a legitimate consequence of a proclamation of belligerency. While +according the equal belligerent rights defined by public law to each +party in our ports disfavors would be imposed on both, which, while +nominally equal, would weigh heavily in behalf of Spain herself. +Possessing a navy and controlling the ports of Cuba, her maritime rights +could be asserted not only for the military investment of the island, +but up to the margin of our own territorial waters, and a condition of +things would exist for which the Cubans within their own domain could +not hope to create a parallel, while its creation through aid or +sympathy from within our domain would be even more impossible than now, +with the additional obligations of international neutrality we would +perforce assume. + +The enforcement of this enlarged and onerous code of neutrality would +only be influential within our own jurisdiction by land and sea and +applicable by our own instrumentalities. It could impart to the United +States no jurisdiction between Spain and the insurgents. It would give +the United States no right of intervention to enforce the conduct of the +strife within the paramount authority of Spain according to the +international code of war. + +For these reasons I regard the recognition of the belligerency of the +Cuban insurgents as now unwise, and therefore inadmissible. Should that +step hereafter be deemed wise as a measure of right and duty, the +Executive will take it. + +Intervention upon humanitarian grounds has been frequently suggested and +has not failed to receive my most anxious and earnest consideration. +But should such a step be now taken, when it is apparent that a hopeful +change has supervened in the policy of Spain toward Cuba? A new +government has taken office in the mother country. It is pledged in +advance to the declaration that all the effort in the world can not +suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet; that vague promises of +reform after subjugation afford no solution of the insular problem; that +with a substitution of commanders must come a change of the past system +of warfare for one in harmony with a new policy, which shall no longer +aim to drive the Cubans to the "horrible alternative of taking to the +thicket or succumbing in misery;" that reforms must be instituted in +accordance with the needs and circumstances of the time, and that these +reforms, while designed to give full autonomy to the colony and to +create a virtual entity and self-controlled administration, shall yet +conserve and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a just distribution of +powers and burdens upon a basis of mutual interest untainted by methods +of selfish expediency. + +The first acts of the new government lie in these honorable paths. +The policy of cruel rapine and extermination that so long shocked the +universal sentiment of humanity has been reversed. Under the new +military commander a broad clemency is proffered. Measures have already +been set on foot to relieve the horrors of starvation. The power of the +Spanish armies, it is asserted, is to be used not to spread ruin and +desolation, but to protect the resumption of peaceful agricultural +pursuits and productive industries. That past methods are futile to +force a peace by subjugation is freely admitted, and that ruin without +conciliation must inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity of a +contented dependency. + +Decrees in application of the foreshadowed reforms have already been +promulgated. The full text of these decrees has not been received, but +as furnished in a telegraphic summary from our minister are: All civil +and electoral rights of peninsular Spaniards are, in virtue of existing +constitutional authority, forthwith extended to colonial Spaniards. A +scheme of autonomy has been proclaimed by decree, to become effective +upon ratification by the Cortes. It creates a Cuban parliament, which, +with the insular executive, can consider and vote upon all subjects +affecting local order and interests, possessing unlimited powers save as +to matters of state, war, and the navy, as to which the Governor-General +acts by his own authority as the delegate of the central Government. +This parliament receives the oath of the Governor-General to preserve +faithfully the liberties and privileges of the colony, and to it the +colonial secretaries are responsible. It has the right to propose to the +central Government, through the Governor-General, modifications of the +national charter and to invite new projects of law or executive measures +in the interest of the colony. + +Besides its local powers, it is competent, first, to regulate electoral +registration and procedure and prescribe the qualifications of electors +and the manner of exercising suffrage; second, to organize courts of +justice with native judges from members of the local bar; third, to +frame the insular budget, both as to expenditures and revenues, without +limitation of any kind, and to set apart the revenues to meet the Cuban +share of the national budget, which latter will be voted by the national +Cortes with the assistance of Cuban senators and deputies; fourth, to +initiate or take part in the negotiations of the national Government for +commercial treaties which may affect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept +or reject commercial treaties which the national Government may have +concluded without the participation of the Cuban government; sixth, +to frame the colonial tariff, acting in accord with the peninsular +Government in scheduling articles of mutual commerce between the mother +country and the colonies. Before introducing or voting upon a bill the +Cuban government or the chambers will lay the project before the central +Government and hear its opinion thereon, all the correspondence in such +regard being made public. Finally, all conflicts of jurisdiction arising +between the different municipal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or +between the latter and the insular executive power, and which from their +nature may not be referable to the central Government for decision, +shall be submitted to the courts. + +That the government of Sagasta has entered upon a course from which +recession with honor is impossible can hardly be questioned; that in +the few weeks it has existed it has made earnest of the sincerity of its +professions is undeniable. I shall not impugn its sincerity, nor should +impatience be suffered to embarrass it in the task it has undertaken. +It is honestly due to Spain and to our friendly relations with Spain +that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations +and to prove the asserted efficacy of the new order of things to which +she stands irrevocably committed. She has recalled the commander whose +brutal orders inflamed the American mind and shocked the civilized +world. She has modified the horrible order of concentration and has +undertaken to care for the helpless and permit those who desire to +resume the cultivation of their fields to do so, and assures them of the +protection of the Spanish Government in their lawful occupations. She +has just released the _Competitor_ prisoners, heretofore sentenced +to death, and who have been the subject of repeated diplomatic +correspondence during both this and the preceding Administration. + +Not a single American citizen is now in arrest or confinement in Cuba of +whom this Government has any knowledge. The near future will demonstrate +whether the indispensable condition of a righteous peace, just alike to +the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our interests so +intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If +not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will +remain to be taken. When that time comes, that action will be determined +in the line of indisputable right and duty. It will be faced, without +misgiving or hesitancy, in the light of the obligation this Government +owes to itself, to the people who have confided to it the protection of +their interests and honor, and to humanity. + +Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated +only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion +nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over +the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of +its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall +be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty +imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity +to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only +because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command the +support and approval of the civilized world. + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION appropriating $50,000 for the relief of destitute +citizens of the United States in the island of Cuba. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the sum of $50,000 be, +and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury +not otherwise appropriated, for the relief of destitute citizens of the +United States in the island of Cuba, said money to be expended at the +discretion and under the direction of the President of the United States +in the purchase and furnishing of food, clothing, and medicines to such +citizens, and for transporting to the United States such of them as so +desire and who are without means to transport themselves. + +Approved, May 24, 1897. + +[Footnote 1: See p. 127.] + +[Footnote 2: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 3: See Vol. VII, pp. 64-69.] + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 28, 1898._ + +_To the Congress of the United States_: + +For some time prior to the visit of the _Maine_ to Havana Harbor +our consular representatives pointed out the advantages to flow from the +visit of national ships to the Cuban waters, in accustoming the people +to the presence of our flag as the symbol of good will and of our ships +in the fulfillment of the mission of protection to American interests, +even though no immediate need therefor might exist. + +Accordingly, on the 24th of January last, after conference with the +Spanish minister, in which the renewal of visits of our war vessels to +Spanish waters was discussed and accepted, the peninsular authorities at +Madrid and Havana were advised of the purpose of this Government to +resume friendly naval visits at Cuban ports, and that in that view the +_Maine_ would forthwith call at the port of Havana. + +This announcement was received by the Spanish Government with +appreciation of the friendly character of the visit of the _Maine_ +and with notification of intention to return the courtesy by sending +Spanish ships to the principal ports of the United States. Meanwhile the +_Maine_ entered the port of Havana on the 25th of January, her +arrival being marked with no special incident besides the exchange of +customary salutes and ceremonial visits. + +The _Maine_ continued in the harbor of Havana during the three +weeks following her arrival. No appreciable excitement attended her +stay. On the contrary, a feeling of relief and confidence followed the +resumption of the long-interrupted friendly intercourse. So noticeable +was this immediate effect of her visit that the consul-general strongly +urged that the presence of our ships in Cuban waters should be kept up +by retaining the _Maine_ at Havana, or, in the event of her recall, +by sending another vessel there to take her place. + +At forty minutes past 9 in the evening of the 15th of February the +_Maine_ was destroyed by an explosion, by which the entire forward +part of the ship was utterly wrecked. In this catastrophe 2 officers and +264 of her crew perished, those who were not killed outright by her +explosion being penned between decks by the tangle of wreckage and +drowned by the immediate sinking of the hull. + +Prompt assistance was rendered by the neighboring vessels anchored in +the harbor, aid being especially given by the boats of the Spanish +cruiser _Alfonso XII_ and the Ward Line steamer _City of Washington_, +which lay not far distant. The wounded were generously cared for by +the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, +while the earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the +municipality in a public cemetery in the city. Tributes of grief and +sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. + +The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with +crushing force, and for a brief time an intense excitement prevailed, +which in a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have +led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave +way to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to investigate +the facts and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the +cause, the responsibility, and, if the facts warranted, the remedy due. +This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the +Executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained +certainty could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty +in the matter. + +The usual procedure was followed, as in all cases of casualty or +disaster to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of +inquiry was at once organized, composed of officers well qualified by +rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed +upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court +proceeded to make a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every +available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes +of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost +deliberation and judgment, and, while independently pursued, no +attainable source of information was neglected, and the fullest +opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous investigation by the Spanish +authorities. + +The finding of the court of inquiry was reached, after twenty-three days +of continuous labor, on the 21st of March instant, and, having been +approved on the 22d by the commander in chief of the United States naval +force on the North Atlantic station, was transmitted to the Executive. + +It is herewith laid before the Congress, together with the voluminous +testimony taken before the court. + +Its purport is, in brief, as follows: + +When the _Maine_ arrived at Havana, she was conducted by the regular +Government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored in from 5-1/2 +to 6 fathoms of water. + +The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magazines, +boilers, coal bunkers, and storage compartments are passed in review, +with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no +indication of any cause for an internal explosion existed in any +quarter. + +At 8 o'clock in the evening of February 15 everything had been reported +secure, and all was quiet. + +At forty minutes past 9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly destroyed. + +There were two distinct explosions, with a brief interval between them. +The first lifted the forward part of the ship very perceptibly; the +second, which was more open, prolonged, and of greater volume, is +attributed by the court to the partial explosion of two or more of the +forward magazines. + +The evidence of the divers establishes that the after part of the ship +was practically intact and sank in that condition a very few moments +after the explosion. The forward part was completely demolished. + +Upon the evidence of a concurrent external cause the finding of the +court is as follows: + +At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point 11-1/2 feet from +the middle line of the ship and 6 feet above the keel when in its normal +position, has been forced up so as to be now about 4 feet above the +surface of the water, therefore about 34 feet above where it would be +had the ship sunk uninjured. + +The outside bottom plating is bent into a reversed V shape (*A), the +after wing of which, about 15 feet broad and 32 feet in length (from +frame 17 to frame 25), is doubled back upon itself against the +continuation of the same plating, extending forward. + +At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two and the flat keel bent +into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. +This break is now about 6 feet below the surface of the water and about +30 feet above its normal position. + +In the opinion of the court this effect could have been produced only by +the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about +frame 18 and somewhat on the port side of the ship. + + +The conclusions of the court are: + +That the loss of the _Maine_ was not in any respect due to fault or +negligence on the part of any of the officers or members of her crew; + +That the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which +caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines; +and + +That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the +destruction of the _Maine_ upon any person or persons. + +I have directed that the finding of the court of inquiry and the views +of this Government thereon be communicated to the Government of Her +Majesty the Queen Regent, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the +sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action +suggested by honor and the friendly relations of the two Governments. + +It will be the duty of the Executive to advise the Congress of the +result, and in the meantime deliberate consideration is invoked. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the +President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the +state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures +as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty to now +address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the +relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that +for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. + +I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with +the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which +it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the +traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the +precepts laid down by the founders of the Republic and religiously +observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. + +The present revolution is but the successor of other similar +insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, +extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which during +its progress has subjected the United States to great effort and expense +in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American +trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among +our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized +practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane +sympathies of our people. + +Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country has +seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword in +the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and +rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness +of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent +people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the +sovereign state. + +Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to +comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its +exceptional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills +in ruins, and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and +destitution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance +of that strict neutrality which our laws enjoin and which the law of +nations commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports +in prevention of any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. + +Our trade has suffered, the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba +has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people +have been so sorely tried as to beget a perilous unrest among our own +citizens, which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in +the National Legislature, so that issues wholly external to our own body +politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion to +domestic advancement that becomes a self-contained commonwealth whose +primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entanglements. All +this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused, the utmost concern on +the part of this Government, as well during my predecessor's term as in +my own. + +In April, 1896, the evils from which our country suffered through the +Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to bring +about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any way that +might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between Spain +and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of +self-government for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It +failed through the refusal of the Spanish government then in power to +consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement which +did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the mother +country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might see fit to +grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the insurgents was +in no wise diminished. + +The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh +levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of +a new and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history +of civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and +concentration, inaugurated by the Captain-General's _bando_ of +October 21, 1896, in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended +to embrace all of the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was +able to reach by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, +including all dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven +into the garrison towns or isolated places held by the troops. + +The raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. +The fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills +destroyed, and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and +render it unfit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or +the other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at +their disposal. + +By the time the present Administration took office, a year ago, +reconcentration (so called) had been made effective over the better part +of the four central and western provinces--Santa Clara, Matanzas, +Havana, and Pinar del Rio. + +The agricultural population to the estimated number of 300,000 or more +was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, deprived of +the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left poorly clad, +and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the scarcity of food +increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas of production, +destitution and want became misery and starvation. Month by month the +death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By March, 1897, according to +conservative estimates from official Spanish sources, the mortality +among the reconcentrados from starvation and the diseases thereto +incident exceeded 50 per cent of their total number. + +No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened +towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. +So-called "zones of cultivation" established within the immediate areas +of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps +proved illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being +for the most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, +enfeebled by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without +tools, seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the +cities. Reconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to +cut off the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. +As I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; +it was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the +wilderness and the grave. + +Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a +noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the +second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the thitherto +unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and destruction up +to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed into a dogged +struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The Spanish arms regained +a measure of control in Pinar del Rio and parts of Havana, but, under +the existing conditions of the rural country, without immediate +improvement of their productive situation. Even thus partially +restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their conquest and +submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole basis of +peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. + +In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted with +the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December[4] reviewed +the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to relieving its +acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable settlement. The +assassination of the prime minister, Canovas, led to a change of +government in Spain. The former administration, pledged to subjugation +without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal party, +committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the wider +principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. + +The overtures of this Government made through its new envoy, General +Woodford, and looking to an immediate and effective amelioration of the +condition of the island, although not accepted to the extent of admitted +mediation in any shape, were met by assurances that home rule in an +advanced phase would be forthwith offered to Cuba, without waiting for +the war to end, and that more humane methods should thenceforth prevail +in the conduct of hostilities. Coincidentally with these declarations +the new government of Spain continued and completed the policy, already +begun by its predecessor, of testifying friendly regard for this nation +by releasing American citizens held under one charge or another +connected with the insurrection, so that by the end of November not a +single person entitled in any way to our national protection remained in +a Spanish prison. + +While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution of +the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among them +claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the limited +measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens among them +by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies of the money +appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint resolution approved +May 24, 1897,[5] prompted the humane extension of a similar scheme of +aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to this end was +acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. + +On the 24th of December last I caused to be issued an appeal to the +American people inviting contributions in money or in kind for the +succor of the starving sufferers in Cuba, following this on the 8th of +January by a similar public announcement of the formation of a central +Cuban relief committee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of +three members representing the American National Red Cross and the +religious and business elements of the community. + +The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accomplished +much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have greatly aided +the charitable work. The president of the American Red Cross and +representatives of other contributory organizations have generously +visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and the local +authorities to make effective distribution of the relief collected +through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 in money +and supplies has already reached the sufferers, and more is forthcoming. +The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation to the interior +has been arranged, so that the relief, at first necessarily confined to +Havana and the larger cities, is now extended through most, if not all, +of the towns where suffering exists. + +Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a change +in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the Spanish +Government. Within a few days past the orders of General Weyler have +been revoked. The reconcentrados, it is said, are to be permitted to +return to their homes and aided to resume the self-supporting pursuits +of peace. Public works have been ordered to give them employment and a +sum of $600,000 has been appropriated for their relief. + +The war in Cuba is of such a nature that, short of subjugation or +extermination, a final military victory for either side seems +impracticable. The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the +one or the other party, or perhaps of both--a condition which in effect +ended the ten years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a +protraction and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly +to be contemplated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of +all by the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and +intimately, by its very existence. + +Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true +friendliness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans, who have so much to +lose by the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an +immediate termination of the war. To this end I submitted on the 27th +ultimo, as a result of much representation and correspondence, through +the United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish +Government looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation +of peace with the good offices of the President. + +In addition I asked the immediate revocation of the order of +reconcentration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and +the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United +States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full +relief. + +The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the +31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, +to confide the preparation thereof to the insular parliament, inasmuch +as the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final +result, it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the +constitution to the central Government are not lessened or diminished. +As the Cuban parliament does not meet until the 4th of May next, the +Spanish Government would not object for its part to accept at once +a suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the +general in chief, to whom it would pertain in such case to determine +the duration and conditions of the armistice. + +The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of the +Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the texts +of which are before me and are substantially in the language above +given. The function of the Cuban parliament in the matter of "preparing" +peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in the Spanish +memorandum, but from General Woodford's explanatory reports of +preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is understood +that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the insular congress +full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insurgents, whether by +direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legislation does not +appear. + +With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its +disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end of +his effort. + +In my annual message of December last I said: + + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + + +Thereupon I reviewed these alternatives in the light of President +Grant's measured words, uttered in 1875, when, after seven years of +sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba, he reached the +conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was +impracticable and indefensible and that the recognition of belligerence +was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public law. +I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, pointing +out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition of +belligerence, which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of +neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend our +influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. + +Nothing has since occurred to change my view in this regard, and +I recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of +neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents +is published, could of itself and unattended by other action accomplish +nothing toward the one end for which we labor--the instant pacification +of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. + +Turning to the question of recognizing at this time the independence +of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find safe precedents +in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in President +Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 1836, on the subject of the +recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: + + In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions of France, + out of the disputes relating to the crowns of Portugal and Spain, out + of the revolutionary movements of those Kingdoms, out of the separation + of the American possessions of both from the European Governments, and + out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in + Spanish America, so wisely consistent with our just principles has been + the action of our Government that we have under the most critical + circumstances avoided all censure and encountered no other evil than + that produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those against + whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. + + It has thus been made known to the world that the uniform policy and + practice of the United States is to avoid all interference in disputes + which merely relate to the internal government of other nations, and + eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party, without + reference to our particular interests and views or to the merits of the + original controversy. + + * * * * * + + * * * But on this as on every trying occasion safety is to be found in + a rigid adherence to principle. + + In the contest between Spain and her revolted colonies we stood aloof + and waited, not only until the ability of the new States to protect + themselves was fully established, but until the danger of their being + again subjugated had entirely passed away. Then, and not till then, were + they recognized. Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * + It is true that, with regard to Texas, the civil authority of Mexico has + been expelled, its invading army defeated, the chief of the Republic + himself captured, and all present power to control the newly organized + Government of Texas annihilated within its confines. But, on the other + hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical + force on the side of Mexico. The Mexican Republic under another + Executive is rallying its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh + invasion to recover its lost dominion. + + Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas + may be considered as suspended, and were there nothing peculiar in the + relative situation of the United States and Texas our acknowledgment + of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as + consistent with that prudent reserve with which we have heretofore + held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. + + +Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there might +be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view of +the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas and of the avowed +purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence as an +incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding thus: + +Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof +and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of +the great foreign powers shall recognize the independence of the new +Government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of events +shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of the people of +that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the +Government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can +justly complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying +out the long-established policy of our Government--a policy which +has secured to us respect and influence abroad and inspired confidence +at home. + +These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are +evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by +public law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a +neutral state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact +a body politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, +possessed of the elements of stability," and forming _de facto_, +"if left to itself, a state among the nations, reasonably capable of +discharging the duties of a state"), has imposed for its own governance +in dealing with cases like these the further condition that recognition +of independent statehood is not due to a revolted dependency until the +danger of its being again subjugated by the parent state has entirely +passed away. + +This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. +The Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as +one "probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for +"a previous understanding with that body by whom war can alone be +declared and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must +be furnished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the +discretion of the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a +diplomatic agent when the President should be satisfied that the +Republic of Texas had become "an independent state." It was so +recognized by President Van Buren, who commissioned a chargé d'affaires +March 7, 1837, after Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the +Texan territory, and when there was at the time no _bona fide_ +contest going on between the insurgent province and its former +sovereign. + +I said in my message of December last: + + It is to be seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection + possesses beyond dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone + can demand the recognition of belligerency in its favor. + + +The same requirement must certainly be no less seriously considered +when the graver issue of recognizing independence is in question, for +no less positive test can be applied to the greater act than to the +lesser, while, on the other hand, the influences and consequences of the +struggle upon the internal policy of the recognizing state, which form +important factors when the recognition of belligerency is concerned, are +secondary, if not rightly eliminable, factors when the real question is +whether the community claiming recognition is or is not independent +beyond peradventure. + +Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise +or prudent for this Government to recognize at the present time the +independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is not +necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and pacify +the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of any +particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing +conditions of international obligation toward the organization so +recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to the +approval or disapproval of such government. We would be required to +submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation of a +friendly ally. + +When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a +government capable of performing the duties and discharging the +functions of a separate nation, and having as a matter of fact the +proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be +promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the +United States with such nation adjusted. + +There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, +either as an impartial neutral, by imposing a rational compromise +between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the +other. + +As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few +months the relation of the United States has virtually been one of +friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but +all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate +pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The +spirit of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire +for peace and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us +and Spain and unstained by the blood of American citizens. + +The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the +war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following many +historical precedents where neighboring states have interfered to check +the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond their +borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, +hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. + +The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as follows: + +First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, +bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and +which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop +or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, +belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. +It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. + +Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection +and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or +will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive +them of legal protection. + +Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious +injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the +wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. + +Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condition of +affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this +Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict waged for years +in an island so near us and with which our people have such trade and +business relations; when the lives and liberty of our citizens are in +constant danger and their property destroyed and themselves ruined; +where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and are seized at +our very door by war ships of a foreign nation; the expeditions of +filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, and the +irritating questions and entanglements thus arising--all these and +others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, +are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep on a semi war +footing with a nation with which we are at peace. + +These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been +strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly +moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress the +report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle +ship _Maine_ in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th +of February.[6] The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the +national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight +brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the +fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief +and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. + +The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands +the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its +conclusion that the destruction of the _Maine_ was caused by an +exterior explosion--that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to +place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed. + +In any event, the destruction of the _Maine_, by whatever exterior +cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba +that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the +Spanish Government can not assure safety and security to a vessel of the +American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and +rightfully there. + +Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic +correspondence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain of the 26th ultimo +contained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor +and justice require in the matter of the _Maine_. The reply above +referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the +readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which +can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of +the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: + + As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views + between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes + that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, + whose decision Spain accepts in advance. + + +To this I have made no reply. + +President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as +it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation, +said: + + In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to + assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously + consider the only remaining measures possible--mediation and + intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating + the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to + have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest + wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the + part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the + good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good + faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in + sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by + Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they + would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the + opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife + continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the + interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems + quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well + as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of + peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, + and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party + shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other. + Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or + by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or + later, be invoked for the termination of the strife. + + +In the last annual message of my immediate predecessor, during the +pending struggle, it was said: + + When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection + has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is + extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a + hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife + which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and + the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a + situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty + of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly + hesitate to recognize and discharge. + + +In my annual message to Congress December last, speaking to this +question, I said: + + The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of + a righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as + equitable to all our interests so intimately involved in the welfare + of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If not, the exigency of further and + other action by the United States will remain to be taken. When that + time conies, that action will be determined in the line of indisputable + right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in + the light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the + people who have confided to it the protection of their interests and + honor, and to humanity. + + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command + the support and approval of the civilized world. + + +The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged +the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may +smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that +it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief +and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the +enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of +civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us +the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + +In view of these facts and of these considerations I ask the Congress +to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full +and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain +and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment +of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its +international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the +security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military +and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these +purposes. + +And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of +the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of +food and supplies be continued and that an appropriation be made out of +the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. + +The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. +I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of +affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation +imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. + +Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official +information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen +Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare and +facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration +and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. + +This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, +have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon +which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful +result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be +realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our +contemplated action. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 4: See pp. 127-136.] + +[Footnote 5: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 6: See pp. 136-139.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the +14th of February last, calling for information and correspondence in +regard to the condition of the island of Cuba and to negotiations for +commercial relations between the United States and that island, a report +of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence, +covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report +of the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial +negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, +1897, in response to the second inquiry. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _Washington_, _April 11, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference from +the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United States +on the 14th of February last, reading as follows: + +"_Resolved,_ That the President is requested, if in his opinion it +is not incompatible with the public service, to send to the Senate +copies of the reports of the consul-general and of the consuls of the +United States in Cuba written or received since March 4, 1897, which +relate to the state of war in that island and the condition of the +people there, or that he will send such parts of said reports as will +inform the Senate as to these facts. + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a +government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty of +reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government in +Cuba." + +This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable +inquiries: First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in +Cuba, and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the +overtures of the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial +agreement covering particularly the trade between the United States and +the island of Cuba. + +The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in +accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the +existing tariff act, approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a +special commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to +that end, it has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner the +preparation of a report in answer to the second part of the Senate +resolution, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the +first part thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions +of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John A. +Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith +independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmission +to the Senate, should such a course be, in the President's judgment, not +incompatible with the public service. + +The Senate resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to that +honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of the +consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written or +received since March 4, 1897, which relate to the state of war in that +island and the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the +discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be +so reported and the manner of its communication. The undersigned, having +taken the President's direction on both these points, has the honor to +lay before him a selection of the correspondence received by the +Department of State from the various consular representatives in Cuba, +aiming thereby to show the present situation in the island rather than +to give a historical account of all the reported incidents since the +date assigned by the resolution. + +Respectfully submitted. + +JOHN SHERMAN. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, + +_Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under date +of February 14, 1898, and which was referred to the undersigned for +report, viz-- + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of +a government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty +of reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government +in Cuba"-- + +I have the honor to submit the following report: + +In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised +the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure +to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into +negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with +Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated +for the interests of that island. + +Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at +Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish +Government in respect to these negotiations. + +Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred +to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were +made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the +United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that +the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that +island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from +the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for +Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the +negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th +of February. + +On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lôme, called +on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent +Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative +would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to +act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned +the name of Señor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba +for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to +this office. + +On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Señor Polo y Bernabé, +addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State, +was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this +Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain +to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Señor Manuel Rafael Angulo as +special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided +by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government; +and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be +added in the same character. + +His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the +commission so soon as the Government of the United States should +formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. + +Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. + +JOHN A KASSON, + +_Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 12, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose +herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a +report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +NAVY DEPARTMENT, _Washington, April 9, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE. + +SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of +April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of +human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle +ship _Maine_ in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February, +1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total +number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to +rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the +Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the +honor to be, sir, very respectfully, + +JOHN D. LONG, _Secretary_. + + + MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY. + + BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, _Washington, D.C., April 8, 1898._ + + Number on board the U.S.S. _Maine_ at the time of the disaster: + Officers 26 + Sailors 290 + Marines 39 + --- 355 + Number saved: + Officers 24 + Sailors 60 + Marines 11 + --- + 95 + Number lost: + Officers 2 + Sailors 230 + Marines 28 + --- + 260 + --- 355 + Bodies recovered: + Officers 1 + Sailors and marines 177 + Died from injuries: + Sailors and marines 8 + --- 186 + + Of the number recovered there were buried-- + In the cemetery at Havana 166 + At Key West 19 + At Pittsburg, Pa. (officer) 1 + --- 186 + Number of bodies not recovered: + Officers 1 + Enlisted men and marines 73 + --- 74 + + +The work of recovery was continued until April 6, when the wrecking tugs +were withdrawn, and nothing is now being done in that direction so far +as is known; and the last bodies reported as recovered were sent to Key +West on the 30th ultimo. No estimate has been made of the portions of +bodies which were recovered and buried. The large percentage of bodies +not recovered is due, no doubt, to the fact that the men were swinging +in their hammocks immediately over that portion of the vessel which was +totally destroyed. + +A.S. CROWNINSHIELD, + +_Chief of Bureau_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 25, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of +America_: + +I transmit to the Congress, for its consideration and appropriate +action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of +Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, +and through the latter with the Government of Spain, showing the action +taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, "for the +recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that +the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the +island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and +Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use +the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these +resolutions in to effect."[7] + +Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the demand +which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government +of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the minister asked for his +passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn +notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal +of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated +diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official +communications between their respective representatives ceased +therewith. + +I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United +States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. +It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having +cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, +and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and +authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this +Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and +complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of +nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. + +The position of Spain being thus made known and the demands of the +United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, +by the act of Spain, I have been constrained, in exercise of the power +and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to +proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898,[8] a blockade of certain ports +of the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and +of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba, and further in +exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred +upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my +proclamation dated April 23, 1898,[9] calling forth volunteers in order +to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of +these proclamations are hereto appended. + +In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of +such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the +expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I +now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution +declaring that a state of war exists between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon, to +the end that the definition of the international status of the United +States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all +its rights and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a +public war may be assured.[10] + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 7: See p. 155.] + +[Footnote 8: See pp. 202-203.] + +[Footnote 9: See pp. 203-204.] + +[Footnote 10: See p. 201.] + + +JOINT RESOLUTION for the recognition of the independence of the people +of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority +and government in the island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval +forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the +United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three +years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the +moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to +Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of +a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on +a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, +as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his +message to Congress of April 11, 1898,[11] upon which the action of +Congress was invited: Therefore, + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That the people of +the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent. + +Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the +Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government +of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island +of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban +waters. + +Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or +intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over +said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its +determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government +and control of the island to its people. + +Approved, April 20, 1898. + +[Footnote 11: See pp. 139-150.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 9, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 24th of April I directed the Secretary of the Navy to telegraph +orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding +the Asiatic Squadron, then lying in the port of Hongkong, to proceed +forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there-to commence operations and +engage the assembled Spanish fleet. + +Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consisting of +the flagship _Olympia_, _Baltimore_, _Raleigh_, _Boston_, _Concord_, and +_Petrel_, with the revenue cutter _McCulloch_ as an auxiliary dispatch +boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and +immediately engaged the entire Spanish fleet of eleven ships, which were +under the protection of the fire of the land forts. After a stubborn +fight, in which the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were +destroyed or completely disabled and the water battery at Cavite +silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost and only eight +injured, and those slightly. All of our ships escaped any serious +damage. + +By the 4th of May Commodore Dewey had taken possession of the naval +station at Cavite, destroying the fortifications there and at the +entrance of the bay and paroling their garrisons. The waters of the bay +are under his complete control. He has established hospitals within the +American lines, where 250 of the Spanish sick and wounded are assisted +and protected. + +The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary +standard of naval warfare. Outweighing any material advantage is the +moral effect of this initial success. At this unsurpassed achievement +the great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or with greed of +conquest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just +cause and that by the grace of God an effective step has thus been taken +toward the attainment of the wished-for peace. To those whose skill, +courage, and devotion have won the fight, to the gallant commander and +the brave officers and men who aided him, our country owes an +incalculable debt. + +Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent +a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for +their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and informing him +that I had appointed him an acting rear-admiral. + +I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing +the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress +be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United States Navy, +for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and to +the officers and men under his command for their gallantry in the +destruction of the enemy's fleet and the capture of the enemy's +fortifications in the bay of Manila. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 1, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore +George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United +States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of +the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with +the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet +and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, +and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American +people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and +skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to +communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers +and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary +of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been +received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress: + +I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be +transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for +the great compliment paid to me. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION tendering the thanks of Congress to Commodore George +Dewey, United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the squadron +under his command. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That, in pursuance of the +recommendation of the President, made in accordance with the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, the thanks of Congress and +of the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey, +United States Navy, commander in chief of the United States naval force +on the Asiatic station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict +with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish +fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, +1898. + +SEC. 2. That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby +extended through Commodore Dewey to the officers and men under his +command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion. + +SEC. 3. _Be it further resolved_, That the President of the United +States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to +Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers and men under his +command. + +Approved, May 10, 1898. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to present a +sword of honor to Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck +bronze medals commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute +such medals to the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron +of the United States. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the Secretary of the +Navy be, and he hereby is, authorized to present a sword of honor to +Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck bronze medals +commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute such medals to +the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron of the United +States under command of Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898; and that +to enable the Secretary to carry out this resolution the sum of $10,000, +or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of +any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. + +Approved, June 3, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 11th of May, 1898, there occurred a conflict in the bay of +Cardenas, Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat _Winslow_ was +disabled, her commander wounded, and one of her officers and a part +of her crew killed by the enemy's fire. + +In the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns the revenue +cutter _Hudson_, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, +United States Revenue-Cutter Service, rescued the disabled +_Winslow_, her wounded commander and remaining crew. The commander +of the _Hudson_ kept his vessel in the very hottest fire of the +action, although in constant danger of going ashore on account of the +shallow water, until he finally got a line made fast to the +_Winslow_ and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns--a +deed of special gallantry. + +I recommend that in recognition of the signal act of heroism of First +Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, above +set forth, the thanks of Congress be extended to him and to his officers +and men of the _Hudson_, and that a gold medal of honor be +presented to Lieutenant Newcomb, a silver medal of honor to each of his +officers, and a bronze medal of honor to each member of his crew who +served with him at Cardenas. + +It will be remembered that Congress by appropriate action recognized the +several commanders of ships of war for their services in the battle of +Manila, May 1, 1898. + +The commander of the revenue cutter _Hugh McCulloch_, present and +in active cooperation with the fleet under Commodore Dewey on that +occasion (by Executive order under the provisions of section 2757, +Revised Statutes), is the only commander of a national ship to whom +promotion or advancement was not and could not be given, because he +already held the highest rank known to the Revenue-Cutter Service. + +I now recommend that in recognition of the efficient and meritorious +services of Captain Daniel B. Hodgsdon, United States Revenue-Cutter +Service, who commanded the _Hugh McCulloch_ at the battle of Manila +(that officer being now in the sixty-third year of his age and having +served continuously on active duty for thirty-seven years), he be placed +upon the permanent waiting-orders or retired list of the Revenue-Cutter +Service on the full-duty pay of his grade. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the morning of the 3d of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor +Richmond P. Hobson, United States Navy, with a volunteer crew of seven +men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier _Merrimac_, +entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of +sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel, and thus +interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet which +had recently entered that harbor. This enterprise, demanding coolness, +judgment, and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful +execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as +well as from the fortifications on shore. + +Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander in chief of our naval force in Cuban +waters, in an official report dated "Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, +1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. +Hobson's gallant exploit, says: + + As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here I decided to make the + harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish + ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a + collier at that point. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional + opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most + lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he + presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate + sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the + channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. + Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. + + As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the + details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete + them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after + our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the + morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a + careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish + the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to + try it at all hazards. + + This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. + Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful + inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the _Merrimac_ + had been sunk in the channel. + + I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of + Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and + daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_. + + +The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable +occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, +which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the +Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval +Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the _Merrimac_ on her +perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of +that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been +prepared and will be submitted. + +Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram _Albemarle_ +during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of +the _Merrimac_, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation +of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such +advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to +line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the +Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced. + +In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval +Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred +to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the +recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that +he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position +therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the +Senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction +corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary +technical training as a graduate of the Naval Academy, where he stood +No. 1 in his class; and such action is recommended partly in deference +to what is understood to be his own desire, although, he being now a +prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the +subject has been received from him, and partly for the reason that the +abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to +indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 5, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_ + +Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our +people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily increasing degree of +prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. +Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded +abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, +revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the +Treasury's receipts to the amount estimated by its authors, the finances +of the Government have been successfully administered and its credit +advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at +the world's highest standard. Military service under a common flag and +for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to +cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section +of the country. + +A review of the relation of the United States to other powers, always +appropriate, is this year of primary importance in view of the momentous +issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate +determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will +require the earnest attention of the Congress. + +In my last annual message[12] very full consideration was given to the +question of the duty of the Government of the United States toward Spain +and the Cuban insurrection as being by far the most important problem +with which we were then called upon to deal. The considerations then +advanced and the exposition of the views therein expressed disclosed +my sense of the extreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside as +logically unfounded or practically inadmissible the recognition of the +Cuban insurgents as belligerents, the recognition of the independence +of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the war by imposing a rational +compromise between the contestants, intervention in favor of one or the +other party, and forcible annexation of the island, I concluded it was +honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be +given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which +she had become irrevocably committed. Within a few weeks previously she +had announced comprehensive plans which it was confidently asserted +would be efficacious to remedy the evils so deeply affecting our own +country, so injurious to the true interests of the mother country as +well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment +of humanity. + +The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the +pacification of Cuba. The autonomous administrations set up in the +capital and some of the principal cities appeared not to gain the favor +of the inhabitants nor to be able to extend their influence to the large +extent of territory held by the insurgents, while the military arm, +obviously unable to cope with the still active rebellion, continued many +of the most objectionable and offensive policies of the government that +had preceded it. No tangible relief was afforded the vast numbers of +unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made in that +regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered +expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory. Indeed no less +practical nor more delusive promises of succor could well have been +tendered to the exhausted and destitute people, stripped of all that +made life and home dear and herded in a strange region among +unsympathetic strangers hardly less necessitous than themselves. + +By the end of December the mortality among them had frightfully +increased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths +among these distressed people at over 40 per cent from the time General +Weyler's decree of reconcentration was enforced. With the acquiescence +of the Spanish authorities, a scheme was adopted for relief by +charitable contributions raised in this country and distributed, under +the direction of the consul-general and the several consuls, by noble +and earnest individual effort through the organized agencies of the +American Red Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many +thousands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. + +The war continued on the old footing, without comprehensive plan, +developing only the same spasmodic encounters, barren of strategic +result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion +as well as the present insurrection from its start. No alternative save +physical exhaustion of either combatant, and therewithal the practical +ruin of the island, lay in sight, but how far distant no one could +venture to conjecture. + +At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction +of the battle ship _Maine_ while rightfully lying in the harbor of +Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will--a +catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the +nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and +sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this +shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by +preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate +resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and +disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever +wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously +awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot. +The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of +the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through +lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. + +All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before +the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with +Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it +needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive +immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the +possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the +remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote +of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the +national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith, +to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of +prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the +fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy +needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even +numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which +comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection. +Our Army also required enlargement of men and munitions. The details +of the hurried preparation for the dreaded contingency are told in the +reports of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and need not be +repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war when +it did come found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. + +Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. +It was felt by the continental powers, which on April 6, through their +ambassadors and envoys, addressed to the Executive an expression of hope +that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this Government +and people, and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement +which, while securing the maintenance of peace, would afford all +necessary guaranties for the reestablishment of order in Cuba. In +responding to that representation I said I shared the hope the envoys +had expressed that peace might be preserved in a manner to terminate the +chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba, so injurious and menacing to +our interests and tranquillity, as well as shocking to our sentiments +of humanity; and while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested +character of the communication they had made on behalf of the powers, +I stated the confidence of this Government, for its part, that equal +appreciation would be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors +to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situation the indefinite +prolongation of which had become insufferable. + +Still animated by the hope of a peaceful solution and obeying the +dictates of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy +ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued +actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the immediate +conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect +the recognition of her people's right to independence. Besides this, +the instant revocation of the order of reconcentration was asked, +so that the sufferers, returning to their homes and aided by united +American and Spanish effort, might be put in a way to support +themselves and, by orderly resumption of the well-nigh destroyed +productive energies of the island, contribute to the restoration of +its tranquillity and well-being. Negotiations continued for some little +time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the Spanish Government which +could not but be regarded as inadequate. It was proposed to confide the +preparation of peace to the insular parliament, yet to be convened under +the autonomous decrees of November, 1897, but without impairment in any +wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid Government, which to +that end would grant an armistice, if solicited by the insurgents, for +such time as the general in chief might see fit to fix. How and with +what scope of discretionary powers the insular parliament was expected +to set about the "preparation" of peace did not appear. If it were to be +by negotiation with the insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on the one +side with a body chosen by a fraction of the electors in the districts +under Spanish control, and on the other with the insurgent population +holding the interior country, unrepresented in the so-called parliament +and defiant at the suggestion of suing for peace. + +Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my sincere endeavors +to reach a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to remit the whole +question to the Congress. In the message of April 11, 1898,[13] I +announced that with this last overture in the direction of immediate +peace in Cuba and its disappointing reception by Spain the effort of +the Executive was brought to an end. I again reviewed the alternative +courses of action which had been proposed, concluding that the only one +consonant with international policy and compatible with our firm-set +historical traditions was intervention as a neutral to stop the war and +check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even though that resort involved +"hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement." The grounds +justifying that step were the interests of humanity, the duty to protect +the life and property of our citizens in Cuba, the right to check injury +to our commerce and people through the devastation of the island, and, +most important, the need of removing at once and forever the constant +menace and the burdens entailed upon our Government by the uncertainties +and perils of the situation caused by the unendurable disturbance in +Cuba. I said: + + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + + +In view of all this the Congress was asked to authorize and empower the +President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of +hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba and to secure in the +island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining +order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and +tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and +for the accomplishment of those ends to use the military and naval +forces of the United States as might be necessary, with added authority +to continue generous relief to the starving people of Cuba. + +The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, +during which the almost unanimous sentiment of your body was developed +on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the proposed action +with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true and lawful +government of that island--a proposition which failed of adoption--the +Congress, after conference, on the 19th of April, by a vote of 42 to 35 +in the Senate and 311 to 6 in the House of Representatives, passed the +memorable joint resolution declaring-- + + First. That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought + to be, free and independent. + + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. + + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary + to carry these resolutions into effect. + + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and + control of the island to its people. + + +This resolution was approved by the Executive on the next day, April 20. +A copy was at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital, +who forthwith announced that his continuance in Washington had thereby +become impossible, and asked for his passports, which were given him. +He thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection of +Spanish interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the +Austro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously with its communication to +the Spanish minister here, General Woodford, the American minister at +Madrid, was telegraphed confirmation of the text of the joint resolution +and directed to communicate it to the Government of Spain with the +formal demand that it at once relinquish its authority and government +in the island of Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, coupling this +demand with announcement of the intentions of this Government as to +the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the +resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. + +That demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the +Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction +reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21, but before he could +present it, the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the +President's approval of the joint resolution the Madrid Government, +regarding the act as "equivalent to an evident declaration of war," had +ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off +diplomatic relations between the two countries and ceasing all official +communication between their respective representatives. General Woodford +thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. + +Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated +that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, +the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by +me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between sovereign +states. On April 22 I proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, +including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the +port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba,[14] and on the 23d I +called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution.[15] By +my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and +I recommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war +between the United States and Spain. [16] The Congress accordingly voted +on the same day the act approved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence +of such war from and including the 21st day of April,[17] and reenacted +the provision of the resolution of April 20 directing the President +to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into +effect.[18] Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was +given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the +United States maintain relations, in order that their neutrality +might be assured during the war. The various governments responded with +proclamations of neutrality, each after its own methods. It is not among +the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of +neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate and +difficult circumstances. + +In further fulfillment of international duty I issued, April 26, 1898, a +proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels +and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right +of search, and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under +enemy's flag.[19] A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish +Government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules of the Declaration +of Paris, including abstention from resort to privateering, have +accordingly been observed by both belligerents, although neither was a +party to that declaration. + +Our country thus, after an interval of half a century of peace with all +nations, found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a foreign enemy. +Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the +initial call for 125,000 volunteers[20] was instant and complete, as was +also the result of the second call, of May 25, for 75,000 additional +volunteers.[21] The ranks of the Regular Army were increased to the +limits provided by the act of April 26, 1898. + +The enlisted force of the Navy on the 15th day of August, when it +reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred +and three vessels were added to the Navy by purchase, 1 was presented +to the Government, 1 leased, and the 4 vessels of the International +Navigation Company--the _St. Paul_, _St. Louis_, _New York_, and +_Paris_--were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters +and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and +became temporarily a part of the auxiliary Navy. + +The maximum effective fighting force of the Navy during the war, +separated into classes, was as follows: + +Four battle ships of the first class, 1 battle ship of the second +class, 2 armored cruisers, 6 coast-defense monitors, 1 armored ram, +12 protected cruisers, 3 unprotected cruisers, 18 gunboats, 1 dynamite +cruiser, 11 torpedo boats; vessels of the old Navy, including monitors, +14. Auxiliary Navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers, 28 converted yachts, 27 +converted tugs, 19 converted colliers, 15 revenue cutters, 4 light-house +tenders, and 19 miscellaneous vessels. + +Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lest some attack +might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent +possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. Temporary +garrisons were provided, drawn from the State militia; infantry and +light batteries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops +were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for +observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the United +States, and the Life-Saving and Light-House services cooperated, which +enabled the Navy Department to have all portions of the Atlantic coast, +from Maine to Texas, under observation. + +The auxiliary Navy was created under the authority of Congress and was +officered and manned by the Naval Militia of the several States. This +organization patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second line +of defense. + +Under the direction of the Chief of Engineers submarine mines were +placed at the most exposed points. Before the outbreak of the war +permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at +nearly all important harbors. Most of the torpedo material was not to be +found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date +of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary +measures short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the +cables, and on April 22 telegraphic orders were issued to place the +loaded mines in position. + +The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors +from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting +of mines at certain other harbors, but owing to the early destruction of +the Spanish fleet these mines were not placed. + +The Signal Corps was promptly organized, and performed service of the +most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war +covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the +establishment of telephonic and telegraphic facilities for the camps at +Manila, Santiago, and in Puerto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles +of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from +those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. +Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's +fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. + +In Puerto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued +route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept +in telegraphic or telephonic communication with the division commanders +on four different lines of operations. + +There was placed in Cuban waters a completely outfitted cable ship, +with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of +communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment of our own. +Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. +The day previous to the landing of General Shafter's corps, at +Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications +were established and a cable station opened giving direct communication +with the Government at Washington. This service was invaluable to the +Executive in directing the operations of the Army and Navy. With a total +force of over 1,300, the loss was by disease in camp and field, officers +and men included, only 5. + +The national-defense fund of $50,000,000 was expended in large part +by the Army and Navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully +shown in the reports of the several Secretaries. It was a most timely +appropriation, enabling the Government to strengthen its defenses and +make preparations greatly needed in case of war. + +This fund being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the +conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in +the war-revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan +not to exceed $400,000,000 and by levying additional imposts and taxes. +Of the authorized loan $200,000,000 were offered and promptly taken, the +subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over, +while, preference being given to the smaller bids, no single allotment +exceeded $5,000. This was a most encouraging and significant result, +showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the +people to uphold their country's honor. + +It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of +the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21, +but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. + +The first encounter of the war in point of date took place April 27, +when a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnoissance in +force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts, and demolished several new +works in construction. + +The next engagement was destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime +warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for +some weeks at Hongkong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality +being issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given, +it repaired to Mirs Bay, near Hongkong, whence it proceeded to the +Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the +formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the +1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few +hours' engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, +consisting of ten war ships and a transport, besides capturing the naval +station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power +in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the bay of Manila, with +the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, +the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially +injured. For this gallant achievement the Congress, upon my +recommendation, fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and +substantial reward. + +The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people and +upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige of invincibility +thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. +Reenforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major-General +Merritt and firmly established within sight of the capital, which lay +helpless before our guns. + +On the 7th day of May the Government was advised officially of the +victory at Manila, and at once inquired of the commander of our fleet +what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th +day of May, and the first army expedition sailed May 25 and arrived off +Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon followed, the total force +consisting of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. + +Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented +the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute +military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had +resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of +December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and +eastern sides, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt +from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be done +in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should be accomplished +by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept +of war which enjoins the overcoming of the adversary and the extinction +of his power wherever assailable as the speedy and sure means to win a +peace, divided victory was not permissible, for no partition of the +rights and responsibilities attending the enforcement of a just and +advantageous peace could be thought of. + +Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces +were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Puerto +Rico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed +points. On May 11 the cruiser _Wilmington_ and torpedo boat +_Winslow_ were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries +at Cardenas, a gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen falling. +These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few +which occurred during our naval operations in this extraordinary +conflict. + +Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great +vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at +the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed +the ocean, and by its erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our +military plans while baffling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time +fears were felt lest the _Oregon_ and _Marietta_, then nearing +home after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles, +might be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet, but their fortunate +arrival dispelled these apprehensions and lent much-needed +reenforcement. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of +Santiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic +naval and military attack upon the Antillean possessions of Spain. + +Several demonstrations occurred on the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico in +preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic Squadron +shelled San Juan de Puerto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron +bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor. Neither +attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land +operations were indispensable to achieve a decisive advantage. + +The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen +but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 +Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow +outlet from Santiago Harbor by sinking the collier _Merrimac_ in +the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with +their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the +Spaniards. It is a most gratifying incident of the war that the bravery +of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish +admiral, who sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of their +safety and to compliment them on their daring act. They were +subsequently exchanged July 7. + +By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. +Thereafter the invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a +heavy protecting fire, a landing of 600 marines from the _Oregon_, +_Marblehead_, and _Yankee_ was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had +been determined to establish a naval station. + +This important and essential port was taken from the enemy, after severe +fighting, by the marines, who were the first organized force of the +United States to land in Cuba. + +The position so won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge +our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly +intrenched. On June 22 the advance of the invading army under +Major-General Shafter landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of +Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with +marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. +On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First +and Tenth Cavalry and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, General +Young's brigade of General Wheeler's division, participated, losing +heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within 5 miles of Santiago was +won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle +took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santiago; on the 2d El +Caney and San Juan were taken after a desperate charge, and the +investment of the city was completed. The Navy cooperated by shelling +the town and the coast forts. + +On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, the +3d of July, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish +fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron +under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the +Spanish ships were destroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk and the +_Maria Teresa_, _Almirante Oquendo_, _Vizcaya_, and _Cristóbal Colón_ +driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken +prisoners. While the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large, some 600 +perishing, on our side but one man was killed, on the _Brooklyn_, and +one man seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, +not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished +themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in +the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of +this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history +affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous +disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any for +especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous +actors. The nation's profoundest gratitude is due to all of these brave +men who by their skill and devotion in a few short hours crushed the sea +power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-reaching +consequences can scarcely be measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the +achievements of our builders, mechanics, and artisans for their skill in +the construction of our war ships. + +With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually +ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her +Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was +abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the +Suez Canal. + +The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by +land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief +on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of noncombatants +protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, when, under +menace of immediate assault, the preliminaries of surrender were agreed +upon. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation +embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers +surrendering was 22,000, all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain +at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful +campaign is told in the report of the Secretary of War, which will be +laid before you. The individual valor of officers and soldiers was never +more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the +surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive +victories won instant and universal applause. To those who gained this +complete triumph, which established the ascendency of the United States +upon land as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas, +the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor +should we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our +tears, and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at +the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war, however rightful +the cause or signal the victory. + +With the fall of Santiago the occupation of Puerto Rico became the next +strategic necessity. General Miles had previously been assigned to +organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at +Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July with reenforcements +for General Shafter's army. + +With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two +companies of engineers, and one company of the Signal Corps, General +Miles left Guantanamo on July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the +fleet under Captain Higginson with the _Massachusetts_ (flagship), _Dixie_, +_Gloucester_, _Columbia_, and _Yale_, the two latter carrying troops. +The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with +little opposition. Here the fleet was joined by the _Annapolis_ and +the _Wasp_, while the _Puritan_ and _Amphitrite_ went to San Juan and +joined the _New Orleans_, which was engaged in blockading that port. The +Major-General Commanding was subsequently reenforced by General Schwan's +brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson with a part of his +division, and also by General Brooke with a part of his corps, numbering +in all 16,973 officers and men. + +On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports in the +island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of +the island. + +With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, +Hormigueros, Coarno, and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape +San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted +with great vigor, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in +our possession and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter +of a short time. At most of the points in the island our troops were +enthusiastically welcomed. Protestations of loyalty to the flag and +gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule met our commanders at every +stage. As a potent influence toward peace the outcome of the Puerto +Rican expedition was of great consequence, and generous commendation +is due to those who participated in it. + +The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. On +August 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in +which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. +The casualties were comparatively few. By this the conquest of the +Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for +resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May, +was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for their +uncomplaining and devoted service and for their gallantry in action, the +nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular +success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without +previous experience in the military service, deserves unmeasured praise. + +The total casualties in killed and wounded in the Army during the war +with Spain were: Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, +280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. +Of the Navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 67; died as result of wounds, 1; +invalided from service, 6; total, 91. + +It will be observed that while our Navy was engaged in two great battles +and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment, and +more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and +were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in +unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of +1,668 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we +did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship, and, with the +exception of the crew of the _Merrimac_, not a soldier or sailor +was taken prisoner. + +On August 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General +Shafter's army in Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of +Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and +our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August +24. They were absent from the United States only two months. + +It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and +devotion of that large portion of our Army which, although eager to be +ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required +outside of the United States. They did their whole duty, and, like their +comrades at the front, have earned the gratitude of the nation. In like +manner, the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy who remained +in their departments and stations faithfully performing most important +duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assignment in the +field and at sea I was compelled to refuse because their services were +indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my +regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable +recognition. + +In this connection it is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of +cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of the American National +Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in +sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, +under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the +society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals +at the front in Cuba. Working in conjunction with the governmental +authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the +enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the +various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high +reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble +purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the +confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the +American people. To the members and officers of this society and all who +aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude +of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded. + +In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to +the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, +for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble +prayer for the continuance of His favor. + +The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's fleet, followed by the +capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government +a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now +become wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French +ambassador, who, with the assent of his Government, had acted as the +friendly representative of Spanish interests during the war. On the +26th of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the Duke of +Almodóvar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to +state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. On the +30th of July, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almodóvar +and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this Government were announced +substantially as in the protocol afterwards signed. On the 10th of +August the Spanish reply, dated August 7, was handed by M. Cambon to the +Secretary of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to +Cuba, Puerto Rico, and an island of the Ladrones group, but appeared to +seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as +to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving that discussion on this point +could neither be practical nor profitable, I directed that in order +to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith closed by +proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms upon which +the negotiations for peace were to be undertaken. The vague and +inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the +only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of protocol +embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30, +with added stipulations of detail as to the appointment of commissioners +to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 +M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol +so submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon of August 12, M. Cambon, +as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Secretary of State, as the +plenipotentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing-- + + ARTICLE I. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title + to Cuba. + + ART. II. Spain will cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico + and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and + also an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. + + ART. III. The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and + harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall + determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. + + +The fourth article provided for the appointment of joint commissions on +the part of the United States and Spain, to meet in Havana and San Juan, +respectively, for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details +of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish +islands in the West Indies. + +The fifth article provided for the appointment of not more than five +commissioners on each side, to meet at Paris not later than October 1 +and to proceed to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty of peace, +subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms +of the two countries. + +The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the +protocol hostilities between the two countries should be suspended and +that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces. + +Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I issued a proclamation, +of August 12,[22] suspending hostilities on the part of the United +States. The necessary orders to that end were at once given by +telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Puerto Rico +was in like manner raised. On the 18th of August the muster out of +100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be +practicable, was ordered. + +On the 1st of December 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out +and discharged from the service, and 9,002 more will be mustered out +by the 10th of this month; also a corresponding number of general and +general staff officers have been honorably discharged the service. + +The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed--for Cuba, +Major-General James F. Wade, Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, +Major-General Matthew C. Butler; for Puerto Rico, Major-General John R. +Brooke, Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, Brigadier-General William W. +Gordon--who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and +San Juan, respectively. The Puerto Rican Joint Commission speedily +accomplished its task, and by the 18th of October the evacuation of the +island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island +at noon on that day. The administration of its affairs has been +provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall +otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint Commission has not yet terminated its +labors. Owing to the difficulties in the way of removing the large +numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation can not be +completed before the 1st of January next. + +Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William R. +Day, lately Secretary of State; Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, and +George Gray, Senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reid to be the +peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due +season to Paris, they there met on the 1st of October five commissioners +similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made +hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive +treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading +to its signature. + +I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new +possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. +Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall +be ratified. In the meantime and until the Congress has legislated +otherwise it will be my duty to continue the military governments which +have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in +life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. + +As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island +it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form +a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest +moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that +our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character +and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our +duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the +island, encourage the industry of the people, and assist them to form a +government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best +aspirations of the Cuban people. + +Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent, and humane +government, created by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all +international obligations, and which shall encourage thrift, industry, +and prosperity and promote peace and good will among all of the +inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations in the past. Neither +revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until +there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government +inaugurated military occupation will be continued. + +With the one exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of +the United States with the great family of nations has been marked with +cordiality, and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues +that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states +adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable +solution by amicable agreement. + +A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the +Argentine Republic and Chile, stretching along the Andean crests from +the southern border of the Atacama Desert to Magellan Straits, nearly a +third of the length of the South American continent, assumed an acute +stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this Government +occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already +contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail +despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. I am happy to +say that arrangements to this end have been perfected, the questions of +fact upon which the respective commissioners were unable to agree being +in course of reference to Her Britannic Majesty for determination. +A residual difference touching the northern boundary line across the +Atacama Desert, for which existing treaties provided no adequate +adjustment, bids fair to be settled in like manner by a joint +commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres has +been invited to serve as umpire in the last resort. + +I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view +to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an +American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the +cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passing from and +to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive +concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong +hope that a good understanding will be reached and that the important +channels of commercial communication between the United States and the +Atlantic cities of South America may be freed from an almost prohibitory +discrimination. + +In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness +of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over +connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. +The world has seen the postal system developed from a congeries of +independent and exclusive services into a well-ordered union, of which +all countries enjoy the manifold benefits. It would be strange were the +nations not in time brought to realize that modern civilization, which +owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of space by the +electric force, demands that this all-important means of communication +be a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their +common behoof. A step in this direction was taken when the international +convention of 1884 for the protection of submarine cables was signed, +and the day is, I trust, not far distant when this medium for the +transmission of thought from land to land may be brought within the +domain of international concert as completely as is the material +carriage of commerce and correspondence upon the face of the waters +that divide them. + +The claim of Thomas Jefferson Page against Argentina, which has been +pending many years, has been adjusted. The sum awarded by the Congress +of Argentina was $4,242.35. + +The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler +and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has +lately befallen them in the assassination of the Empress-Queen of that +historic realm. + +On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., +between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and +his deputies, in which 22 miners were killed and 44 wounded, of whom +10 of the killed and 12 of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian +subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the +Austro-Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing +and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed +reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and +peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal +Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in +order to be in a position to meet the urgent complaint of a friendly +power. The sheriff and his deputies, having been indicted for murder, +were tried, and acquitted, after protracted proceedings and the hearing +of hundreds of witnesses, on the ground that the killing was in the line +of their official duty to uphold law and preserve public order in the +State. A representative of the Department of Justice attended the trial +and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, +this Government expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the +subject with that of Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the renewed claim +of the latter, after learning the result of the trial, for indemnity for +its injured subjects. + +Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this +country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the +singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard +to the number and classes of articles entered than those of other +countries. The worth of such a result in making known our national +capacity to supply the world's markets is obvious. + +Exhibitions of this international character are becoming more frequent +as the exchanges of commercial countries grow more intimate and varied. +Hardly a year passes that this Government is not invited to national +participation at some important foreign center, but often on too short +notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do +so. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by +a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting such +invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. +This plan has my cordial approval. + +I trust that the Belgian restrictions on the importation of cattle from +the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at +an early day be relaxed as to their present features of hardship and +discrimination, so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their +slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of favorable change in +the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The growth +of direct trade between the two countries, not alone for Belgian +consumption and Belgian products, but by way of transit from and to +other continental states, has been both encouraging and beneficial. No +effort will be spared to enlarge its advantages by seeking the removal +of needless impediments and by arrangements for increased commercial +exchanges. + +The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. + +A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed +by the signature of a convention between the parties, with the +concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act +being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer +_Alert_, then lying in Central American waters. It is believed that +the good offices of our envoy and of the commander of that vessel +contributed toward this gratifying outcome. + +In my last annual message the situation was presented with respect to +the diplomatic representation of this Government in Central America +created by the association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador under +the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, and the delegation +of their international functions to the Diet thereof. While the +representative character of the Diet was recognized by my predecessor +and has been confirmed during my Administration by receiving its +accredited envoy and granting exequaturs to consuls commissioned under +its authority, that recognition was qualified by the distinct +understanding that the responsibility of each of the component sovereign +Republics toward the United States remained wholly unaffected. + +This proviso was needful inasmuch as the compact of the three +Republics was at the outset an association whereby certain +representative functions were delegated to a tripartite commission +rather than a federation possessing centralized powers of government +and administration. In this view of their relation and of the +relation of the United States to the several Republics, a change +in the representation of this country in Central America was neither +recommended by the Executive nor initiated by Congress, thus leaving one +of our envoys accredited, as heretofore, separately to two States of the +Greater Republic, Nicaragua and Salvador, and to a third State, Costa +Rica, which was not a party to the compact, while our other envoy was +similarly accredited to a union State, Honduras, and a nonunion State, +Guatemala. The result has been that the one has presented credentials +only to the President of Costa Rica, the other having been received only +by the Government of Guatemala. + +Subsequently the three associated Republics entered into negotiations +for taking the steps forecast in the original compact. A convention of +their delegates framed for them a federal constitution under the name of +the United States of Central America, and provided for a central federal +government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent States, +the 1st of November last was fixed for the new system to go into +operation. Within a few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested +by revolutionary movements arising, with a consequent demand for unity +of action on the part of the military power of the federal States to +suppress them. Under this strain the new union seems to have been +weakened through the withdrawal of its more important members. This +Government was not officially advised of the installation of the +federation and has maintained an attitude of friendly expectancy, while +in no wise relinquishing the position held from the outset that the +responsibilities of the several States toward us remained unaltered by +their tentative relations among themselves. + +The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the chairmanship of Rear-Admiral +John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a +provision in the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly +completed its labors, and the results of its exhaustive inquiry into the +proper route, the feasibility, and the cost of construction of an +interoceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route will be laid before you. In the +performance of its task the commission received all possible courtesy +and assistance from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which +thus testified their appreciation of the importance of giving a speedy +and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years +engrossed the attention of the respective countries. + +As the scope of the recent inquiry embraced the whole subject, with the +aim of making plans and surveys for a canal by the most convenient +route, it necessarily included a review of the results of previous +surveys and plans, and in particular those adopted by the Maritime Canal +Company under its existing concessions from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so +that to this extent those grants necessarily hold as essential a part +in the deliberations and conclusions of the Canal Commission as they +have held and must needs hold in the discussion of the matter by the +Congress. Under these circumstances and in view of overtures made to the +Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica by other parties for a new canal +concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts +of the Maritime Canal Company with those States, I have not hesitated +to express my conviction that considerations of expediency and +international policy as between the several governments interested in +the construction and control of an interoceanic canal by this route +require the maintenance of the _status quo_ until the Canal +Commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall have +had the opportunity to pass finally upon the whole matter during the +present session, without prejudice by reason of any change in the +existing conditions. + +Nevertheless, it appears that the Government of Nicaragua, as one +of its last sovereign acts before merging its powers in those of the +newly formed United States of Central America, has granted an optional +concession to another association, to become effective on the expiration +of the present grant. It does not appear what surveys have been made +or what route is proposed under this contingent grant, so that an +examination of the feasibility of its plans is necessarily not embraced +in the report of the Canal Commission. All these circumstances suggest +the urgency of some definite action by the Congress at this session +if the labors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the +Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a practical waterway is to be realized. +That the construction of such a maritime highway is now more than ever +indispensable to that intimate and ready intercommunication between our +eastern and western seaboards demanded by the annexation of the Hawaiian +Islands and the prospective expansion of our influence and commerce in +the Pacific, and that our national policy now more imperatively than +ever calls for its control by this Government, are propositions which +I doubt not the Congress will duly appreciate and wisely act upon. + +A convention providing for the revival of the late United States and +Chilean Claims Commission and the consideration of claims which were +duly presented to the late commission, but not considered because of the +expiration of the time limited for the duration of the commission, was +signed May 24, 1897, and has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The +term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having +elapsed, the convention falls unless the time be extended by amendment, +which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of +the Chilean Government. + +The United States has not been an indifferent spectator of the +extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby portions +of its maritime provinces are passing under the control of various +European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the +energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for +Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through +any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of +our country becoming an actor in the scene. Our position among nations, +having a large Pacific coast and a constantly expanding direct trade +with the farther Orient, gives us the equitable claim to consideration +and friendly treatment in this regard, and it will be my aim to subserve +our large interests in that quarter by all means appropriate to the +constant policy of our Government. The territories of Kiao-chow, of +Wei-hai-wei, and of Port Arthur and Talienwan, leased to Germany, +Great Britain, and Russia, respectively, for terms of years, will, +it is announced, be open to international commerce during such alien +occupation; and if no discriminating treatment of American citizens and +their trade be found to exist or be hereafter developed, the desire of +this Government would appear to be realized. + +In this relation, as showing the volume and value of our exchanges with +China and the peculiarly favorable conditions which exist for their +expansion in the normal course of trade, I refer to the communication +addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the +Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, with its +accompanying letter of the Secretary of State, recommending an +appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial +conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities +for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in China for the +raw products and manufactures of the United States. Action was not +taken thereon during the late session. I cordially urge that the +recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which its +importance and timeliness merit. + +Meanwhile there may be just ground for disquietude in view of the unrest +and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien +people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case +of the attacks upon our citizens in Szechuen and at Kutien in 1895, the +United States minister has been instructed to secure the fullest measure +of protection, both local and imperial, for any menaced American +interests, and to demand, in case of lawless injury to person or +property, instant reparation appropriate to the case. War ships have +been stationed at Tientsin for more ready observation of the disorders +which have invaded even the Chinese capital, so as to be in a position +to act should need arise, while a guard of marines has been sent to +Peking to afford the minister the same measure of authoritative +protection as the representatives of other nations have been constrained +to employ. + +Following close upon the rendition of the award of my predecessor as +arbitrator of the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti against the +Republic of Colombia, differences arose between the parties to the +arbitration in regard to the scope and extension of the award, of which +certain articles were contested by Colombia, while Italy claimed their +literal fulfillment. The award having been made by the President of the +United States, as an act of friendly consideration and with the sole +view to an impartial composition of the matter in dispute, I could +not but feel deep concern at such a miscarriage, and while unable to +accept the Colombian theory that I, in my official capacity, possessed +continuing functions as arbitrator, with power to interpret or revise +the terms of the award, my best efforts were lent to bring the parties +to a harmonious agreement as to the execution of its provisions. + +A naval demonstration by Italy resulted in an engagement to pay +the liabilities claimed upon their ascertainment; but this apparent +disposition of the controversy was followed by a rupture of diplomatic +intercourse between Colombia and Italy, which still continues, although, +fortunately, without acute symptoms having supervened. Notwithstanding +this, efforts are reported to be continuing for the ascertainment of +Colombia's contingent liability on account of Cerruti's debts under the +fifth article of the award. + +A claim of an American citizen against the Dominican Republic for +a public bridge over the Ozama River, which has been in diplomatic +controversy for several years, has been settled by expert arbitration +and an award in favor of the claimant amounting to about $90,000. It, +however, remains unpaid, despite urgent demands for its settlement +according to the terms of the compact. + +There is now every prospect that the participation of the United States +in the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris in 1900 will be on a +scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and +industries in the world's chief marts. + +The preliminary report of Mr. Moses P. Handy, who, under the act +approved July 19, 1897, was appointed special commissioner with a view +to securing all attainable information necessary to a full and complete +understanding by Congress in regard to the participation of this +Government in the Paris Exposition, was laid before you by my message +of December 6, 1897, and showed the large opportunities opened to make +known our national progress in arts, science, and manufactures, as +well as the urgent need of immediate and adequate provision to enable +due advantage thereof to be taken. Mr. Handy's death soon afterwards +rendered it necessary for another to take up and complete his unfinished +work, and on January 11 last Mr. Thomas W. Cridler, Third Assistant +Secretary of State, was designated to fulfill that task. His report was +laid before you by my message of June 14, 1898, with the gratifying +result of awakening renewed interest in the projected display. By a +provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, a sum +not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission +to care for the proper preparation and installation of American exhibits +and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several Executive +Departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish +Commission, and the Smithsonian Institution, in representation of the +Government of the United States. + +Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Mr. Ferdinand W. Peck, of +Chicago, commissioner-general, with an assistant commissioner-general +and a secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where his success +in enlarging the scope and variety of the United States exhibit has +been most gratifying. Notwithstanding the comparatively limited area +of the exposition site--less than one-half that of the World's Fair at +Chicago--the space assigned to the United States has been increased from +the absolute allotment of 157,403 square feet reported by Mr. Handy to +some 202,000 square feet, with corresponding augmentation of the field +for a truly characteristic representation of the various important +branches of our country's development. Mr. Peck's report will be laid +before you. In my judgment its recommendations will call for your early +consideration, especially as regards an increase of the appropriation to +at least one million dollars in all, so that not only may the assigned +space be fully taken up by the best possible exhibits in every class, +but the preparation and installation be on so perfect a scale as to +rank among the first in that unparalleled competition of artistic and +inventive production, and thus counterbalance the disadvantage with +which we start as compared with other countries whose appropriations are +on a more generous scale and whose preparations are in a state of much +greater forwardness than our own. + +Where our artisans have the admitted capacity to excel, where our +inventive genius has initiated many of the grandest discoveries of these +later days of the century, and where the native resources of our land +are as limitless as they are valuable to supply the world's needs, it is +our province, as it should be our earnest care, to lead in the march of +human progress, and not rest content with any secondary place. Moreover, +if this be due to ourselves, it is no less due to the great French +nation whose guests we become, and which has in so many ways testified +its wish and hope that our participation shall befit the place the two +peoples have won in the field of universal development. + +The commercial arrangement made with France on the 28th of May, 1898, +under the provisions of section 3 of the tariff act of 1897, went into +effect on the 1st day of June following. It has relieved a portion of +our export trade from serious embarrassment. Further negotiations +are now pending under section 4 of the same act with a view to the +increase of trade between the two countries to their mutual advantage. +Negotiations with other governments, in part interrupted by the war with +Spain, are in progress under both sections of the tariff act. I hope to +be able to announce some of the results of these negotiations during the +present session of Congress. + +Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. +Meanwhile no effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government +of the thoroughness of our inspection of pork products for exportation, +and it is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by +the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the +healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where +their use is large and necessary. + +I transmitted to the Senate on the 10th of February last information +touching the prohibition against the importation of fresh fruits from +this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the +ground of danger of disseminating the San José scale insect. This +precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the +drastic steps taken in several States of the Union against the spread of +the pest, the elaborate reports of the Department of Agriculture being +put in evidence to show the danger to German fruit-growing interests +should the scale obtain a lodgment in that country. Temporary relief was +afforded in the case of large consignments of fruit then on the way by +inspection and admission when found noninfected. Later the prohibition +was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to +apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the +alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar +inhibition. Efforts are in progress to induce the German and Swiss +Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to +have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal +life impossible. + +Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly +footing. Assenting to our request, the protection of Americans and their +interests in Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic and +consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate +and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. +I may be allowed to make fitting allusion to the instance of Mr. Ramsden, +Her Majesty's consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose untimely death after +distinguished service and untiring effort during the siege of that city +was sincerely lamented. + +In the early part of April last, pursuant to a request made at the +instance of the Secretary of State by the British ambassador at this +capital, the Canadian government granted facilities for the passage of +four United States revenue cutters from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic +coast by way of the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River. The +vessels had reached Lake Ontario and were there awaiting the opening of +navigation when war was declared between the United States and Spain. +Her Majesty's Government thereupon, by a communication of the latter +part of April, stated that the permission granted before the outbreak of +hostilities would not be withdrawn provided the United States Government +gave assurance that the vessels in question would proceed direct to +a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation. +This Government promptly agreed to the stipulated condition, it being +understood that the vessels would not be prohibited from resisting any +hostile attack. + +It will give me especial satisfaction if I shall be authorized to +communicate to you a favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations +with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. It is the +earnest wish of this Government to remove all sources of discord and +irritation in our relations with the neighboring Dominion. The trade +between the two countries is constantly increasing, and it is important +to both countries that all reasonable facilities should be granted for +its development. + +The Government of Greece strongly urges the onerousness of the duty here +imposed upon the currants of that country, amounting to 100 per cent or +more of their market value. This fruit is stated to be exclusively a +Greek product, not coming into competition with any domestic product. +The question of reciprocal commercial relations with Greece, including +the restoration of currants to the free list, is under consideration. + +The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for injuries +sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military +authorities in the island of Haiti has been settled by the agreement of +that Republic to pay him $10,000 in American gold. Of this sum $5,000 +has already been paid. It is hoped that other pending claims of American +citizens against that Republic may be amicably adjusted. + +Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, +1897, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic +of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint +resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered +cession and incorporating the ceded territory into the Union was adopted +by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed the +United States steamship _Philadelphia_ to convey Rear-Admiral +Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important +legislative act, to be delivered to the President of the Republic of +Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were +authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the +sovereignty of the islands to the United States. This was simply but +impressively accomplished on the 12th of August last by the delivery of +a certified copy of the resolution to President Dole, who thereupon +yielded up to the representative of the Government of the United States +the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. + +Pursuant to the terms of the joint resolution and in exercise of +the authority thereby conferred upon me, I directed that the civil, +judicial, and military powers theretofore exercised by the officers of +the Government of the Republic of Hawaii should continue to be exercised +by those officers until Congress shall provide a government for the +incorporated territory, subject to my power to remove such officers and +to fill vacancies. The President, officers, and troops of the Republic +thereupon took the oath of allegiance to the United States, thus +providing for the uninterrupted continuance of all the administrative +and municipal functions of the annexed territory until Congress shall +otherwise enact. + +Following the further provision of the joint resolution, I appointed the +Hons. Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, John T. Morgan, of Alabama, Robert +R. Hitt, of Illinois, Sanford B. Dole, of Hawaii, and Walter F. Frear, +of Hawaii, as commissioners to confer and recommend to Congress such +legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem +necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission +confided to them, their report will be laid before you at an early day. +It is believed that their recommendations will have the earnest +consideration due to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon +you to give such shape to the relationship of those mid-Pacific lands to +our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree, realizing the +aspirations of the community that has cast its lot with us and elected +to share our political heritage, while at the same time justifying the +foresight of those who for three-quarters of a century have looked to +the assimilation of Hawaii as a natural and inevitable consummation, in +harmony with our needs and in fulfillment of our cherished traditions. + +The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out +of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty immigrants were, I am +pleased to say, adjusted before the act of transfer by the payment of +a reasonable indemnity to the Government of Japan. + +Under the provisions of the joint resolution, the existing customs +relations of the Hawaiian Islands with the United States and with other +countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. +The consuls of Hawaii here and in foreign countries continue to fulfill +their commercial agencies, while the United States consulate at Honolulu +is maintained for all appropriate services pertaining to trade and the +revenue. It would be desirable that all foreign consuls in the Hawaiian +Islands should receive new exequaturs from this Government. + +The attention of Congress is called to the fact that, our consular +offices having ceased to exist in Hawaii and being about to cease in +other countries coming under the sovereignty of the United States, the +provisions for the relief and transportation of destitute American +seamen in these countries under our consular regulations will in +consequence terminate. It is proper, therefore, that new legislation +should be enacted upon this subject in order to meet the changed +conditions. + +The interpretation of certain provisions of the extradition convention +of December 11, 1861, has been at various times the occasion of +controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose in +the case of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesús Guerra, who, +having led a marauding expedition near the border with the proclaimed +purpose of initiating an insurrection against President Diaz, escaped +into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground that the alleged +offense was political in its character, and therefore came within the +treaty proviso of nonsurrender. The Mexican contention was that the +exception only related to purely political offenses, and that as +Guerra's acts were admixed with the common crime of murder, arson, +kidnaping, and robbery, the option of nondelivery became void, a +position which this Government was unable to admit in view of the +received international doctrine and practice in the matter. The Mexican +Government, in view of this, gave notice January 24, 1898, of the +termination of the convention, to take effect twelve months from that +date, at the same time inviting the conclusion of a new convention, +toward which negotiations are on foot. + +In this relation I may refer to the necessity of some amendment of +our existing extradition statute. It is a common stipulation of such +treaties that neither party shall be bound to give up its own citizens, +with the added proviso in one of our treaties, that with Japan, that it +may surrender if it see fit. It is held in this country by an almost +uniform course of decisions that where a treaty negatives the obligation +to surrender the President is not invested with legal authority to act. +The conferment of such authority would be in the line of that sound +morality which shrinks from affording secure asylum to the author of a +heinous crime. Again, statutory provision might well be made for what is +styled extradition by way of transit, whereby a fugitive surrendered by +one foreign government to another may be conveyed across the territory +of the United States to the jurisdiction of the demanding state. +A recommendation in this behalf made in the President's message of +1886[23] was not acted upon. The matter is presented for your +consideration. + +The problem of the Mexican free zone has been often discussed with +regard to its inconvenience as a provocative of smuggling into the +United States along an extensive and thinly guarded land border. +The effort made by the joint resolution of March 1, 1895, to remedy the +abuse charged by suspending the privilege of free transportation in +bond across the territory of the United States to Mexico failed of good +result, as is stated in Report No. 702 of the House of Representatives, +submitted in the last session, March 11, 1898. As the question is one to +be conveniently met by wise concurrent legislation of the two countries +looking to the protection of the revenues by harmonious measures +operating equally on either side of the boundary, rather than by +conventional arrangements, I suggest that Congress consider the +advisability of authorizing and inviting a conference of representatives +of the Treasury Departments of the United States and Mexico to consider +the subject in all its complex bearings, and make report with pertinent +recommendations to the respective Governments for the information and +consideration of their Congresses. + +The Mexican Water Boundary Commission has adjusted all matters +submitted to it to the satisfaction of both Governments save in three +important cases--that of the "Chamizal" at El Paso, Tex., where the two +commissioners failed to agree, and wherein, for this case only, this +Government has proposed to Mexico the addition of a third member; the +proposed elimination of what are known as "Bancos," small isolated +islands formed by the cutting off of bends in the Rio Grande, from +the operation of the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended by the +commissioners and approved by this Government, but still under +consideration by Mexico; and the subject of the "Equitable distribution +of the waters of the Rio Grande," for which the commissioners +recommended an international dam and reservoir, approved by Mexico, but +still under consideration by this Government. Pending these questions +it is necessary to extend the life of the commission, which expires +December 23 next. + +The coronation of the young Queen of the Netherlands was made the +occasion of fitting congratulations. + +The claim of Victor H. McCord against Peru, which for a number of +years has been pressed by this Government and has on several occasions +attracted the attention of the Congress, has been satisfactorily +adjusted. A protocol was signed May 17, 1898, whereby, the fact of +liability being admitted, the question of the amount to be awarded was +submitted to the chief justice of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award +sets the indemnity due the claimant at $40,000. + +The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of its +intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation +concluded with this country August 31, 1887. As that treaty contains +many important provisions necessary to the maintenance of commerce +and good relations, which could with difficulty be replaced by the +negotiation of renewed provisions within the brief twelve months +intervening before the treaty terminates, I have invited suggestions by +Peru as to the particular provisions it is desired to annul, in the hope +of reaching an arrangement whereby the remaining articles may be +provisionally saved. + +His Majesty the Czar having announced his purpose to raise the +Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, +I responded, under the authority conferred by the act of March 3, +1893, by commissioning and accrediting the actual representative +at St. Petersburg in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary and +plenipotentiary. The Russian ambassador to this country has since +presented his credentials. + +The proposal of the Czar for a general reduction of the vast military +establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace +was communicated to this Government with an earnest invitation to be +represented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with +a view to discussing the means of accomplishing so desirable a result. +His Majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of this +Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of +the readiness of the United States to take part in the conference. +The active military force of the United States, as measured by our +population, territorial area, and taxable wealth, is, and under any +conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace +so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Czar's +appeal is especially addressed that the question can have for us no +practical importance save as marking an auspicious step toward the +betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation +of peace and good will among them; but in this view it behooves us as +a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent project. + +The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian +cruisers in Bering Sea are being pressed to a settlement. The equities +of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will +eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the +proven facts. + +The recommendation made in my special message of April 27 last is +renewed, that appropriation be made to reimburse the master and owners +of the Russian bark _Hans_ for wrongful arrest of the master and +detention of the vessel in February, 1896, by officers of the United +States district court for the southern district of Mississippi. The +papers accompanying my said message make out a most meritorious claim +and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the +Government of Russia. + +Malietoa Laupepa, King of Samoa, died on August 22 last. According to +Article I of the general act of Berlin, "his successor shall be duly +elected according to the laws and customs of Samoa." + +Arrangements having been agreed upon between the signatories of the +general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan +chiefs, they were brought from Jaluit by a German war vessel and landed +at Apia on September 18 last. + +Whether the death of Malietoa and the return of his old-time rival +Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which the execution of +the tripartite general act has heretofore developed remains to be seen. +The efforts of this Government will, as heretofore, be addressed toward +a harmonious and exact fulfillment of the terms of the international +engagement to which the United States became a party in 1889. + +The Cheek claim against Siam, after some five years of controversy, has +been adjusted by arbitration under an agreement signed July 6, 1897, an +award of 706,721 ticals (about $187,987.78), with release of the Cheek +estate from mortgage claims, having been rendered March 21, 1898, in +favor of the claimant by the arbitrator, Sir Nicholas John Hannen, +British chief justice for China and Japan. + +An envoy from Siam has been accredited to this Government and has +presented his credentials. + +Immediately upon the outbreak of the war with Spain the Swiss +Government, fulfilling the high mission it has deservedly assumed as the +patron of the International Red Cross, proposed to the United States and +Spain that they should severally recognize and carry into execution, +as a _modus vivendi_, during the continuance of hostilities, the +additional articles proposed by the international conference of Geneva, +October 20, 1868, extending the effects of the existing Red Cross +convention of 1864 to the conduct of naval war. Following the example +set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a _modus vivendi_, +and in view of the accession of the United States to those additional +articles in 1882, although the exchange of ratifications thereof still +remained uneffected, the Swiss proposal was promptly and cordially +accepted by us, and simultaneously by Spain. + +This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled to +testify its adherence to the broadest principles of humanity even amidst +the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the Red +Cross compact to hostilities by sea as well as on land may soon become +an accomplished fact through the general promulgation of the additional +naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the +convention of 1864. + +The important question of the claim of Switzerland to the perpetual +cantonal allegiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made +hopeful progress toward a solution, and controversies in this regard +still continue. + +The newly accredited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman Porte +carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy +with Turkey for a number of years. He is especially charged to press for +a just settlement of our claims for indemnity by reason of the +destruction of the property of American missionaries resident in that +country during the Armenian troubles of 1895, as well as for the +recognition of older claims of equal justness. + +He is also instructed to seek an adjustment of the dispute growing +out of the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of +Ottoman-born persons naturalized in the United States since 1869 without +prior imperial consent, and in the same general relation he is directed +to endeavor to bring about a solution of the question which has more or +less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdictional rights of +the United States in matters of criminal procedure and punishment under +Article IV of the treaty of 1830. This latter difficulty grows out of a +verbal difference, claimed by Turkey to be essential, between the +original Turkish text and the promulgated translation. + +After more than two years from the appointment of a consul of this +country to Erzerum, he has received his exequatur. + +The arbitral tribunal appointed under the treaty of February 2, 1897, +between Great Britain and Venezuela, to determine the boundary line +between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at +Paris during the present month. It is a source of much gratification to +this Government to see the friendly resort of arbitration applied to the +settlement of this controversy, not alone because of the earnest part we +have had in bringing about the result, but also because the two members +named on behalf of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuller and Mr. Justice +Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appropriately testify the +continuing interest we feel in the definitive adjustment of the question +according to the strictest rules of justice. The British members, +Lord Herschell and Sir Richard Collins, are jurists of no less exalted +repute, while the fifth member and president of the tribunal, M.F. +De Martens, has earned a world-wide reputation as an authority upon +international law. + +The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expulsion +and injury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the +order of expulsion and by the payment of the sum of $16,000. + +I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of +the American Republics, created in 1890 as the organ for promoting +commercial intercourse and fraternal relations among the countries of +the Western Hemisphere, has become a more efficient instrument of the +wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial support of +the contributing members of the international union which are actually +represented in its board of management. A commercial directory, in two +volumes, containing a mass of statistical matter descriptive of the +industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been +printed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a monthly +bulletin published in these four languages and distributed in the +Latin-American countries as well as in the United States has proved to +be a valuable medium for disseminating information and furthering the +varied interests of the international union. + +During the past year the important work of collecting information of +practical benefit to American industries and trade through the agency +of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily advanced, and +in order to lay such data before the public with the least delay the +practice was begun in January, 1898, of issuing the commercial reports +from day to day as they are received by the Department of State. It is +believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of information the +service thus supplied to our merchants and manufacturers will be found +to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of +Congress. + +The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of +the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in common with most +civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage +sustained in time of war-by peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we +may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations +are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehension +into which an outbreak of hostilities throws the entire commercial +world. It should be our object, therefore, to minimize, so far as +practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can +probably best be accomplished by an international agreement to regard +all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the +forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many +years advocated this humane and beneficent principle, and is now in +position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of +selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your consideration that the +Executive be authorized to correspond with the governments of the +principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the +permanent law of civilized nations the principle of the exemption of +all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or +destruction by belligerent powers. + +The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the +Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, +1898, including $64,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, +amounted to $405,321,335 and its expenditures to $443,368,582. There +was collected from customs $149,575,062 and from internal revenue +$170,900,641. Our dutiable imports amounted to $324,635,479, a decrease +of $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty +amounted to $291,414,175, a decrease from the preceding year of +$90,524,068. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding +year by $24,212,067. + +The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $92,546,999; +on manufactured tobacco, $36,230,522, and on fermented liquors, +$39,515,421. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to +$1,231,482,330, an increase of $180,488,774 from the preceding year. + +It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the +receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will +be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a +deficiency of $112,000,000. + +On the 1st of December, 1898, there was held in the Treasury gold coin +amounting to $138,441,547, gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545, +silver bullion amounting to $93,359,250, and other forms of money +amounting to $451,963,981. + +On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not +included in Treasury holdings, was $1,886,879,504, an increase for the +year of $165,794,966. Estimating our population at 75,194,000 at the +time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.09. On the same date +there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545. + +The provisions made for strengthening the resources of the Treasury in +connection with the war have given increased confidence in the purpose +and power of the Government to maintain the present standard, and have +established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and +abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the inflow of gold to the +Treasury. Its net gold holdings on November 1, 1898, were $239,885,162 +as compared with $153,573,147 on November 1, 1897, and an increase of +net cash of $207,756,100, November 1, 1897, to $300,238,275, November 1, +1898. The present ratio of net Treasury gold to outstanding Government +liabilities, including United States notes, Treasury notes of 1890, +silver certificates, currency certificates, standard silver dollars, +and fractional silver coin, November 1, 1898, was 25.35 per cent, as +compared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1897. + +I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: + + That when any of the United States notes are presented for redemption + in gold and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set + apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an obvious duty. + If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it + from the Government, he should not receive back from the Government a + United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason + for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an + interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United + States notes--a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay + them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in + any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond + issue to redeem them--another interest-bearing debt to redeem a + non-interest-bearing debt. + + +This recommendation was made in the belief that such provisions of law +would insure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and +better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected +from a disturbance in the general business conditions of the country. + +In my judgment the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the +immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under +which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund +from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when +once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. + +It is not to be inferred that other legislation relating to our currency +is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for it. + +The importance of adequate provision which will insure to our future a +money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our +commercial rivals is generally recognized. + +The companion proposition that our domestic paper currency shall be kept +safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal +commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs is a proposition +scarcely less important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to +the wise consideration of the Congress. + +The annexation of Hawaii and the changed relations of the United States +to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines resulting from the war, compel +the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United States. There +should be established regular and frequent steamship communication, +encouraged by the United States, under the American flag, with the newly +acquired islands. Spain furnished to its colonies, at an annual cost of +about $2,000,000, steamship lines communicating with a portion of the +world's markets, as well as with trade centers of the home Government. +The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to +furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, under national control, +for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present +situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and +liberal. + +The part which American merchant vessels and their seamen performed +in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both +pickets and the second line of defense, is a national necessity, and +should be encouraged in every constitutional way. Details and methods +for the accomplishment of this purpose are discussed in the report of +the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is +respectfully invited. + +In my last annual message I recommended that Congress authorize the +appointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic +investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow +fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result +of the military occupation of the island of Cuba and the commercial +intercourse between this island and the United States which we have +every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new +relations with the island of Cuba and the acquisition of Puerto Rico +are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and +administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be +considered by competent experts and that everything may be done +which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the +protection of the health of our soldiers in those islands and of +our citizens who are exposed to the dangers of infection from the +importation of yellow fever. I therefore renew my recommendation that +the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made +to provide for a commission of experts to be appointed for the purpose +indicated. + +Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the +President in his discretion, "upon a declaration of war by Congress, or +a declaration by Congress that war exists," I directed the increase of +the Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. + +There are now in the Regular Army 57,862 officers and men. In said act +it was provided-- + + That at the end of any war in which the United States may become + involved the Army shall be reduced to a peace basis by the transfer + in the same arm of the service or absorption by promotion or honorable + discharge, under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish, + of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or + transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this + act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent increase of the + commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now + provided by the law in force prior to the passage of this act, + except as to the increase of twenty-five majors provided for in + section I hereof. + + +The importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the Army is +therefore manifest, and the recommendation of the Secretary of War for +that purpose has my unqualified approval. There can be no question that +at this time, and probably for some time in the future, 100,000 men +will be none too many to meet the necessities of the situation. At all +events, whether that number shall be required permanently or not, the +power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his +discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should +be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the +inhabitants of the islands with the government of which we are charged. +It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the +Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. +This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the +brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in +its emergency. + +In my last annual message I stated: + + The Union Pacific Railway, main line, was sold under the decree of the + United States court for the district of Nebraska on the 1st and 2d of + November of this year. The amount due the Government consisted of the + principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,512, and the accrued interest + thereon, $31,211,711.75, making the total indebtedness $58,448,223.75. + The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire + mortgage claim of the Government, principal and interest. + + +This left the Kansas Pacific case unconcluded. By a decree of the court +in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which +would yield to the Government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale, +at the instance of the Government, was postponed first to December 15, +1897, and later, upon the application of the United States, was +postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. + +Having satisfied myself that the interests of the Government required +that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the +Secretary of the Treasury, under the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay +out of the Treasury to the persons entitled to receive the same the +amounts due upon all prior mortgages upon the Eastern and Middle +divisions of said railroad out of any money in the Treasury not +otherwise appropriated, whereupon the Attorney-General prepared a +petition to be presented to the court, offering to redeem said prior +liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that +thereupon the United States might be held to be subrogated to all the +rights of said prior lien holders and that a receiver might be appointed +to take possession of the mortgaged premises and maintain and operate +the same until the court or Congress otherwise directed. Thereupon the +reorganization committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and +the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they would +bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Government the entire +principal of its debt, $6,303,000. + +Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the +difficulties under which the Government would labor if it should become +the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any authority +by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon +the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the +principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the +Government secured an advance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which +the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization +committee had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the +property. + +It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the +Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the Government +has received on account of its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, +an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the sum which the reorganization +committee originally agreed to bid for the joint property, the +Government receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the +Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas Pacific +Railroad. + +Steps had been taken to foreclose the Government's lien upon the Central +Pacific Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress +passed an act, approved July 7, 1898, creating a commission consisting +of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the +Secretary of the Interior, and their successors in office, with full +power to settle the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the +issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and +Western Pacific bond-aided railroads, subject to the approval of the +President. + +No report has yet been made to me by the commission thus created. +Whatever action is had looking to a settlement of the indebtedness in +accordance with the act referred to will be duly submitted to the +Congress. + +I deem it my duty to call to the attention of Congress the condition of +the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The business +of that Department has increased very greatly since it was established +in its present quarters. The building now occupied by it is neither +large enough nor of suitable arrangement for the proper accommodation of +the business of the Department. The Supervising Architect has pronounced +it unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The +Attorney-General in his report states that the library of the Department +is upon the fourth floor, and that all the space allotted to it is so +crowded with books as to dangerously overload the structure. The first +floor is occupied by the Court of Claims. The building is of an old and +dilapidated appearance, unsuited to the dignity which should attach to +this important Department. + +A proper regard for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the officers +and employees would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in +the erection of, a new building of commodious proportions and handsome +appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that +purpose, including the ground occupied by the present structure and +adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet on +Pennsylvania avenue and a depth of 136 feet. + +In this connection I may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations +provided for the Supreme Court in the Capitol, and suggest the wisdom of +making provision for the erection of a separate building for the court +and its officers and library upon available ground near the Capitol. + +The postal service of the country advances with extraordinary growth. +Within twenty years both the revenues and the expenditures of the +Post-Office Department have multiplied threefold. In the last ten years +they have nearly doubled. Our postal business grows much more rapidly +than our population. It now involves an expenditure of $100,000,000 a +year, numbers 73,000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 employees. This +remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of the +public conditions presents gratifying evidence of the advancement of +education, of the increase of communication and business activity, and +of the improvement of mail facilities leading to their constantly +augmenting use. + +The war with Spain laid new and exceptional labors on the Post-Office +Department. The mustering of the military and naval forces of the United +States required special mail arrangements for every camp and every +campaign. The communication between home and camp was naturally eager +and expectant. In some of the larger places of rendezvous as many as +50,000 letters a day required handling. This necessity was met by the +prompt detail and dispatch of experienced men from the established force +and by directing all the instrumentalities of the railway mail and +post-office service, so far as necessary, to this new need. Congress +passed an act empowering the Postmaster-General to establish offices or +branches at every military camp or station, and under this authority the +postal machinery was speedily put into effective operation. + +Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the Philippines they were attended and followed by the postal +service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of +postmasters where necessary, it was early determined that the public +interests would best be subserved, not by new designations, but by the +detail of experienced men familiar with every branch of the service, +and this policy was steadily followed. When the territory which was the +theater of conflict came into our possession, it became necessary to +reestablish mail facilities for the resident population as well as to +provide them for our forces of occupation, and the former requirement +was met through the extension and application of the latter obligation. +I gave the requisite authority, and the same general principle was +applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under +military occupation. The details are more particularly given in the +report of the Postmaster-General, and, while the work is only just +begun, it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the +territory which has come under our control is already materially +improved. + +The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to +the increase of the Navy have my earnest approval: + +1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 +tons trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $3,600,000 each. + +2. Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,000 tons +trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $4,000,000 each. + +3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons +trial displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and great +radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for +vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, +$2,150,000 each. + +4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial +displacement, to have the highest speed compatible with good cruising +qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful +ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive +of armament, $1,141,800 each. + +I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades +of admiral and vice-admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by +officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with +Spain. + +I earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of early legislation +providing for the taking of the Twelfth Census. This is necessary in +view of the large amount of work which must be performed in the +preparation of the schedules preparatory to the enumeration of the +population. + +There were on the pension rolls on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an +increase of nearly 18,000 over the number on the rolls on the same day +of the preceding year. The amount appropriated by the act of December +22, 1896, for the payment of pensions for the fiscal year of 1898 +was $140,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hundred and +seventy-two dollars and forty-six cents was appropriated by the act of +March 31, 1898, to cover deficiencies in army pensions, and repayments +in the sum of $12,020.33, making a total of $148,082,892.79 available +for the payment of pensions during the fiscal year 1898. The amount +disbursed from that sum was $144,651,879.80, leaving a balance of +$3,431,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of June, 1898, which was covered +into the Treasury. There were 389 names added to the rolls during the +year by special acts passed at the second session of the Fifty-fifth +Congress, making a total of 6,486 pensioners by Congressional enactments +since 1861. + +The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were +$1,253,948.44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus +of $172,314.65. + +The public lands disposed of by the Government during the year reached +8,453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previous +year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year +amounted to $2,277,995.18, an increase of $190,063.90 over the preceding +year. The lands embraced in the eleven forest reservations which were +suspended by the act of June 4, 1897, again became subject to the +operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1897, creating them, +which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area embraced +in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves +were created during the year--the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve, +in California, embracing 1,644,594 acres, and the Prescott Reserve, in +Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres--while the Pecos River Reserve, in New +Mexico, has been changed and enlarged to include 120,000 additional +acres. + +At the close of the year thirty forest reservations, not including those +of the Afognak Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve, in Alaska, had been +created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March +3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. + +The Department of the Interior has inaugurated a forest system, made +possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in +control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation +since August, but good results have already been secured in many +sections. The reports received indicate that the system of patrol has +not only prevented destructive fires from gaining headway, but has +diminished the number of fires. + +The special attention of the Congress is called to that part of +the report of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the Five +Civilized Tribes. It is noteworthy that the general condition of the +Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of a serious character +occurred during the year, and that among the Chippewa Indians of +Minnesota, which happily has been suppressed. + +While it has not yet been practicable to enforce all the provisions +of the act of June 28, 1898, "for the protection of the people of the +Indian Territory, and for other purposes," it is having a salutary +effect upon the nations composing the five tribes. The Dawes Commission +reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance toward the +attainment of the objects of the Government have been secured in the +past year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the +recommendation of the commission and of the Secretary of the Interior +for the necessity of providing for the education of the 30,000 white +children resident in the Indian Territory. + +The Department of Agriculture has been active in the past year. +Explorers have been sent to many of the countries of the Eastern and +Western hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the +United States, and with the further view of opening up markets for our +surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving +special attention to the treeless regions of our country and is +introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires, +which seriously interfere with production, especially in irrigated +regions, are being studied, that losses from this cause may be avoided. +The Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many +States of the West, and collating information regarding the laws of the +States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in +this regard, so that uniformity may be secured. Experiment stations are +becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,000 +by Congress is supplemented by $400,000 from the States. Nation-wide +experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil +and climate and States for growing sugar beets. The number of sugar +factories has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the +United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly +demonstrated. + +The Weather Bureau forecast and observation stations have been extended +around the Caribbean Sea, to give early warning of the approach of +hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine. + +In the year 1900 will occur the centennial anniversary of the founding +of the city of Washington for the permanent capital of the Government of +the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, +1790. In May, 1800, the archives and general offices of the Federal +Government were removed to this place. On the 17th of November, 1800, +the National Congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive +control of the Federal district and city. This interesting event assumes +all the more significance when we recall the circumstances attending the +choosing of the site, the naming of the capital in honor of the Father +of his Country, and the interest taken by him in the adoption of plans +for its future development on a magnificent scale. + +These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and +a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. +The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and +government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and +education which here find their natural home. + +A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary +celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the +establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an +occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with +general favor on the part of the public. + +I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this +purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. +It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a +committee from the country at large, which, acting with the +Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the +plans for an appropriate national celebration. + +The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a +measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful +application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the +principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend +these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. + +The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in +great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the +past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel +called upon to act. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 12: See pp. 127-136.] +[Footnote 13: pp. 139-150.] +[Footnote 14: See pp. 202-203.] +[Footnote 15: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 16: See pp. 153-155.] +[Footnote 17: See p. 201.] +[Footnote 18: See p. 155.] +[Footnote 19: See pp. 204-205.] +[Footnote 20: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 21: See pp. 205-206.] +[Footnote 22: See pp. 206-207.] +[Footnote 23: See Vol. VIII, pp. 501-503.] + + + +AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America +and the Kingdom of Spain. + +_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the +United States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That war be, +and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed +since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the +United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain. + +Second. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry this act into effect. + +Approved, April 25, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 10, 1899_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +As a consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace between the +United States and Spain and its expected ratification by the Spanish +Government, the United States will come into possession of the +Philippine Islands, on the farther shores of the Pacific. The Hawaiian +Islands and Guam becoming United States territory and forming convenient +stopping places on the way across the sea, the necessity for speedy +cable communication between the United States and all these Pacific +islands has become imperative. + +Such communication should be established in such a way as to be wholly +under the control of the United States, whether in time of peace or of +war. At present the Philippines can be reached only by cables which +pass through many foreign countries, and the Hawaiian Islands and Guam +can only be communicated with by steamers, involving delays in each +instance of at least a week. The present conditions should not be +allowed to continue for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. + +So long ago as 1885 reference was made in an Executive message to +Congress to the necessity for cable communication between the United +States and Hawaii. This necessity has greatly increased since then. +The question has been discussed in the Fifty-second, Fifty-fourth, and +Fifty-fifth Congresses, in each of which some effort has been made +looking toward laying a cable at least as far as the Hawaiian Islands. +The time has now arrived when a cable in the Pacific must extend at +least as far as Manila, touching at the Hawaiian Islands and Guam on +the way. + +Two methods of establishing this cable communication at once suggest +themselves: First, construction and maintenance of such a cable by +and at the expense of the United States Government, and, second, +construction and maintenance of such a cable by a private United States +corporation, under such safeguards as Congress shall impose. + +I do not make any recommendations to Congress as to which of these +methods would be the more desirable. A cable of the length of that +proposed requires so much time for construction and laying that it is +estimated that at least two years must elapse after giving the order for +the cable before the entire system could be successfully laid and put in +operation. Further deep-sea soundings must be taken west of the Hawaiian +Islands before the final route for the cable can be selected. Under +these circumstances it becomes a paramount necessity that measures +should be taken before the close of the present Congress to provide such +means as may seem most suitable for the establishment of a cable system. + +I commend the whole subject to the careful consideration of the Congress +and to such prompt action as may seem advisable. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April +20, 1898,[24] and communicated to the Government of Spain, it was +demanded that said Government at once relinquish its authority and +government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces +from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as might be necessary +to carry said resolution into effect; and + +Whereas in carrying into effect said resolution the President of the +United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade +of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between +Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast +of Cuba: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in +order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim +that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a +blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast +between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the +south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United +States and the law of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient +force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels +from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said +ports or attempting to leave the same without notice or knowledge of the +establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of +the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the +date of such warning, where such indorsement was made; and if the same +vessel shall again attempt to enter any blockaded port she will be +captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such proceedings +against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the +establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the +seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 24: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the 20th day of +April, 1898,[25] entitled "Joint resolution for the recognition of the +independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of +Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and +to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and +directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval +forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war, and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 +in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the +same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several States +and Territories and the District of Columbia according to population and +to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this +object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities +through the War Department. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 25: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898,[26] it is +declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 21st day of +April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain; and + +Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon +principles in harmony with the present views of nations and sanctioned +by their recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy +of this Government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere +to the rules of the Declaration of Paris: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of +America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the +laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: + +1. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of +contraband of war. + +2. Neutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation +under the enemy's flag. + +3. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. + +4. Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United +States shall be allowed till May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their +cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish +merchant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue their voyage if on examination of their papers +it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the +expiration of the above term: _Provided_, That nothing herein +contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officer in +the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal (except such as +may be necessary for their voyage), or any other article prohibited or +contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish Government. + +5. Any Spanish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1898, shall have +sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United +States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge +her cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without molestation; and +any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. + +6. The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the +rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be +interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a +violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + ALVEY A. ADEE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 26: See p. 201.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April, +1898,[27] entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United +States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 75,000 +in addition to the volunteers called forth by my proclamation of the 23d +of April, in the present year,[28] the same to be apportioned, as far as +practicable, among the several States and Territories and the District +of Columbia according to population and to serve for two years unless +sooner discharged. The proportion of each arm and the details of +enlistment and organization will be made known through the War +Department. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused +the seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 27: See p. 201.] + +[Footnote 28: See pp. 203-204.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas, for the reasons set forth in my proclamation of April 22, +1898,[29] a blockade of the ports on the northern coast of Cuba from +Cardenas to Bahia Honda, inclusive, and of the port of Cienfuegos, on +the south coast of Cuba, was declared to have been instituted; and + +Whereas it has become desirable to extend the blockade to other Spanish +ports: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do hereby declare and proclaim that in addition to the blockade of the +ports specified in my proclamation of April 22, 1898, the United States +of America has instituted and will maintain an effective blockade of all +the ports on the south coast of Cuba from Cape Frances to Cape Cruz, +inclusive, and also of the port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto +Rico. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by +the present proclamation extended will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom with cargo. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of June, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + J.B. MOORE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 29: See pp. 202-203.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a protocol concluded and signed August 12, 1898[30] by +William R. Day, Secretary of State of the United States, and His +Excellency Jules Cambon, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of +the Republic of France at Washington, respectively representing for this +purpose the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, +the United States and Spain have formally agreed upon the terms on which +negotiations for the establishment of peace between the two countries +shall be undertaken; and + +Whereas it is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and +signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended and +that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and +proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities +and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the +proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces +of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this +proclamation. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 30: See p. 174.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors, +hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving +thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us +during the year. + +Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as +this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce +have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and +strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought +together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity. + +The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we +were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are +permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and +the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have +been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire +us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and +magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as +to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend +protracted war. + +I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be +at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart +and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national +thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a +service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of +the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the +soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and +valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a +righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought +us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the +years to come. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN HAY, + _Secretary of State_. + + + + +EXECUTIVE ORDERS. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 7, 1898_. + + +DEWEY, + _Care American Consul, Hongkong_: + +The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your +officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. + +In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will +recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for +further promotion. + +LONG. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the +Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States +to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. +It will therefore be the duty of the commander of the expedition, +immediately upon his arrival in the islands, to publish a proclamation +declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the +Philippines, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect +them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and +religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest +submission, cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give +effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support +and protection. Our occupation should be as free from severity as +possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the authority of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which the +commander of the expedition will have to deal is that of the treatment +of property and the collection and administration of the revenues. +It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the +government of the country in its own right and all arms and supplies and +other movable property of such government may be seized by the military +occupant and converted to the use of this Government. The real property +of the state he may hold and administer, at the same time enjoying +the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy it save in the case +of military necessity. All public means of transportation, such as +telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may +be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity +they are not to be destroyed. All churches and buildings devoted to +religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, +so far as possible, to be protected, and all destruction or intentional +defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of +works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent +military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is +to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated. +Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, +and boats, may, although they belong to private individuals or +corporations, be seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed +under military necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of a conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and +the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines, you are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary +for the purpose of devising measures to secure the harmonious action of +those, two branches of the public service. + +I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a +report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a +view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient. +All ports and places in the Philippines which may be in the actual +possession of our land and naval forces will be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, and upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all +places which may be in military possession by conquest, and to apply +the proceeds to defray the cost of the war, including the expenses of +government during the military occupation. It is desirable, however, +and in accordance with the views of modern civilization, to confine +the exercise of this power, so far as possible, to the collection of +such contributions as are equivalent to the duties and taxes already +established in the territory. I have determined to order that all ports +or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession +of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the rates of duty which may be in force at the time when the +goods are imported. In the execution of this policy it may be advisable +to substitute new rates of duty and new taxes for those now levied in +the Philippines. You are therefore instructed to examine the existing +Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes, and to report to me such +recommendations as you may deem it proper to make with respect either +to the rates of duties and taxes or to the regulations which should be +adopted for their imposition and collection. + +As the levy of all contributions in territory occupied by a belligerent +is a military right derived from the law of nations, the collection and +distribution of duties and taxes in the Philippines during the military +occupation of the United States will be made, under the orders of the +Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, by the military or naval +commanders, as the case may be, of the ports or places which may be in +the possession of our forces. Your report is desired in order that I may +be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of +the Navy. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +I inclose herewith a copy of an order which I have this day addressed +to the Secretary of War, setting forth the principles on which the +occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.[31] You are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures +may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers +of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided. + +I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine +the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines +and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to +make in regard to the revenues of the islands.[32] I have informed him, +however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes +collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the +law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and +the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the +case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our +forces. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 31: See pp. 208-211.] + +[Footnote 32: See pp. 211-212.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 4, 1898._ + + +Admiral SAMPSON, + _Playa del Este, Cuba_: + +You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people. +Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors +have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and +appreciation of the nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 6, 1898._ + +_To the People of the United States of America_: + +At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented +success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the +bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no +less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved +country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and, +staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds +wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow +before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who +holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the +marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the +light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory. + +I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling +for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer +thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading +our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in +a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even +though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to +far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the +success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace. + +With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that +our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and +in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and +disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and +withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought +of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with +compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure +sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above +all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good, +may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to +our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now +ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and +tranquillity. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 8, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Playa, Cuba_: + +Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows: + +The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the +nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the +fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill +the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who +fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes. + +R.A. ALGER, _Secretary of War_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 13,1898._ + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The capitulation of the Spanish forces in Santiago de Cuba and in +the eastern part of the Province of Santiago, and the occupation of the +territory by the forces of the United States, render it necessary to +instruct the military commander of the United States as to the conduct +which he is to observe during the military occupation. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the inhabitants of +Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to +discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. It will +therefore be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make +war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among +them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in +their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active +aid or by honest submission, cooperate with the United States in its +efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the +reward of its support and protection. Our occupation should be as free +from severity as possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the supremacy of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which it +will be necessary to deal is that of the treatment of property and the +collection and administration of the revenues. It is conceded that all +public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country +in its own right and all arms and supplies and other movable property of +such government may be seized by the military occupant and converted to +his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer, +at the same time enjoying the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy +it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats, +belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in +case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed. All churches +and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, +all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected, and all +destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical +monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited +save when required by urgent military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, +is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause. Means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, and boats, +may, although they belong to private individuals or corporations, be +seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed under military +necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of the conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of +our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 16, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa_: + +The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the +profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant achievements at +Santiago, resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish +troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has +endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and +battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles +which would have overcome men less brave and determined. One and all +have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude +of the nation. The hearts of the people turn with tender sympathy to the +sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 21, 1898_. + +In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the +United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the +United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening +of hostilities with Spain, may be resumed, subject to such military +regulations as may be deemed necessary. + +As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of +the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may +be opened under the same conditions. + +The domestic postal service within the territory thus occupied may be +continued on the same principles already indicated for the continuance +of the local municipal and judicial administration, and it maybe +extended as the local requirements may justify, under the supervision of +the military commander. + +The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses +of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to +be used. + +The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in +cooperation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War +will issue the necessary directions. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 6, 1898_. + +_Ordered_, That the graves of our soldiers at Santiago shall be +permanently marked. The present marking will last but a short time, and +before its effacement occurs suitable and permanent markers should be +put up. + +The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, August 17, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _Manila, Philippines_: + +The President directs that there must be no joint occupation with the +insurgents. The United States, in the possession of Manila City, Manila +Bay and Harbor, must preserve the peace and protect persons and property +within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces. +The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation +and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities +proclaimed by the President. Use whatever means in your judgment are +necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike. + +By order Secretary War: + +H.C. CORBIN, + _Adjutant-General._ + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _United States Army, Manila_: + +In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers +and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the +conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898_. + +Admiral DEWEY, + _Manila_: + +Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your +command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the +gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 4, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila, Philippine Islands_: + +By direction of the Secretary of War, following from the President is +sent you for your early consideration. + +CORBIN. + + +The President desires that Admiral Dewey and General Otis shall have +an early conference and advise him what force and equipment will be +necessary in the Philippine Islands. The President would be glad to have +suggestions from these commanders as to the government of the islands, +which of necessity must be by the Army and the Navy for some time to +come. When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that +peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a +government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged +in their industries and made secure in life and property. The fullest +suggestions are invited. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 9, 1898_. + +By virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander in Chief of the +Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order and direct that +during the occupancy by the military authorities of the United States +of the island of Cuba and all islands in the West Indies west of the +seventy-fourth degree, west longitude, evacuated by Spain, said islands +shall constitute a collection district for customs purposes. Havana +shall be the chief port of entry. An officer of the Army shall be +assigned to such port, who shall be the collector of customs of the +islands and of the chief port and shall have general jurisdiction over +the collection of customs in the islands. + +The ports of Matanzas, Cardenas, Cienfuegos, Sagua, Caibarien, Santiago, +Manzanillo, Nuevitas, Guantanamo, Gibara, and Baracoa, in said islands, +are hereby declared to be subports of entry, and an officer of the Army +will be assigned to each of the subports, who will be the collector +of customs of a subport and shall have general jurisdiction of the +collection of customs at such port. He shall make weekly reports to +the collector of customs of the islands at the chief port of all +transactions at the subport over which he has jurisdiction, with copies +of all entries of merchandise, duly certified. + +The Secretary of War shall appoint such civilian deputy collectors, +inspectors, and other employees as may be found necessary. + +The collectors of the subports shall deposit all moneys collected by +them with the collector of the islands, and a receipt from the collector +of the islands must be taken in duplicate for all such deposits. + +There shall be appointed an auditor, who shall be stationed at the chief +port, whose duty it shall be to examine all entries of merchandise and +if found correct to certify to them. Such auditor shall on the first +of each month make a full and complete report, duly certified, to the +Secretary of War of all duties collected at each port, with an itemized +report of all expenditures made therefrom, which shall be referred to +the Auditor for the War Department for audit. + +All questions arising in the administration of customs in the islands +shall be referred to the collector of the islands at the chief port for +decision, from which there shall be no appeal, except in such cases as +may be referred by the collector of the islands to the Secretary of War +for his decision. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the +United States naval squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed +by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, +practically effected the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the +suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein. + +With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States +and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris, on the 10th +instant, and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future +control, disposition, and government of the Philippine Islands are ceded +to the United States. In fulfillment of the rights of sovereignty thus +acquired and the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, +the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the +Philippine Islands become immediately necessary, and the military +government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, +harbor, and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch +to the whole of the ceded territory. + +In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is +enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands +that in succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in severing the former +political relations of the inhabitants, and in establishing a new +political power the authority of the United States is to be exerted for +the security of the persons and property of the people of the islands +and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. + +It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as +invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in +their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious +rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, +cooperate with the Government of the United States to give effect to +these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and +protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have +assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity so far as may +be possible. + +Within the absolute domain of military authority, which necessarily is +and must remain supreme in the ceded territory until the legislation of +the United States shall otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the +territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression +of crime are to be considered as continuing in force and to be +administered by the ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. The +operations of civil and municipal government are to be performed by such +officers as may accept the supremacy of the United States by taking the +oath of allegiance, or by officers chosen as far as may be practicable +from the inhabitants of the islands. + +While the control of all the public property and the revenues of the +state passes with the cession, and while the use and management of all +public means of transportation are necessarily reserved to the authority +of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals +or corporations, is to be respected, except for cause duly established. +The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabitants to the late +government become payable to the authorities of the United States, +unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reasonable rates or +modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or +local. If private property be taken for military use, it shall be paid +for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash +is not practicable receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in the Philippine Islands in the actual possession +of the land and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the +commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares not prohibited for +military reasons, by due announcement of the military authority, will be +admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in +force at the time of their importation. + +Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the military +administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the +inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible +way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the +heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the +United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild +sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this +high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the +greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the +strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all +obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government +upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the +United States. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you +send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life +and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with +the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. + +By order of the Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate +rights or franchises for the construction of public or _quasi_ +public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone +lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made +by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba, +except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military +forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such +grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were +issued.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR: + + * * * * * + +The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the +senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are +directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation +of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to +them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid +in carrying out such arrangements. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, January 1, 1899--4.30 p.m._ + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +The President considers it of first importance that a conflict brought +on by you be avoided at this time, if possible. Can not Miller get into +communication with insurgents, giving them President's proclamation and +informing them of the purposes of the Government, assuring them that +while it will assert its sovereignty its purpose is to give them a good +government and security in their personal rights. + +By order Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 20, 1899._ + +The SECRETARY OF STATE: + +My communication to the Secretary of War dated December 21, 1898,[33] +declares the necessity of extending the actual occupation and +administration of the city, harbor, and bay of Manila to the whole of +the territory which by the treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, +passed from the sovereignty of Spain to the sovereignty of the United +States and the consequent establishment of military government +throughout the entire group of the Philippine Islands. + +While the treaty has not yet been ratified, it is believed that it will +be by the time of the arrival at Manila of the commissioners named +below. In order to facilitate the most humane, specific, and effective +extension of authority throughout these islands and to secure with the +least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of +life and property to the inhabitants, I have named Jacob G. Schurman, +Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, Charles Denby, +and Dean C. Worcester to constitute a commission to aid in the +accomplishment of these results. + +In the performance of this duty the commissioners are enjoined to meet +at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to announce by a +public proclamation their presence and the mission intrusted to them, +carefully setting forth that while the military government already +proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may +require, efforts will be made to alleviate the burdens of taxation, to +establish industrial and commercial prosperity, and to provide for the +safety of persons and of property by such means as may be found +conducive to these ends. + +The commissioners will endeavor, without interference with the military +authorities of the United States now in control of the Philippines, to +ascertain what amelioration in the condition of the inhabitants and what +improvements in public order may be practicable, and for this purpose +they will study attentively the existing social and political state of +the various populations, particularly as regards the forms of local +government, the administration of justice, the collection of customs +and other taxes, the means of transportation, and the need of public +improvements. + +They will report through the State Department, according to the forms +customary or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and preserving such +communications, the results of their observations and reflections, and +will recommend such executive action as may from time to time seem to +them wise and useful. + +The commissioners are hereby authorized to confer authoritatively +with any persons resident in the islands from whom they may believe +themselves able to derive information or suggestions valuable for the +purposes of their commission, or whom they may choose to employ as +agents, as may be necessary for this purpose. + +The temporary government of the islands is intrusted to the military +authorities, as already provided for by my instructions to the Secretary +of War of December 21, 1898,[34] and will continue until Congress shall +determine otherwise. The commission may render valuable services by +examining with special care the legislative needs of the various groups +of inhabitants and by reporting, with recommendations, the measures +which should be instituted for the maintenance of order, peace, and +public welfare, either as temporary steps to be taken immediately for +the perfection of present administration or as suggestions for future +legislation. + +In so far as immediate personal changes in the civil administration may +seem to be advisable, the commissioners are empowered to recommend +suitable persons for appointment to these offices from among the +inhabitants of the islands who have previously acknowledged their +allegiance to this Government. + +It is my desire that in all their relations with the inhabitants of +the islands the commissioners exercise due respect for all the ideals, +customs, and institutions of the tribes and races which compose the +population, emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent +intentions of the Government of the United States. + +It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners may be +received in a manner due to the honored and authorized representatives +of the American Republic, duly commissioned, on account of their +knowledge, skill, and integrity, as bearers of the good will, the +protection, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than +a conquering nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 33: See pp. 219-221.] + +[Footnote 34: See pp. 219-221.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers +of the Presidents, by William McKinley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + +***** This file should be named 13893-8.txt or 13893-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/8/9/13893/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/13893-8.zip b/old/13893-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9e7843d --- /dev/null +++ b/old/13893-8.zip diff --git a/old/13893-h.zip b/old/13893-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cd50986 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/13893-h.zip diff --git a/old/13893-h/13893-h.htm b/old/13893-h/13893-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..466a185 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/13893-h/13893-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6707 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary v0.16)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + A Compilation of the Messages and Papers Of The Presidents, + by James D. Richardson +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + p { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; } + hr { width: 50%; } + hr.full { width: 100%; } + .foot { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 85%; } + center { padding: 0.8em;} + .r { text-align: right; } + .q { margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; font-size: 80%; } + .t { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + td { font-size: 85%; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers of +the Presidents, by William McKinley + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents + William McKinley, Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders + Relating to the Spanish-American War + + +Author: William McKinley + +Release Date: October 29, 2004 [EBook #13893] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div style="height: 8em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h1> + A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS +</h1> +<center><b> + BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON +</b></center> +<center> + A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE +</center> +<center> + PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS +</center> +<center> + 1902 +</center> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> +<hr> +<h2> + William McKinley +</h2> +<h3> + Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the + Spanish-American War +</h3> +<hr> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + William McKinley +</h2> +<p> + William McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, was + born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His ancestors on + the paternal side, who were Scotch-Irish, came from Scotland and located + in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, David McKinley, after serving in + the Revolution, resided in Pennsylvania until 1814, when he went to + Ohio, where he died in 1840, at the age of 85. The grandmother of the + President, Mary Rose, came from a Puritan family that fled from England + to Holland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn. The father + of the President, William McKinley, sr., was born in Pine Township, + Mercer County, Pa., in 1807, and married Nancy Campbell Allison, of + Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1829. Both the grandfather and father of the + President were iron manufacturers. His father was a devout Methodist, + a stanch Whig and Republican, and an ardent advocate of a protective + tariff. He died during his son's first term as governor of Ohio, in + November, 1892, at the age of 85. The mother of the President passed + away at Canton, Ohio, in December, 1897, at the advanced age of 89. + William McKinley was educated in the public schools of Niles, Union + Seminary, at Poland, Ohio, and Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa. + Before attaining his majority taught in the public schools. At the + age of 16 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the + beginning of hostilities in the War between the States Mr. McKinley, + who was a clerk in the Poland post-office, volunteered his services, + and on June 11, 1861, was enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Ohio + Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the early engagements in West + Virginia, and in the winter's camp at Fayetteville received his first + promotion, commissary-sergeant, on April 15, 1862. In recognition of his + services at Antietam, Sergeant McKinley was made second lieutenant, his + commission dating from September 24, 1862, and on February 7, 1863, + while at Camp Piatt, he was again promoted, receiving the rank of first + lieutenant. In the retreat near Lynchburg, Va., his regiment marched 180 + miles, fighting nearly all the time, with scarcely any rest or food. + Lieutenant McKinley conducted himself with gallantry, and at Winchester + won additional honors. The Thirteenth West Virginia Regiment failed to + retire when the rest of Hayes's brigade fell back, and, being in great + danger of capture, the young lieutenant was directed to go and bring + it away, which he did in safety, after riding through a heavy fire. + On July 25, 1864, at the age of 21, McKinley was promoted to the rank of + captain. The brigade continued its fighting up and down the Shenandoah + Valley. At Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864, Captain McKinley's horse + was shot from under him. Served successively on the staffs of Generals + R.B. Hayes, George Crook, and Winfield S. Hancock, and on March 14, + 1865, was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by President + Lincoln for gallantry in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, and + Fishers Hill. Was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general of the + First Division, First Army Corps, on the staff of General Samuel S. + Carroll. At the close of the war was urged to remain in the Army, but, + deferring to the judgment of his father, was mustered out of the service + July 26, 1865, and returned to Poland. At once began the study of law + under Glidden & Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio, and later attended the + law school in Albany, N.Y. Was admitted to the bar in March, 1867, at + Warren, Ohio, and the same year removed to Canton, Ohio, which has since + been his home. In 1867 his first political speeches were made in favor + of negro suffrage. In 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark + County, and served one term, being defeated two years later for the same + office. Mr. McKinley took an active interest in State politics, and made + speeches in many of the campaigns. On January 25, 1871, married Miss + Ida Saxton. Two daughters were born to them, both of whom died in + early childhood. In 1876 was elected a member of the National House of + Representatives, and for fourteen years represented the Congressional + district of which his county was a part, except for a portion of his + fourth term, when he was unseated late in the first session. While in + Congress served on the Committees on the Judiciary, Revision of the + Laws, Expenditures in the Post-Office Department, Rules, and Ways and + Means. As chairman of the last-named committee in the Fifty-first + Congress, reported the tariff law of 1890. At the beginning of this + Congress was defeated in the caucus of his party for the Speakership of + the House. In the meantime, his district having been materially changed, + he was defeated for reelection to Congress in November, 1890, though he + largely reduced the usual majority against his party in the counties of + which the new district was constituted. In 1891 was elected governor of + Ohio by a plurality of 21,500, and in 1893 was reelected by a plurality + of 80,995. In 1884 was a delegate at large to the Republican national + convention, and supported James G. Blaine for President; was a member + of the committee on resolutions, and presented the platform to the + convention. Also attended the convention of his party in 1888 as a + delegate at large from Ohio, supporting John Sherman for President, + and as chairman of the committee on resolutions again reported the + platform. In 1892 was again a delegate at large from Ohio, and + supported the renomination of Benjamin Harrison, and served as chairman + of the convention. At that convention 182 votes were cast for him + for President, although he had persistently refused to have his name + considered. On June 18, 1896, was nominated for President by the + national convention of his party at St. Louis, receiving on the first + ballot 661-1/2 out of a total of 922 votes. Was chosen President at the + ensuing November election by a plurality in the popular vote of over + 600,000, and received 271 electoral votes, against 176 for William J. + Bryan, of Nebraska. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 17, 1897</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Official information from our consuls in Cuba establishes the fact that + a large number of American citizens in the island are in a state of + destitution, suffering for want of food and medicines. This applies + particularly to the rural districts of the central and eastern parts. +</p> +<p> + The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into + the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local + authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to + relieve the needs of their own people and are altogether powerless to + help our citizens. +</p> +<p> + The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight hundred + Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that + provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend + that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be + immediately available, for use under the direction of the Secretary of + State. +</p> +<p> + It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by + Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be + used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return + to the United States, are without means to do so. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 6, 1897</i>. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + The most important problem with which this Government is now called upon + to deal pertaining to its foreign relations concerns its duty toward + Spain and the Cuban insurrection. Problems and conditions more or less + in common with those now existing have confronted this Government at + various times in the past. The story of Cuba for many years has been one + of unrest, growing discontent, an effort toward a larger enjoyment of + liberty and self-control, of organized resistance to the mother country, + of depression after distress and warfare, and of ineffectual settlement + to be followed by renewed revolt. For no enduring period since the + enfranchisement of the continental possessions of Spain in the Western + Continent has the condition of Cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba + not caused concern to the United States. +</p> +<p> + The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon + the island and the political vicissitudes and embarrassments of the home + Government might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power + called forth between 1823 and 1860 various emphatic declarations of + the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's + connection with Spain unless in the direction of independence or + acquisition by us through purchase, nor has there been any change of + this declared policy since upon the part of the Government. +</p> +<p> + The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years despite the + strenuous efforts of the successive peninsular governments to suppress + it. Then as now the Government of the United States testified its grave + concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The + overtures made by General Grant were refused and the war dragged on, + entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to + American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality upon + this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of Zanjon, + obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander, Martinez de + Campos, and the insurgent leaders. +</p> +<p> + The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895. It is not + my purpose at this time to recall its remarkable increase or to + characterize its tenacious resistance against the enormous forces massed + against it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue it carried + destruction to every quarter of the island, developing wide proportions + and defying the efforts of Spain for its suppression. The civilized code + of war has been disregarded, no less so by the Spaniards than by the + Cubans. +</p> +<p> + The existing conditions can not but fill this Government and the + American people with the gravest apprehension. There is no desire on the + part of our people to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We have only + the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and contented, enjoying that + measure of self-control which is the inalienable right of man, protected + in their right to reap the benefit of the exhaustless treasures of their + country. +</p> +<p> + The offer made by my predecessor in April, 1896, tendering the friendly + offices of this Government, failed. Any mediation on our part was not + accepted. In brief, the answer read: "There is no effectual way to + pacify Cuba unless it begins with the actual submission of the rebels + to the mother country." Then only could Spain act in the promised + direction, of her own motion and after her own plans. +</p> +<p> + The cruel policy of concentration was initiated February 16, 1896. The + productive districts controlled by the Spanish armies were depopulated. + The agricultural inhabitants were herded in and about the garrison + towns, their lands laid waste and their dwellings destroyed. This policy + the late cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary measure of war and as + a means of cutting off supplies from the insurgents. It has utterly + failed as a war measure. It was not civilized warfare. It was + extermination. +</p> +<p> + Against this abuse of the rights of war I have felt constrained on + repeated occasions to enter the firm and earnest protest of this + Government. There was much of public condemnation of the treatment of + American citizens by alleged illegal arrests and long imprisonment + awaiting trial or pending protracted judicial proceedings. I felt it my + first duty to make instant demand for the release or speedy trial of all + American citizens under arrest. Before the change of the Spanish cabinet + in October last twenty-two prisoners, citizens of the United States, had + been given their freedom. +</p> +<p> + For the relief of our own citizens suffering because of the conflict + the aid of Congress was sought in a special message,<a href="#note-1"><small>1</small></a> and under + the appropriation of May 24, 1897,<a href="#note-2"><small>2</small></a> effective aid has been given to + American citizens in Cuba, many of them at their own request having been + returned to the United States. +</p> +<p> + The instructions given to our new minister to Spain before his departure + for his post directed him to impress upon that Government the sincere + wish of the United States to lend its aid toward the ending of the war + in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable + alike to Spain and to the Cuban people. These instructions recited the + character and duration of the contest, the widespread losses it entails, + the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance + of national interests, and the injury resulting from an indefinite + continuance of this state of things. It was stated that at this juncture + our Government was constrained to seriously inquire if the time was not + ripe when Spain of her own volition, moved by her own interests and + every sentiment of humanity, should put a stop to this destructive war + and make proposals of settlement honorable to herself and just to her + Cuban colony. It was urged that as a neighboring nation, with large + interests in Cuba, we could be required to wait only a reasonable time + for the mother country to establish its authority and restore peace and + order within the borders of the island; that we could not contemplate an + indefinite period for the accomplishment of this result. +</p> +<p> + No solution was proposed to which the slightest idea of humiliation to + Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were withheld to + avoid embarrassment to that Government. All that was asked or expected + was that some safe way might be speedily provided and permanent peace + restored. It so chanced that the consideration of this offer, addressed + to the same Spanish administration which had declined the tenders of + my predecessor, and which for more than two years had poured men and + treasure into Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress the revolt, fell + to others. Between the departure of General Woodford, the new envoy, + and his arrival in Spain the statesman who had shaped the policy of his + country fell by the hand of an assassin, and although the cabinet of the + late premier still held office and received from our envoy the proposals + he bore, that cabinet gave place within a few days thereafter to a new + administration, under the leadership of Sagasta. +</p> +<p> + The reply to our note was received on the 23d day of October. It is in + the direction of a better understanding. It appreciates the friendly + purposes of this Government. It admits that our country is deeply + affected by the war in Cuba and that its desires for peace are just. + It declares that the present Spanish government is bound by every + consideration to a change of policy that should satisfy the United + States and pacify Cuba within a reasonable time. To this end Spain has + decided to put into effect the political reforms heretofore advocated by + the present premier, without halting for any consideration in the path + which in its judgment leads to peace. The military operations, it is + said, will continue, but will be humane and conducted with all regard + for private rights, being accompanied by political action leading to + the autonomy of Cuba while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it is + claimed, will result in investing Cuba with a distinct personality, the + island to be governed by an executive and by a local council or chamber, + reserving to Spain the control of the foreign relations, the army and + navy, and the judicial administration. To accomplish this the present + government proposes to modify existing legislation by decree, leaving + the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators and deputies, to + solve the economic problem and properly distribute the existing debt. +</p> +<p> + In the absence of a declaration of the measures that this Government + proposes to take in carrying out its proffer of good offices, it + suggests that Spain be left free to conduct military operations and + grant political reforms, while the United States for its part shall + enforce its neutral obligations and cut off the assistance which it is + asserted the insurgents receive from this country. The supposition of an + indefinite prolongation of the war is denied. It is asserted that the + western provinces are already well-nigh reclaimed, that the planting of + cane and tobacco therein has been resumed, and that by force of arms and + new and ample reforms very early and complete pacification is hoped for. +</p> +<p> + The immediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new + administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal the + disturbance and all occasion for any change of attitude on the part + of the United States. Discussion of the question of the international + duties and responsibilities of the United States as Spain understands + them is presented, with an apparent disposition to charge us with + failure in this regard. This charge is without any basis in fact. It + could not have been made if Spain had been cognizant of the constant + efforts this Government has made, at the cost of millions and by the + employment of the administrative machinery of the nation at command, + to perform its full duty according to the law of nations. That it has + successfully prevented the departure of a single military expedition or + armed vessel from our shores in violation of our laws would seem to be + a sufficient answer. But of this aspect of the Spanish note it is not + necessary to speak further now. Firm in the conviction of a wholly + performed obligation, due response to this charge has been made in + diplomatic course. +</p> +<p> + Throughout all these horrors and dangers to our own peace this + Government has never in any way abrogated its sovereign prerogative of + reserving to itself the determination of its policy and course according + to its own high sense of right and in consonance with the dearest + interests and convictions of our own people should the prolongation of + the strife so demand. +</p> +<p> + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. +</p> +<p> + Recognition of the belligerency of the Cuban insurgents has often + been canvassed as a possible, if not inevitable, step both in regard + to the previous ten years struggle and during the present war. I am + not unmindful that the two Houses of Congress in the spring of 1896 + expressed the opinion by concurrent resolution that a condition of + public war existed requiring or justifying the recognition of a state + of belligerency in Cuba, and during the extra session the Senate voted + a joint resolution of like import, which, however, was not brought + to a vote in the House of Representatives. In the presence of these + significant expressions of the sentiment of the legislative branch it + behooves the Executive to soberly consider the conditions under which + so important a measure must needs rest for justification. It is to be + seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection possesses beyond + dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone can demand the + recognition of belligerency in its favor. Possession, in short, of + the essential qualifications of sovereignty by the insurgents and the + conduct of the war by them according to the received code of war are + no less important factors toward the determination of the problem of + belligerency than are the influences and consequences of the struggle + upon the internal polity of the recognizing state. +</p> +<p> + The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of + December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in + Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous + conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all + those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and + of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of + condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated. + Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously + affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United + States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and + intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which + now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem: +</p> +<p class="q"> + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. +</p> +<p class="q"> + In a former message to Congress<a href="#note-3"><small>3</small></a> I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, + dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the + fearful dignity of war. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign + powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be + pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past + history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights + which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable + propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been + its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good + report. The question of according or of withholding rights of + belligerency must be judged in every case in view of the particular + attending facts. Unless justified by necessity, it is always, and + justly, regarded as an unfriendly act and a gratuitous demonstration + of moral support to the rebellion. It is necessary, and it is + required, when the interests and rights of another government or of + its people are so far affected by a pending civil conflict as to + require a definition of its relations to the parties thereto. But + this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the sense of + international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The mere + existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts do + not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and + manifest to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary + functions of government toward its own people and to other states, + with courts for the administration of justice, with a local + habitation, possessing such organization of force, such material, such + occupation of territory, as to take the contest out of the category of + a mere rebellious insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it + on the terrible footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency + would aim to elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the + insurrection has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it + may send forth its flag, nor has it any means of communication with + foreign powers except through the military lines of its adversaries. + No apprehension of any of those sudden and difficult complications + which a war upon the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, + both commercial and national, and upon the consular officers of other + powers calls for the definition of their relations to the parties to + the contest. Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the + accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and premature + as I regard it to be, at present, indefensible as a measure of right. + Such recognition entails upon the country according the rights which + flow from it difficult and complicated duties, and requires the + exaction from the contending parties of the strict observance of their + rights and obligations. It confers the right of search upon the high + seas by vessels of both parties; it would subject the carrying of arms + and munitions of war, which now may be transported freely and without + interruption in the vessels of the United States, to detention and to + possible seizure; it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, + would release the parent Government from responsibility for acts done + by the insurgents, and would invest Spain with the right to exercise + the supervision recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on + the high seas, a very large part of which, in its traffic between the + Atlantic and the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on + the Pacific, passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. + The exercise of this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to + abuses, certainly to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations + of the two States. There can be little doubt to what result such + supervision would before long draw this nation. It would be unworthy + of the United States to inaugurate the possibilities of such result by + measures of questionable right or expediency or by any indirection. +</p> +<p> + Turning to the practical aspects of a recognition of belligerency + and reviewing its inconveniences and positive dangers, still further + pertinent considerations appear. In the code of nations there is no + such thing as a naked recognition of belligerency, unaccompanied by the + assumption of international neutrality. Such recognition, without more, + will not confer upon either party to a domestic conflict a status not + theretofore actually possessed or affect the relation of either party to + other states. The act of recognition usually takes the form of a solemn + proclamation of neutrality, which recites the <i>de facto</i> condition + of belligerency as its motive. It announces a domestic law of neutrality + in the declaring state. It assumes the international obligations of a + neutral in the presence of a public state of war. It warns all citizens + and others within the jurisdiction of the proclaimant that they violate + those rigorous obligations at their own peril and can not expect to be + shielded from the consequences. The right of visit and search on the + seas and seizure of vessels and cargoes and contraband of war and good + prize under admiralty law must under international law be admitted + as a legitimate consequence of a proclamation of belligerency. While + according the equal belligerent rights defined by public law to each + party in our ports disfavors would be imposed on both, which, while + nominally equal, would weigh heavily in behalf of Spain herself. + Possessing a navy and controlling the ports of Cuba, her maritime rights + could be asserted not only for the military investment of the island, + but up to the margin of our own territorial waters, and a condition of + things would exist for which the Cubans within their own domain could + not hope to create a parallel, while its creation through aid or + sympathy from within our domain would be even more impossible than now, + with the additional obligations of international neutrality we would + perforce assume. +</p> +<p> + The enforcement of this enlarged and onerous code of neutrality would + only be influential within our own jurisdiction by land and sea and + applicable by our own instrumentalities. It could impart to the United + States no jurisdiction between Spain and the insurgents. It would give + the United States no right of intervention to enforce the conduct of the + strife within the paramount authority of Spain according to the + international code of war. +</p> +<p> + For these reasons I regard the recognition of the belligerency of the + Cuban insurgents as now unwise, and therefore inadmissible. Should that + step hereafter be deemed wise as a measure of right and duty, the + Executive will take it. +</p> +<p> + Intervention upon humanitarian grounds has been frequently suggested and + has not failed to receive my most anxious and earnest consideration. + But should such a step be now taken, when it is apparent that a hopeful + change has supervened in the policy of Spain toward Cuba? A new + government has taken office in the mother country. It is pledged in + advance to the declaration that all the effort in the world can not + suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet; that vague promises of + reform after subjugation afford no solution of the insular problem; that + with a substitution of commanders must come a change of the past system + of warfare for one in harmony with a new policy, which shall no longer + aim to drive the Cubans to the "horrible alternative of taking to the + thicket or succumbing in misery;" that reforms must be instituted in + accordance with the needs and circumstances of the time, and that these + reforms, while designed to give full autonomy to the colony and to + create a virtual entity and self-controlled administration, shall yet + conserve and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a just distribution of + powers and burdens upon a basis of mutual interest untainted by methods + of selfish expediency. +</p> +<p> + The first acts of the new government lie in these honorable paths. + The policy of cruel rapine and extermination that so long shocked the + universal sentiment of humanity has been reversed. Under the new + military commander a broad clemency is proffered. Measures have already + been set on foot to relieve the horrors of starvation. The power of the + Spanish armies, it is asserted, is to be used not to spread ruin and + desolation, but to protect the resumption of peaceful agricultural + pursuits and productive industries. That past methods are futile to + force a peace by subjugation is freely admitted, and that ruin without + conciliation must inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity of a + contented dependency. +</p> +<p> + Decrees in application of the foreshadowed reforms have already been + promulgated. The full text of these decrees has not been received, but + as furnished in a telegraphic summary from our minister are: All civil + and electoral rights of peninsular Spaniards are, in virtue of existing + constitutional authority, forthwith extended to colonial Spaniards. A + scheme of autonomy has been proclaimed by decree, to become effective + upon ratification by the Cortes. It creates a Cuban parliament, which, + with the insular executive, can consider and vote upon all subjects + affecting local order and interests, possessing unlimited powers save as + to matters of state, war, and the navy, as to which the Governor-General + acts by his own authority as the delegate of the central Government. + This parliament receives the oath of the Governor-General to preserve + faithfully the liberties and privileges of the colony, and to it the + colonial secretaries are responsible. It has the right to propose to the + central Government, through the Governor-General, modifications of the + national charter and to invite new projects of law or executive measures + in the interest of the colony. +</p> +<p> + Besides its local powers, it is competent, first, to regulate electoral + registration and procedure and prescribe the qualifications of electors + and the manner of exercising suffrage; second, to organize courts of + justice with native judges from members of the local bar; third, to + frame the insular budget, both as to expenditures and revenues, without + limitation of any kind, and to set apart the revenues to meet the Cuban + share of the national budget, which latter will be voted by the national + Cortes with the assistance of Cuban senators and deputies; fourth, to + initiate or take part in the negotiations of the national Government for + commercial treaties which may affect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept + or reject commercial treaties which the national Government may have + concluded without the participation of the Cuban government; sixth, + to frame the colonial tariff, acting in accord with the peninsular + Government in scheduling articles of mutual commerce between the mother + country and the colonies. Before introducing or voting upon a bill the + Cuban government or the chambers will lay the project before the central + Government and hear its opinion thereon, all the correspondence in such + regard being made public. Finally, all conflicts of jurisdiction arising + between the different municipal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or + between the latter and the insular executive power, and which from their + nature may not be referable to the central Government for decision, + shall be submitted to the courts. +</p> +<p> + That the government of Sagasta has entered upon a course from which + recession with honor is impossible can hardly be questioned; that in + the few weeks it has existed it has made earnest of the sincerity of its + professions is undeniable. I shall not impugn its sincerity, nor should + impatience be suffered to embarrass it in the task it has undertaken. + It is honestly due to Spain and to our friendly relations with Spain + that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations + and to prove the asserted efficacy of the new order of things to which + she stands irrevocably committed. She has recalled the commander whose + brutal orders inflamed the American mind and shocked the civilized + world. She has modified the horrible order of concentration and has + undertaken to care for the helpless and permit those who desire to + resume the cultivation of their fields to do so, and assures them of the + protection of the Spanish Government in their lawful occupations. She + has just released the <i>Competitor</i> prisoners, heretofore sentenced + to death, and who have been the subject of repeated diplomatic + correspondence during both this and the preceding Administration. +</p> +<p> + Not a single American citizen is now in arrest or confinement in Cuba of + whom this Government has any knowledge. The near future will demonstrate + whether the indispensable condition of a righteous peace, just alike to + the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our interests so + intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If + not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will + remain to be taken. When that time comes, that action will be determined + in the line of indisputable right and duty. It will be faced, without + misgiving or hesitancy, in the light of the obligation this Government + owes to itself, to the people who have confided to it the protection of + their interests and honor, and to humanity. +</p> +<p> + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command the + support and approval of the civilized world. +</p> +<hr> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION appropriating $50,000 for the relief of destitute + citizens of the United States in the island of Cuba. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That the sum of $50,000 be, + and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury + not otherwise appropriated, for the relief of destitute citizens of the + United States in the island of Cuba, said money to be expended at the + discretion and under the direction of the President of the United States + in the purchase and furnishing of food, clothing, and medicines to such + citizens, and for transporting to the United States such of them as so + desire and who are without means to transport themselves. +</p> +<p> + Approved, May 24, 1897. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 28, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + For some time prior to the visit of the <i>Maine</i> to Havana Harbor + our consular representatives pointed out the advantages to flow from the + visit of national ships to the Cuban waters, in accustoming the people + to the presence of our flag as the symbol of good will and of our ships + in the fulfillment of the mission of protection to American interests, + even though no immediate need therefor might exist. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, on the 24th of January last, after conference with the + Spanish minister, in which the renewal of visits of our war vessels to + Spanish waters was discussed and accepted, the peninsular authorities at + Madrid and Havana were advised of the purpose of this Government to + resume friendly naval visits at Cuban ports, and that in that view the + <i>Maine</i> would forthwith call at the port of Havana. +</p> +<p> + This announcement was received by the Spanish Government with + appreciation of the friendly character of the visit of the <i>Maine</i> + and with notification of intention to return the courtesy by sending + Spanish ships to the principal ports of the United States. Meanwhile the + <i>Maine</i> entered the port of Havana on the 25th of January, her + arrival being marked with no special incident besides the exchange of + customary salutes and ceremonial visits. +</p> +<p> + The <i>Maine</i> continued in the harbor of Havana during the three + weeks following her arrival. No appreciable excitement attended her + stay. On the contrary, a feeling of relief and confidence followed the + resumption of the long-interrupted friendly intercourse. So noticeable + was this immediate effect of her visit that the consul-general strongly + urged that the presence of our ships in Cuban waters should be kept up + by retaining the <i>Maine</i> at Havana, or, in the event of her recall, + by sending another vessel there to take her place. +</p> +<p> + At forty minutes past 9 in the evening of the 15th of February the + <i>Maine</i> was destroyed by an explosion, by which the entire forward + part of the ship was utterly wrecked. In this catastrophe 2 officers and + 264 of her crew perished, those who were not killed outright by her + explosion being penned between decks by the tangle of wreckage and + drowned by the immediate sinking of the hull. +</p> +<p> + Prompt assistance was rendered by the neighboring vessels anchored in + the harbor, aid being especially given by the boats of the Spanish + cruiser <i>Alfonso XII</i> and the Ward Line steamer <i>City of Washington</i>, + which lay not far distant. The wounded were generously cared for by + the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, + while the earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the + municipality in a public cemetery in the city. Tributes of grief and + sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. +</p> +<p> + The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with + crushing force, and for a brief time an intense excitement prevailed, + which in a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have + led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave + way to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to investigate + the facts and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the + cause, the responsibility, and, if the facts warranted, the remedy due. + This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the + Executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained + certainty could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty + in the matter. +</p> +<p> + The usual procedure was followed, as in all cases of casualty or + disaster to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of + inquiry was at once organized, composed of officers well qualified by + rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed + upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court + proceeded to make a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every + available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes + of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost + deliberation and judgment, and, while independently pursued, no + attainable source of information was neglected, and the fullest + opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous investigation by the Spanish + authorities. +</p> +<p> + The finding of the court of inquiry was reached, after twenty-three days + of continuous labor, on the 21st of March instant, and, having been + approved on the 22d by the commander in chief of the United States naval + force on the North Atlantic station, was transmitted to the Executive. +</p> +<p> + It is herewith laid before the Congress, together with the voluminous + testimony taken before the court. +</p> +<p> + Its purport is, in brief, as follows: +</p> +<p> + When the <i>Maine</i> arrived at Havana, she was conducted by the regular + Government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored in from 5-1/2 + to 6 fathoms of water. +</p> +<p> + The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magazines, + boilers, coal bunkers, and storage compartments are passed in review, + with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no + indication of any cause for an internal explosion existed in any + quarter. +</p> +<p> + At 8 o'clock in the evening of February 15 everything had been reported + secure, and all was quiet. +</p> +<p> + At forty minutes past 9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly destroyed. +</p> +<p> + There were two distinct explosions, with a brief interval between them. + The first lifted the forward part of the ship very perceptibly; the + second, which was more open, prolonged, and of greater volume, is + attributed by the court to the partial explosion of two or more of the + forward magazines. +</p> +<p> + The evidence of the divers establishes that the after part of the ship + was practically intact and sank in that condition a very few moments + after the explosion. The forward part was completely demolished. +</p> +<p> + Upon the evidence of a concurrent external cause the finding of the + court is as follows: +</p> +<p> + At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point 11-1/2 feet from + the middle line of the ship and 6 feet above the keel when in its normal + position, has been forced up so as to be now about 4 feet above the + surface of the water, therefore about 34 feet above where it would be + had the ship sunk uninjured. +</p> +<p> + The outside bottom plating is bent into a reversed V shape (*A), the + after wing of which, about 15 feet broad and 32 feet in length (from + frame 17 to frame 25), is doubled back upon itself against the + continuation of the same plating, extending forward. +</p> +<p> + At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two and the flat keel bent + into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. + This break is now about 6 feet below the surface of the water and about + 30 feet above its normal position. +</p> +<p> + In the opinion of the court this effect could have been produced only by + the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about + frame 18 and somewhat on the port side of the ship. +</p> +<p> + The conclusions of the court are: +</p> +<p> + That the loss of the <i>Maine</i> was not in any respect due to fault or + negligence on the part of any of the officers or members of her crew; +</p> +<p> + That the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which + caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines; + and +</p> +<p> + That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the + destruction of the <i>Maine</i> upon any person or persons. +</p> +<p> + I have directed that the finding of the court of inquiry and the views + of this Government thereon be communicated to the Government of Her + Majesty the Queen Regent, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the + sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action + suggested by honor and the friendly relations of the two Governments. +</p> +<p> + It will be the duty of the Executive to advise the Congress of the + result, and in the meantime deliberate consideration is invoked. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the + President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the + state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures + as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty to now + address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the + relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that + for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with + the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which + it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the + traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the + precepts laid down by the founders of the Republic and religiously + observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. +</p> +<p> + The present revolution is but the successor of other similar + insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, + extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which during + its progress has subjected the United States to great effort and expense + in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American + trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among + our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized + practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane + sympathies of our people. +</p> +<p> + Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country has + seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword in + the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and + rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness + of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent + people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the + sovereign state. +</p> +<p> + Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to + comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its + exceptional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills + in ruins, and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and + destitution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance + of that strict neutrality which our laws enjoin and which the law of + nations commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports + in prevention of any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. +</p> +<p> + Our trade has suffered, the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba + has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people + have been so sorely tried as to beget a perilous unrest among our own + citizens, which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in + the National Legislature, so that issues wholly external to our own body + politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion to + domestic advancement that becomes a self-contained commonwealth whose + primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entanglements. All + this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused, the utmost concern on + the part of this Government, as well during my predecessor's term as in + my own. +</p> +<p> + In April, 1896, the evils from which our country suffered through the + Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to bring + about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any way that + might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between Spain + and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of + self-government for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It + failed through the refusal of the Spanish government then in power to + consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement which + did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the mother + country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might see fit to + grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the insurgents was + in no wise diminished. +</p> +<p> + The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh + levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of + a new and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history + of civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and + concentration, inaugurated by the Captain-General's <i>bando</i> of + October 21, 1896, in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended + to embrace all of the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was + able to reach by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, + including all dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven + into the garrison towns or isolated places held by the troops. +</p> +<p> + The raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. + The fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills + destroyed, and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and + render it unfit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or + the other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at + their disposal. +</p> +<p> + By the time the present Administration took office, a year ago, + reconcentration (so called) had been made effective over the better part + of the four central and western provinces—Santa Clara, Matanzas, + Havana, and Pinar del Rio. +</p> +<p> + The agricultural population to the estimated number of 300,000 or more + was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, deprived of + the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left poorly clad, + and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the scarcity of food + increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas of production, + destitution and want became misery and starvation. Month by month the + death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By March, 1897, according to + conservative estimates from official Spanish sources, the mortality + among the reconcentrados from starvation and the diseases thereto + incident exceeded 50 per cent of their total number. +</p> +<p> + No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened + towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. + So-called "zones of cultivation" established within the immediate areas + of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps + proved illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being + for the most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, + enfeebled by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without + tools, seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the + cities. Reconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to + cut off the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. + As I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; + it was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the + wilderness and the grave. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a + noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the + second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the thitherto + unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and destruction up + to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed into a dogged + struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The Spanish arms regained + a measure of control in Pinar del Rio and parts of Havana, but, under + the existing conditions of the rural country, without immediate + improvement of their productive situation. Even thus partially + restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their conquest and + submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole basis of + peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. +</p> +<p> + In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted with + the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December<a href="#note-4"><small>4</small></a> reviewed + the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to relieving its + acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable settlement. The + assassination of the prime minister, Canovas, led to a change of + government in Spain. The former administration, pledged to subjugation + without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal party, + committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the wider + principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. +</p> +<p> + The overtures of this Government made through its new envoy, General + Woodford, and looking to an immediate and effective amelioration of the + condition of the island, although not accepted to the extent of admitted + mediation in any shape, were met by assurances that home rule in an + advanced phase would be forthwith offered to Cuba, without waiting for + the war to end, and that more humane methods should thenceforth prevail + in the conduct of hostilities. Coincidentally with these declarations + the new government of Spain continued and completed the policy, already + begun by its predecessor, of testifying friendly regard for this nation + by releasing American citizens held under one charge or another + connected with the insurrection, so that by the end of November not a + single person entitled in any way to our national protection remained in + a Spanish prison. +</p> +<p> + While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution of + the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among them + claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the limited + measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens among them + by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies of the money + appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint resolution approved + May 24, 1897,<a href="#note-5"><small>5</small></a> prompted the humane extension of a similar scheme of + aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to this end was + acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. +</p> +<p> + On the 24th of December last I caused to be issued an appeal to the + American people inviting contributions in money or in kind for the + succor of the starving sufferers in Cuba, following this on the 8th of + January by a similar public announcement of the formation of a central + Cuban relief committee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of + three members representing the American National Red Cross and the + religious and business elements of the community. +</p> +<p> + The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accomplished + much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have greatly aided + the charitable work. The president of the American Red Cross and + representatives of other contributory organizations have generously + visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and the local + authorities to make effective distribution of the relief collected + through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 in money + and supplies has already reached the sufferers, and more is forthcoming. + The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation to the interior + has been arranged, so that the relief, at first necessarily confined to + Havana and the larger cities, is now extended through most, if not all, + of the towns where suffering exists. +</p> +<p> + Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a change + in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the Spanish + Government. Within a few days past the orders of General Weyler have + been revoked. The reconcentrados, it is said, are to be permitted to + return to their homes and aided to resume the self-supporting pursuits + of peace. Public works have been ordered to give them employment and a + sum of $600,000 has been appropriated for their relief. +</p> +<p> + The war in Cuba is of such a nature that, short of subjugation or + extermination, a final military victory for either side seems + impracticable. The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the + one or the other party, or perhaps of both—a condition which in effect + ended the ten years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a + protraction and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly + to be contemplated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of + all by the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and + intimately, by its very existence. +</p> +<p> + Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true + friendliness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans, who have so much to + lose by the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an + immediate termination of the war. To this end I submitted on the 27th + ultimo, as a result of much representation and correspondence, through + the United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish + Government looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation + of peace with the good offices of the President. +</p> +<p> + In addition I asked the immediate revocation of the order of + reconcentration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and + the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United + States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full + relief. +</p> +<p> + The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the + 31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, + to confide the preparation thereof to the insular parliament, inasmuch + as the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final + result, it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the + constitution to the central Government are not lessened or diminished. + As the Cuban parliament does not meet until the 4th of May next, the + Spanish Government would not object for its part to accept at once + a suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the + general in chief, to whom it would pertain in such case to determine + the duration and conditions of the armistice. +</p> +<p> + The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of the + Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the texts + of which are before me and are substantially in the language above + given. The function of the Cuban parliament in the matter of "preparing" + peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in the Spanish + memorandum, but from General Woodford's explanatory reports of + preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is understood + that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the insular congress + full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insurgents, whether by + direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legislation does not + appear. +</p> +<p> + With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its + disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end of + his effort. +</p> +<p> + In my annual message of December last I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. +</p> +<p> + Thereupon I reviewed these alternatives in the light of President + Grant's measured words, uttered in 1875, when, after seven years of + sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba, he reached the + conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was + impracticable and indefensible and that the recognition of belligerence + was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public law. + I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, pointing + out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition of + belligerence, which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of + neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend our + influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. +</p> +<p> + Nothing has since occurred to change my view in this regard, and + I recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of + neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents + is published, could of itself and unattended by other action accomplish + nothing toward the one end for which we labor—the instant pacification + of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. +</p> +<p> + Turning to the question of recognizing at this time the independence + of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find safe precedents + in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in President + Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 1836, on the subject of the + recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions of France, + out of the disputes relating to the crowns of Portugal and Spain, out + of the revolutionary movements of those Kingdoms, out of the separation + of the American possessions of both from the European Governments, and + out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in + Spanish America, so wisely consistent with our just principles has been + the action of our Government that we have under the most critical + circumstances avoided all censure and encountered no other evil than + that produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those against + whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. +</p> +<p class="q"> + It has thus been made known to the world that the uniform policy and + practice of the United States is to avoid all interference in disputes + which merely relate to the internal government of other nations, and + eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party, without + reference to our particular interests and views or to the merits of the + original controversy. +</p> +<hr> +<p class="q"> + * * * But on this as on every trying occasion safety is to be found in + a rigid adherence to principle. +</p> +<p class="q"> + In the contest between Spain and her revolted colonies we stood aloof + and waited, not only until the ability of the new States to protect + themselves was fully established, but until the danger of their being + again subjugated had entirely passed away. Then, and not till then, were + they recognized. Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * + It is true that, with regard to Texas, the civil authority of Mexico has + been expelled, its invading army defeated, the chief of the Republic + himself captured, and all present power to control the newly organized + Government of Texas annihilated within its confines. But, on the other + hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical + force on the side of Mexico. The Mexican Republic under another + Executive is rallying its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh + invasion to recover its lost dominion. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas + may be considered as suspended, and were there nothing peculiar in the + relative situation of the United States and Texas our acknowledgment + of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as + consistent with that prudent reserve with which we have heretofore + held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. +</p> +<p> + Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there might + be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view of + the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas and of the avowed + purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence as an + incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding thus: +</p> +<p> + Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof + and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of + the great foreign powers shall recognize the independence of the new + Government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of events + shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of the people of + that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the + Government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can + justly complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying + out the long-established policy of our Government—a policy which + has secured to us respect and influence abroad and inspired confidence + at home. +</p> +<p> + These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are + evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by + public law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a + neutral state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact + a body politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, + possessed of the elements of stability," and forming <i>de facto</i>, + "if left to itself, a state among the nations, reasonably capable of + discharging the duties of a state"), has imposed for its own governance + in dealing with cases like these the further condition that recognition + of independent statehood is not due to a revolted dependency until the + danger of its being again subjugated by the parent state has entirely + passed away. +</p> +<p> + This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. + The Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as + one "probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for + "a previous understanding with that body by whom war can alone be + declared and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must + be furnished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the + discretion of the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a + diplomatic agent when the President should be satisfied that the + Republic of Texas had become "an independent state." It was so + recognized by President Van Buren, who commissioned a chargé d'affaires + March 7, 1837, after Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the + Texan territory, and when there was at the time no <i>bona fide</i> + contest going on between the insurgent province and its former + sovereign. +</p> +<p> + I said in my message of December last: +</p> +<p class="q"> + It is to be seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection + possesses beyond dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone + can demand the recognition of belligerency in its favor. +</p> +<p> + The same requirement must certainly be no less seriously considered + when the graver issue of recognizing independence is in question, for + no less positive test can be applied to the greater act than to the + lesser, while, on the other hand, the influences and consequences of the + struggle upon the internal policy of the recognizing state, which form + important factors when the recognition of belligerency is concerned, are + secondary, if not rightly eliminable, factors when the real question is + whether the community claiming recognition is or is not independent + beyond peradventure. +</p> +<p> + Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise + or prudent for this Government to recognize at the present time the + independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is not + necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and pacify + the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of any + particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing + conditions of international obligation toward the organization so + recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to the + approval or disapproval of such government. We would be required to + submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation of a + friendly ally. +</p> +<p> + When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a + government capable of performing the duties and discharging the + functions of a separate nation, and having as a matter of fact the + proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be + promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the + United States with such nation adjusted. +</p> +<p> + There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, + either as an impartial neutral, by imposing a rational compromise + between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the + other. +</p> +<p> + As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few + months the relation of the United States has virtually been one of + friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but + all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate + pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The + spirit of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire + for peace and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us + and Spain and unstained by the blood of American citizens. +</p> +<p> + The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the + war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following many + historical precedents where neighboring states have interfered to check + the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond their + borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, + hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to + enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. +</p> +<p> + The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as follows: +</p> +<p> + First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, + bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and + which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop + or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, + belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. + It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. +</p> +<p> + Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection + and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or + will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive + them of legal protection. +</p> +<p> + Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious + injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the + wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. +</p> +<p> + Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condition of + affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this + Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict waged for years + in an island so near us and with which our people have such trade and + business relations; when the lives and liberty of our citizens are in + constant danger and their property destroyed and themselves ruined; + where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and are seized at + our very door by war ships of a foreign nation; the expeditions of + filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, and the + irritating questions and entanglements thus arising—all these and + others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, + are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep on a semi war + footing with a nation with which we are at peace. +</p> +<p> + These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been + strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly + moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress the + report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle + ship <i>Maine</i> in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th + of February.<a href="#note-6"><small>6</small></a> The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the + national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight + brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the + fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief + and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. +</p> +<p> + The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands + the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its + conclusion that the destruction of the <i>Maine</i> was caused by an + exterior explosion—that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to + place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed. +</p> +<p> + In any event, the destruction of the <i>Maine</i>, by whatever exterior + cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba + that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the + Spanish Government can not assure safety and security to a vessel of the + American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and + rightfully there. +</p> +<p> + Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic + correspondence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain of the 26th ultimo + contained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs + assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor + and justice require in the matter of the <i>Maine</i>. The reply above + referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the + readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which + can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of + the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views + between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes + that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, + whose decision Spain accepts in advance. +</p> +<p> + To this I have made no reply. +</p> +<p> + President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as + it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation, + said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to + assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously + consider the only remaining measures possible—mediation and + intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating + the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to + have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest + wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the + part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the + good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good + faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in + sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by + Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they + would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the + opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife + continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the + interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems + quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well + as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of + peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, + and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party + shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other. + Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or + by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or + later, be invoked for the termination of the strife. +</p> +<p> + In the last annual message of my immediate predecessor, during the + pending struggle, it was said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection + has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is + extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a + hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife + which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and + the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a + situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty + of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly + hesitate to recognize and discharge. +</p> +<p> + In my annual message to Congress December last, speaking to this + question, I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of + a righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as + equitable to all our interests so intimately involved in the welfare + of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If not, the exigency of further and + other action by the United States will remain to be taken. When that + time conies, that action will be determined in the line of indisputable + right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in + the light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the + people who have confided to it the protection of their interests and + honor, and to humanity. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command + the support and approval of the civilized world. +</p> +<p> + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. +</p> +<p> + In view of these facts and of these considerations I ask the Congress + to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full + and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain + and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment + of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its + international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the + security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military + and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these + purposes. +</p> +<p> + And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of + the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of + food and supplies be continued and that an appropriation be made out of + the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. +</p> +<p> + The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. + I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of + affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation + imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. +</p> +<p> + Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official + information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen + Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare and + facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration + and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. +</p> +<p> + This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, + have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon + which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful + result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be + realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our + contemplated action. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the + 14th of February last, calling for information and correspondence in + regard to the condition of the island of Cuba and to negotiations for + commercial relations between the United States and that island, a report + of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence, + covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report + of the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial + negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, + 1897, in response to the second inquiry. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington</i>, <i>April 11, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference from + the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United States + on the 14th of February last, reading as follows: +</p> +<p> + "<i>Resolved,</i> That the President is requested, if in his opinion it + is not incompatible with the public service, to send to the Senate + copies of the reports of the consul-general and of the consuls of the + United States in Cuba written or received since March 4, 1897, which + relate to the state of war in that island and the condition of the + people there, or that he will send such parts of said reports as will + inform the Senate as to these facts. +</p> +<p> + "Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a + government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the + President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty of + reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or + commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has + been recognized and received as the representative of such government in + Cuba." +</p> +<p> + This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable + inquiries: First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in + Cuba, and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the + overtures of the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial + agreement covering particularly the trade between the United States and + the island of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in + accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the + existing tariff act, approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a + special commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to + that end, it has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner the + preparation of a report in answer to the second part of the Senate + resolution, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the + first part thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions + of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John A. + Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith + independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmission + to the Senate, should such a course be, in the President's judgment, not + incompatible with the public service. +</p> +<p> + The Senate resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to that + honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of the + consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written or + received since March 4, 1897, which relate to the state of war in that + island and the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the + discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be + so reported and the manner of its communication. The undersigned, having + taken the President's direction on both these points, has the honor to + lay before him a selection of the correspondence received by the + Department of State from the various consular representatives in Cuba, + aiming thereby to show the present situation in the island rather than + to give a historical account of all the reported incidents since the + date assigned by the resolution. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JOHN SHERMAN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, +<br> + <i>Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under date + of February 14, 1898, and which was referred to the undersigned for + report, viz— +</p> +<p> + "Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of + a government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the + President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty + of reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or + commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has + been recognized and received as the representative of such government + in Cuba"— +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to submit the following report: +</p> +<p> + In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised + the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure + to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into + negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with + Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated + for the interests of that island. +</p> +<p> + Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at + Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish + Government in respect to these negotiations. +</p> +<p> + Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred + to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were + made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the + United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that + the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that + island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from + the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for + Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the + negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th + of February. +</p> +<p> + On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lôme, called + on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent + Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative + would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to + act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned + the name of Señor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba + for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to + this office. +</p> +<p> + On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Señor Polo y Bernabé, + addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State, + was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this + Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain + to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Señor Manuel Rafael Angulo as + special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided + by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government; + and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be + added in the same character. +</p> +<p> + His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the + commission so soon as the Government of the United States should + formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JOHN A KASSON, +<br> + <i>Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 12, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose + herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a + report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, April 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of + April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of + human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle + ship <i>Maine</i> in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February, + 1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total + number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to + rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the + Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the + honor to be, sir, very respectfully, +</p> +<p> + JOHN D. LONG, <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> + +<center> MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY.</center> + +<p class="r"> BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, <i>Washington, D.C., April 8, 1898.</i></p> + +<table summary="" align="center" width="90%"> +<tr><td colspan="3">Number on board the U.S.S. <i>Maine</i> at the time of the disaster:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">26</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">290</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">39</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">355</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number saved:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">24</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">60</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">11</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">95</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number lost:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">2</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors</td><td align="right">230</td></tr> +<tr><td> Marines</td><td align="right">28</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right"> 260</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">355</td></tr> +<tr><td> Bodies recovered:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors and marines</td><td align="right">177</td></tr> +<tr><td> Died from injuries:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sailors and marines</td><td align="right">8</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">186</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"> Of the number recovered there were buried—</td></tr> +<tr><td> In the cemetery at Havana</td><td align="right">166</td></tr> +<tr><td> At Key West</td><td align="right">19</td></tr> +<tr><td> At Pittsburg, Pa. (officer)</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">186</td></tr> +<tr><td> Number of bodies not recovered:</td></tr> +<tr><td> Officers</td><td align="right">1</td></tr> +<tr><td> Enlisted men and marines</td><td align="right">73</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">---</td><td align="right">74</td></tr> +</table> + +<p> + The work of recovery was continued until April 6, when the wrecking tugs + were withdrawn, and nothing is now being done in that direction so far + as is known; and the last bodies reported as recovered were sent to Key + West on the 30th ultimo. No estimate has been made of the portions of + bodies which were recovered and buried. The large percentage of bodies + not recovered is due, no doubt, to the fact that the men were swinging + in their hammocks immediately over that portion of the vessel which was + totally destroyed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + A.S. CROWNINSHIELD, +<br> + <i>Chief of Bureau</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 25, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Congress, for its consideration and appropriate + action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of + Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, + and through the latter with the Government of Spain, showing the action + taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, "for the + recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that + the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the + island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and + Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use + the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these + resolutions in to effect."<a href="#note-7"><small>7</small></a> +</p> +<p> + Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the demand + which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government + of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the minister asked for his + passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn + notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal + of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated + diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official + communications between their respective representatives ceased + therewith. +</p> +<p> + I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United + States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs + on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. + It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having + cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, + and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and + authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this + Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and + complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of + nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. +</p> +<p> + The position of Spain being thus made known and the demands of the + United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, + by the act of Spain, I have been constrained, in exercise of the power + and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to + proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898,<a href="#note-8"><small>8</small></a> a blockade of certain ports + of the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and + of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba, and further in + exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred + upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my + proclamation dated April 23, 1898,<a href="#note-9"><small>9</small></a> calling forth volunteers in order + to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of + these proclamations are hereto appended. +</p> +<p> + In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of + such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the + expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I + now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution + declaring that a state of war exists between the United States of + America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon, to + the end that the definition of the international status of the United + States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all + its rights and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a + public war may be assured.<a href="#note-10"><small>10</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION for the recognition of the independence of the people + of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority + and government in the island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval + forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the + United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to + carry these resolutions into effect. +</center> +<p> + Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three + years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the + moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to + Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of + a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on + a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, + as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his + message to Congress of April 11, 1898,<a href="#note-11"><small>11</small></a> upon which the action of + Congress was invited: Therefore, +</p> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, First. That the people of + the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent. +</p> +<p> + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. +</p> +<p> + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to + carry these resolutions into effect. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government + and control of the island to its people. +</p> +<p> + Approved, April 20, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the 24th of April I directed the Secretary of the Navy to telegraph + orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding + the Asiatic Squadron, then lying in the port of Hongkong, to proceed + forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there-to commence operations and + engage the assembled Spanish fleet. +</p> +<p> + Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consisting of + the flagship <i>Olympia</i>, <i>Baltimore</i>, <i>Raleigh</i>, <i>Boston</i>, <i>Concord</i>, and + <i>Petrel</i>, with the revenue cutter <i>McCulloch</i> as an auxiliary dispatch + boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and + immediately engaged the entire Spanish fleet of eleven ships, which were + under the protection of the fire of the land forts. After a stubborn + fight, in which the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were + destroyed or completely disabled and the water battery at Cavite + silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost and only eight + injured, and those slightly. All of our ships escaped any serious + damage. +</p> +<p> + By the 4th of May Commodore Dewey had taken possession of the naval + station at Cavite, destroying the fortifications there and at the + entrance of the bay and paroling their garrisons. The waters of the bay + are under his complete control. He has established hospitals within the + American lines, where 250 of the Spanish sick and wounded are assisted + and protected. +</p> +<p> + The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary + standard of naval warfare. Outweighing any material advantage is the + moral effect of this initial success. At this unsurpassed achievement + the great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or with greed of + conquest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just + cause and that by the grace of God an effective step has thus been taken + toward the attainment of the wished-for peace. To those whose skill, + courage, and devotion have won the fight, to the gallant commander and + the brave officers and men who aided him, our country owes an + incalculable debt. +</p> +<p> + Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent + a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for + their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and informing him + that I had appointed him an acting rear-admiral. +</p> +<p> + I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing + the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress + be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United States Navy, + for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and to + the officers and men under his command for their gallantry in the + destruction of the enemy's fleet and the capture of the enemy's + fortifications in the bay of Manila. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 1, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore + George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United + States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of + the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with + the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet + and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, + and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American + people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and + skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to + communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers + and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary + of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been + received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress: +</p> +<p> + I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be + transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for + the great compliment paid to me. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION tendering the thanks of Congress to Commodore George + Dewey, United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the squadron + under his command. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That, in pursuance of the + recommendation of the President, made in accordance with the provisions + of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, the thanks of Congress and + of the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey, + United States Navy, commander in chief of the United States naval force + on the Asiatic station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict + with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish + fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, + 1898. +</p> +<p> + SEC. 2. That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby + extended through Commodore Dewey to the officers and men under his + command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion. +</p> +<p> + SEC. 3. <i>Be it further resolved</i>, That the President of the United + States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to + Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers and men under his + command. +</p> +<p> + Approved, May 10, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<center> + JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to present a + sword of honor to Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck + bronze medals commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute + such medals to the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron + of the United States. +</center> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That the Secretary of the + Navy be, and he hereby is, authorized to present a sword of honor to + Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck bronze medals + commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute such medals to + the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron of the United + States under command of Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898; and that + to enable the Secretary to carry out this resolution the sum of $10,000, + or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of + any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. +</p> +<p> + Approved, June 3, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 27, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the 11th of May, 1898, there occurred a conflict in the bay of + Cardenas, Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat <i>Winslow</i> was + disabled, her commander wounded, and one of her officers and a part + of her crew killed by the enemy's fire. +</p> +<p> + In the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns the revenue + cutter <i>Hudson</i>, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, + United States Revenue-Cutter Service, rescued the disabled + <i>Winslow</i>, her wounded commander and remaining crew. The commander + of the <i>Hudson</i> kept his vessel in the very hottest fire of the + action, although in constant danger of going ashore on account of the + shallow water, until he finally got a line made fast to the + <i>Winslow</i> and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns—a + deed of special gallantry. +</p> +<p> + I recommend that in recognition of the signal act of heroism of First + Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, above + set forth, the thanks of Congress be extended to him and to his officers + and men of the <i>Hudson</i>, and that a gold medal of honor be + presented to Lieutenant Newcomb, a silver medal of honor to each of his + officers, and a bronze medal of honor to each member of his crew who + served with him at Cardenas. +</p> +<p> + It will be remembered that Congress by appropriate action recognized the + several commanders of ships of war for their services in the battle of + Manila, May 1, 1898. +</p> +<p> + The commander of the revenue cutter <i>Hugh McCulloch</i>, present and + in active cooperation with the fleet under Commodore Dewey on that + occasion (by Executive order under the provisions of section 2757, + Revised Statutes), is the only commander of a national ship to whom + promotion or advancement was not and could not be given, because he + already held the highest rank known to the Revenue-Cutter Service. +</p> +<p> + I now recommend that in recognition of the efficient and meritorious + services of Captain Daniel B. Hodgsdon, United States Revenue-Cutter + Service, who commanded the <i>Hugh McCulloch</i> at the battle of Manila + (that officer being now in the sixty-third year of his age and having + served continuously on active duty for thirty-seven years), he be placed + upon the permanent waiting-orders or retired list of the Revenue-Cutter + Service on the full-duty pay of his grade. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 27, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Congress of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + On the morning of the 3d of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor + Richmond P. Hobson, United States Navy, with a volunteer crew of seven + men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier <i>Merrimac</i>, + entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of + sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel, and thus + interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet which + had recently entered that harbor. This enterprise, demanding coolness, + judgment, and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful + execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as + well as from the fortifications on shore. +</p> +<p> + Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander in chief of our naval force in Cuban + waters, in an official report dated "Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, + 1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. + Hobson's gallant exploit, says: +</p> +<p class="q"> + As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here I decided to make the + harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish + ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a + collier at that point. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional + opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most + lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he + presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate + sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the + channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. + Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. +</p> +<p class="q"> + As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the + details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete + them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after + our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the + morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a + careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish + the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to + try it at all hazards. +</p> +<p class="q"> + This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. + Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful + inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the <i>Merrimac</i> + had been sunk in the channel. +</p> +<p class="q"> + I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of + Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and + daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the <i>Albemarle</i>. +</p> +<p> + The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable + occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, + which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the + Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval + Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the <i>Merrimac</i> on her + perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of + that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been + prepared and will be submitted. +</p> +<p> + Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram <i>Albemarle</i> + during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of + the <i>Merrimac</i>, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation + of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions + of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such + advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to + line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the + Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced. +</p> +<p> + In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval + Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred + to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the + recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that + he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position + therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the + Senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction + corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary + technical training as a graduate of the Naval Academy, where he stood + No. 1 in his class; and such action is recommended partly in deference + to what is understood to be his own desire, although, he being now a + prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the + subject has been received from him, and partly for the reason that the + abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to + indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 5, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our + people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily increasing degree of + prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. + Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded + abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, + revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the + Treasury's receipts to the amount estimated by its authors, the finances + of the Government have been successfully administered and its credit + advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at + the world's highest standard. Military service under a common flag and + for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to + cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section + of the country. +</p> +<p> + A review of the relation of the United States to other powers, always + appropriate, is this year of primary importance in view of the momentous + issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate + determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will + require the earnest attention of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message<a href="#note-12"><small>12</small></a> very full consideration was given to the + question of the duty of the Government of the United States toward Spain + and the Cuban insurrection as being by far the most important problem + with which we were then called upon to deal. The considerations then + advanced and the exposition of the views therein expressed disclosed + my sense of the extreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside as + logically unfounded or practically inadmissible the recognition of the + Cuban insurgents as belligerents, the recognition of the independence + of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the war by imposing a rational + compromise between the contestants, intervention in favor of one or the + other party, and forcible annexation of the island, I concluded it was + honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be + given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which + she had become irrevocably committed. Within a few weeks previously she + had announced comprehensive plans which it was confidently asserted + would be efficacious to remedy the evils so deeply affecting our own + country, so injurious to the true interests of the mother country as + well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment + of humanity. +</p> +<p> + The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the + pacification of Cuba. The autonomous administrations set up in the + capital and some of the principal cities appeared not to gain the favor + of the inhabitants nor to be able to extend their influence to the large + extent of territory held by the insurgents, while the military arm, + obviously unable to cope with the still active rebellion, continued many + of the most objectionable and offensive policies of the government that + had preceded it. No tangible relief was afforded the vast numbers of + unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made in that + regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered + expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory. Indeed no less + practical nor more delusive promises of succor could well have been + tendered to the exhausted and destitute people, stripped of all that + made life and home dear and herded in a strange region among + unsympathetic strangers hardly less necessitous than themselves. +</p> +<p> + By the end of December the mortality among them had frightfully + increased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths + among these distressed people at over 40 per cent from the time General + Weyler's decree of reconcentration was enforced. With the acquiescence + of the Spanish authorities, a scheme was adopted for relief by + charitable contributions raised in this country and distributed, under + the direction of the consul-general and the several consuls, by noble + and earnest individual effort through the organized agencies of the + American Red Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many + thousands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. +</p> +<p> + The war continued on the old footing, without comprehensive plan, + developing only the same spasmodic encounters, barren of strategic + result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion + as well as the present insurrection from its start. No alternative save + physical exhaustion of either combatant, and therewithal the practical + ruin of the island, lay in sight, but how far distant no one could + venture to conjecture. +</p> +<p> + At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction + of the battle ship <i>Maine</i> while rightfully lying in the harbor of + Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will—a + catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the + nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and + sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this + shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by + preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate + resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and + disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever + wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously + awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot. + The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of + the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through + lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. +</p> +<p> + All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before + the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with + Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it + needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive + immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the + possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the + remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote + of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the + national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith, + to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of + prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the + fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy + needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even + numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which + comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection. + Our Army also required enlargement of men and munitions. The details + of the hurried preparation for the dreaded contingency are told in the + reports of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and need not be + repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war when + it did come found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. +</p> +<p> + Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. + It was felt by the continental powers, which on April 6, through their + ambassadors and envoys, addressed to the Executive an expression of hope + that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this Government + and people, and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement + which, while securing the maintenance of peace, would afford all + necessary guaranties for the reestablishment of order in Cuba. In + responding to that representation I said I shared the hope the envoys + had expressed that peace might be preserved in a manner to terminate the + chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba, so injurious and menacing to + our interests and tranquillity, as well as shocking to our sentiments + of humanity; and while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested + character of the communication they had made on behalf of the powers, + I stated the confidence of this Government, for its part, that equal + appreciation would be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors + to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situation the indefinite + prolongation of which had become insufferable. +</p> +<p> + Still animated by the hope of a peaceful solution and obeying the + dictates of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy + ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued + actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the immediate + conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect + the recognition of her people's right to independence. Besides this, + the instant revocation of the order of reconcentration was asked, + so that the sufferers, returning to their homes and aided by united + American and Spanish effort, might be put in a way to support + themselves and, by orderly resumption of the well-nigh destroyed + productive energies of the island, contribute to the restoration of + its tranquillity and well-being. Negotiations continued for some little + time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the Spanish Government which + could not but be regarded as inadequate. It was proposed to confide the + preparation of peace to the insular parliament, yet to be convened under + the autonomous decrees of November, 1897, but without impairment in any + wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid Government, which to + that end would grant an armistice, if solicited by the insurgents, for + such time as the general in chief might see fit to fix. How and with + what scope of discretionary powers the insular parliament was expected + to set about the "preparation" of peace did not appear. If it were to be + by negotiation with the insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on the one + side with a body chosen by a fraction of the electors in the districts + under Spanish control, and on the other with the insurgent population + holding the interior country, unrepresented in the so-called parliament + and defiant at the suggestion of suing for peace. +</p> +<p> + Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my sincere endeavors + to reach a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to remit the whole + question to the Congress. In the message of April 11, 1898,<a href="#note-13"><small>13</small></a> I + announced that with this last overture in the direction of immediate + peace in Cuba and its disappointing reception by Spain the effort of + the Executive was brought to an end. I again reviewed the alternative + courses of action which had been proposed, concluding that the only one + consonant with international policy and compatible with our firm-set + historical traditions was intervention as a neutral to stop the war and + check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even though that resort involved + "hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to + enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement." The grounds + justifying that step were the interests of humanity, the duty to protect + the life and property of our citizens in Cuba, the right to check injury + to our commerce and people through the devastation of the island, and, + most important, the need of removing at once and forever the constant + menace and the burdens entailed upon our Government by the uncertainties + and perils of the situation caused by the unendurable disturbance in + Cuba. I said: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. +</p> +<p> + In view of all this the Congress was asked to authorize and empower the + President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of + hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba and to secure in the + island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining + order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and + tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and + for the accomplishment of those ends to use the military and naval + forces of the United States as might be necessary, with added authority + to continue generous relief to the starving people of Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, + during which the almost unanimous sentiment of your body was developed + on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the proposed action + with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true and lawful + government of that island—a proposition which failed of adoption—the + Congress, after conference, on the 19th of April, by a vote of 42 to 35 + in the Senate and 311 to 6 in the House of Representatives, passed the + memorable joint resolution declaring— +</p> +<p class="q"> + First. That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought + to be, free and independent. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary + to carry these resolutions into effect. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and + control of the island to its people. +</p> +<p> + This resolution was approved by the Executive on the next day, April 20. + A copy was at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital, + who forthwith announced that his continuance in Washington had thereby + become impossible, and asked for his passports, which were given him. + He thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection of + Spanish interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the + Austro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously with its communication to + the Spanish minister here, General Woodford, the American minister at + Madrid, was telegraphed confirmation of the text of the joint resolution + and directed to communicate it to the Government of Spain with the + formal demand that it at once relinquish its authority and government + in the island of Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, coupling this + demand with announcement of the intentions of this Government as to + the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the + resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. +</p> +<p> + That demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the + Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction + reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21, but before he could + present it, the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the + President's approval of the joint resolution the Madrid Government, + regarding the act as "equivalent to an evident declaration of war," had + ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off + diplomatic relations between the two countries and ceasing all official + communication between their respective representatives. General Woodford + thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. +</p> +<p> + Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated + that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, + the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by + me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between sovereign + states. On April 22 I proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, + including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the + port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba,<a href="#note-14"><small>14</small></a> and on the 23d I + called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution.<a href="#note-15"><small>15</small></a> By + my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and + I recommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war + between the United States and Spain. <a href="#note-16"><small>16</small></a> The Congress accordingly voted + on the same day the act approved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence + of such war from and including the 21st day of April,<a href="#note-17"><small>17</small></a> and reenacted + the provision of the resolution of April 20 directing the President + to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into + effect.<a href="#note-18"><small>18</small></a> Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was + given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the + United States maintain relations, in order that their neutrality + might be assured during the war. The various governments responded with + proclamations of neutrality, each after its own methods. It is not among + the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of + neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate and + difficult circumstances. +</p> +<p> + In further fulfillment of international duty I issued, April 26, 1898, a + proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels + and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right + of search, and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under + enemy's flag.<a href="#note-19"><small>19</small></a> A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish + Government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules of the Declaration + of Paris, including abstention from resort to privateering, have + accordingly been observed by both belligerents, although neither was a + party to that declaration. +</p> +<p> + Our country thus, after an interval of half a century of peace with all + nations, found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a foreign enemy. + Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the + initial call for 125,000 volunteers<a href="#note-20"><small>20</small></a> was instant and complete, as was + also the result of the second call, of May 25, for 75,000 additional + volunteers.<a href="#note-21"><small>21</small></a> The ranks of the Regular Army were increased to the + limits provided by the act of April 26, 1898. +</p> +<p> + The enlisted force of the Navy on the 15th day of August, when it + reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred + and three vessels were added to the Navy by purchase, 1 was presented + to the Government, 1 leased, and the 4 vessels of the International + Navigation Company—the <i>St. Paul</i>, <i>St. Louis</i>, <i>New York</i>, and + <i>Paris</i>—were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters + and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and + became temporarily a part of the auxiliary Navy. +</p> +<p> + The maximum effective fighting force of the Navy during the war, + separated into classes, was as follows: +</p> +<p> + Four battle ships of the first class, 1 battle ship of the second + class, 2 armored cruisers, 6 coast-defense monitors, 1 armored ram, + 12 protected cruisers, 3 unprotected cruisers, 18 gunboats, 1 dynamite + cruiser, 11 torpedo boats; vessels of the old Navy, including monitors, + 14. Auxiliary Navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers, 28 converted yachts, 27 + converted tugs, 19 converted colliers, 15 revenue cutters, 4 light-house + tenders, and 19 miscellaneous vessels. +</p> +<p> + Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lest some attack + might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent + possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. Temporary + garrisons were provided, drawn from the State militia; infantry and + light batteries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops + were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for + observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the United + States, and the Life-Saving and Light-House services cooperated, which + enabled the Navy Department to have all portions of the Atlantic coast, + from Maine to Texas, under observation. +</p> +<p> + The auxiliary Navy was created under the authority of Congress and was + officered and manned by the Naval Militia of the several States. This + organization patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second line + of defense. +</p> +<p> + Under the direction of the Chief of Engineers submarine mines were + placed at the most exposed points. Before the outbreak of the war + permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at + nearly all important harbors. Most of the torpedo material was not to be + found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date + of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary + measures short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the + cables, and on April 22 telegraphic orders were issued to place the + loaded mines in position. +</p> +<p> + The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors + from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting + of mines at certain other harbors, but owing to the early destruction of + the Spanish fleet these mines were not placed. +</p> +<p> + The Signal Corps was promptly organized, and performed service of the + most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war + covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the + establishment of telephonic and telegraphic facilities for the camps at + Manila, Santiago, and in Puerto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles + of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from + those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. + Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's + fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. +</p> +<p> + In Puerto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued + route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept + in telegraphic or telephonic communication with the division commanders + on four different lines of operations. +</p> +<p> + There was placed in Cuban waters a completely outfitted cable ship, + with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of + communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment of our own. + Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. + The day previous to the landing of General Shafter's corps, at + Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications + were established and a cable station opened giving direct communication + with the Government at Washington. This service was invaluable to the + Executive in directing the operations of the Army and Navy. With a total + force of over 1,300, the loss was by disease in camp and field, officers + and men included, only 5. +</p> +<p> + The national-defense fund of $50,000,000 was expended in large part + by the Army and Navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully + shown in the reports of the several Secretaries. It was a most timely + appropriation, enabling the Government to strengthen its defenses and + make preparations greatly needed in case of war. +</p> +<p> + This fund being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the + conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in + the war-revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan + not to exceed $400,000,000 and by levying additional imposts and taxes. + Of the authorized loan $200,000,000 were offered and promptly taken, the + subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over, + while, preference being given to the smaller bids, no single allotment + exceeded $5,000. This was a most encouraging and significant result, + showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the + people to uphold their country's honor. +</p> +<p> + It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of + the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21, + but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. +</p> +<p> + The first encounter of the war in point of date took place April 27, + when a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnoissance in + force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts, and demolished several new + works in construction. +</p> +<p> + The next engagement was destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime + warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for + some weeks at Hongkong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality + being issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given, + it repaired to Mirs Bay, near Hongkong, whence it proceeded to the + Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the + formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the + 1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few + hours' engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, + consisting of ten war ships and a transport, besides capturing the naval + station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power + in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the bay of Manila, with + the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, + the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially + injured. For this gallant achievement the Congress, upon my + recommendation, fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and + substantial reward. +</p> +<p> + The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people and + upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige of invincibility + thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. + Reenforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major-General + Merritt and firmly established within sight of the capital, which lay + helpless before our guns. +</p> +<p> + On the 7th day of May the Government was advised officially of the + victory at Manila, and at once inquired of the commander of our fleet + what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th + day of May, and the first army expedition sailed May 25 and arrived off + Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon followed, the total force + consisting of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. +</p> +<p> + Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented + the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute + military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had + resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of + December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and + eastern sides, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt + from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be done + in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should be accomplished + by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept + of war which enjoins the overcoming of the adversary and the extinction + of his power wherever assailable as the speedy and sure means to win a + peace, divided victory was not permissible, for no partition of the + rights and responsibilities attending the enforcement of a just and + advantageous peace could be thought of. +</p> +<p> + Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces + were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Puerto + Rico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed + points. On May 11 the cruiser <i>Wilmington</i> and torpedo boat + <i>Winslow</i> were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries + at Cardenas, a gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen falling. + These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few + which occurred during our naval operations in this extraordinary + conflict. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great + vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at + the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed + the ocean, and by its erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our + military plans while baffling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time + fears were felt lest the <i>Oregon</i> and <i>Marietta</i>, then nearing + home after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles, + might be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet, but their fortunate + arrival dispelled these apprehensions and lent much-needed + reenforcement. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of + Santiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic + naval and military attack upon the Antillean possessions of Spain. +</p> +<p> + Several demonstrations occurred on the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico in + preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic Squadron + shelled San Juan de Puerto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron + bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor. Neither + attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land + operations were indispensable to achieve a decisive advantage. +</p> +<p> + The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen + but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 + Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow + outlet from Santiago Harbor by sinking the collier <i>Merrimac</i> in + the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with + their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the + Spaniards. It is a most gratifying incident of the war that the bravery + of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish + admiral, who sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of their + safety and to compliment them on their daring act. They were + subsequently exchanged July 7. +</p> +<p> + By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. + Thereafter the invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a + heavy protecting fire, a landing of 600 marines from the <i>Oregon</i>, + <i>Marblehead</i>, and <i>Yankee</i> was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had + been determined to establish a naval station. +</p> +<p> + This important and essential port was taken from the enemy, after severe + fighting, by the marines, who were the first organized force of the + United States to land in Cuba. +</p> +<p> + The position so won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge + our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly + intrenched. On June 22 the advance of the invading army under + Major-General Shafter landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of + Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with + marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. + On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First + and Tenth Cavalry and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, General + Young's brigade of General Wheeler's division, participated, losing + heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within 5 miles of Santiago was + won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle + took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santiago; on the 2d El + Caney and San Juan were taken after a desperate charge, and the + investment of the city was completed. The Navy cooperated by shelling + the town and the coast forts. +</p> +<p> + On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, the + 3d of July, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish + fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron + under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the + Spanish ships were destroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk and the + <i>Maria Teresa</i>, <i>Almirante Oquendo</i>, <i>Vizcaya</i>, and <i>Cristóbal Colón</i> + driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken + prisoners. While the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large, some 600 + perishing, on our side but one man was killed, on the <i>Brooklyn</i>, and + one man seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, + not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished + themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in + the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of + this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history + affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous + disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any for + especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous + actors. The nation's profoundest gratitude is due to all of these brave + men who by their skill and devotion in a few short hours crushed the sea + power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-reaching + consequences can scarcely be measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the + achievements of our builders, mechanics, and artisans for their skill in + the construction of our war ships. +</p> +<p> + With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually + ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her + Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was + abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the + Suez Canal. +</p> +<p> + The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by + land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief + on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of noncombatants + protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, when, under + menace of immediate assault, the preliminaries of surrender were agreed + upon. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation + embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers + surrendering was 22,000, all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain + at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful + campaign is told in the report of the Secretary of War, which will be + laid before you. The individual valor of officers and soldiers was never + more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the + surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive + victories won instant and universal applause. To those who gained this + complete triumph, which established the ascendency of the United States + upon land as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas, + the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor + should we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our + tears, and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at + the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war, however rightful + the cause or signal the victory. +</p> +<p> + With the fall of Santiago the occupation of Puerto Rico became the next + strategic necessity. General Miles had previously been assigned to + organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at + Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July with reenforcements + for General Shafter's army. +</p> +<p> + With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two + companies of engineers, and one company of the Signal Corps, General + Miles left Guantanamo on July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the + fleet under Captain Higginson with the <i>Massachusetts</i> (flagship), <i>Dixie</i>, + <i>Gloucester</i>, <i>Columbia</i>, and <i>Yale</i>, the two latter carrying troops. + The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with + little opposition. Here the fleet was joined by the <i>Annapolis</i> and + the <i>Wasp</i>, while the <i>Puritan</i> and <i>Amphitrite</i> went to San Juan and + joined the <i>New Orleans</i>, which was engaged in blockading that port. The + Major-General Commanding was subsequently reenforced by General Schwan's + brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson with a part of his + division, and also by General Brooke with a part of his corps, numbering + in all 16,973 officers and men. +</p> +<p> + On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports in the + island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of + the island. +</p> +<p> + With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, + Hormigueros, Coarno, and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape + San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted + with great vigor, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in + our possession and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter + of a short time. At most of the points in the island our troops were + enthusiastically welcomed. Protestations of loyalty to the flag and + gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule met our commanders at every + stage. As a potent influence toward peace the outcome of the Puerto + Rican expedition was of great consequence, and generous commendation + is due to those who participated in it. +</p> +<p> + The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. On + August 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in + which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. + The casualties were comparatively few. By this the conquest of the + Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for + resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May, + was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for their + uncomplaining and devoted service and for their gallantry in action, the + nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular + success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without + previous experience in the military service, deserves unmeasured praise. +</p> +<p> + The total casualties in killed and wounded in the Army during the war + with Spain were: Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, + 280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. + Of the Navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 67; died as result of wounds, 1; + invalided from service, 6; total, 91. +</p> +<p> + It will be observed that while our Navy was engaged in two great battles + and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment, and + more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and + were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in + unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of + 1,668 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we + did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship, and, with the + exception of the crew of the <i>Merrimac</i>, not a soldier or sailor + was taken prisoner. +</p> +<p> + On August 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General + Shafter's army in Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of + Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and + our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August + 24. They were absent from the United States only two months. +</p> +<p> + It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and + devotion of that large portion of our Army which, although eager to be + ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required + outside of the United States. They did their whole duty, and, like their + comrades at the front, have earned the gratitude of the nation. In like + manner, the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy who remained + in their departments and stations faithfully performing most important + duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assignment in the + field and at sea I was compelled to refuse because their services were + indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my + regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable + recognition. +</p> +<p> + In this connection it is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of + cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of the American National + Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in + sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, + under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the + society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals + at the front in Cuba. Working in conjunction with the governmental + authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the + enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the + various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high + reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble + purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the + confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the + American people. To the members and officers of this society and all who + aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude + of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded. +</p> +<p> + In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to + the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, + for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble + prayer for the continuance of His favor. +</p> +<p> + The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's fleet, followed by the + capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government + a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now + become wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French + ambassador, who, with the assent of his Government, had acted as the + friendly representative of Spanish interests during the war. On the + 26th of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the Duke of + Almodóvar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to + state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. On the + 30th of July, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almodóvar + and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this Government were announced + substantially as in the protocol afterwards signed. On the 10th of + August the Spanish reply, dated August 7, was handed by M. Cambon to the + Secretary of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to + Cuba, Puerto Rico, and an island of the Ladrones group, but appeared to + seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as + to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving that discussion on this point + could neither be practical nor profitable, I directed that in order + to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith closed by + proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms upon which + the negotiations for peace were to be undertaken. The vague and + inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the + only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of protocol + embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30, + with added stipulations of detail as to the appointment of commissioners + to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 + M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol + so submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon of August 12, M. Cambon, + as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Secretary of State, as the + plenipotentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing— +</p> +<p class="q"> + ARTICLE I. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title + to Cuba. +</p> +<p class="q"> + ART. II. Spain will cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico + and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and + also an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. +</p> +<p class="q"> + ART. III. The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and + harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall + determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. +</p> +<p> + The fourth article provided for the appointment of joint commissions on + the part of the United States and Spain, to meet in Havana and San Juan, + respectively, for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details + of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish + islands in the West Indies. +</p> +<p> + The fifth article provided for the appointment of not more than five + commissioners on each side, to meet at Paris not later than October 1 + and to proceed to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty of peace, + subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms + of the two countries. +</p> +<p> + The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the + protocol hostilities between the two countries should be suspended and + that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each + Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces. +</p> +<p> + Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I issued a proclamation, + of August 12,<a href="#note-22"><small>22</small></a> suspending hostilities on the part of the United + States. The necessary orders to that end were at once given by + telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Puerto Rico + was in like manner raised. On the 18th of August the muster out of + 100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be + practicable, was ordered. +</p> +<p> + On the 1st of December 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out + and discharged from the service, and 9,002 more will be mustered out + by the 10th of this month; also a corresponding number of general and + general staff officers have been honorably discharged the service. +</p> +<p> + The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Puerto + Rico, and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed—for Cuba, + Major-General James F. Wade, Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, + Major-General Matthew C. Butler; for Puerto Rico, Major-General John R. + Brooke, Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, Brigadier-General William W. + Gordon—who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and + San Juan, respectively. The Puerto Rican Joint Commission speedily + accomplished its task, and by the 18th of October the evacuation of the + island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island + at noon on that day. The administration of its affairs has been + provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall + otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint Commission has not yet terminated its + labors. Owing to the difficulties in the way of removing the large + numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation can not be + completed before the 1st of January next. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William R. + Day, lately Secretary of State; Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, and + George Gray, Senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reid to be the + peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due + season to Paris, they there met on the 1st of October five commissioners + similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made + hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive + treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading + to its signature. +</p> +<p> + I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new + possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. + Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall + be ratified. In the meantime and until the Congress has legislated + otherwise it will be my duty to continue the military governments which + have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in + life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. +</p> +<p> + As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island + it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form + a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest + moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that + our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character + and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our + duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the + island, encourage the industry of the people, and assist them to form a + government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best + aspirations of the Cuban people. +</p> +<p> + Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent, and humane + government, created by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all + international obligations, and which shall encourage thrift, industry, + and prosperity and promote peace and good will among all of the + inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations in the past. Neither + revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until + there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government + inaugurated military occupation will be continued. +</p> +<p> + With the one exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of + the United States with the great family of nations has been marked with + cordiality, and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues + that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states + adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable + solution by amicable agreement. +</p> +<p> + A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the + Argentine Republic and Chile, stretching along the Andean crests from + the southern border of the Atacama Desert to Magellan Straits, nearly a + third of the length of the South American continent, assumed an acute + stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this Government + occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already + contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail + despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. I am happy to + say that arrangements to this end have been perfected, the questions of + fact upon which the respective commissioners were unable to agree being + in course of reference to Her Britannic Majesty for determination. + A residual difference touching the northern boundary line across the + Atacama Desert, for which existing treaties provided no adequate + adjustment, bids fair to be settled in like manner by a joint + commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres has + been invited to serve as umpire in the last resort. +</p> +<p> + I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view + to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an + American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the + cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passing from and + to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive + concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong + hope that a good understanding will be reached and that the important + channels of commercial communication between the United States and the + Atlantic cities of South America may be freed from an almost prohibitory + discrimination. +</p> +<p> + In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness + of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over + connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. + The world has seen the postal system developed from a congeries of + independent and exclusive services into a well-ordered union, of which + all countries enjoy the manifold benefits. It would be strange were the + nations not in time brought to realize that modern civilization, which + owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of space by the + electric force, demands that this all-important means of communication + be a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their + common behoof. A step in this direction was taken when the international + convention of 1884 for the protection of submarine cables was signed, + and the day is, I trust, not far distant when this medium for the + transmission of thought from land to land may be brought within the + domain of international concert as completely as is the material + carriage of commerce and correspondence upon the face of the waters + that divide them. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Thomas Jefferson Page against Argentina, which has been + pending many years, has been adjusted. The sum awarded by the Congress + of Argentina was $4,242.35. +</p> +<p> + The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler + and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has + lately befallen them in the assassination of the Empress-Queen of that + historic realm. +</p> +<p> + On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., + between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and + his deputies, in which 22 miners were killed and 44 wounded, of whom + 10 of the killed and 12 of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian + subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the + Austro-Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing + and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed + reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and + peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal + Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in + order to be in a position to meet the urgent complaint of a friendly + power. The sheriff and his deputies, having been indicted for murder, + were tried, and acquitted, after protracted proceedings and the hearing + of hundreds of witnesses, on the ground that the killing was in the line + of their official duty to uphold law and preserve public order in the + State. A representative of the Department of Justice attended the trial + and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, + this Government expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the + subject with that of Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the renewed claim + of the latter, after learning the result of the trial, for indemnity for + its injured subjects. +</p> +<p> + Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this + country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the + singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard + to the number and classes of articles entered than those of other + countries. The worth of such a result in making known our national + capacity to supply the world's markets is obvious. +</p> +<p> + Exhibitions of this international character are becoming more frequent + as the exchanges of commercial countries grow more intimate and varied. + Hardly a year passes that this Government is not invited to national + participation at some important foreign center, but often on too short + notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do + so. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by + a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting such + invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. + This plan has my cordial approval. +</p> +<p> + I trust that the Belgian restrictions on the importation of cattle from + the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at + an early day be relaxed as to their present features of hardship and + discrimination, so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their + slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of favorable change in + the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The growth + of direct trade between the two countries, not alone for Belgian + consumption and Belgian products, but by way of transit from and to + other continental states, has been both encouraging and beneficial. No + effort will be spared to enlarge its advantages by seeking the removal + of needless impediments and by arrangements for increased commercial + exchanges. +</p> +<p> + The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. +</p> +<p> + A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed + by the signature of a convention between the parties, with the + concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act + being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer + <i>Alert</i>, then lying in Central American waters. It is believed that + the good offices of our envoy and of the commander of that vessel + contributed toward this gratifying outcome. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message the situation was presented with respect to + the diplomatic representation of this Government in Central America + created by the association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador under + the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, and the delegation + of their international functions to the Diet thereof. While the + representative character of the Diet was recognized by my predecessor + and has been confirmed during my Administration by receiving its + accredited envoy and granting exequaturs to consuls commissioned under + its authority, that recognition was qualified by the distinct + understanding that the responsibility of each of the component sovereign + Republics toward the United States remained wholly unaffected. +</p> +<p> + This proviso was needful inasmuch as the compact of the three + Republics was at the outset an association whereby certain + representative functions were delegated to a tripartite commission + rather than a federation possessing centralized powers of government + and administration. In this view of their relation and of the + relation of the United States to the several Republics, a change + in the representation of this country in Central America was neither + recommended by the Executive nor initiated by Congress, thus leaving one + of our envoys accredited, as heretofore, separately to two States of the + Greater Republic, Nicaragua and Salvador, and to a third State, Costa + Rica, which was not a party to the compact, while our other envoy was + similarly accredited to a union State, Honduras, and a nonunion State, + Guatemala. The result has been that the one has presented credentials + only to the President of Costa Rica, the other having been received only + by the Government of Guatemala. +</p> +<p> + Subsequently the three associated Republics entered into negotiations + for taking the steps forecast in the original compact. A convention of + their delegates framed for them a federal constitution under the name of + the United States of Central America, and provided for a central federal + government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent States, + the 1st of November last was fixed for the new system to go into + operation. Within a few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested + by revolutionary movements arising, with a consequent demand for unity + of action on the part of the military power of the federal States to + suppress them. Under this strain the new union seems to have been + weakened through the withdrawal of its more important members. This + Government was not officially advised of the installation of the + federation and has maintained an attitude of friendly expectancy, while + in no wise relinquishing the position held from the outset that the + responsibilities of the several States toward us remained unaltered by + their tentative relations among themselves. +</p> +<p> + The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the chairmanship of Rear-Admiral + John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a + provision in the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly + completed its labors, and the results of its exhaustive inquiry into the + proper route, the feasibility, and the cost of construction of an + interoceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route will be laid before you. In the + performance of its task the commission received all possible courtesy + and assistance from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which + thus testified their appreciation of the importance of giving a speedy + and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years + engrossed the attention of the respective countries. +</p> +<p> + As the scope of the recent inquiry embraced the whole subject, with the + aim of making plans and surveys for a canal by the most convenient + route, it necessarily included a review of the results of previous + surveys and plans, and in particular those adopted by the Maritime Canal + Company under its existing concessions from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so + that to this extent those grants necessarily hold as essential a part + in the deliberations and conclusions of the Canal Commission as they + have held and must needs hold in the discussion of the matter by the + Congress. Under these circumstances and in view of overtures made to the + Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica by other parties for a new canal + concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts + of the Maritime Canal Company with those States, I have not hesitated + to express my conviction that considerations of expediency and + international policy as between the several governments interested in + the construction and control of an interoceanic canal by this route + require the maintenance of the <i>status quo</i> until the Canal + Commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall have + had the opportunity to pass finally upon the whole matter during the + present session, without prejudice by reason of any change in the + existing conditions. +</p> +<p> + Nevertheless, it appears that the Government of Nicaragua, as one + of its last sovereign acts before merging its powers in those of the + newly formed United States of Central America, has granted an optional + concession to another association, to become effective on the expiration + of the present grant. It does not appear what surveys have been made + or what route is proposed under this contingent grant, so that an + examination of the feasibility of its plans is necessarily not embraced + in the report of the Canal Commission. All these circumstances suggest + the urgency of some definite action by the Congress at this session + if the labors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the + Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a practical waterway is to be realized. + That the construction of such a maritime highway is now more than ever + indispensable to that intimate and ready intercommunication between our + eastern and western seaboards demanded by the annexation of the Hawaiian + Islands and the prospective expansion of our influence and commerce in + the Pacific, and that our national policy now more imperatively than + ever calls for its control by this Government, are propositions which + I doubt not the Congress will duly appreciate and wisely act upon. +</p> +<p> + A convention providing for the revival of the late United States and + Chilean Claims Commission and the consideration of claims which were + duly presented to the late commission, but not considered because of the + expiration of the time limited for the duration of the commission, was + signed May 24, 1897, and has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The + term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having + elapsed, the convention falls unless the time be extended by amendment, + which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of + the Chilean Government. +</p> +<p> + The United States has not been an indifferent spectator of the + extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby portions + of its maritime provinces are passing under the control of various + European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the + energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for + Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through + any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of + our country becoming an actor in the scene. Our position among nations, + having a large Pacific coast and a constantly expanding direct trade + with the farther Orient, gives us the equitable claim to consideration + and friendly treatment in this regard, and it will be my aim to subserve + our large interests in that quarter by all means appropriate to the + constant policy of our Government. The territories of Kiao-chow, of + Wei-hai-wei, and of Port Arthur and Talienwan, leased to Germany, + Great Britain, and Russia, respectively, for terms of years, will, + it is announced, be open to international commerce during such alien + occupation; and if no discriminating treatment of American citizens and + their trade be found to exist or be hereafter developed, the desire of + this Government would appear to be realized. +</p> +<p> + In this relation, as showing the volume and value of our exchanges with + China and the peculiarly favorable conditions which exist for their + expansion in the normal course of trade, I refer to the communication + addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the + Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, with its + accompanying letter of the Secretary of State, recommending an + appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial + conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities + for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in China for the + raw products and manufactures of the United States. Action was not + taken thereon during the late session. I cordially urge that the + recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which its + importance and timeliness merit. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile there may be just ground for disquietude in view of the unrest + and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien + people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case + of the attacks upon our citizens in Szechuen and at Kutien in 1895, the + United States minister has been instructed to secure the fullest measure + of protection, both local and imperial, for any menaced American + interests, and to demand, in case of lawless injury to person or + property, instant reparation appropriate to the case. War ships have + been stationed at Tientsin for more ready observation of the disorders + which have invaded even the Chinese capital, so as to be in a position + to act should need arise, while a guard of marines has been sent to + Peking to afford the minister the same measure of authoritative + protection as the representatives of other nations have been constrained + to employ. +</p> +<p> + Following close upon the rendition of the award of my predecessor as + arbitrator of the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti against the + Republic of Colombia, differences arose between the parties to the + arbitration in regard to the scope and extension of the award, of which + certain articles were contested by Colombia, while Italy claimed their + literal fulfillment. The award having been made by the President of the + United States, as an act of friendly consideration and with the sole + view to an impartial composition of the matter in dispute, I could + not but feel deep concern at such a miscarriage, and while unable to + accept the Colombian theory that I, in my official capacity, possessed + continuing functions as arbitrator, with power to interpret or revise + the terms of the award, my best efforts were lent to bring the parties + to a harmonious agreement as to the execution of its provisions. +</p> +<p> + A naval demonstration by Italy resulted in an engagement to pay + the liabilities claimed upon their ascertainment; but this apparent + disposition of the controversy was followed by a rupture of diplomatic + intercourse between Colombia and Italy, which still continues, although, + fortunately, without acute symptoms having supervened. Notwithstanding + this, efforts are reported to be continuing for the ascertainment of + Colombia's contingent liability on account of Cerruti's debts under the + fifth article of the award. +</p> +<p> + A claim of an American citizen against the Dominican Republic for + a public bridge over the Ozama River, which has been in diplomatic + controversy for several years, has been settled by expert arbitration + and an award in favor of the claimant amounting to about $90,000. It, + however, remains unpaid, despite urgent demands for its settlement + according to the terms of the compact. +</p> +<p> + There is now every prospect that the participation of the United States + in the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris in 1900 will be on a + scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and + industries in the world's chief marts. +</p> +<p> + The preliminary report of Mr. Moses P. Handy, who, under the act + approved July 19, 1897, was appointed special commissioner with a view + to securing all attainable information necessary to a full and complete + understanding by Congress in regard to the participation of this + Government in the Paris Exposition, was laid before you by my message + of December 6, 1897, and showed the large opportunities opened to make + known our national progress in arts, science, and manufactures, as + well as the urgent need of immediate and adequate provision to enable + due advantage thereof to be taken. Mr. Handy's death soon afterwards + rendered it necessary for another to take up and complete his unfinished + work, and on January 11 last Mr. Thomas W. Cridler, Third Assistant + Secretary of State, was designated to fulfill that task. His report was + laid before you by my message of June 14, 1898, with the gratifying + result of awakening renewed interest in the projected display. By a + provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, a sum + not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission + to care for the proper preparation and installation of American exhibits + and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several Executive + Departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish + Commission, and the Smithsonian Institution, in representation of the + Government of the United States. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Mr. Ferdinand W. Peck, of + Chicago, commissioner-general, with an assistant commissioner-general + and a secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where his success + in enlarging the scope and variety of the United States exhibit has + been most gratifying. Notwithstanding the comparatively limited area + of the exposition site—less than one-half that of the World's Fair at + Chicago—the space assigned to the United States has been increased from + the absolute allotment of 157,403 square feet reported by Mr. Handy to + some 202,000 square feet, with corresponding augmentation of the field + for a truly characteristic representation of the various important + branches of our country's development. Mr. Peck's report will be laid + before you. In my judgment its recommendations will call for your early + consideration, especially as regards an increase of the appropriation to + at least one million dollars in all, so that not only may the assigned + space be fully taken up by the best possible exhibits in every class, + but the preparation and installation be on so perfect a scale as to + rank among the first in that unparalleled competition of artistic and + inventive production, and thus counterbalance the disadvantage with + which we start as compared with other countries whose appropriations are + on a more generous scale and whose preparations are in a state of much + greater forwardness than our own. +</p> +<p> + Where our artisans have the admitted capacity to excel, where our + inventive genius has initiated many of the grandest discoveries of these + later days of the century, and where the native resources of our land + are as limitless as they are valuable to supply the world's needs, it is + our province, as it should be our earnest care, to lead in the march of + human progress, and not rest content with any secondary place. Moreover, + if this be due to ourselves, it is no less due to the great French + nation whose guests we become, and which has in so many ways testified + its wish and hope that our participation shall befit the place the two + peoples have won in the field of universal development. +</p> +<p> + The commercial arrangement made with France on the 28th of May, 1898, + under the provisions of section 3 of the tariff act of 1897, went into + effect on the 1st day of June following. It has relieved a portion of + our export trade from serious embarrassment. Further negotiations + are now pending under section 4 of the same act with a view to the + increase of trade between the two countries to their mutual advantage. + Negotiations with other governments, in part interrupted by the war with + Spain, are in progress under both sections of the tariff act. I hope to + be able to announce some of the results of these negotiations during the + present session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. + Meanwhile no effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government + of the thoroughness of our inspection of pork products for exportation, + and it is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by + the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the + healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where + their use is large and necessary. +</p> +<p> + I transmitted to the Senate on the 10th of February last information + touching the prohibition against the importation of fresh fruits from + this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the + ground of danger of disseminating the San José scale insect. This + precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the + drastic steps taken in several States of the Union against the spread of + the pest, the elaborate reports of the Department of Agriculture being + put in evidence to show the danger to German fruit-growing interests + should the scale obtain a lodgment in that country. Temporary relief was + afforded in the case of large consignments of fruit then on the way by + inspection and admission when found noninfected. Later the prohibition + was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to + apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the + alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar + inhibition. Efforts are in progress to induce the German and Swiss + Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to + have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal + life impossible. +</p> +<p> + Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly + footing. Assenting to our request, the protection of Americans and their + interests in Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic and + consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate + and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. + I may be allowed to make fitting allusion to the instance of Mr. Ramsden, + Her Majesty's consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose untimely death after + distinguished service and untiring effort during the siege of that city + was sincerely lamented. +</p> +<p> + In the early part of April last, pursuant to a request made at the + instance of the Secretary of State by the British ambassador at this + capital, the Canadian government granted facilities for the passage of + four United States revenue cutters from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic + coast by way of the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River. The + vessels had reached Lake Ontario and were there awaiting the opening of + navigation when war was declared between the United States and Spain. + Her Majesty's Government thereupon, by a communication of the latter + part of April, stated that the permission granted before the outbreak of + hostilities would not be withdrawn provided the United States Government + gave assurance that the vessels in question would proceed direct to + a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation. + This Government promptly agreed to the stipulated condition, it being + understood that the vessels would not be prohibited from resisting any + hostile attack. +</p> +<p> + It will give me especial satisfaction if I shall be authorized to + communicate to you a favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations + with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. It is the + earnest wish of this Government to remove all sources of discord and + irritation in our relations with the neighboring Dominion. The trade + between the two countries is constantly increasing, and it is important + to both countries that all reasonable facilities should be granted for + its development. +</p> +<p> + The Government of Greece strongly urges the onerousness of the duty here + imposed upon the currants of that country, amounting to 100 per cent or + more of their market value. This fruit is stated to be exclusively a + Greek product, not coming into competition with any domestic product. + The question of reciprocal commercial relations with Greece, including + the restoration of currants to the free list, is under consideration. +</p> +<p> + The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for injuries + sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military + authorities in the island of Haiti has been settled by the agreement of + that Republic to pay him $10,000 in American gold. Of this sum $5,000 + has already been paid. It is hoped that other pending claims of American + citizens against that Republic may be amicably adjusted. +</p> +<p> + Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, + 1897, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic + of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint + resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered + cession and incorporating the ceded territory into the Union was adopted + by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed the + United States steamship <i>Philadelphia</i> to convey Rear-Admiral + Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important + legislative act, to be delivered to the President of the Republic of + Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were + authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the + sovereignty of the islands to the United States. This was simply but + impressively accomplished on the 12th of August last by the delivery of + a certified copy of the resolution to President Dole, who thereupon + yielded up to the representative of the Government of the United States + the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to the terms of the joint resolution and in exercise of + the authority thereby conferred upon me, I directed that the civil, + judicial, and military powers theretofore exercised by the officers of + the Government of the Republic of Hawaii should continue to be exercised + by those officers until Congress shall provide a government for the + incorporated territory, subject to my power to remove such officers and + to fill vacancies. The President, officers, and troops of the Republic + thereupon took the oath of allegiance to the United States, thus + providing for the uninterrupted continuance of all the administrative + and municipal functions of the annexed territory until Congress shall + otherwise enact. +</p> +<p> + Following the further provision of the joint resolution, I appointed the + Hons. Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, John T. Morgan, of Alabama, Robert + R. Hitt, of Illinois, Sanford B. Dole, of Hawaii, and Walter F. Frear, + of Hawaii, as commissioners to confer and recommend to Congress such + legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem + necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission + confided to them, their report will be laid before you at an early day. + It is believed that their recommendations will have the earnest + consideration due to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon + you to give such shape to the relationship of those mid-Pacific lands to + our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree, realizing the + aspirations of the community that has cast its lot with us and elected + to share our political heritage, while at the same time justifying the + foresight of those who for three-quarters of a century have looked to + the assimilation of Hawaii as a natural and inevitable consummation, in + harmony with our needs and in fulfillment of our cherished traditions. +</p> +<p> + The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out + of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty immigrants were, I am + pleased to say, adjusted before the act of transfer by the payment of + a reasonable indemnity to the Government of Japan. +</p> +<p> + Under the provisions of the joint resolution, the existing customs + relations of the Hawaiian Islands with the United States and with other + countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. + The consuls of Hawaii here and in foreign countries continue to fulfill + their commercial agencies, while the United States consulate at Honolulu + is maintained for all appropriate services pertaining to trade and the + revenue. It would be desirable that all foreign consuls in the Hawaiian + Islands should receive new exequaturs from this Government. +</p> +<p> + The attention of Congress is called to the fact that, our consular + offices having ceased to exist in Hawaii and being about to cease in + other countries coming under the sovereignty of the United States, the + provisions for the relief and transportation of destitute American + seamen in these countries under our consular regulations will in + consequence terminate. It is proper, therefore, that new legislation + should be enacted upon this subject in order to meet the changed + conditions. +</p> +<p> + The interpretation of certain provisions of the extradition convention + of December 11, 1861, has been at various times the occasion of + controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose in + the case of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesús Guerra, who, + having led a marauding expedition near the border with the proclaimed + purpose of initiating an insurrection against President Diaz, escaped + into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground that the alleged + offense was political in its character, and therefore came within the + treaty proviso of nonsurrender. The Mexican contention was that the + exception only related to purely political offenses, and that as + Guerra's acts were admixed with the common crime of murder, arson, + kidnaping, and robbery, the option of nondelivery became void, a + position which this Government was unable to admit in view of the + received international doctrine and practice in the matter. The Mexican + Government, in view of this, gave notice January 24, 1898, of the + termination of the convention, to take effect twelve months from that + date, at the same time inviting the conclusion of a new convention, + toward which negotiations are on foot. +</p> +<p> + In this relation I may refer to the necessity of some amendment of + our existing extradition statute. It is a common stipulation of such + treaties that neither party shall be bound to give up its own citizens, + with the added proviso in one of our treaties, that with Japan, that it + may surrender if it see fit. It is held in this country by an almost + uniform course of decisions that where a treaty negatives the obligation + to surrender the President is not invested with legal authority to act. + The conferment of such authority would be in the line of that sound + morality which shrinks from affording secure asylum to the author of a + heinous crime. Again, statutory provision might well be made for what is + styled extradition by way of transit, whereby a fugitive surrendered by + one foreign government to another may be conveyed across the territory + of the United States to the jurisdiction of the demanding state. + A recommendation in this behalf made in the President's message of + 1886<a href="#note-23"><small>23</small></a> was not acted upon. The matter is presented for your + consideration. +</p> +<p> + The problem of the Mexican free zone has been often discussed with + regard to its inconvenience as a provocative of smuggling into the + United States along an extensive and thinly guarded land border. + The effort made by the joint resolution of March 1, 1895, to remedy the + abuse charged by suspending the privilege of free transportation in + bond across the territory of the United States to Mexico failed of good + result, as is stated in Report No. 702 of the House of Representatives, + submitted in the last session, March 11, 1898. As the question is one to + be conveniently met by wise concurrent legislation of the two countries + looking to the protection of the revenues by harmonious measures + operating equally on either side of the boundary, rather than by + conventional arrangements, I suggest that Congress consider the + advisability of authorizing and inviting a conference of representatives + of the Treasury Departments of the United States and Mexico to consider + the subject in all its complex bearings, and make report with pertinent + recommendations to the respective Governments for the information and + consideration of their Congresses. +</p> +<p> + The Mexican Water Boundary Commission has adjusted all matters + submitted to it to the satisfaction of both Governments save in three + important cases—that of the "Chamizal" at El Paso, Tex., where the two + commissioners failed to agree, and wherein, for this case only, this + Government has proposed to Mexico the addition of a third member; the + proposed elimination of what are known as "Bancos," small isolated + islands formed by the cutting off of bends in the Rio Grande, from + the operation of the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended by the + commissioners and approved by this Government, but still under + consideration by Mexico; and the subject of the "Equitable distribution + of the waters of the Rio Grande," for which the commissioners + recommended an international dam and reservoir, approved by Mexico, but + still under consideration by this Government. Pending these questions + it is necessary to extend the life of the commission, which expires + December 23 next. +</p> +<p> + The coronation of the young Queen of the Netherlands was made the + occasion of fitting congratulations. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Victor H. McCord against Peru, which for a number of + years has been pressed by this Government and has on several occasions + attracted the attention of the Congress, has been satisfactorily + adjusted. A protocol was signed May 17, 1898, whereby, the fact of + liability being admitted, the question of the amount to be awarded was + submitted to the chief justice of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award + sets the indemnity due the claimant at $40,000. +</p> +<p> + The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of its + intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation + concluded with this country August 31, 1887. As that treaty contains + many important provisions necessary to the maintenance of commerce + and good relations, which could with difficulty be replaced by the + negotiation of renewed provisions within the brief twelve months + intervening before the treaty terminates, I have invited suggestions by + Peru as to the particular provisions it is desired to annul, in the hope + of reaching an arrangement whereby the remaining articles may be + provisionally saved. +</p> +<p> + His Majesty the Czar having announced his purpose to raise the + Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, + I responded, under the authority conferred by the act of March 3, + 1893, by commissioning and accrediting the actual representative + at St. Petersburg in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary and + plenipotentiary. The Russian ambassador to this country has since + presented his credentials. +</p> +<p> + The proposal of the Czar for a general reduction of the vast military + establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace + was communicated to this Government with an earnest invitation to be + represented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with + a view to discussing the means of accomplishing so desirable a result. + His Majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of this + Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of + the readiness of the United States to take part in the conference. + The active military force of the United States, as measured by our + population, territorial area, and taxable wealth, is, and under any + conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace + so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Czar's + appeal is especially addressed that the question can have for us no + practical importance save as marking an auspicious step toward the + betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation + of peace and good will among them; but in this view it behooves us as + a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent project. +</p> +<p> + The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian + cruisers in Bering Sea are being pressed to a settlement. The equities + of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will + eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the + proven facts. +</p> +<p> + The recommendation made in my special message of April 27 last is + renewed, that appropriation be made to reimburse the master and owners + of the Russian bark <i>Hans</i> for wrongful arrest of the master and + detention of the vessel in February, 1896, by officers of the United + States district court for the southern district of Mississippi. The + papers accompanying my said message make out a most meritorious claim + and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the + Government of Russia. +</p> +<p> + Malietoa Laupepa, King of Samoa, died on August 22 last. According to + Article I of the general act of Berlin, "his successor shall be duly + elected according to the laws and customs of Samoa." +</p> +<p> + Arrangements having been agreed upon between the signatories of the + general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan + chiefs, they were brought from Jaluit by a German war vessel and landed + at Apia on September 18 last. +</p> +<p> + Whether the death of Malietoa and the return of his old-time rival + Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which the execution of + the tripartite general act has heretofore developed remains to be seen. + The efforts of this Government will, as heretofore, be addressed toward + a harmonious and exact fulfillment of the terms of the international + engagement to which the United States became a party in 1889. +</p> +<p> + The Cheek claim against Siam, after some five years of controversy, has + been adjusted by arbitration under an agreement signed July 6, 1897, an + award of 706,721 ticals (about $187,987.78), with release of the Cheek + estate from mortgage claims, having been rendered March 21, 1898, in + favor of the claimant by the arbitrator, Sir Nicholas John Hannen, + British chief justice for China and Japan. +</p> +<p> + An envoy from Siam has been accredited to this Government and has + presented his credentials. +</p> +<p> + Immediately upon the outbreak of the war with Spain the Swiss + Government, fulfilling the high mission it has deservedly assumed as the + patron of the International Red Cross, proposed to the United States and + Spain that they should severally recognize and carry into execution, + as a <i>modus vivendi</i>, during the continuance of hostilities, the + additional articles proposed by the international conference of Geneva, + October 20, 1868, extending the effects of the existing Red Cross + convention of 1864 to the conduct of naval war. Following the example + set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a <i>modus vivendi</i>, + and in view of the accession of the United States to those additional + articles in 1882, although the exchange of ratifications thereof still + remained uneffected, the Swiss proposal was promptly and cordially + accepted by us, and simultaneously by Spain. +</p> +<p> + This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled to + testify its adherence to the broadest principles of humanity even amidst + the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the Red + Cross compact to hostilities by sea as well as on land may soon become + an accomplished fact through the general promulgation of the additional + naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the + convention of 1864. +</p> +<p> + The important question of the claim of Switzerland to the perpetual + cantonal allegiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made + hopeful progress toward a solution, and controversies in this regard + still continue. +</p> +<p> + The newly accredited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman Porte + carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy + with Turkey for a number of years. He is especially charged to press for + a just settlement of our claims for indemnity by reason of the + destruction of the property of American missionaries resident in that + country during the Armenian troubles of 1895, as well as for the + recognition of older claims of equal justness. +</p> +<p> + He is also instructed to seek an adjustment of the dispute growing + out of the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of + Ottoman-born persons naturalized in the United States since 1869 without + prior imperial consent, and in the same general relation he is directed + to endeavor to bring about a solution of the question which has more or + less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdictional rights of + the United States in matters of criminal procedure and punishment under + Article IV of the treaty of 1830. This latter difficulty grows out of a + verbal difference, claimed by Turkey to be essential, between the + original Turkish text and the promulgated translation. +</p> +<p> + After more than two years from the appointment of a consul of this + country to Erzerum, he has received his exequatur. +</p> +<p> + The arbitral tribunal appointed under the treaty of February 2, 1897, + between Great Britain and Venezuela, to determine the boundary line + between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at + Paris during the present month. It is a source of much gratification to + this Government to see the friendly resort of arbitration applied to the + settlement of this controversy, not alone because of the earnest part we + have had in bringing about the result, but also because the two members + named on behalf of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuller and Mr. Justice + Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appropriately testify the + continuing interest we feel in the definitive adjustment of the question + according to the strictest rules of justice. The British members, + Lord Herschell and Sir Richard Collins, are jurists of no less exalted + repute, while the fifth member and president of the tribunal, M.F. + De Martens, has earned a world-wide reputation as an authority upon + international law. +</p> +<p> + The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expulsion + and injury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the + order of expulsion and by the payment of the sum of $16,000. +</p> +<p> + I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of + the American Republics, created in 1890 as the organ for promoting + commercial intercourse and fraternal relations among the countries of + the Western Hemisphere, has become a more efficient instrument of the + wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial support of + the contributing members of the international union which are actually + represented in its board of management. A commercial directory, in two + volumes, containing a mass of statistical matter descriptive of the + industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been + printed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a monthly + bulletin published in these four languages and distributed in the + Latin-American countries as well as in the United States has proved to + be a valuable medium for disseminating information and furthering the + varied interests of the international union. +</p> +<p> + During the past year the important work of collecting information of + practical benefit to American industries and trade through the agency + of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily advanced, and + in order to lay such data before the public with the least delay the + practice was begun in January, 1898, of issuing the commercial reports + from day to day as they are received by the Department of State. It is + believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of information the + service thus supplied to our merchants and manufacturers will be found + to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of + Congress. +</p> +<p> + The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of + the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in common with most + civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage + sustained in time of war-by peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we + may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations + are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehension + into which an outbreak of hostilities throws the entire commercial + world. It should be our object, therefore, to minimize, so far as + practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can + probably best be accomplished by an international agreement to regard + all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the + forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many + years advocated this humane and beneficent principle, and is now in + position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of + selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your consideration that the + Executive be authorized to correspond with the governments of the + principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the + permanent law of civilized nations the principle of the exemption of + all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or + destruction by belligerent powers. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the + Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, + 1898, including $64,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, + amounted to $405,321,335 and its expenditures to $443,368,582. There + was collected from customs $149,575,062 and from internal revenue + $170,900,641. Our dutiable imports amounted to $324,635,479, a decrease + of $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty + amounted to $291,414,175, a decrease from the preceding year of + $90,524,068. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding + year by $24,212,067. +</p> +<p> + The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $92,546,999; + on manufactured tobacco, $36,230,522, and on fermented liquors, + $39,515,421. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to + $1,231,482,330, an increase of $180,488,774 from the preceding year. +</p> +<p> + It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the + receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will + be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a + deficiency of $112,000,000. +</p> +<p> + On the 1st of December, 1898, there was held in the Treasury gold coin + amounting to $138,441,547, gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545, + silver bullion amounting to $93,359,250, and other forms of money + amounting to $451,963,981. +</p> +<p> + On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not + included in Treasury holdings, was $1,886,879,504, an increase for the + year of $165,794,966. Estimating our population at 75,194,000 at the + time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.09. On the same date + there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545. +</p> +<p> + The provisions made for strengthening the resources of the Treasury in + connection with the war have given increased confidence in the purpose + and power of the Government to maintain the present standard, and have + established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and + abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the inflow of gold to the + Treasury. Its net gold holdings on November 1, 1898, were $239,885,162 + as compared with $153,573,147 on November 1, 1897, and an increase of + net cash of $207,756,100, November 1, 1897, to $300,238,275, November 1, + 1898. The present ratio of net Treasury gold to outstanding Government + liabilities, including United States notes, Treasury notes of 1890, + silver certificates, currency certificates, standard silver dollars, + and fractional silver coin, November 1, 1898, was 25.35 per cent, as + compared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1897. +</p> +<p> + I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That when any of the United States notes are presented for redemption + in gold and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set + apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an obvious duty. + If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it + from the Government, he should not receive back from the Government a + United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason + for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an + interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United + States notes—a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay + them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in + any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond + issue to redeem them—another interest-bearing debt to redeem a + non-interest-bearing debt. +</p> +<p> + This recommendation was made in the belief that such provisions of law + would insure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and + better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected + from a disturbance in the general business conditions of the country. +</p> +<p> + In my judgment the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the + immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under + which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund + from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when + once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. +</p> +<p> + It is not to be inferred that other legislation relating to our currency + is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for it. +</p> +<p> + The importance of adequate provision which will insure to our future a + money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our + commercial rivals is generally recognized. +</p> +<p> + The companion proposition that our domestic paper currency shall be kept + safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal + commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs is a proposition + scarcely less important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to + the wise consideration of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + The annexation of Hawaii and the changed relations of the United States + to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines resulting from the war, compel + the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United States. There + should be established regular and frequent steamship communication, + encouraged by the United States, under the American flag, with the newly + acquired islands. Spain furnished to its colonies, at an annual cost of + about $2,000,000, steamship lines communicating with a portion of the + world's markets, as well as with trade centers of the home Government. + The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to + furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, under national control, + for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present + situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and + liberal. +</p> +<p> + The part which American merchant vessels and their seamen performed + in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both + pickets and the second line of defense, is a national necessity, and + should be encouraged in every constitutional way. Details and methods + for the accomplishment of this purpose are discussed in the report of + the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is + respectfully invited. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message I recommended that Congress authorize the + appointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic + investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow + fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result + of the military occupation of the island of Cuba and the commercial + intercourse between this island and the United States which we have + every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new + relations with the island of Cuba and the acquisition of Puerto Rico + are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and + administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be + considered by competent experts and that everything may be done + which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the + protection of the health of our soldiers in those islands and of + our citizens who are exposed to the dangers of infection from the + importation of yellow fever. I therefore renew my recommendation that + the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made + to provide for a commission of experts to be appointed for the purpose + indicated. +</p> +<p> + Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the + President in his discretion, "upon a declaration of war by Congress, or + a declaration by Congress that war exists," I directed the increase of + the Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. +</p> +<p> + There are now in the Regular Army 57,862 officers and men. In said act + it was provided— +</p> +<p class="q"> + That at the end of any war in which the United States may become + involved the Army shall be reduced to a peace basis by the transfer + in the same arm of the service or absorption by promotion or honorable + discharge, under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish, + of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or + transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this + act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent increase of the + commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now + provided by the law in force prior to the passage of this act, + except as to the increase of twenty-five majors provided for in + section I hereof. +</p> +<p> + The importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the Army is + therefore manifest, and the recommendation of the Secretary of War for + that purpose has my unqualified approval. There can be no question that + at this time, and probably for some time in the future, 100,000 men + will be none too many to meet the necessities of the situation. At all + events, whether that number shall be required permanently or not, the + power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his + discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should + be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the + inhabitants of the islands with the government of which we are charged. + It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the + Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. + This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the + brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in + its emergency. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message I stated: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The Union Pacific Railway, main line, was sold under the decree of the + United States court for the district of Nebraska on the 1st and 2d of + November of this year. The amount due the Government consisted of the + principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,512, and the accrued interest + thereon, $31,211,711.75, making the total indebtedness $58,448,223.75. + The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire + mortgage claim of the Government, principal and interest. +</p> +<p> + This left the Kansas Pacific case unconcluded. By a decree of the court + in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which + would yield to the Government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale, + at the instance of the Government, was postponed first to December 15, + 1897, and later, upon the application of the United States, was + postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. +</p> +<p> + Having satisfied myself that the interests of the Government required + that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the + Secretary of the Treasury, under the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay + out of the Treasury to the persons entitled to receive the same the + amounts due upon all prior mortgages upon the Eastern and Middle + divisions of said railroad out of any money in the Treasury not + otherwise appropriated, whereupon the Attorney-General prepared a + petition to be presented to the court, offering to redeem said prior + liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that + thereupon the United States might be held to be subrogated to all the + rights of said prior lien holders and that a receiver might be appointed + to take possession of the mortgaged premises and maintain and operate + the same until the court or Congress otherwise directed. Thereupon the + reorganization committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and + the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they would + bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Government the entire + principal of its debt, $6,303,000. +</p> +<p> + Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the + difficulties under which the Government would labor if it should become + the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any authority + by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon + the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the + principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the + Government secured an advance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which + the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization + committee had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the + property. +</p> +<p> + It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the + Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the Government + has received on account of its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, + an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the sum which the reorganization + committee originally agreed to bid for the joint property, the + Government receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the + Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas Pacific + Railroad. +</p> +<p> + Steps had been taken to foreclose the Government's lien upon the Central + Pacific Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress + passed an act, approved July 7, 1898, creating a commission consisting + of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the + Secretary of the Interior, and their successors in office, with full + power to settle the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the + issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and + Western Pacific bond-aided railroads, subject to the approval of the + President. +</p> +<p> + No report has yet been made to me by the commission thus created. + Whatever action is had looking to a settlement of the indebtedness in + accordance with the act referred to will be duly submitted to the + Congress. +</p> +<p> + I deem it my duty to call to the attention of Congress the condition of + the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The business + of that Department has increased very greatly since it was established + in its present quarters. The building now occupied by it is neither + large enough nor of suitable arrangement for the proper accommodation of + the business of the Department. The Supervising Architect has pronounced + it unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The + Attorney-General in his report states that the library of the Department + is upon the fourth floor, and that all the space allotted to it is so + crowded with books as to dangerously overload the structure. The first + floor is occupied by the Court of Claims. The building is of an old and + dilapidated appearance, unsuited to the dignity which should attach to + this important Department. +</p> +<p> + A proper regard for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the officers + and employees would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in + the erection of, a new building of commodious proportions and handsome + appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that + purpose, including the ground occupied by the present structure and + adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet on + Pennsylvania avenue and a depth of 136 feet. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations + provided for the Supreme Court in the Capitol, and suggest the wisdom of + making provision for the erection of a separate building for the court + and its officers and library upon available ground near the Capitol. +</p> +<p> + The postal service of the country advances with extraordinary growth. + Within twenty years both the revenues and the expenditures of the + Post-Office Department have multiplied threefold. In the last ten years + they have nearly doubled. Our postal business grows much more rapidly + than our population. It now involves an expenditure of $100,000,000 a + year, numbers 73,000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 employees. This + remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of the + public conditions presents gratifying evidence of the advancement of + education, of the increase of communication and business activity, and + of the improvement of mail facilities leading to their constantly + augmenting use. +</p> +<p> + The war with Spain laid new and exceptional labors on the Post-Office + Department. The mustering of the military and naval forces of the United + States required special mail arrangements for every camp and every + campaign. The communication between home and camp was naturally eager + and expectant. In some of the larger places of rendezvous as many as + 50,000 letters a day required handling. This necessity was met by the + prompt detail and dispatch of experienced men from the established force + and by directing all the instrumentalities of the railway mail and + post-office service, so far as necessary, to this new need. Congress + passed an act empowering the Postmaster-General to establish offices or + branches at every military camp or station, and under this authority the + postal machinery was speedily put into effective operation. +</p> +<p> + Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Puerto + Rico, and the Philippines they were attended and followed by the postal + service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of + postmasters where necessary, it was early determined that the public + interests would best be subserved, not by new designations, but by the + detail of experienced men familiar with every branch of the service, + and this policy was steadily followed. When the territory which was the + theater of conflict came into our possession, it became necessary to + reestablish mail facilities for the resident population as well as to + provide them for our forces of occupation, and the former requirement + was met through the extension and application of the latter obligation. + I gave the requisite authority, and the same general principle was + applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under + military occupation. The details are more particularly given in the + report of the Postmaster-General, and, while the work is only just + begun, it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the + territory which has come under our control is already materially + improved. +</p> +<p> + The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to + the increase of the Navy have my earnest approval: +</p> +<p> + 1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 + tons trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful + ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable + speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and + armament, $3,600,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 2. Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,000 tons + trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful + ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable + speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and + armament, $4,000,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons + trial displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and great + radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for + vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, + $2,150,000 each. +</p> +<p> + 4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial + displacement, to have the highest speed compatible with good cruising + qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful + ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive + of armament, $1,141,800 each. +</p> +<p> + I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades + of admiral and vice-admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by + officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with + Spain. +</p> +<p> + I earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of early legislation + providing for the taking of the Twelfth Census. This is necessary in + view of the large amount of work which must be performed in the + preparation of the schedules preparatory to the enumeration of the + population. +</p> +<p> + There were on the pension rolls on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an + increase of nearly 18,000 over the number on the rolls on the same day + of the preceding year. The amount appropriated by the act of December + 22, 1896, for the payment of pensions for the fiscal year of 1898 + was $140,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hundred and + seventy-two dollars and forty-six cents was appropriated by the act of + March 31, 1898, to cover deficiencies in army pensions, and repayments + in the sum of $12,020.33, making a total of $148,082,892.79 available + for the payment of pensions during the fiscal year 1898. The amount + disbursed from that sum was $144,651,879.80, leaving a balance of + $3,431,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of June, 1898, which was covered + into the Treasury. There were 389 names added to the rolls during the + year by special acts passed at the second session of the Fifty-fifth + Congress, making a total of 6,486 pensioners by Congressional enactments + since 1861. +</p> +<p> + The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were + $1,253,948.44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus + of $172,314.65. +</p> +<p> + The public lands disposed of by the Government during the year reached + 8,453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previous + year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year + amounted to $2,277,995.18, an increase of $190,063.90 over the preceding + year. The lands embraced in the eleven forest reservations which were + suspended by the act of June 4, 1897, again became subject to the + operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1897, creating them, + which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area embraced + in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves + were created during the year—the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve, + in California, embracing 1,644,594 acres, and the Prescott Reserve, in + Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres—while the Pecos River Reserve, in New + Mexico, has been changed and enlarged to include 120,000 additional + acres. +</p> +<p> + At the close of the year thirty forest reservations, not including those + of the Afognak Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve, in Alaska, had been + created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March + 3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. +</p> +<p> + The Department of the Interior has inaugurated a forest system, made + possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in + control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation + since August, but good results have already been secured in many + sections. The reports received indicate that the system of patrol has + not only prevented destructive fires from gaining headway, but has + diminished the number of fires. +</p> +<p> + The special attention of the Congress is called to that part of + the report of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the Five + Civilized Tribes. It is noteworthy that the general condition of the + Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of a serious character + occurred during the year, and that among the Chippewa Indians of + Minnesota, which happily has been suppressed. +</p> +<p> + While it has not yet been practicable to enforce all the provisions + of the act of June 28, 1898, "for the protection of the people of the + Indian Territory, and for other purposes," it is having a salutary + effect upon the nations composing the five tribes. The Dawes Commission + reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance toward the + attainment of the objects of the Government have been secured in the + past year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the + recommendation of the commission and of the Secretary of the Interior + for the necessity of providing for the education of the 30,000 white + children resident in the Indian Territory. +</p> +<p> + The Department of Agriculture has been active in the past year. + Explorers have been sent to many of the countries of the Eastern and + Western hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the + United States, and with the further view of opening up markets for our + surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving + special attention to the treeless regions of our country and is + introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires, + which seriously interfere with production, especially in irrigated + regions, are being studied, that losses from this cause may be avoided. + The Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many + States of the West, and collating information regarding the laws of the + States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in + this regard, so that uniformity may be secured. Experiment stations are + becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,000 + by Congress is supplemented by $400,000 from the States. Nation-wide + experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil + and climate and States for growing sugar beets. The number of sugar + factories has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the + United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly + demonstrated. +</p> +<p> + The Weather Bureau forecast and observation stations have been extended + around the Caribbean Sea, to give early warning of the approach of + hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine. +</p> +<p> + In the year 1900 will occur the centennial anniversary of the founding + of the city of Washington for the permanent capital of the Government of + the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, + 1790. In May, 1800, the archives and general offices of the Federal + Government were removed to this place. On the 17th of November, 1800, + the National Congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive + control of the Federal district and city. This interesting event assumes + all the more significance when we recall the circumstances attending the + choosing of the site, the naming of the capital in honor of the Father + of his Country, and the interest taken by him in the adoption of plans + for its future development on a magnificent scale. +</p> +<p> + These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and + a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. + The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and + government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and + education which here find their natural home. +</p> +<p> + A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary + celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the + establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an + occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with + general favor on the part of the public. +</p> +<p> + I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this + purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. + It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a + committee from the country at large, which, acting with the + Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the + plans for an appropriate national celebration. +</p> +<p> + The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a + measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful + application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the + principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend + these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. +</p> +<p> + The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in + great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the + past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel + called upon to act. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + + +<center> + AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America + and the Kingdom of Spain. +</center> +<p> + <i>Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the + United States of America in Congress assembled</i>, First. That war be, + and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed + since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the + United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain. +</p> +<p> + Second. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to + carry this act into effect. +</p> +<p> + Approved, April 25, 1898. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, February 10, 1899</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + As a consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace between the + United States and Spain and its expected ratification by the Spanish + Government, the United States will come into possession of the + Philippine Islands, on the farther shores of the Pacific. The Hawaiian + Islands and Guam becoming United States territory and forming convenient + stopping places on the way across the sea, the necessity for speedy + cable communication between the United States and all these Pacific + islands has become imperative. +</p> +<p> + Such communication should be established in such a way as to be wholly + under the control of the United States, whether in time of peace or of + war. At present the Philippines can be reached only by cables which + pass through many foreign countries, and the Hawaiian Islands and Guam + can only be communicated with by steamers, involving delays in each + instance of at least a week. The present conditions should not be + allowed to continue for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. +</p> +<p> + So long ago as 1885 reference was made in an Executive message to + Congress to the necessity for cable communication between the United + States and Hawaii. This necessity has greatly increased since then. + The question has been discussed in the Fifty-second, Fifty-fourth, and + Fifty-fifth Congresses, in each of which some effort has been made + looking toward laying a cable at least as far as the Hawaiian Islands. + The time has now arrived when a cable in the Pacific must extend at + least as far as Manila, touching at the Hawaiian Islands and Guam on + the way. +</p> +<p> + Two methods of establishing this cable communication at once suggest + themselves: First, construction and maintenance of such a cable by + and at the expense of the United States Government, and, second, + construction and maintenance of such a cable by a private United States + corporation, under such safeguards as Congress shall impose. +</p> +<p> + I do not make any recommendations to Congress as to which of these + methods would be the more desirable. A cable of the length of that + proposed requires so much time for construction and laying that it is + estimated that at least two years must elapse after giving the order for + the cable before the entire system could be successfully laid and put in + operation. Further deep-sea soundings must be taken west of the Hawaiian + Islands before the final route for the cable can be selected. Under + these circumstances it becomes a paramount necessity that measures + should be taken before the close of the present Congress to provide such + means as may seem most suitable for the establishment of a cable system. +</p> +<p> + I commend the whole subject to the careful consideration of the Congress + and to such prompt action as may seem advisable. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<a name="2H_4_0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April + 20, 1898,<a href="#note-24"><small>24</small></a> and communicated to the Government of Spain, it was + demanded that said Government at once relinquish its authority and + government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces + from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as might be necessary + to carry said resolution into effect; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas in carrying into effect said resolution the President of the + United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade + of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between + Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast + of Cuba: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in + order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim + that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a + blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast + between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the + south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United + States and the law of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient + force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels + from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said + ports or attempting to leave the same without notice or knowledge of the + establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of + the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the + date of such warning, where such indorsement was made; and if the same + vessel shall again attempt to enter any blockaded port she will be + captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such proceedings + against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. +</p> +<p> + Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the + establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue + therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the + seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN SHERMAN,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the 20th day of + April, 1898,<a href="#note-25"><small>25</small></a> entitled "Joint resolution for the recognition of the + independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of + Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and + to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and + directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval + forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for + temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States + in time of war, and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the + President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue + his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the + United States: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by + virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and + deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, + and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 + in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the + same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several States + and Territories and the District of Columbia according to population and + to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this + object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities + through the War Department. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN SHERMAN,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898,<a href="#note-26"><small>26</small></a> it is + declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 21st day of + April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of + America and the Kingdom of Spain; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon + principles in harmony with the present views of nations and sanctioned + by their recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy + of this Government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere + to the rules of the Declaration of Paris: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the + laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: +</p> +<p> + 1. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of + contraband of war. +</p> +<p> + 2. Neutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation + under the enemy's flag. +</p> +<p> + 3. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. +</p> +<p> + 4. Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United + States shall be allowed till May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their + cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish + merchant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be + permitted to continue their voyage if on examination of their papers + it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the + expiration of the above term: <i>Provided</i>, That nothing herein + contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officer in + the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal (except such as + may be necessary for their voyage), or any other article prohibited or + contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish Government. +</p> +<p> + 5. Any Spanish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1898, shall have + sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United + States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge + her cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without molestation; and + any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be + permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. +</p> +<p> + 6. The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the + rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be + interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a + violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + ALVEY A. ADEE,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April, + 1898,<a href="#note-27"><small>27</small></a> entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United + States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for + temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States + in time of war and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the + President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue + his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the + United States: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by + virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and + deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, + and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 75,000 + in addition to the volunteers called forth by my proclamation of the 23d + of April, in the present year,<a href="#note-28"><small>28</small></a> the same to be apportioned, as far as + practicable, among the several States and Territories and the District + of Columbia according to population and to serve for two years unless + sooner discharged. The proportion of each arm and the details of + enlistment and organization will be made known through the War + Department. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused + the seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + WILLIAM R. DAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, for the reasons set forth in my proclamation of April 22, + 1898,<a href="#note-29"><small>29</small></a> a blockade of the ports on the northern coast of Cuba from + Cardenas to Bahia Honda, inclusive, and of the port of Cienfuegos, on + the south coast of Cuba, was declared to have been instituted; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has become desirable to extend the blockade to other Spanish + ports: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, + do hereby declare and proclaim that in addition to the blockade of the + ports specified in my proclamation of April 22, 1898, the United States + of America has instituted and will maintain an effective blockade of all + the ports on the south coast of Cuba from Cape Frances to Cape Cruz, + inclusive, and also of the port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto + Rico. +</p> +<p> + Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by + the present proclamation extended will be allowed thirty days to issue + therefrom with cargo. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of June, A.D. 1898, and of + the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + J.B. MOORE,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by a protocol concluded and signed August 12, 1898<a href="#note-30"><small>30</small></a> by + William R. Day, Secretary of State of the United States, and His + Excellency Jules Cambon, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of + the Republic of France at Washington, respectively representing for this + purpose the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, + the United States and Spain have formally agreed upon the terms on which + negotiations for the establishment of peace between the two countries + shall be undertaken; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and + signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended and + that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each + Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, + do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and + proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities + and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the + proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces + of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this + proclamation. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + WILLIAM R. DAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors, + hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving + thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us + during the year. +</p> +<p> + Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as + this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce + have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and + strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought + together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity. +</p> +<p> + The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we + were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are + permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and + the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have + been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire + us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and + magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as + to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend + protracted war. +</p> +<p> + I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be + at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart + and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national + thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a + service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of + the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the + soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and + valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a + righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought + us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the + years to come. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and + twenty-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN HAY,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 7, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +DEWEY,<br> + <i>Care American Consul, Hongkong</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your + officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. +</p> +<p> + In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will + recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for + further promotion. +</p> +<p class="r"> + LONG. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is + the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and + the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition + of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are + entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their + private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the + Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States + to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. + It will therefore be the duty of the commander of the expedition, + immediately upon his arrival in the islands, to publish a proclamation + declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the + Philippines, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect + them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and + religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest + submission, cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give + effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support + and protection. Our occupation should be as free from severity as + possible. +</p> +<p> + Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and + immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the + municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights + of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are + considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with + the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the + occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, + but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the + ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. + This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on + the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with + the administration of justice may, if they accept the authority of the + United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as + between man and man under the supervision of the American commander + in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, + be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed + occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. +</p> +<p> + While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be + such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures + of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should + render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. + He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials + in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution + for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary + tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the + commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high + sense of justice. +</p> +<p> + One of the most important and most practical problems with which the + commander of the expedition will have to deal is that of the treatment + of property and the collection and administration of the revenues. + It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the + government of the country in its own right and all arms and supplies and + other movable property of such government may be seized by the military + occupant and converted to the use of this Government. The real property + of the state he may hold and administer, at the same time enjoying + the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy it save in the case + of military necessity. All public means of transportation, such as + telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may + be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity + they are not to be destroyed. All churches and buildings devoted to + religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, + so far as possible, to be protected, and all destruction or intentional + defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of + works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent + military necessity. +</p> +<p> + Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is + to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated. + Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, + and boats, may, although they belong to private individuals or + corporations, be seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed + under military necessity are not to be retained. +</p> +<p> + While it is held to be the right of a conqueror to levy contributions + upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in + his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray + the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such + limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of + military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to + the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he + sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to + the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used + for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military + occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for + the payment of the expenses of the army. +</p> +<p> + Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when + possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not + possible receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and + the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines, you are + instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary + for the purpose of devising measures to secure the harmonious action of + those, two branches of the public service. +</p> +<p> + I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a + report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a + view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient. + All ports and places in the Philippines which may be in the actual + possession of our land and naval forces will be opened, while our + military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, and upon + payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the + time of the importation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all + places which may be in military possession by conquest, and to apply + the proceeds to defray the cost of the war, including the expenses of + government during the military occupation. It is desirable, however, + and in accordance with the views of modern civilization, to confine + the exercise of this power, so far as possible, to the collection of + such contributions as are equivalent to the duties and taxes already + established in the territory. I have determined to order that all ports + or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession + of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened, while our + military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon + payment of the rates of duty which may be in force at the time when the + goods are imported. In the execution of this policy it may be advisable + to substitute new rates of duty and new taxes for those now levied in + the Philippines. You are therefore instructed to examine the existing + Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes, and to report to me such + recommendations as you may deem it proper to make with respect either + to the rates of duties and taxes or to the regulations which should be + adopted for their imposition and collection. +</p> +<p> + As the levy of all contributions in territory occupied by a belligerent + is a military right derived from the law of nations, the collection and + distribution of duties and taxes in the Philippines during the military + occupation of the United States will be made, under the orders of the + Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, by the military or naval + commanders, as the case may be, of the ports or places which may be in + the possession of our forces. Your report is desired in order that I may + be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of + the Navy. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 19, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the + taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, + and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it + necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this + Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable + peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for + the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in + that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in + the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition + I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my + duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall + be conducted. +</p> +<p> + I inclose herewith a copy of an order which I have this day addressed + to the Secretary of War, setting forth the principles on which the + occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.<a href="#note-31"><small>31</small></a> You are + instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures + may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers + of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided. +</p> +<p> + I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine + the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines + and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to + make in regard to the revenues of the islands.<a href="#note-32"><small>32</small></a> I have informed him, + however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes + collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the + law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and + the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the + case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our + forces. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 4, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Admiral SAMPSON,<br> + <i>Playa del Este, Cuba</i>: +</p> +<p> + You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people. + Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors + have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and + appreciation of the nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h3> + THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. +</h3> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 6, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + <i>To the People of the United States of America</i>: +</p> +<p> + At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented + success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the + bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no + less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved + country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and, + staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds + wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow + before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who + holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the + marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the + light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory. +</p> +<p> + I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling + for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer + thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading + our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in + a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even + though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to + far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the + success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace. +</p> +<p> + With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that + our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and + in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and + disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and + withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought + of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with + compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure + sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above + all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good, + may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to + our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now + ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and + tranquillity. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>July 8, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General SHAFTER,<br> + <i>Playa, Cuba</i>: +</p> +<p> + Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows: +</p> +<p> + The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the + nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the + fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill + the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who + fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes. +</p> +<p class="r"> + R.A. ALGER, <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 13,1898.</i> +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The capitulation of the Spanish forces in Santiago de Cuba and in + the eastern part of the Province of Santiago, and the occupation of the + territory by the forces of the United States, render it necessary to + instruct the military commander of the United States as to the conduct + which he is to observe during the military occupation. +</p> +<p> + The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is + the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and + the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition + of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are + entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their + private rights and relations. It is my desire that the inhabitants of + Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to + discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. It will + therefore be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to + announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make + war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among + them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in + their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active + aid or by honest submission, cooperate with the United States in its + efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the + reward of its support and protection. Our occupation should be as free + from severity as possible. +</p> +<p> + Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and + immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the + municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights + of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are + considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with + the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the + occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, + but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the + ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. + This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on + the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with + the administration of justice may, if they accept the supremacy of the + United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as + between man and man under the supervision of the American commander + in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, + be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed + occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. +</p> +<p> + While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be + such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures + of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should + render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. + He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials + in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution + for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary + tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the + commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high + sense of justice. +</p> +<p> + One of the most important and most practical problems with which it + will be necessary to deal is that of the treatment of property and the + collection and administration of the revenues. It is conceded that all + public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country + in its own right and all arms and supplies and other movable property of + such government may be seized by the military occupant and converted to + his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer, + at the same time enjoying the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy + it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of + transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats, + belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in + case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed. All churches + and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, + all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected, and all + destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical + monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited + save when required by urgent military necessity. +</p> +<p> + Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, + is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause. Means of + transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, and boats, + may, although they belong to private individuals or corporations, be + seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed under military + necessity are not to be retained. +</p> +<p> + While it is held to be the right of the conqueror to levy contributions + upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in + his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray + the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such + limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of + military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to + the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he + sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to + the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used + for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military + occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for + the payment of the expenses of the army. +</p> +<p> + Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when + possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not + possible receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of + our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral + nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon + payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the + time of the importation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>July 16, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General SHAFTER,<br> + <i>Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the + profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant achievements at + Santiago, resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish + troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has + endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and + battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles + which would have overcome men less brave and determined. One and all + have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude + of the nation. The hearts of the people turn with tender sympathy to the + sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the + United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the + United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening + of hostilities with Spain, may be resumed, subject to such military + regulations as may be deemed necessary. +</p> +<p> + As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of + the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may + be opened under the same conditions. +</p> +<p> + The domestic postal service within the territory thus occupied may be + continued on the same principles already indicated for the continuance + of the local municipal and judicial administration, and it maybe + extended as the local requirements may justify, under the supervision of + the military commander. +</p> +<p> + The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses + of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to + be used. +</p> +<p> + The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in + cooperation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War + will issue the necessary directions. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p style="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 6, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>Ordered</i>, That the graves of our soldiers at Santiago shall be + permanently marked. The present marking will last but a short time, and + before its effacement occurs suitable and permanent markers should be + put up. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, August 17, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Major-General MERRITT,<br> + <i>Manila, Philippines</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President directs that there must be no joint occupation with the + insurgents. The United States, in the possession of Manila City, Manila + Bay and Harbor, must preserve the peace and protect persons and property + within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces. + The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation + and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities + proclaimed by the President. Use whatever means in your judgment are + necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike. +</p> +<p> + By order Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> +H.C. CORBIN,<br> + <i>Adjutant-General.</i> +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 21, 1898.</i> +</p> +<p> +Major-General MERRITT,<br> + <i>United States Army, Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers + and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the + conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, August 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +Admiral DEWEY,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your + command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the + gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, December 4, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila, Philippine Islands</i>: +</p> +<p> + By direction of the Secretary of War, following from the President is + sent you for your early consideration. +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> + The President desires that Admiral Dewey and General Otis shall have + an early conference and advise him what force and equipment will be + necessary in the Philippine Islands. The President would be glad to have + suggestions from these commanders as to the government of the islands, + which of necessity must be by the Army and the Navy for some time to + come. When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that + peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a + government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged + in their industries and made secure in life and property. The fullest + suggestions are invited. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 9, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + By virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander in Chief of the + Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order and direct that + during the occupancy by the military authorities of the United States + of the island of Cuba and all islands in the West Indies west of the + seventy-fourth degree, west longitude, evacuated by Spain, said islands + shall constitute a collection district for customs purposes. Havana + shall be the chief port of entry. An officer of the Army shall be + assigned to such port, who shall be the collector of customs of the + islands and of the chief port and shall have general jurisdiction over + the collection of customs in the islands. +</p> +<p> + The ports of Matanzas, Cardenas, Cienfuegos, Sagua, Caibarien, Santiago, + Manzanillo, Nuevitas, Guantanamo, Gibara, and Baracoa, in said islands, + are hereby declared to be subports of entry, and an officer of the Army + will be assigned to each of the subports, who will be the collector + of customs of a subport and shall have general jurisdiction of the + collection of customs at such port. He shall make weekly reports to + the collector of customs of the islands at the chief port of all + transactions at the subport over which he has jurisdiction, with copies + of all entries of merchandise, duly certified. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of War shall appoint such civilian deputy collectors, + inspectors, and other employees as may be found necessary. +</p> +<p> + The collectors of the subports shall deposit all moneys collected by + them with the collector of the islands, and a receipt from the collector + of the islands must be taken in duplicate for all such deposits. +</p> +<p> + There shall be appointed an auditor, who shall be stationed at the chief + port, whose duty it shall be to examine all entries of merchandise and + if found correct to certify to them. Such auditor shall on the first + of each month make a full and complete report, duly certified, to the + Secretary of War of all duties collected at each port, with an itemized + report of all expenditures made therefrom, which shall be referred to + the Auditor for the War Department for audit. +</p> +<p> + All questions arising in the administration of customs in the islands + shall be referred to the collector of the islands at the chief port for + decision, from which there shall be no appeal, except in such cases as + may be referred by the collector of the islands to the Secretary of War + for his decision. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the + United States naval squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed + by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, + practically effected the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the + suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein. +</p> +<p> + With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States + and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris, on the 10th + instant, and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future + control, disposition, and government of the Philippine Islands are ceded + to the United States. In fulfillment of the rights of sovereignty thus + acquired and the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, + the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the + Philippine Islands become immediately necessary, and the military + government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, + harbor, and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch + to the whole of the ceded territory. +</p> +<p> + In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is + enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands + that in succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in severing the former + political relations of the inhabitants, and in establishing a new + political power the authority of the United States is to be exerted for + the security of the persons and property of the people of the islands + and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. +</p> +<p> + It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to + announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as + invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in + their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious + rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, + cooperate with the Government of the United States to give effect to + these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and + protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have + assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity so far as may + be possible. +</p> +<p> + Within the absolute domain of military authority, which necessarily is + and must remain supreme in the ceded territory until the legislation of + the United States shall otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the + territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression + of crime are to be considered as continuing in force and to be + administered by the ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. The + operations of civil and municipal government are to be performed by such + officers as may accept the supremacy of the United States by taking the + oath of allegiance, or by officers chosen as far as may be practicable + from the inhabitants of the islands. +</p> +<p> + While the control of all the public property and the revenues of the + state passes with the cession, and while the use and management of all + public means of transportation are necessarily reserved to the authority + of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals + or corporations, is to be respected, except for cause duly established. + The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabitants to the late + government become payable to the authorities of the United States, + unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reasonable rates or + modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or + local. If private property be taken for military use, it shall be paid + for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash + is not practicable receipts are to be given. +</p> +<p> + All ports and places in the Philippine Islands in the actual possession + of the land and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the + commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares not prohibited for + military reasons, by due announcement of the military authority, will be + admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in + force at the time of their importation. +</p> +<p> + Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the military + administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the + inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible + way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the + heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the + United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild + sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this + high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the + greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the + strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all + obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government + upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the + United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>Washington, December 21, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you + send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life + and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with + the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. +</p> +<p> + By order of the Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 22, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate + rights or franchises for the construction of public or <i>quasi</i> + public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone + lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made + by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba, + except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military + forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such + grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<center> + [Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were + issued.] +</center> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, December 22, 1898</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF WAR: +</p> +<hr> +<p> + The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the + senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are + directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation + of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to + them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid + in carrying out such arrangements. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,<br> <i>Washington, January 1, 1899—4.30 p.m.</i> +</p> +<p> +General OTIS,<br> + <i>Manila</i>: +</p> +<p> + The President considers it of first importance that a conflict brought + on by you be avoided at this time, if possible. Can not Miller get into + communication with insurgents, giving them President's proclamation and + informing them of the purposes of the Government, assuring them that + while it will assert its sovereignty its purpose is to give them a good + government and security in their personal rights. +</p> +<p> + By order Secretary War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + CORBIN. +</p> +<p> </p><p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, January 20, 1899.</i> +</p> +<p> + The SECRETARY OF STATE: +</p> +<p> + My communication to the Secretary of War dated December 21, 1898,<a href="#note-33"><small>33</small></a> + declares the necessity of extending the actual occupation and + administration of the city, harbor, and bay of Manila to the whole of + the territory which by the treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, + passed from the sovereignty of Spain to the sovereignty of the United + States and the consequent establishment of military government + throughout the entire group of the Philippine Islands. +</p> +<p> + While the treaty has not yet been ratified, it is believed that it will + be by the time of the arrival at Manila of the commissioners named + below. In order to facilitate the most humane, specific, and effective + extension of authority throughout these islands and to secure with the + least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of + life and property to the inhabitants, I have named Jacob G. Schurman, + Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, Charles Denby, + and Dean C. Worcester to constitute a commission to aid in the + accomplishment of these results. +</p> +<p> + In the performance of this duty the commissioners are enjoined to meet + at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to announce by a + public proclamation their presence and the mission intrusted to them, + carefully setting forth that while the military government already + proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may + require, efforts will be made to alleviate the burdens of taxation, to + establish industrial and commercial prosperity, and to provide for the + safety of persons and of property by such means as may be found + conducive to these ends. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners will endeavor, without interference with the military + authorities of the United States now in control of the Philippines, to + ascertain what amelioration in the condition of the inhabitants and what + improvements in public order may be practicable, and for this purpose + they will study attentively the existing social and political state of + the various populations, particularly as regards the forms of local + government, the administration of justice, the collection of customs + and other taxes, the means of transportation, and the need of public + improvements. +</p> +<p> + They will report through the State Department, according to the forms + customary or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and preserving such + communications, the results of their observations and reflections, and + will recommend such executive action as may from time to time seem to + them wise and useful. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners are hereby authorized to confer authoritatively + with any persons resident in the islands from whom they may believe + themselves able to derive information or suggestions valuable for the + purposes of their commission, or whom they may choose to employ as + agents, as may be necessary for this purpose. +</p> +<p> + The temporary government of the islands is intrusted to the military + authorities, as already provided for by my instructions to the Secretary + of War of December 21, 1898,<a href="#note-34"><small>34</small></a> and will continue until Congress shall + determine otherwise. The commission may render valuable services by + examining with special care the legislative needs of the various groups + of inhabitants and by reporting, with recommendations, the measures + which should be instituted for the maintenance of order, peace, and + public welfare, either as temporary steps to be taken immediately for + the perfection of present administration or as suggestions for future + legislation. +</p> +<p> + In so far as immediate personal changes in the civil administration may + seem to be advisable, the commissioners are empowered to recommend + suitable persons for appointment to these offices from among the + inhabitants of the islands who have previously acknowledged their + allegiance to this Government. +</p> +<p> + It is my desire that in all their relations with the inhabitants of + the islands the commissioners exercise due respect for all the ideals, + customs, and institutions of the tribes and races which compose the + population, emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent + intentions of the Government of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners may be + received in a manner due to the honored and authorized representatives + of the American Republic, duly commissioned, on account of their + knowledge, skill, and integrity, as bearers of the good will, the + protection, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than + a conquering nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WILLIAM McKINLEY. +</p> + +<div style="height: 6em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + +<hr class="full "> + +<h2>Footnotes</h2> + +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> See p. 127. + </p> +<a name="note-2"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>2</u> See p. 136. + </p> +<a name="note-3"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>3</u> See Vol. VII, pp. 64-69. + </p> +<a name="note-4"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>4</u> See pp. 127-136. + </p> +<a name="note-5"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>5</u> See p. 136. + </p> +<a name="note-6"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>6</u> See pp. 136-139. + </p> +<a name="note-7"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>7</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-8"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>8</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-9"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>9</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-10"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>10</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-11"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>11</u> See pp. 139-150. + </p> +<a name="note-12"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>12</u> See pp. 127-136. + </p> +<a name="note-13"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>13</u> pp. 139-150. + </p> +<a name="note-14"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>14</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-15"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>15</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-16"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>16</u> See pp. 153-155. + </p> +<a name="note-17"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>17</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-18"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>18</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-19"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>19</u> See pp. 204-205. + </p> +<a name="note-20"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>20</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-21"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>21</u> See pp. 205-206. + </p> +<a name="note-22"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>22</u> See pp. 206-207. + </p> +<a name="note-23"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>23</u> See Vol. VIII, pp. 501-503. + </p> +<a name="note-24"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>24</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-25"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>25</u> See p. 155. + </p> +<a name="note-26"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>26</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-27"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>27</u> See p. 201. + </p> +<a name="note-28"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>28</u> See pp. 203-204. + </p> +<a name="note-29"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>29</u> See pp. 202-203. + </p> +<a name="note-30"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>30</u> See p. 174. + </p> +<a name="note-31"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>31</u> See pp. 208-211. + </p> +<a name="note-32"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>32</u> See pp. 211-212. + </p> +<a name="note-33"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>33</u> See pp. 219-221. + </p> +<a name="note-34"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>34</u> See pp. 219-221. + </p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers +of the Presidents, by William McKinley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + +***** This file should be named 13893-h.htm or 13893-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/8/9/13893/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents + William McKinley, Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders + Relating to the Spanish-American War + + +Author: William McKinley + +Release Date: October 29, 2004 [EBook #13893] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS + +BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON + +A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE + + + +PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS + +1902 + + + + + * * * * * + +William McKinley + +Messages, Proclamations, and Executive Orders Relating to the +Spanish-American War + + * * * * * + + + + +William McKinley + +William McKinley, the twenty-fifth President of the United States, was +born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, January 29, 1843. His ancestors on +the paternal side, who were Scotch-Irish, came from Scotland and located +in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, David McKinley, after serving in +the Revolution, resided in Pennsylvania until 1814, when he went to +Ohio, where he died in 1840, at the age of 85. The grandmother of the +President, Mary Rose, came from a Puritan family that fled from England +to Holland and emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn. The father +of the President, William McKinley, sr., was born in Pine Township, +Mercer County, Pa., in 1807, and married Nancy Campbell Allison, of +Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1829. Both the grandfather and father of the +President were iron manufacturers. His father was a devout Methodist, +a stanch Whig and Republican, and an ardent advocate of a protective +tariff. He died during his son's first term as governor of Ohio, in +November, 1892, at the age of 85. The mother of the President passed +away at Canton, Ohio, in December, 1897, at the advanced age of 89. +William McKinley was educated in the public schools of Niles, Union +Seminary, at Poland, Ohio, and Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa. +Before attaining his majority taught in the public schools. At the +age of 16 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the +beginning of hostilities in the War between the States Mr. McKinley, +who was a clerk in the Poland post-office, volunteered his services, +and on June 11, 1861, was enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Ohio +Volunteer Infantry. Participated in all the early engagements in West +Virginia, and in the winter's camp at Fayetteville received his first +promotion, commissary-sergeant, on April 15, 1862. In recognition of his +services at Antietam, Sergeant McKinley was made second lieutenant, his +commission dating from September 24, 1862, and on February 7, 1863, +while at Camp Piatt, he was again promoted, receiving the rank of first +lieutenant. In the retreat near Lynchburg, Va., his regiment marched 180 +miles, fighting nearly all the time, with scarcely any rest or food. +Lieutenant McKinley conducted himself with gallantry, and at Winchester +won additional honors. The Thirteenth West Virginia Regiment failed to +retire when the rest of Hayes's brigade fell back, and, being in great +danger of capture, the young lieutenant was directed to go and bring +it away, which he did in safety, after riding through a heavy fire. +On July 25, 1864, at the age of 21, McKinley was promoted to the rank of +captain. The brigade continued its fighting up and down the Shenandoah +Valley. At Berryville, Va., September 3, 1864, Captain McKinley's horse +was shot from under him. Served successively on the staffs of Generals +R.B. Hayes, George Crook, and Winfield S. Hancock, and on March 14, +1865, was brevetted major of United States Volunteers by President +Lincoln for gallantry in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, and +Fishers Hill. Was detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general of the +First Division, First Army Corps, on the staff of General Samuel S. +Carroll. At the close of the war was urged to remain in the Army, but, +deferring to the judgment of his father, was mustered out of the service +July 26, 1865, and returned to Poland. At once began the study of law +under Glidden & Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio, and later attended the +law school in Albany, N.Y. Was admitted to the bar in March, 1867, at +Warren, Ohio, and the same year removed to Canton, Ohio, which has since +been his home. In 1867 his first political speeches were made in favor +of negro suffrage. In 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark +County, and served one term, being defeated two years later for the same +office. Mr. McKinley took an active interest in State politics, and made +speeches in many of the campaigns. On January 25, 1871, married Miss +Ida Saxton. Two daughters were born to them, both of whom died in +early childhood. In 1876 was elected a member of the National House of +Representatives, and for fourteen years represented the Congressional +district of which his county was a part, except for a portion of his +fourth term, when he was unseated late in the first session. While in +Congress served on the Committees on the Judiciary, Revision of the +Laws, Expenditures in the Post-Office Department, Rules, and Ways and +Means. As chairman of the last-named committee in the Fifty-first +Congress, reported the tariff law of 1890. At the beginning of this +Congress was defeated in the caucus of his party for the Speakership of +the House. In the meantime, his district having been materially changed, +he was defeated for reelection to Congress in November, 1890, though he +largely reduced the usual majority against his party in the counties of +which the new district was constituted. In 1891 was elected governor of +Ohio by a plurality of 21,500, and in 1893 was reelected by a plurality +of 80,995. In 1884 was a delegate at large to the Republican national +convention, and supported James G. Blaine for President; was a member +of the committee on resolutions, and presented the platform to the +convention. Also attended the convention of his party in 1888 as a +delegate at large from Ohio, supporting John Sherman for President, +and as chairman of the committee on resolutions again reported the +platform. In 1892 was again a delegate at large from Ohio, and +supported the renomination of Benjamin Harrison, and served as chairman +of the convention. At that convention 182 votes were cast for him +for President, although he had persistently refused to have his name +considered. On June 18, 1896, was nominated for President by the +national convention of his party at St. Louis, receiving on the first +ballot 661-1/2 out of a total of 922 votes. Was chosen President at the +ensuing November election by a plurality in the popular vote of over +600,000, and received 271 electoral votes, against 176 for William J. +Bryan, of Nebraska. + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 17, 1897_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:_ + +Official information from our consuls in Cuba establishes the fact that +a large number of American citizens in the island are in a state of +destitution, suffering for want of food and medicines. This applies +particularly to the rural districts of the central and eastern parts. + +The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into +the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local +authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to +relieve the needs of their own people and are altogether powerless to +help our citizens. + +The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight hundred +Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that +provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend +that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be +immediately available, for use under the direction of the Secretary of +State. + +It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by +Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be +used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return +to the United States, are without means to do so. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1897_. + + * * * * * + +The most important problem with which this Government is now called upon +to deal pertaining to its foreign relations concerns its duty toward +Spain and the Cuban insurrection. Problems and conditions more or less +in common with those now existing have confronted this Government at +various times in the past. The story of Cuba for many years has been one +of unrest, growing discontent, an effort toward a larger enjoyment of +liberty and self-control, of organized resistance to the mother country, +of depression after distress and warfare, and of ineffectual settlement +to be followed by renewed revolt. For no enduring period since the +enfranchisement of the continental possessions of Spain in the Western +Continent has the condition of Cuba or the policy of Spain toward Cuba +not caused concern to the United States. + +The prospect from time to time that the weakness of Spain's hold upon +the island and the political vicissitudes and embarrassments of the home +Government might lead to the transfer of Cuba to a continental power +called forth between 1823 and 1860 various emphatic declarations of +the policy of the United States to permit no disturbance of Cuba's +connection with Spain unless in the direction of independence or +acquisition by us through purchase, nor has there been any change of +this declared policy since upon the part of the Government. + +The revolution which began in 1868 lasted for ten years despite the +strenuous efforts of the successive peninsular governments to suppress +it. Then as now the Government of the United States testified its grave +concern and offered its aid to put an end to bloodshed in Cuba. The +overtures made by General Grant were refused and the war dragged on, +entailing great loss of life and treasure and increased injury to +American interests, besides throwing enhanced burdens of neutrality upon +this Government. In 1878 peace was brought about by the truce of Zanjon, +obtained by negotiations between the Spanish commander, Martinez de +Campos, and the insurgent leaders. + +The present insurrection broke out in February, 1895. It is not +my purpose at this time to recall its remarkable increase or to +characterize its tenacious resistance against the enormous forces massed +against it by Spain. The revolt and the efforts to subdue it carried +destruction to every quarter of the island, developing wide proportions +and defying the efforts of Spain for its suppression. The civilized code +of war has been disregarded, no less so by the Spaniards than by the +Cubans. + +The existing conditions can not but fill this Government and the +American people with the gravest apprehension. There is no desire on the +part of our people to profit by the misfortunes of Spain. We have only +the desire to see the Cubans prosperous and contented, enjoying that +measure of self-control which is the inalienable right of man, protected +in their right to reap the benefit of the exhaustless treasures of their +country. + +The offer made by my predecessor in April, 1896, tendering the friendly +offices of this Government, failed. Any mediation on our part was not +accepted. In brief, the answer read: "There is no effectual way to +pacify Cuba unless it begins with the actual submission of the rebels +to the mother country." Then only could Spain act in the promised +direction, of her own motion and after her own plans. + +The cruel policy of concentration was initiated February 16, 1896. The +productive districts controlled by the Spanish armies were depopulated. +The agricultural inhabitants were herded in and about the garrison +towns, their lands laid waste and their dwellings destroyed. This policy +the late cabinet of Spain justified as a necessary measure of war and as +a means of cutting off supplies from the insurgents. It has utterly +failed as a war measure. It was not civilized warfare. It was +extermination. + +Against this abuse of the rights of war I have felt constrained on +repeated occasions to enter the firm and earnest protest of this +Government. There was much of public condemnation of the treatment of +American citizens by alleged illegal arrests and long imprisonment +awaiting trial or pending protracted judicial proceedings. I felt it my +first duty to make instant demand for the release or speedy trial of all +American citizens under arrest. Before the change of the Spanish cabinet +in October last twenty-two prisoners, citizens of the United States, had +been given their freedom. + +For the relief of our own citizens suffering because of the conflict +the aid of Congress was sought in a special message,[1] and under +the appropriation of May 24, 1897,[2] effective aid has been given to +American citizens in Cuba, many of them at their own request having been +returned to the United States. + +The instructions given to our new minister to Spain before his departure +for his post directed him to impress upon that Government the sincere +wish of the United States to lend its aid toward the ending of the war +in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable +alike to Spain and to the Cuban people. These instructions recited the +character and duration of the contest, the widespread losses it entails, +the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance +of national interests, and the injury resulting from an indefinite +continuance of this state of things. It was stated that at this juncture +our Government was constrained to seriously inquire if the time was not +ripe when Spain of her own volition, moved by her own interests and +every sentiment of humanity, should put a stop to this destructive war +and make proposals of settlement honorable to herself and just to her +Cuban colony. It was urged that as a neighboring nation, with large +interests in Cuba, we could be required to wait only a reasonable time +for the mother country to establish its authority and restore peace and +order within the borders of the island; that we could not contemplate an +indefinite period for the accomplishment of this result. + +No solution was proposed to which the slightest idea of humiliation to +Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise proposals were withheld to +avoid embarrassment to that Government. All that was asked or expected +was that some safe way might be speedily provided and permanent peace +restored. It so chanced that the consideration of this offer, addressed +to the same Spanish administration which had declined the tenders of +my predecessor, and which for more than two years had poured men and +treasure into Cuba in the fruitless effort to suppress the revolt, fell +to others. Between the departure of General Woodford, the new envoy, +and his arrival in Spain the statesman who had shaped the policy of his +country fell by the hand of an assassin, and although the cabinet of the +late premier still held office and received from our envoy the proposals +he bore, that cabinet gave place within a few days thereafter to a new +administration, under the leadership of Sagasta. + +The reply to our note was received on the 23d day of October. It is in +the direction of a better understanding. It appreciates the friendly +purposes of this Government. It admits that our country is deeply +affected by the war in Cuba and that its desires for peace are just. +It declares that the present Spanish government is bound by every +consideration to a change of policy that should satisfy the United +States and pacify Cuba within a reasonable time. To this end Spain has +decided to put into effect the political reforms heretofore advocated by +the present premier, without halting for any consideration in the path +which in its judgment leads to peace. The military operations, it is +said, will continue, but will be humane and conducted with all regard +for private rights, being accompanied by political action leading to +the autonomy of Cuba while guarding Spanish sovereignty. This, it is +claimed, will result in investing Cuba with a distinct personality, the +island to be governed by an executive and by a local council or chamber, +reserving to Spain the control of the foreign relations, the army and +navy, and the judicial administration. To accomplish this the present +government proposes to modify existing legislation by decree, leaving +the Spanish Cortes, with the aid of Cuban senators and deputies, to +solve the economic problem and properly distribute the existing debt. + +In the absence of a declaration of the measures that this Government +proposes to take in carrying out its proffer of good offices, it +suggests that Spain be left free to conduct military operations and +grant political reforms, while the United States for its part shall +enforce its neutral obligations and cut off the assistance which it is +asserted the insurgents receive from this country. The supposition of an +indefinite prolongation of the war is denied. It is asserted that the +western provinces are already well-nigh reclaimed, that the planting of +cane and tobacco therein has been resumed, and that by force of arms and +new and ample reforms very early and complete pacification is hoped for. + +The immediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new +administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewithal the +disturbance and all occasion for any change of attitude on the part +of the United States. Discussion of the question of the international +duties and responsibilities of the United States as Spain understands +them is presented, with an apparent disposition to charge us with +failure in this regard. This charge is without any basis in fact. It +could not have been made if Spain had been cognizant of the constant +efforts this Government has made, at the cost of millions and by the +employment of the administrative machinery of the nation at command, +to perform its full duty according to the law of nations. That it has +successfully prevented the departure of a single military expedition or +armed vessel from our shores in violation of our laws would seem to be +a sufficient answer. But of this aspect of the Spanish note it is not +necessary to speak further now. Firm in the conviction of a wholly +performed obligation, due response to this charge has been made in +diplomatic course. + +Throughout all these horrors and dangers to our own peace this +Government has never in any way abrogated its sovereign prerogative of +reserving to itself the determination of its policy and course according +to its own high sense of right and in consonance with the dearest +interests and convictions of our own people should the prolongation of +the strife so demand. + +Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents +as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral +intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between +the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. +I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. +That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + +Recognition of the belligerency of the Cuban insurgents has often +been canvassed as a possible, if not inevitable, step both in regard +to the previous ten years struggle and during the present war. I am +not unmindful that the two Houses of Congress in the spring of 1896 +expressed the opinion by concurrent resolution that a condition of +public war existed requiring or justifying the recognition of a state +of belligerency in Cuba, and during the extra session the Senate voted +a joint resolution of like import, which, however, was not brought +to a vote in the House of Representatives. In the presence of these +significant expressions of the sentiment of the legislative branch it +behooves the Executive to soberly consider the conditions under which +so important a measure must needs rest for justification. It is to be +seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection possesses beyond +dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone can demand the +recognition of belligerency in its favor. Possession, in short, of +the essential qualifications of sovereignty by the insurgents and the +conduct of the war by them according to the received code of war are +no less important factors toward the determination of the problem of +belligerency than are the influences and consequences of the struggle +upon the internal polity of the recognizing state. + +The wise utterances of President Grant in his memorable message of +December 7, 1875, are signally relevant to the present situation in +Cuba, and it may be wholesome now to recall them. At that time a ruinous +conflict had for seven years wasted the neighboring island. During all +those years an utter disregard of the laws of civilized warfare and +of the just demands of humanity, which called forth expressions of +condemnation from the nations of Christendom, continued unabated. +Desolation and ruin pervaded that productive region, enormously +affecting the commerce of all commercial nations, but that of the United +States more than any other by reason of proximity and larger trade and +intercourse. At that juncture General Grant uttered these words, which +now, as then, sum up the elements of the problem: + + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. + + In a former message to Congress[3] I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, + dreadful and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the + fearful dignity of war. * * * It is possible that the acts of foreign + powers, and even acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be + pointed to in defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past + history, the United States should carefully avoid the false lights + which might lead it into the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable + propriety, and adhere rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been + its guide, of doing only that which is right and honest and of good + report. The question of according or of withholding rights of + belligerency must be judged in every case in view of the particular + attending facts. Unless justified by necessity, it is always, and + justly, regarded as an unfriendly act and a gratuitous demonstration + of moral support to the rebellion. It is necessary, and it is + required, when the interests and rights of another government or of + its people are so far affected by a pending civil conflict as to + require a definition of its relations to the parties thereto. But + this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the sense of + international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The mere + existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts do + not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and + manifest to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary + functions of government toward its own people and to other states, + with courts for the administration of justice, with a local + habitation, possessing such organization of force, such material, such + occupation of territory, as to take the contest out of the category of + a mere rebellious insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it + on the terrible footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency + would aim to elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the + insurrection has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it + may send forth its flag, nor has it any means of communication with + foreign powers except through the military lines of its adversaries. + No apprehension of any of those sudden and difficult complications + which a war upon the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, + both commercial and national, and upon the consular officers of other + powers calls for the definition of their relations to the parties to + the contest. Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the + accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and premature + as I regard it to be, at present, indefensible as a measure of right. + Such recognition entails upon the country according the rights which + flow from it difficult and complicated duties, and requires the + exaction from the contending parties of the strict observance of their + rights and obligations. It confers the right of search upon the high + seas by vessels of both parties; it would subject the carrying of arms + and munitions of war, which now may be transported freely and without + interruption in the vessels of the United States, to detention and to + possible seizure; it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, + would release the parent Government from responsibility for acts done + by the insurgents, and would invest Spain with the right to exercise + the supervision recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on + the high seas, a very large part of which, in its traffic between the + Atlantic and the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on + the Pacific, passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. + The exercise of this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to + abuses, certainly to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations + of the two States. There can be little doubt to what result such + supervision would before long draw this nation. It would be unworthy + of the United States to inaugurate the possibilities of such result by + measures of questionable right or expediency or by any indirection. + + +Turning to the practical aspects of a recognition of belligerency +and reviewing its inconveniences and positive dangers, still further +pertinent considerations appear. In the code of nations there is no +such thing as a naked recognition of belligerency, unaccompanied by the +assumption of international neutrality. Such recognition, without more, +will not confer upon either party to a domestic conflict a status not +theretofore actually possessed or affect the relation of either party to +other states. The act of recognition usually takes the form of a solemn +proclamation of neutrality, which recites the _de facto_ condition +of belligerency as its motive. It announces a domestic law of neutrality +in the declaring state. It assumes the international obligations of a +neutral in the presence of a public state of war. It warns all citizens +and others within the jurisdiction of the proclaimant that they violate +those rigorous obligations at their own peril and can not expect to be +shielded from the consequences. The right of visit and search on the +seas and seizure of vessels and cargoes and contraband of war and good +prize under admiralty law must under international law be admitted +as a legitimate consequence of a proclamation of belligerency. While +according the equal belligerent rights defined by public law to each +party in our ports disfavors would be imposed on both, which, while +nominally equal, would weigh heavily in behalf of Spain herself. +Possessing a navy and controlling the ports of Cuba, her maritime rights +could be asserted not only for the military investment of the island, +but up to the margin of our own territorial waters, and a condition of +things would exist for which the Cubans within their own domain could +not hope to create a parallel, while its creation through aid or +sympathy from within our domain would be even more impossible than now, +with the additional obligations of international neutrality we would +perforce assume. + +The enforcement of this enlarged and onerous code of neutrality would +only be influential within our own jurisdiction by land and sea and +applicable by our own instrumentalities. It could impart to the United +States no jurisdiction between Spain and the insurgents. It would give +the United States no right of intervention to enforce the conduct of the +strife within the paramount authority of Spain according to the +international code of war. + +For these reasons I regard the recognition of the belligerency of the +Cuban insurgents as now unwise, and therefore inadmissible. Should that +step hereafter be deemed wise as a measure of right and duty, the +Executive will take it. + +Intervention upon humanitarian grounds has been frequently suggested and +has not failed to receive my most anxious and earnest consideration. +But should such a step be now taken, when it is apparent that a hopeful +change has supervened in the policy of Spain toward Cuba? A new +government has taken office in the mother country. It is pledged in +advance to the declaration that all the effort in the world can not +suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by the bayonet; that vague promises of +reform after subjugation afford no solution of the insular problem; that +with a substitution of commanders must come a change of the past system +of warfare for one in harmony with a new policy, which shall no longer +aim to drive the Cubans to the "horrible alternative of taking to the +thicket or succumbing in misery;" that reforms must be instituted in +accordance with the needs and circumstances of the time, and that these +reforms, while designed to give full autonomy to the colony and to +create a virtual entity and self-controlled administration, shall yet +conserve and affirm the sovereignty of Spain by a just distribution of +powers and burdens upon a basis of mutual interest untainted by methods +of selfish expediency. + +The first acts of the new government lie in these honorable paths. +The policy of cruel rapine and extermination that so long shocked the +universal sentiment of humanity has been reversed. Under the new +military commander a broad clemency is proffered. Measures have already +been set on foot to relieve the horrors of starvation. The power of the +Spanish armies, it is asserted, is to be used not to spread ruin and +desolation, but to protect the resumption of peaceful agricultural +pursuits and productive industries. That past methods are futile to +force a peace by subjugation is freely admitted, and that ruin without +conciliation must inevitably fail to win for Spain the fidelity of a +contented dependency. + +Decrees in application of the foreshadowed reforms have already been +promulgated. The full text of these decrees has not been received, but +as furnished in a telegraphic summary from our minister are: All civil +and electoral rights of peninsular Spaniards are, in virtue of existing +constitutional authority, forthwith extended to colonial Spaniards. A +scheme of autonomy has been proclaimed by decree, to become effective +upon ratification by the Cortes. It creates a Cuban parliament, which, +with the insular executive, can consider and vote upon all subjects +affecting local order and interests, possessing unlimited powers save as +to matters of state, war, and the navy, as to which the Governor-General +acts by his own authority as the delegate of the central Government. +This parliament receives the oath of the Governor-General to preserve +faithfully the liberties and privileges of the colony, and to it the +colonial secretaries are responsible. It has the right to propose to the +central Government, through the Governor-General, modifications of the +national charter and to invite new projects of law or executive measures +in the interest of the colony. + +Besides its local powers, it is competent, first, to regulate electoral +registration and procedure and prescribe the qualifications of electors +and the manner of exercising suffrage; second, to organize courts of +justice with native judges from members of the local bar; third, to +frame the insular budget, both as to expenditures and revenues, without +limitation of any kind, and to set apart the revenues to meet the Cuban +share of the national budget, which latter will be voted by the national +Cortes with the assistance of Cuban senators and deputies; fourth, to +initiate or take part in the negotiations of the national Government for +commercial treaties which may affect Cuban interests; fifth, to accept +or reject commercial treaties which the national Government may have +concluded without the participation of the Cuban government; sixth, +to frame the colonial tariff, acting in accord with the peninsular +Government in scheduling articles of mutual commerce between the mother +country and the colonies. Before introducing or voting upon a bill the +Cuban government or the chambers will lay the project before the central +Government and hear its opinion thereon, all the correspondence in such +regard being made public. Finally, all conflicts of jurisdiction arising +between the different municipal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or +between the latter and the insular executive power, and which from their +nature may not be referable to the central Government for decision, +shall be submitted to the courts. + +That the government of Sagasta has entered upon a course from which +recession with honor is impossible can hardly be questioned; that in +the few weeks it has existed it has made earnest of the sincerity of its +professions is undeniable. I shall not impugn its sincerity, nor should +impatience be suffered to embarrass it in the task it has undertaken. +It is honestly due to Spain and to our friendly relations with Spain +that she should be given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations +and to prove the asserted efficacy of the new order of things to which +she stands irrevocably committed. She has recalled the commander whose +brutal orders inflamed the American mind and shocked the civilized +world. She has modified the horrible order of concentration and has +undertaken to care for the helpless and permit those who desire to +resume the cultivation of their fields to do so, and assures them of the +protection of the Spanish Government in their lawful occupations. She +has just released the _Competitor_ prisoners, heretofore sentenced +to death, and who have been the subject of repeated diplomatic +correspondence during both this and the preceding Administration. + +Not a single American citizen is now in arrest or confinement in Cuba of +whom this Government has any knowledge. The near future will demonstrate +whether the indispensable condition of a righteous peace, just alike to +the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our interests so +intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If +not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will +remain to be taken. When that time comes, that action will be determined +in the line of indisputable right and duty. It will be faced, without +misgiving or hesitancy, in the light of the obligation this Government +owes to itself, to the people who have confided to it the protection of +their interests and honor, and to humanity. + +Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated +only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion +nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over +the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of +its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall +be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty +imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity +to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only +because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command the +support and approval of the civilized world. + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION appropriating $50,000 for the relief of destitute +citizens of the United States in the island of Cuba. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the sum of $50,000 be, +and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury +not otherwise appropriated, for the relief of destitute citizens of the +United States in the island of Cuba, said money to be expended at the +discretion and under the direction of the President of the United States +in the purchase and furnishing of food, clothing, and medicines to such +citizens, and for transporting to the United States such of them as so +desire and who are without means to transport themselves. + +Approved, May 24, 1897. + +[Footnote 1: See p. 127.] + +[Footnote 2: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 3: See Vol. VII, pp. 64-69.] + + + + +SPECIAL MESSAGES. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 28, 1898._ + +_To the Congress of the United States_: + +For some time prior to the visit of the _Maine_ to Havana Harbor +our consular representatives pointed out the advantages to flow from the +visit of national ships to the Cuban waters, in accustoming the people +to the presence of our flag as the symbol of good will and of our ships +in the fulfillment of the mission of protection to American interests, +even though no immediate need therefor might exist. + +Accordingly, on the 24th of January last, after conference with the +Spanish minister, in which the renewal of visits of our war vessels to +Spanish waters was discussed and accepted, the peninsular authorities at +Madrid and Havana were advised of the purpose of this Government to +resume friendly naval visits at Cuban ports, and that in that view the +_Maine_ would forthwith call at the port of Havana. + +This announcement was received by the Spanish Government with +appreciation of the friendly character of the visit of the _Maine_ +and with notification of intention to return the courtesy by sending +Spanish ships to the principal ports of the United States. Meanwhile the +_Maine_ entered the port of Havana on the 25th of January, her +arrival being marked with no special incident besides the exchange of +customary salutes and ceremonial visits. + +The _Maine_ continued in the harbor of Havana during the three +weeks following her arrival. No appreciable excitement attended her +stay. On the contrary, a feeling of relief and confidence followed the +resumption of the long-interrupted friendly intercourse. So noticeable +was this immediate effect of her visit that the consul-general strongly +urged that the presence of our ships in Cuban waters should be kept up +by retaining the _Maine_ at Havana, or, in the event of her recall, +by sending another vessel there to take her place. + +At forty minutes past 9 in the evening of the 15th of February the +_Maine_ was destroyed by an explosion, by which the entire forward +part of the ship was utterly wrecked. In this catastrophe 2 officers and +264 of her crew perished, those who were not killed outright by her +explosion being penned between decks by the tangle of wreckage and +drowned by the immediate sinking of the hull. + +Prompt assistance was rendered by the neighboring vessels anchored in +the harbor, aid being especially given by the boats of the Spanish +cruiser _Alfonso XII_ and the Ward Line steamer _City of Washington_, +which lay not far distant. The wounded were generously cared for by +the authorities of Havana, the hospitals being freely opened to them, +while the earliest recovered bodies of the dead were interred by the +municipality in a public cemetery in the city. Tributes of grief and +sympathy were offered from all official quarters of the island. + +The appalling calamity fell upon the people of our country with +crushing force, and for a brief time an intense excitement prevailed, +which in a community less just and self-controlled than ours might have +led to hasty acts of blind resentment. This spirit, however, soon gave +way to the calmer processes of reason and to the resolve to investigate +the facts and await material proof before forming a judgment as to the +cause, the responsibility, and, if the facts warranted, the remedy due. +This course necessarily recommended itself from the outset to the +Executive, for only in the light of a dispassionately ascertained +certainty could it determine the nature and measure of its full duty +in the matter. + +The usual procedure was followed, as in all cases of casualty or +disaster to national vessels of any maritime state. A naval court of +inquiry was at once organized, composed of officers well qualified by +rank and practical experience to discharge the onerous duty imposed +upon them. Aided by a strong force of wreckers and divers, the court +proceeded to make a thorough investigation on the spot, employing every +available means for the impartial and exact determination of the causes +of the explosion. Its operations have been conducted with the utmost +deliberation and judgment, and, while independently pursued, no +attainable source of information was neglected, and the fullest +opportunity was allowed for a simultaneous investigation by the Spanish +authorities. + +The finding of the court of inquiry was reached, after twenty-three days +of continuous labor, on the 21st of March instant, and, having been +approved on the 22d by the commander in chief of the United States naval +force on the North Atlantic station, was transmitted to the Executive. + +It is herewith laid before the Congress, together with the voluminous +testimony taken before the court. + +Its purport is, in brief, as follows: + +When the _Maine_ arrived at Havana, she was conducted by the regular +Government pilot to buoy No. 4, to which she was moored in from 5-1/2 +to 6 fathoms of water. + +The state of discipline on board and the condition of her magazines, +boilers, coal bunkers, and storage compartments are passed in review, +with the conclusion that excellent order prevailed and that no +indication of any cause for an internal explosion existed in any +quarter. + +At 8 o'clock in the evening of February 15 everything had been reported +secure, and all was quiet. + +At forty minutes past 9 o'clock the vessel was suddenly destroyed. + +There were two distinct explosions, with a brief interval between them. +The first lifted the forward part of the ship very perceptibly; the +second, which was more open, prolonged, and of greater volume, is +attributed by the court to the partial explosion of two or more of the +forward magazines. + +The evidence of the divers establishes that the after part of the ship +was practically intact and sank in that condition a very few moments +after the explosion. The forward part was completely demolished. + +Upon the evidence of a concurrent external cause the finding of the +court is as follows: + +At frame 17 the outer shell of the ship, from a point 11-1/2 feet from +the middle line of the ship and 6 feet above the keel when in its normal +position, has been forced up so as to be now about 4 feet above the +surface of the water, therefore about 34 feet above where it would be +had the ship sunk uninjured. + +The outside bottom plating is bent into a reversed V shape (*A), the +after wing of which, about 15 feet broad and 32 feet in length (from +frame 17 to frame 25), is doubled back upon itself against the +continuation of the same plating, extending forward. + +At frame 18 the vertical keel is broken in two and the flat keel bent +into an angle similar to the angle formed by the outside bottom plates. +This break is now about 6 feet below the surface of the water and about +30 feet above its normal position. + +In the opinion of the court this effect could have been produced only by +the explosion of a mine situated under the bottom of the ship at about +frame 18 and somewhat on the port side of the ship. + + +The conclusions of the court are: + +That the loss of the _Maine_ was not in any respect due to fault or +negligence on the part of any of the officers or members of her crew; + +That the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which +caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines; +and + +That no evidence has been obtainable fixing the responsibility for the +destruction of the _Maine_ upon any person or persons. + +I have directed that the finding of the court of inquiry and the views +of this Government thereon be communicated to the Government of Her +Majesty the Queen Regent, and I do not permit myself to doubt that the +sense of justice of the Spanish nation will dictate a course of action +suggested by honor and the friendly relations of the two Governments. + +It will be the duty of the Executive to advise the Congress of the +result, and in the meantime deliberate consideration is invoked. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the +President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the +state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such measures +as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my duty to now +address your body with regard to the grave crisis that has arisen in the +relations of the United States to Spain by reason of the warfare that +for more than three years has raged in the neighboring island of Cuba. + +I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question with +the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course which +it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear to the +traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the +precepts laid down by the founders of the Republic and religiously +observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. + +The present revolution is but the successor of other similar +insurrections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, +extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which during +its progress has subjected the United States to great effort and expense +in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American +trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance among +our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and uncivilized +practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended the humane +sympathies of our people. + +Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country has +seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword in +the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and +rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness +of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent +people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the +sovereign state. + +Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to +comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its +exceptional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills +in ruins, and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and +destitution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance +of that strict neutrality which our laws enjoin and which the law of +nations commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports +in prevention of any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. + +Our trade has suffered, the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba +has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people +have been so sorely tried as to beget a perilous unrest among our own +citizens, which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in +the National Legislature, so that issues wholly external to our own body +politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion to +domestic advancement that becomes a self-contained commonwealth whose +primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entanglements. All +this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused, the utmost concern on +the part of this Government, as well during my predecessor's term as in +my own. + +In April, 1896, the evils from which our country suffered through the +Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to bring +about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any way that +might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between Spain +and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of +self-government for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It +failed through the refusal of the Spanish government then in power to +consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement which +did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the mother +country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might see fit to +grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the insurgents was +in no wise diminished. + +The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh +levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of +a new and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history +of civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and +concentration, inaugurated by the Captain-General's _bando_ of +October 21, 1896, in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended +to embrace all of the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was +able to reach by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, +including all dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven +into the garrison towns or isolated places held by the troops. + +The raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. +The fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills +destroyed, and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and +render it unfit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or +the other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at +their disposal. + +By the time the present Administration took office, a year ago, +reconcentration (so called) had been made effective over the better part +of the four central and western provinces--Santa Clara, Matanzas, +Havana, and Pinar del Rio. + +The agricultural population to the estimated number of 300,000 or more +was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, deprived of +the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left poorly clad, +and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the scarcity of food +increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas of production, +destitution and want became misery and starvation. Month by month the +death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By March, 1897, according to +conservative estimates from official Spanish sources, the mortality +among the reconcentrados from starvation and the diseases thereto +incident exceeded 50 per cent of their total number. + +No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened +towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. +So-called "zones of cultivation" established within the immediate areas +of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps +proved illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being +for the most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, +enfeebled by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without +tools, seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the +cities. Reconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to +cut off the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. +As I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; +it was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the +wilderness and the grave. + +Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a +noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the +second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the thitherto +unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and destruction up +to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed into a dogged +struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The Spanish arms regained +a measure of control in Pinar del Rio and parts of Havana, but, under +the existing conditions of the rural country, without immediate +improvement of their productive situation. Even thus partially +restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their conquest and +submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole basis of +peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. + +In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted with +the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December[4] reviewed +the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to relieving its +acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable settlement. The +assassination of the prime minister, Canovas, led to a change of +government in Spain. The former administration, pledged to subjugation +without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal party, +committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the wider +principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. + +The overtures of this Government made through its new envoy, General +Woodford, and looking to an immediate and effective amelioration of the +condition of the island, although not accepted to the extent of admitted +mediation in any shape, were met by assurances that home rule in an +advanced phase would be forthwith offered to Cuba, without waiting for +the war to end, and that more humane methods should thenceforth prevail +in the conduct of hostilities. Coincidentally with these declarations +the new government of Spain continued and completed the policy, already +begun by its predecessor, of testifying friendly regard for this nation +by releasing American citizens held under one charge or another +connected with the insurrection, so that by the end of November not a +single person entitled in any way to our national protection remained in +a Spanish prison. + +While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution of +the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among them +claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the limited +measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens among them +by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies of the money +appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint resolution approved +May 24, 1897,[5] prompted the humane extension of a similar scheme of +aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to this end was +acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. + +On the 24th of December last I caused to be issued an appeal to the +American people inviting contributions in money or in kind for the +succor of the starving sufferers in Cuba, following this on the 8th of +January by a similar public announcement of the formation of a central +Cuban relief committee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of +three members representing the American National Red Cross and the +religious and business elements of the community. + +The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accomplished +much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have greatly aided +the charitable work. The president of the American Red Cross and +representatives of other contributory organizations have generously +visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and the local +authorities to make effective distribution of the relief collected +through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 in money +and supplies has already reached the sufferers, and more is forthcoming. +The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation to the interior +has been arranged, so that the relief, at first necessarily confined to +Havana and the larger cities, is now extended through most, if not all, +of the towns where suffering exists. + +Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a change +in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the Spanish +Government. Within a few days past the orders of General Weyler have +been revoked. The reconcentrados, it is said, are to be permitted to +return to their homes and aided to resume the self-supporting pursuits +of peace. Public works have been ordered to give them employment and a +sum of $600,000 has been appropriated for their relief. + +The war in Cuba is of such a nature that, short of subjugation or +extermination, a final military victory for either side seems +impracticable. The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the +one or the other party, or perhaps of both--a condition which in effect +ended the ten years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a +protraction and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly +to be contemplated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of +all by the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and +intimately, by its very existence. + +Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true +friendliness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans, who have so much to +lose by the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an +immediate termination of the war. To this end I submitted on the 27th +ultimo, as a result of much representation and correspondence, through +the United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish +Government looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation +of peace with the good offices of the President. + +In addition I asked the immediate revocation of the order of +reconcentration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and +the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United +States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full +relief. + +The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the +31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, +to confide the preparation thereof to the insular parliament, inasmuch +as the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final +result, it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the +constitution to the central Government are not lessened or diminished. +As the Cuban parliament does not meet until the 4th of May next, the +Spanish Government would not object for its part to accept at once +a suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the +general in chief, to whom it would pertain in such case to determine +the duration and conditions of the armistice. + +The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of the +Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the texts +of which are before me and are substantially in the language above +given. The function of the Cuban parliament in the matter of "preparing" +peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in the Spanish +memorandum, but from General Woodford's explanatory reports of +preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is understood +that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the insular congress +full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insurgents, whether by +direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legislation does not +appear. + +With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its +disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end of +his effort. + +In my annual message of December last I said: + + Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents + as belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral + intervention to end the war by imposing a rational compromise between + the contestants, and intervention in favor of one or the other party. + I speak not of forcible annexation, for that can not be thought of. + That, by our code of morality, would be criminal aggression. + + +Thereupon I reviewed these alternatives in the light of President +Grant's measured words, uttered in 1875, when, after seven years of +sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba, he reached the +conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was +impracticable and indefensible and that the recognition of belligerence +was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public law. +I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, pointing +out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition of +belligerence, which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of +neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend our +influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. + +Nothing has since occurred to change my view in this regard, and +I recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of +neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents +is published, could of itself and unattended by other action accomplish +nothing toward the one end for which we labor--the instant pacification +of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. + +Turning to the question of recognizing at this time the independence +of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find safe precedents +in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in President +Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 1836, on the subject of the +recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: + + In all the contests that have arisen out of the revolutions of France, + out of the disputes relating to the crowns of Portugal and Spain, out + of the revolutionary movements of those Kingdoms, out of the separation + of the American possessions of both from the European Governments, and + out of the numerous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in + Spanish America, so wisely consistent with our just principles has been + the action of our Government that we have under the most critical + circumstances avoided all censure and encountered no other evil than + that produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those against + whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. + + It has thus been made known to the world that the uniform policy and + practice of the United States is to avoid all interference in disputes + which merely relate to the internal government of other nations, and + eventually to recognize the authority of the prevailing party, without + reference to our particular interests and views or to the merits of the + original controversy. + + * * * * * + + * * * But on this as on every trying occasion safety is to be found in + a rigid adherence to principle. + + In the contest between Spain and her revolted colonies we stood aloof + and waited, not only until the ability of the new States to protect + themselves was fully established, but until the danger of their being + again subjugated had entirely passed away. Then, and not till then, were + they recognized. Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * + It is true that, with regard to Texas, the civil authority of Mexico has + been expelled, its invading army defeated, the chief of the Republic + himself captured, and all present power to control the newly organized + Government of Texas annihilated within its confines. But, on the other + hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical + force on the side of Mexico. The Mexican Republic under another + Executive is rallying its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh + invasion to recover its lost dominion. + + Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas + may be considered as suspended, and were there nothing peculiar in the + relative situation of the United States and Texas our acknowledgment + of its independence at such a crisis could scarcely be regarded as + consistent with that prudent reserve with which we have heretofore + held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. + + +Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there might +be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view of +the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas and of the avowed +purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence as an +incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding thus: + +Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof +and maintain our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of +the great foreign powers shall recognize the independence of the new +Government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of events +shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of the people of +that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the +Government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties can +justly complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying +out the long-established policy of our Government--a policy which +has secured to us respect and influence abroad and inspired confidence +at home. + +These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are +evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by +public law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a +neutral state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact +a body politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, +possessed of the elements of stability," and forming _de facto_, +"if left to itself, a state among the nations, reasonably capable of +discharging the duties of a state"), has imposed for its own governance +in dealing with cases like these the further condition that recognition +of independent statehood is not due to a revolted dependency until the +danger of its being again subjugated by the parent state has entirely +passed away. + +This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. +The Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as +one "probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for +"a previous understanding with that body by whom war can alone be +declared and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must +be furnished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the +discretion of the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a +diplomatic agent when the President should be satisfied that the +Republic of Texas had become "an independent state." It was so +recognized by President Van Buren, who commissioned a charge d'affaires +March 7, 1837, after Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the +Texan territory, and when there was at the time no _bona fide_ +contest going on between the insurgent province and its former +sovereign. + +I said in my message of December last: + + It is to be seriously considered whether the Cuban insurrection + possesses beyond dispute the attributes of statehood, which alone + can demand the recognition of belligerency in its favor. + + +The same requirement must certainly be no less seriously considered +when the graver issue of recognizing independence is in question, for +no less positive test can be applied to the greater act than to the +lesser, while, on the other hand, the influences and consequences of the +struggle upon the internal policy of the recognizing state, which form +important factors when the recognition of belligerency is concerned, are +secondary, if not rightly eliminable, factors when the real question is +whether the community claiming recognition is or is not independent +beyond peradventure. + +Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise +or prudent for this Government to recognize at the present time the +independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is not +necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and pacify +the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of any +particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing +conditions of international obligation toward the organization so +recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to the +approval or disapproval of such government. We would be required to +submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation of a +friendly ally. + +When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a +government capable of performing the duties and discharging the +functions of a separate nation, and having as a matter of fact the +proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be +promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the +United States with such nation adjusted. + +There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, +either as an impartial neutral, by imposing a rational compromise +between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the +other. + +As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few +months the relation of the United States has virtually been one of +friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but +all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate +pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The +spirit of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire +for peace and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us +and Spain and unstained by the blood of American citizens. + +The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the +war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following many +historical precedents where neighboring states have interfered to check +the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond their +borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, +hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. + +The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as follows: + +First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, +bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and +which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop +or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, +belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. +It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. + +Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection +and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or +will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive +them of legal protection. + +Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious +injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the +wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. + +Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condition of +affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace and entails upon this +Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict waged for years +in an island so near us and with which our people have such trade and +business relations; when the lives and liberty of our citizens are in +constant danger and their property destroyed and themselves ruined; +where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and are seized at +our very door by war ships of a foreign nation; the expeditions of +filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, and the +irritating questions and entanglements thus arising--all these and +others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, +are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep on a semi war +footing with a nation with which we are at peace. + +These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been +strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly +moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress the +report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle +ship _Maine_ in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th +of February.[6] The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the +national heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eight +brave sailors and marines and two officers of our Navy, reposing in the +fancied security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief +and want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. + +The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands +the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its +conclusion that the destruction of the _Maine_ was caused by an +exterior explosion--that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to +place the responsibility. That remains to be fixed. + +In any event, the destruction of the _Maine_, by whatever exterior +cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba +that is intolerable. That condition is thus shown to be such that the +Spanish Government can not assure safety and security to a vessel of the +American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and +rightfully there. + +Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic +correspondence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain of the 26th ultimo +contained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor +and justice require in the matter of the _Maine_. The reply above +referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the +readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which +can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of +the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: + + As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views + between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes + that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, + whose decision Spain accepts in advance. + + +To this I have made no reply. + +President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as +it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation, +said: + + In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to + assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously + consider the only remaining measures possible--mediation and + intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating + the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to + have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest + wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the + part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the + good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good + faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in + sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by + Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they + would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the + opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife + continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the + interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems + quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well + as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of + peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, + and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party + shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other. + Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or + by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or + later, be invoked for the termination of the strife. + + +In the last annual message of my immediate predecessor, during the +pending struggle, it was said: + + When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection + has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is + extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a + hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife + which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and + the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a + situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty + of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly + hesitate to recognize and discharge. + + +In my annual message to Congress December last, speaking to this +question, I said: + + The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of + a righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as + equitable to all our interests so intimately involved in the welfare + of Cuba, is likely to be attained. If not, the exigency of further and + other action by the United States will remain to be taken. When that + time conies, that action will be determined in the line of indisputable + right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in + the light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the + people who have confided to it the protection of their interests and + honor, and to humanity. + + Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated + only by upright and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion + nor selfishness, the Government will continue its watchful care over + the rights and property of American citizens and will abate none of + its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace which shall + be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty + imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization, and humanity + to intervene with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only + because the necessity for such action will be so clear as to command + the support and approval of the civilized world. + + +The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged +the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may +smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that +it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief +and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the +enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of +civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us +the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + +In view of these facts and of these considerations I ask the Congress +to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full +and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain +and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment +of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its +international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the +security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military +and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these +purposes. + +And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of +the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of +food and supplies be continued and that an appropriation be made out of +the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. + +The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. +I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of +affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation +imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. + +Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official +information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen +Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare and +facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration +and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. + +This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, +have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon +which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful +result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be +realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our +contemplated action. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 4: See pp. 127-136.] + +[Footnote 5: See p. 136.] + +[Footnote 6: See pp. 136-139.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 11, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the +14th of February last, calling for information and correspondence in +regard to the condition of the island of Cuba and to negotiations for +commercial relations between the United States and that island, a report +of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence, +covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report +of the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial +negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, +1897, in response to the second inquiry. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _Washington_, _April 11, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference from +the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United States +on the 14th of February last, reading as follows: + +"_Resolved,_ That the President is requested, if in his opinion it +is not incompatible with the public service, to send to the Senate +copies of the reports of the consul-general and of the consuls of the +United States in Cuba written or received since March 4, 1897, which +relate to the state of war in that island and the condition of the +people there, or that he will send such parts of said reports as will +inform the Senate as to these facts. + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a +government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty of +reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government in +Cuba." + +This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable +inquiries: First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in +Cuba, and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the +overtures of the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial +agreement covering particularly the trade between the United States and +the island of Cuba. + +The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in +accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the +existing tariff act, approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a +special commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to +that end, it has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner the +preparation of a report in answer to the second part of the Senate +resolution, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the +first part thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions +of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John A. +Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith +independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmission +to the Senate, should such a course be, in the President's judgment, not +incompatible with the public service. + +The Senate resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to that +honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of the +consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written or +received since March 4, 1897, which relate to the state of war in that +island and the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the +discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be +so reported and the manner of its communication. The undersigned, having +taken the President's direction on both these points, has the honor to +lay before him a selection of the correspondence received by the +Department of State from the various consular representatives in Cuba, +aiming thereby to show the present situation in the island rather than +to give a historical account of all the reported incidents since the +date assigned by the resolution. + +Respectfully submitted. + +JOHN SHERMAN. + + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, + +_Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary_. + +The PRESIDENT: + +In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under date +of February 14, 1898, and which was referred to the undersigned for +report, viz-- + +"Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of +a government in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the +President of the United States with authority to negotiate a treaty +of reciprocity with the United States, or any other diplomatic or +commercial agreement with the United States, and whether such person has +been recognized and received as the representative of such government +in Cuba"-- + +I have the honor to submit the following report: + +In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised +the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure +to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into +negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with +Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated +for the interests of that island. + +Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at +Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish +Government in respect to these negotiations. + +Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred +to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were +made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the +United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that +the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that +island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from +the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for +Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the +negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th +of February. + +On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lome, called +on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent +Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative +would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to +act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned +the name of Senor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba +for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to +this office. + +On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Senor Polo y Bernabe, +addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State, +was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this +Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain +to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Senor Manuel Rafael Angulo as +special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided +by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government; +and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be +added in the same character. + +His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the +commission so soon as the Government of the United States should +formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. + +Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. + +JOHN A KASSON, + +_Special Commissioner Plenipotenitary_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 12, 1898_. + +_To the Senate of the United States:_ + +In response to a resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, I inclose +herewith a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, inclosing a copy of a +report from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +NAVY DEPARTMENT, _Washington, April 9, 1898_. + +The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE. + +SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Senate resolution of +April 4, directing that the Senate be informed "of the total number of +human lives that were lost by the sinking of the United States battle +ship _Maine_ in Havana Harbor, Cuba, on the 15th day of February, +1898, the total number of dead bodies rescued from said ship, the total +number remaining unrescued, and what effort, if any, is being made to +rescue them," and in reply thereto inclose a copy of a report from the +Chief of the Bureau of Navigation covering the above inquiry. I have the +honor to be, sir, very respectfully, + +JOHN D. LONG, _Secretary_. + + + MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY. + + BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, _Washington, D.C., April 8, 1898._ + + Number on board the U.S.S. _Maine_ at the time of the disaster: + Officers 26 + Sailors 290 + Marines 39 + --- 355 + Number saved: + Officers 24 + Sailors 60 + Marines 11 + --- + 95 + Number lost: + Officers 2 + Sailors 230 + Marines 28 + --- + 260 + --- 355 + Bodies recovered: + Officers 1 + Sailors and marines 177 + Died from injuries: + Sailors and marines 8 + --- 186 + + Of the number recovered there were buried-- + In the cemetery at Havana 166 + At Key West 19 + At Pittsburg, Pa. (officer) 1 + --- 186 + Number of bodies not recovered: + Officers 1 + Enlisted men and marines 73 + --- 74 + + +The work of recovery was continued until April 6, when the wrecking tugs +were withdrawn, and nothing is now being done in that direction so far +as is known; and the last bodies reported as recovered were sent to Key +West on the 30th ultimo. No estimate has been made of the portions of +bodies which were recovered and buried. The large percentage of bodies +not recovered is due, no doubt, to the fact that the men were swinging +in their hammocks immediately over that portion of the vessel which was +totally destroyed. + +A.S. CROWNINSHIELD, + +_Chief of Bureau_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 25, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of +America_: + +I transmit to the Congress, for its consideration and appropriate +action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of +Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, +and through the latter with the Government of Spain, showing the action +taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, "for the +recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that +the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the +island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and +Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use +the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these +resolutions in to effect."[7] + +Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the demand +which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government +of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the minister asked for his +passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn +notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal +of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated +diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official +communications between their respective representatives ceased +therewith. + +I commend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United +States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs +on the 21st instant, whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. +It will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having +cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, +and in view of the things which the President is thereby required and +authorized to do, responds by treating the reasonable demands of this +Government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and +complete severance of relations by its action which by the usage of +nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. + +The position of Spain being thus made known and the demands of the +United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse, +by the act of Spain, I have been constrained, in exercise of the power +and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid, to +proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898,[8] a blockade of certain ports +of the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and +of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba, and further in +exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred +upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my +proclamation dated April 23, 1898,[9] calling forth volunteers in order +to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of +these proclamations are hereto appended. + +In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of +such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the +expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I +now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution +declaring that a state of war exists between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon, to +the end that the definition of the international status of the United +States as a belligerent power may be made known and the assertion of all +its rights and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a +public war may be assured.[10] + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 7: See p. 155.] + +[Footnote 8: See pp. 202-203.] + +[Footnote 9: See pp. 203-204.] + +[Footnote 10: See p. 201.] + + +JOINT RESOLUTION for the recognition of the independence of the people +of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority +and government in the island of Cuba and to withdraw its land and naval +forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the +United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three +years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the +moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to +Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of +a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on +a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer be endured, +as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his +message to Congress of April 11, 1898,[11] upon which the action of +Congress was invited: Therefore, + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That the people of +the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent. + +Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the +Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government +of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island +of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban +waters. + +Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry these resolutions into effect. + +Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or +intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over +said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its +determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government +and control of the island to its people. + +Approved, April 20, 1898. + +[Footnote 11: See pp. 139-150.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 9, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 24th of April I directed the Secretary of the Navy to telegraph +orders to Commodore George Dewey, of the United States Navy, commanding +the Asiatic Squadron, then lying in the port of Hongkong, to proceed +forthwith to the Philippine Islands, there-to commence operations and +engage the assembled Spanish fleet. + +Promptly obeying that order, the United States squadron, consisting of +the flagship _Olympia_, _Baltimore_, _Raleigh_, _Boston_, _Concord_, and +_Petrel_, with the revenue cutter _McCulloch_ as an auxiliary dispatch +boat, entered the harbor of Manila at daybreak on the 1st of May and +immediately engaged the entire Spanish fleet of eleven ships, which were +under the protection of the fire of the land forts. After a stubborn +fight, in which the enemy suffered great loss, these vessels were +destroyed or completely disabled and the water battery at Cavite +silenced. Of our brave officers and men not one was lost and only eight +injured, and those slightly. All of our ships escaped any serious +damage. + +By the 4th of May Commodore Dewey had taken possession of the naval +station at Cavite, destroying the fortifications there and at the +entrance of the bay and paroling their garrisons. The waters of the bay +are under his complete control. He has established hospitals within the +American lines, where 250 of the Spanish sick and wounded are assisted +and protected. + +The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary +standard of naval warfare. Outweighing any material advantage is the +moral effect of this initial success. At this unsurpassed achievement +the great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or with greed of +conquest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just +cause and that by the grace of God an effective step has thus been taken +toward the attainment of the wished-for peace. To those whose skill, +courage, and devotion have won the fight, to the gallant commander and +the brave officers and men who aided him, our country owes an +incalculable debt. + +Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent +a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for +their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and informing him +that I had appointed him an acting rear-admiral. + +I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing +the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress +be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United States Navy, +for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and to +the officers and men under his command for their gallantry in the +destruction of the enemy's fleet and the capture of the enemy's +fortifications in the bay of Manila. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 1, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +The resolution of Congress passed May 9, 1898, tendering to Commodore +George Dewey, United States Navy, commander in chief of the United +States naval force on the Asiatic station, the thanks of Congress and of +the American people for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with +the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet +and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, +and through him extending the thanks of Congress and of the American +people to the officers and men under his command for gallantry and +skill exhibited by them on that occasion, required the President to +communicate the same to Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers +and men under his command. This having been done, through the Secretary +of the Navy, on the 15th of May, 1898, the following response has been +received and is hereby transmitted to the Congress: + +I desire to express to the Department, and to request that it will be +transmitted to the President and to Congress, my most sincere thanks for +the great compliment paid to me. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION tendering the thanks of Congress to Commodore George +Dewey, United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the squadron +under his command. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That, in pursuance of the +recommendation of the President, made in accordance with the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, the thanks of Congress and +of the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey, +United States Navy, commander in chief of the United States naval force +on the Asiatic station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict +with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish +fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila, Philippine Islands, May 1, +1898. + +SEC. 2. That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby +extended through Commodore Dewey to the officers and men under his +command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion. + +SEC. 3. _Be it further resolved_, That the President of the United +States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to +Commodore Dewey, and through him to the officers and men under his +command. + +Approved, May 10, 1898. + + +JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to present a +sword of honor to Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck +bronze medals commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute +such medals to the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron +of the United States. + +_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United +States of America in Congress assembled_, That the Secretary of the +Navy be, and he hereby is, authorized to present a sword of honor to +Commodore George Dewey, and to cause to be struck bronze medals +commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, and to distribute such medals to +the officers and men of the ships of the Asiatic Squadron of the United +States under command of Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898; and that +to enable the Secretary to carry out this resolution the sum of $10,000, +or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of +any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. + +Approved, June 3, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the 11th of May, 1898, there occurred a conflict in the bay of +Cardenas, Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat _Winslow_ was +disabled, her commander wounded, and one of her officers and a part +of her crew killed by the enemy's fire. + +In the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns the revenue +cutter _Hudson_, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, +United States Revenue-Cutter Service, rescued the disabled +_Winslow_, her wounded commander and remaining crew. The commander +of the _Hudson_ kept his vessel in the very hottest fire of the +action, although in constant danger of going ashore on account of the +shallow water, until he finally got a line made fast to the +_Winslow_ and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns--a +deed of special gallantry. + +I recommend that in recognition of the signal act of heroism of First +Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, above +set forth, the thanks of Congress be extended to him and to his officers +and men of the _Hudson_, and that a gold medal of honor be +presented to Lieutenant Newcomb, a silver medal of honor to each of his +officers, and a bronze medal of honor to each member of his crew who +served with him at Cardenas. + +It will be remembered that Congress by appropriate action recognized the +several commanders of ships of war for their services in the battle of +Manila, May 1, 1898. + +The commander of the revenue cutter _Hugh McCulloch_, present and +in active cooperation with the fleet under Commodore Dewey on that +occasion (by Executive order under the provisions of section 2757, +Revised Statutes), is the only commander of a national ship to whom +promotion or advancement was not and could not be given, because he +already held the highest rank known to the Revenue-Cutter Service. + +I now recommend that in recognition of the efficient and meritorious +services of Captain Daniel B. Hodgsdon, United States Revenue-Cutter +Service, who commanded the _Hugh McCulloch_ at the battle of Manila +(that officer being now in the sixty-third year of his age and having +served continuously on active duty for thirty-seven years), he be placed +upon the permanent waiting-orders or retired list of the Revenue-Cutter +Service on the full-duty pay of his grade. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 27, 1898_. + +_To the Congress of the United States:_ + +On the morning of the 3d of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor +Richmond P. Hobson, United States Navy, with a volunteer crew of seven +men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier _Merrimac_, +entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of +sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel, and thus +interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet which +had recently entered that harbor. This enterprise, demanding coolness, +judgment, and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful +execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as +well as from the fortifications on shore. + +Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander in chief of our naval force in Cuban +waters, in an official report dated "Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, +1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. +Hobson's gallant exploit, says: + + As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here I decided to make the + harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish + ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a + collier at that point. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional + opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most + lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he + presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate + sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the + channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. + Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. + + As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the + details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete + them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after + our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the + morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a + careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish + the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to + try it at all hazards. + + This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. + Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful + inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the _Merrimac_ + had been sunk in the channel. + + I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of + Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and + daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_. + + +The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable +occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, +which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the +Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval +Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the _Merrimac_ on her +perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of +that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been +prepared and will be submitted. + +Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram _Albemarle_ +during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of +the _Merrimac_, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation +of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions +of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such +advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to +line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the +Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced. + +In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval +Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred +to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the +recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that +he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position +therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the +Senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction +corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary +technical training as a graduate of the Naval Academy, where he stood +No. 1 in his class; and such action is recommended partly in deference +to what is understood to be his own desire, although, he being now a +prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the +subject has been received from him, and partly for the reason that the +abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to +indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 5, 1898_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives:_ + +Notwithstanding the added burdens rendered necessary by the war, our +people rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily increasing degree of +prosperity, evidenced by the largest volume of business ever recorded. +Manufacture has been productive, agricultural pursuits have yielded +abundant returns, labor in all fields of industry is better rewarded, +revenue legislation passed by the present Congress has increased the +Treasury's receipts to the amount estimated by its authors, the finances +of the Government have been successfully administered and its credit +advanced to the first rank, while its currency has been maintained at +the world's highest standard. Military service under a common flag and +for a righteous cause has strengthened the national spirit and served to +cement more closely than ever the fraternal bonds between every section +of the country. + +A review of the relation of the United States to other powers, always +appropriate, is this year of primary importance in view of the momentous +issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate +determination by arms and involving far-reaching consequences which will +require the earnest attention of the Congress. + +In my last annual message[12] very full consideration was given to the +question of the duty of the Government of the United States toward Spain +and the Cuban insurrection as being by far the most important problem +with which we were then called upon to deal. The considerations then +advanced and the exposition of the views therein expressed disclosed +my sense of the extreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside as +logically unfounded or practically inadmissible the recognition of the +Cuban insurgents as belligerents, the recognition of the independence +of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the war by imposing a rational +compromise between the contestants, intervention in favor of one or the +other party, and forcible annexation of the island, I concluded it was +honestly due to our friendly relations with Spain that she should be +given a reasonable chance to realize her expectations of reform to which +she had become irrevocably committed. Within a few weeks previously she +had announced comprehensive plans which it was confidently asserted +would be efficacious to remedy the evils so deeply affecting our own +country, so injurious to the true interests of the mother country as +well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment +of humanity. + +The ensuing month brought little sign of real progress toward the +pacification of Cuba. The autonomous administrations set up in the +capital and some of the principal cities appeared not to gain the favor +of the inhabitants nor to be able to extend their influence to the large +extent of territory held by the insurgents, while the military arm, +obviously unable to cope with the still active rebellion, continued many +of the most objectionable and offensive policies of the government that +had preceded it. No tangible relief was afforded the vast numbers of +unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made in that +regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered +expedient of zones of cultivation proved illusory. Indeed no less +practical nor more delusive promises of succor could well have been +tendered to the exhausted and destitute people, stripped of all that +made life and home dear and herded in a strange region among +unsympathetic strangers hardly less necessitous than themselves. + +By the end of December the mortality among them had frightfully +increased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths +among these distressed people at over 40 per cent from the time General +Weyler's decree of reconcentration was enforced. With the acquiescence +of the Spanish authorities, a scheme was adopted for relief by +charitable contributions raised in this country and distributed, under +the direction of the consul-general and the several consuls, by noble +and earnest individual effort through the organized agencies of the +American Red Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many +thousands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. + +The war continued on the old footing, without comprehensive plan, +developing only the same spasmodic encounters, barren of strategic +result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion +as well as the present insurrection from its start. No alternative save +physical exhaustion of either combatant, and therewithal the practical +ruin of the island, lay in sight, but how far distant no one could +venture to conjecture. + +At this juncture, on the 15th of February last, occurred the destruction +of the battle ship _Maine_ while rightfully lying in the harbor of +Havana on a mission of international courtesy and good will--a +catastrophe the suspicious nature and horror of which stirred the +nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and +sturdy good sense distinguishing our national character that this +shocking blow, falling upon a generous people already deeply touched by +preceding events in Cuba, did not move them to an instant desperate +resolve to tolerate no longer the existence of a condition of danger and +disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever +wrought. Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and the nation anxiously +awaited the result of the searching investigation at once set on foot. +The finding of the naval board of inquiry established that the origin of +the explosion was external, by a submarine mine, and only halted through +lack of positive testimony to fix the responsibility of its authorship. + +All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before +the finding of the naval court, that a crisis in our relations with +Spain and toward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it +needed but a brief Executive suggestion to the Congress to receive +immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the +possible and perhaps speedily probable emergency of war, and the +remarkable, almost unique, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote +of both Houses, on the 9th of March, appropriating $50,000,000 "for the +national defense and for each and every purpose connected therewith, +to be expended at the discretion of the President." That this act of +prevision came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the +fund was undertaken. Our coasts were practically undefended. Our Navy +needed large provision for increased ammunition and supplies, and even +numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which +comprised modern vessels of the highest type of continental perfection. +Our Army also required enlargement of men and munitions. The details +of the hurried preparation for the dreaded contingency are told in the +reports of the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and need not be +repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the outbreak of war when +it did come found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. + +Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. +It was felt by the continental powers, which on April 6, through their +ambassadors and envoys, addressed to the Executive an expression of hope +that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this Government +and people, and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement +which, while securing the maintenance of peace, would afford all +necessary guaranties for the reestablishment of order in Cuba. In +responding to that representation I said I shared the hope the envoys +had expressed that peace might be preserved in a manner to terminate the +chronic condition of disturbance in Cuba, so injurious and menacing to +our interests and tranquillity, as well as shocking to our sentiments +of humanity; and while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested +character of the communication they had made on behalf of the powers, +I stated the confidence of this Government, for its part, that equal +appreciation would be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors +to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situation the indefinite +prolongation of which had become insufferable. + +Still animated by the hope of a peaceful solution and obeying the +dictates of duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about a speedy +ending of the Cuban struggle. Negotiations to this object continued +actively with the Government of Spain, looking to the immediate +conclusion of a six months' armistice in Cuba, with a view to effect +the recognition of her people's right to independence. Besides this, +the instant revocation of the order of reconcentration was asked, +so that the sufferers, returning to their homes and aided by united +American and Spanish effort, might be put in a way to support +themselves and, by orderly resumption of the well-nigh destroyed +productive energies of the island, contribute to the restoration of +its tranquillity and well-being. Negotiations continued for some little +time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the Spanish Government which +could not but be regarded as inadequate. It was proposed to confide the +preparation of peace to the insular parliament, yet to be convened under +the autonomous decrees of November, 1897, but without impairment in any +wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid Government, which to +that end would grant an armistice, if solicited by the insurgents, for +such time as the general in chief might see fit to fix. How and with +what scope of discretionary powers the insular parliament was expected +to set about the "preparation" of peace did not appear. If it were to be +by negotiation with the insurgents, the issue seemed to rest on the one +side with a body chosen by a fraction of the electors in the districts +under Spanish control, and on the other with the insurgent population +holding the interior country, unrepresented in the so-called parliament +and defiant at the suggestion of suing for peace. + +Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my sincere endeavors +to reach a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to remit the whole +question to the Congress. In the message of April 11, 1898,[13] I +announced that with this last overture in the direction of immediate +peace in Cuba and its disappointing reception by Spain the effort of +the Executive was brought to an end. I again reviewed the alternative +courses of action which had been proposed, concluding that the only one +consonant with international policy and compatible with our firm-set +historical traditions was intervention as a neutral to stop the war and +check the hopeless sacrifice of life, even though that resort involved +"hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest, as well to +enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement." The grounds +justifying that step were the interests of humanity, the duty to protect +the life and property of our citizens in Cuba, the right to check injury +to our commerce and people through the devastation of the island, and, +most important, the need of removing at once and forever the constant +menace and the burdens entailed upon our Government by the uncertainties +and perils of the situation caused by the unendurable disturbance in +Cuba. I said: + + The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged + the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may + smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain that + it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope of relief + and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured is the + enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the name of + civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which give us + the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba must stop. + + +In view of all this the Congress was asked to authorize and empower the +President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of +hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba and to secure in the +island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining +order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and +tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and +for the accomplishment of those ends to use the military and naval +forces of the United States as might be necessary, with added authority +to continue generous relief to the starving people of Cuba. + +The response of the Congress, after nine days of earnest deliberation, +during which the almost unanimous sentiment of your body was developed +on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the proposed action +with a formal recognition of the Republic of Cuba as the true and lawful +government of that island--a proposition which failed of adoption--the +Congress, after conference, on the 19th of April, by a vote of 42 to 35 +in the Senate and 311 to 6 in the House of Representatives, passed the +memorable joint resolution declaring-- + + First. That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought + to be, free and independent. + + Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the + Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the Government + of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island + of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban + waters. + + Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, + directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the + United States and to call into the actual service of the United States + the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary + to carry these resolutions into effect. + + Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or + intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over + said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its + determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and + control of the island to its people. + + +This resolution was approved by the Executive on the next day, April 20. +A copy was at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital, +who forthwith announced that his continuance in Washington had thereby +become impossible, and asked for his passports, which were given him. +He thereupon withdrew from Washington, leaving the protection of +Spanish interests in the United States to the French ambassador and the +Austro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously with its communication to +the Spanish minister here, General Woodford, the American minister at +Madrid, was telegraphed confirmation of the text of the joint resolution +and directed to communicate it to the Government of Spain with the +formal demand that it at once relinquish its authority and government +in the island of Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom, coupling this +demand with announcement of the intentions of this Government as to +the future of the island, in conformity with the fourth clause of the +resolution, and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. + +That demand, although, as above shown, officially made known to the +Spanish envoy here, was not delivered at Madrid. After the instruction +reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21, but before he could +present it, the Spanish minister of state notified him that upon the +President's approval of the joint resolution the Madrid Government, +regarding the act as "equivalent to an evident declaration of war," had +ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw, thereby breaking off +diplomatic relations between the two countries and ceasing all official +communication between their respective representatives. General Woodford +thereupon demanded his passports and quitted Madrid the same day. + +Spain having thus denied the demand of the United States and initiated +that complete form of rupture of relations which attends a state of war, +the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once used by +me to meet the enlarged contingency of actual war between sovereign +states. On April 22 I proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, +including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the +port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba,[14] and on the 23d I +called for volunteers to execute the purpose of the resolution.[15] By +my message of April 25 the Congress was informed of the situation, and +I recommended formal declaration of the existence of a state of war +between the United States and Spain. [16] The Congress accordingly voted +on the same day the act approved April 25, 1898, declaring the existence +of such war from and including the 21st day of April,[17] and reenacted +the provision of the resolution of April 20 directing the President +to use all the armed forces of the nation to carry that act into +effect.[18] Due notification of the existence of war as aforesaid was +given April 25 by telegraph to all the governments with which the +United States maintain relations, in order that their neutrality +might be assured during the war. The various governments responded with +proclamations of neutrality, each after its own methods. It is not among +the least gratifying incidents of the struggle that the obligations of +neutrality were impartially discharged by all, often under delicate and +difficult circumstances. + +In further fulfillment of international duty I issued, April 26, 1898, a +proclamation announcing the treatment proposed to be accorded to vessels +and their cargoes as to blockade, contraband, the exercise of the right +of search, and the immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods under +enemy's flag.[19] A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish +Government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules of the Declaration +of Paris, including abstention from resort to privateering, have +accordingly been observed by both belligerents, although neither was a +party to that declaration. + +Our country thus, after an interval of half a century of peace with all +nations, found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a foreign enemy. +Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the +initial call for 125,000 volunteers[20] was instant and complete, as was +also the result of the second call, of May 25, for 75,000 additional +volunteers.[21] The ranks of the Regular Army were increased to the +limits provided by the act of April 26, 1898. + +The enlisted force of the Navy on the 15th day of August, when it +reached its maximum, numbered 24,123 men and apprentices. One hundred +and three vessels were added to the Navy by purchase, 1 was presented +to the Government, 1 leased, and the 4 vessels of the International +Navigation Company--the _St. Paul_, _St. Louis_, _New York_, and +_Paris_--were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cutters +and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy Department and +became temporarily a part of the auxiliary Navy. + +The maximum effective fighting force of the Navy during the war, +separated into classes, was as follows: + +Four battle ships of the first class, 1 battle ship of the second +class, 2 armored cruisers, 6 coast-defense monitors, 1 armored ram, +12 protected cruisers, 3 unprotected cruisers, 18 gunboats, 1 dynamite +cruiser, 11 torpedo boats; vessels of the old Navy, including monitors, +14. Auxiliary Navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers, 28 converted yachts, 27 +converted tugs, 19 converted colliers, 15 revenue cutters, 4 light-house +tenders, and 19 miscellaneous vessels. + +Much alarm was felt along our entire Atlantic seaboard lest some attack +might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent +possible injury to our great cities lying along the coast. Temporary +garrisons were provided, drawn from the State militia; infantry and +light batteries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops +were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for +observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the United +States, and the Life-Saving and Light-House services cooperated, which +enabled the Navy Department to have all portions of the Atlantic coast, +from Maine to Texas, under observation. + +The auxiliary Navy was created under the authority of Congress and was +officered and manned by the Naval Militia of the several States. This +organization patrolled the coast and performed the duty of a second line +of defense. + +Under the direction of the Chief of Engineers submarine mines were +placed at the most exposed points. Before the outbreak of the war +permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at +nearly all important harbors. Most of the torpedo material was not to be +found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date +of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary +measures short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the +cables, and on April 22 telegraphic orders were issued to place the +loaded mines in position. + +The aggregate number of mines placed was 1,535, at the principal harbors +from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting +of mines at certain other harbors, but owing to the early destruction of +the Spanish fleet these mines were not placed. + +The Signal Corps was promptly organized, and performed service of the +most difficult and important character. Its operations during the war +covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the +establishment of telephonic and telegraphic facilities for the camps at +Manila, Santiago, and in Puerto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles +of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from +those points in a manner heretofore unknown in military administration. +Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's +fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. + +In Puerto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued +route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept +in telegraphic or telephonic communication with the division commanders +on four different lines of operations. + +There was placed in Cuban waters a completely outfitted cable ship, +with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of +communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment of our own. +Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. +The day previous to the landing of General Shafter's corps, at +Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications +were established and a cable station opened giving direct communication +with the Government at Washington. This service was invaluable to the +Executive in directing the operations of the Army and Navy. With a total +force of over 1,300, the loss was by disease in camp and field, officers +and men included, only 5. + +The national-defense fund of $50,000,000 was expended in large part +by the Army and Navy, and the objects for which it was used are fully +shown in the reports of the several Secretaries. It was a most timely +appropriation, enabling the Government to strengthen its defenses and +make preparations greatly needed in case of war. + +This fund being inadequate to the requirements of equipment and for the +conduct of the war, the patriotism of the Congress provided the means in +the war-revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan +not to exceed $400,000,000 and by levying additional imposts and taxes. +Of the authorized loan $200,000,000 were offered and promptly taken, the +subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over, +while, preference being given to the smaller bids, no single allotment +exceeded $5,000. This was a most encouraging and significant result, +showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the +people to uphold their country's honor. + +It is not within the province of this message to narrate the history of +the extraordinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21, +but a brief recital of its more salient features is appropriate. + +The first encounter of the war in point of date took place April 27, +when a detachment of the blockading squadron made a reconnoissance in +force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts, and demolished several new +works in construction. + +The next engagement was destined to mark a memorable epoch in maritime +warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for +some weeks at Hongkong. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality +being issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given, +it repaired to Mirs Bay, near Hongkong, whence it proceeded to the +Philippine Islands under telegraphed orders to capture or destroy the +formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the +1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few +hours' engagement effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet, +consisting of ten war ships and a transport, besides capturing the naval +station and forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanish naval power +in the Pacific Ocean and completely controlling the bay of Manila, with +the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, +the wounded only numbering seven, while not a vessel was materially +injured. For this gallant achievement the Congress, upon my +recommendation, fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and +substantial reward. + +The effect of this remarkable victory upon the spirit of our people and +upon the fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige of invincibility +thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. +Reenforcements were hurried to Manila under the command of Major-General +Merritt and firmly established within sight of the capital, which lay +helpless before our guns. + +On the 7th day of May the Government was advised officially of the +victory at Manila, and at once inquired of the commander of our fleet +what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th +day of May, and the first army expedition sailed May 25 and arrived off +Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon followed, the total force +consisting of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. + +Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented +the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute +military occupancy of the whole group. The insurgents meanwhile had +resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of +December, 1897. Their forces invested Manila from the northern and +eastern sides, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt +from attempting an assault. It was fitting that whatever was to be done +in the way of decisive operations in that quarter should be accomplished +by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept +of war which enjoins the overcoming of the adversary and the extinction +of his power wherever assailable as the speedy and sure means to win a +peace, divided victory was not permissible, for no partition of the +rights and responsibilities attending the enforcement of a just and +advantageous peace could be thought of. + +Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces +were assembled at various points on our coast to invade Cuba and Puerto +Rico. Meanwhile naval demonstrations were made at several exposed +points. On May 11 the cruiser _Wilmington_ and torpedo boat +_Winslow_ were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence the batteries +at Cardenas, a gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen falling. +These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few +which occurred during our naval operations in this extraordinary +conflict. + +Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations had been pushed with great +vigor. A powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera, which had assembled at +the Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities, had crossed +the ocean, and by its erratic movements in the Caribbean Sea delayed our +military plans while baffling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time +fears were felt lest the _Oregon_ and _Marietta_, then nearing +home after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles, +might be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet, but their fortunate +arrival dispelled these apprehensions and lent much-needed +reenforcement. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the harbor of +Santiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic +naval and military attack upon the Antillean possessions of Spain. + +Several demonstrations occurred on the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico in +preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic Squadron +shelled San Juan de Puerto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron +bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor. Neither +attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land +operations were indispensable to achieve a decisive advantage. + +The next act in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen +but the world by its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 +Lieutenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow +outlet from Santiago Harbor by sinking the collier _Merrimac_ in +the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with +their lives as by a miracle, but falling into the hands of the +Spaniards. It is a most gratifying incident of the war that the bravery +of this little band of heroes was cordially appreciated by the Spanish +admiral, who sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of their +safety and to compliment them on their daring act. They were +subsequently exchanged July 7. + +By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable isolated the island. +Thereafter the invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10, under a +heavy protecting fire, a landing of 600 marines from the _Oregon_, +_Marblehead_, and _Yankee_ was effected in Guantanamo Bay, where it had +been determined to establish a naval station. + +This important and essential port was taken from the enemy, after severe +fighting, by the marines, who were the first organized force of the +United States to land in Cuba. + +The position so won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge +our forces. By June 16 additional forces were landed and strongly +intrenched. On June 22 the advance of the invading army under +Major-General Shafter landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of +Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties, but with +marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. +On the 24th the first serious engagement took place, in which the First +and Tenth Cavalry and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, General +Young's brigade of General Wheeler's division, participated, losing +heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within 5 miles of Santiago was +won. The advantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle +took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santiago; on the 2d El +Caney and San Juan were taken after a desperate charge, and the +investment of the city was completed. The Navy cooperated by shelling +the town and the coast forts. + +On the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, the +3d of July, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish +fleet, attempting to leave the harbor, was met by the American squadron +under command of Commodore Sampson. In less than three hours all the +Spanish ships were destroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk and the +_Maria Teresa_, _Almirante Oquendo_, _Vizcaya_, and _Cristobal Colon_ +driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken +prisoners. While the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large, some 600 +perishing, on our side but one man was killed, on the _Brooklyn_, and +one man seriously wounded. Although our ships were repeatedly struck, +not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished +themselves, from the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in +the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of +this astounding victory, for which neither ancient nor modern history +affords a parallel in the completeness of the event and the marvelous +disproportion of casualties, it would be invidious to single out any for +especial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous +actors. The nation's profoundest gratitude is due to all of these brave +men who by their skill and devotion in a few short hours crushed the sea +power of Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness and far-reaching +consequences can scarcely be measured. Nor can we be unmindful of the +achievements of our builders, mechanics, and artisans for their skill in +the construction of our war ships. + +With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually +ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her +Mediterranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was +abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the +Suez Canal. + +The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by +land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief +on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of noncombatants +protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July 15, when, under +menace of immediate assault, the preliminaries of surrender were agreed +upon. On the 17th General Shafter occupied the city. The capitulation +embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers +surrendering was 22,000, all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain +at the charge of the United States. The story of this successful +campaign is told in the report of the Secretary of War, which will be +laid before you. The individual valor of officers and soldiers was never +more strikingly shown than in the several engagements leading to the +surrender of Santiago, while the prompt movements and successive +victories won instant and universal applause. To those who gained this +complete triumph, which established the ascendency of the United States +upon land as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas, +the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor +should we alone remember the gallantry of the living; the dead claim our +tears, and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exultation at +the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war, however rightful +the cause or signal the victory. + +With the fall of Santiago the occupation of Puerto Rico became the next +strategic necessity. General Miles had previously been assigned to +organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at +Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July with reenforcements +for General Shafter's army. + +With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two +companies of engineers, and one company of the Signal Corps, General +Miles left Guantanamo on July 21, having nine transports convoyed by the +fleet under Captain Higginson with the _Massachusetts_ (flagship), _Dixie_, +_Gloucester_, _Columbia_, and _Yale_, the two latter carrying troops. +The expedition landed at Guanica July 25, which port was entered with +little opposition. Here the fleet was joined by the _Annapolis_ and +the _Wasp_, while the _Puritan_ and _Amphitrite_ went to San Juan and +joined the _New Orleans_, which was engaged in blockading that port. The +Major-General Commanding was subsequently reenforced by General Schwan's +brigade of the Third Army Corps, by General Wilson with a part of his +division, and also by General Brooke with a part of his corps, numbering +in all 16,973 officers and men. + +On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most important ports in the +island, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of +the island. + +With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayama, +Hormigueros, Coarno, and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape +San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted +with great vigor, and by the 12th of August much of the island was in +our possession and the acquisition of the remainder was only a matter +of a short time. At most of the points in the island our troops were +enthusiastically welcomed. Protestations of loyalty to the flag and +gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule met our commanders at every +stage. As a potent influence toward peace the outcome of the Puerto +Rican expedition was of great consequence, and generous commendation +is due to those who participated in it. + +The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, its starting place. On +August 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, in +which the squadron assisted, the capital surrendered unconditionally. +The casualties were comparatively few. By this the conquest of the +Philippine Islands, virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for +resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May, +was formally sealed. To General Merritt, his officers and men, for their +uncomplaining and devoted service and for their gallantry in action, the +nation is sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular +success, and the soldierly conduct of the men, most of whom were without +previous experience in the military service, deserves unmeasured praise. + +The total casualties in killed and wounded in the Army during the war +with Spain were: Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed, 257; total, +280; officers wounded, 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. +Of the Navy: Killed, 17; wounded, 67; died as result of wounds, 1; +invalided from service, 6; total, 91. + +It will be observed that while our Navy was engaged in two great battles +and in numerous perilous undertakings in blockade and bombardment, and +more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and +were engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes in +unfamiliar territory, we lost in both arms of the service a total of +1,668 killed and wounded; and in the entire campaign by land and sea we +did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship, and, with the +exception of the crew of the _Merrimac_, not a soldier or sailor +was taken prisoner. + +On August 7, forty-six days from the date of the landing of General +Shafter's army in Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of +Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and +our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August +24. They were absent from the United States only two months. + +It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and +devotion of that large portion of our Army which, although eager to be +ordered to the post of greatest exposure, fortunately was not required +outside of the United States. They did their whole duty, and, like their +comrades at the front, have earned the gratitude of the nation. In like +manner, the officers and men of the Army and of the Navy who remained +in their departments and stations faithfully performing most important +duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assignment in the +field and at sea I was compelled to refuse because their services were +indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my +regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable +recognition. + +In this connection it is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of +cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of the American National +Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in +sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, +under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the +society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals +at the front in Cuba. Working in conjunction with the governmental +authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the +enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the +various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high +reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble +purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the +confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the +American people. To the members and officers of this society and all who +aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude +of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded. + +In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to +the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, +for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble +prayer for the continuance of His favor. + +The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's fleet, followed by the +capitulation of Santiago, having brought to the Spanish Government +a realizing sense of the hopelessness of continuing a struggle now +become wholly unequal, it made overtures of peace through the French +ambassador, who, with the assent of his Government, had acted as the +friendly representative of Spanish interests during the war. On the +26th of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the Duke of +Almodovar, the Spanish minister of state, inviting the United States to +state the terms upon which it would be willing to make peace. On the +30th of July, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almodovar +and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this Government were announced +substantially as in the protocol afterwards signed. On the 10th of +August the Spanish reply, dated August 7, was handed by M. Cambon to the +Secretary of State. It accepted unconditionally the terms imposed as to +Cuba, Puerto Rico, and an island of the Ladrones group, but appeared to +seek to introduce inadmissible reservations in regard to our demand as +to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving that discussion on this point +could neither be practical nor profitable, I directed that in order +to avoid misunderstanding the matter should be forthwith closed by +proposing the embodiment in a formal protocol of the terms upon which +the negotiations for peace were to be undertaken. The vague and +inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the +only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of protocol +embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30, +with added stipulations of detail as to the appointment of commissioners +to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 +M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol +so submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon of August 12, M. Cambon, +as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and the Secretary of State, as the +plenipotentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing-- + + ARTICLE I. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title + to Cuba. + + ART. II. Spain will cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico + and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, and + also an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. + + ART. III. The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay, and + harbor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall + determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. + + +The fourth article provided for the appointment of joint commissions on +the part of the United States and Spain, to meet in Havana and San Juan, +respectively, for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details +of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish +islands in the West Indies. + +The fifth article provided for the appointment of not more than five +commissioners on each side, to meet at Paris not later than October 1 +and to proceed to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty of peace, +subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms +of the two countries. + +The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the +protocol hostilities between the two countries should be suspended and +that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces. + +Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I issued a proclamation, +of August 12,[22] suspending hostilities on the part of the United +States. The necessary orders to that end were at once given by +telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Puerto Rico +was in like manner raised. On the 18th of August the muster out of +100,000 volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be +practicable, was ordered. + +On the 1st of December 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out +and discharged from the service, and 9,002 more will be mustered out +by the 10th of this month; also a corresponding number of general and +general staff officers have been honorably discharged the service. + +The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the adjacent islands were forthwith appointed--for Cuba, +Major-General James F. Wade, Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, +Major-General Matthew C. Butler; for Puerto Rico, Major-General John R. +Brooke, Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley, Brigadier-General William W. +Gordon--who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and +San Juan, respectively. The Puerto Rican Joint Commission speedily +accomplished its task, and by the 18th of October the evacuation of the +island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island +at noon on that day. The administration of its affairs has been +provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall +otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint Commission has not yet terminated its +labors. Owing to the difficulties in the way of removing the large +numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation can not be +completed before the 1st of January next. + +Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol, I appointed William R. +Day, lately Secretary of State; Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, and +George Gray, Senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reid to be the +peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due +season to Paris, they there met on the 1st of October five commissioners +similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made +hopeful progress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive +treaty of peace before the Senate, with a review of the steps leading +to its signature. + +I do not discuss at this time the government or the future of the new +possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. +Such discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall +be ratified. In the meantime and until the Congress has legislated +otherwise it will be my duty to continue the military governments which +have existed since our occupation and give to the people security in +life and property and encouragement under a just and beneficent rule. + +As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the island +it will be necessary to give aid and direction to its people to form +a government for themselves. This should be undertaken at the earliest +moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is important that +our relations with this people shall be of the most friendly character +and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should be our +duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places of the +island, encourage the industry of the people, and assist them to form a +government which shall be free and independent, thus realizing the best +aspirations of the Cuban people. + +Spanish rule must be replaced by a just, benevolent, and humane +government, created by the people of Cuba, capable of performing all +international obligations, and which shall encourage thrift, industry, +and prosperity and promote peace and good will among all of the +inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations in the past. Neither +revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until +there is complete tranquillity in the island and a stable government +inaugurated military occupation will be continued. + +With the one exception of the rupture with Spain, the intercourse of +the United States with the great family of nations has been marked with +cordiality, and the close of the eventful year finds most of the issues +that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sovereign states +adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a just and honorable +solution by amicable agreement. + +A long unsettled dispute as to the extended boundary between the +Argentine Republic and Chile, stretching along the Andean crests from +the southern border of the Atacama Desert to Magellan Straits, nearly a +third of the length of the South American continent, assumed an acute +stage in the early part of the year, and afforded to this Government +occasion to express the hope that the resort to arbitration, already +contemplated by existing conventions between the parties, might prevail +despite the grave difficulties arising in its application. I am happy to +say that arrangements to this end have been perfected, the questions of +fact upon which the respective commissioners were unable to agree being +in course of reference to Her Britannic Majesty for determination. +A residual difference touching the northern boundary line across the +Atacama Desert, for which existing treaties provided no adequate +adjustment, bids fair to be settled in like manner by a joint +commission, upon which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres has +been invited to serve as umpire in the last resort. + +I have found occasion to approach the Argentine Government with a view +to removing differences of rate charges imposed upon the cables of an +American corporation in the transmission between Buenos Ayres and the +cities of Uruguay and Brazil of through messages passing from and +to the United States. Although the matter is complicated by exclusive +concessions by Uruguay and Brazil to foreign companies, there is strong +hope that a good understanding will be reached and that the important +channels of commercial communication between the United States and the +Atlantic cities of South America may be freed from an almost prohibitory +discrimination. + +In this relation I may be permitted to express my sense of the fitness +of an international agreement whereby the interchange of messages over +connecting cables may be regulated on a fair basis of uniformity. +The world has seen the postal system developed from a congeries of +independent and exclusive services into a well-ordered union, of which +all countries enjoy the manifold benefits. It would be strange were the +nations not in time brought to realize that modern civilization, which +owes so much of its progress to the annihilation of space by the +electric force, demands that this all-important means of communication +be a heritage of all peoples, to be administered and regulated in their +common behoof. A step in this direction was taken when the international +convention of 1884 for the protection of submarine cables was signed, +and the day is, I trust, not far distant when this medium for the +transmission of thought from land to land may be brought within the +domain of international concert as completely as is the material +carriage of commerce and correspondence upon the face of the waters +that divide them. + +The claim of Thomas Jefferson Page against Argentina, which has been +pending many years, has been adjusted. The sum awarded by the Congress +of Argentina was $4,242.35. + +The sympathy of the American people has justly been offered to the ruler +and the people of Austria-Hungary by reason of the affliction that has +lately befallen them in the assassination of the Empress-Queen of that +historic realm. + +On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., +between a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne County and +his deputies, in which 22 miners were killed and 44 wounded, of whom +10 of the killed and 12 of the wounded were Austrian and Hungarian +subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused the solicitude of the +Austro-Hungarian Government, which, on the assumption that the killing +and wounding involved the unjustifiable misuse of authority, claimed +reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching investigation and +peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, the Federal +Executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, in +order to be in a position to meet the urgent complaint of a friendly +power. The sheriff and his deputies, having been indicted for murder, +were tried, and acquitted, after protracted proceedings and the hearing +of hundreds of witnesses, on the ground that the killing was in the line +of their official duty to uphold law and preserve public order in the +State. A representative of the Department of Justice attended the trial +and reported its course fully. With all the facts in its possession, +this Government expects to reach a harmonious understanding on the +subject with that of Austria-Hungary, notwithstanding the renewed claim +of the latter, after learning the result of the trial, for indemnity for +its injured subjects. + +Despite the brief time allotted for preparation, the exhibits of this +country at the Universal Exposition at Brussels in 1897 enjoyed the +singular distinction of a larger proportion of awards, having regard +to the number and classes of articles entered than those of other +countries. The worth of such a result in making known our national +capacity to supply the world's markets is obvious. + +Exhibitions of this international character are becoming more frequent +as the exchanges of commercial countries grow more intimate and varied. +Hardly a year passes that this Government is not invited to national +participation at some important foreign center, but often on too short +notice to permit of recourse to Congress for the power and means to do +so. My predecessors have suggested the advisability of providing by +a general enactment and a standing appropriation for accepting such +invitations and for representation of this country by a commission. +This plan has my cordial approval. + +I trust that the Belgian restrictions on the importation of cattle from +the United States, originally adopted as a sanitary precaution, will at +an early day be relaxed as to their present features of hardship and +discrimination, so as to admit live cattle under due regulation of their +slaughter after landing. I am hopeful, too, of favorable change in +the Belgian treatment of our preserved and salted meats. The growth +of direct trade between the two countries, not alone for Belgian +consumption and Belgian products, but by way of transit from and to +other continental states, has been both encouraging and beneficial. No +effort will be spared to enlarge its advantages by seeking the removal +of needless impediments and by arrangements for increased commercial +exchanges. + +The year's events in Central America deserve more than passing mention. + +A menacing rupture between Costa Rica and Nicaragua was happily composed +by the signature of a convention between the parties, with the +concurrence of the Guatemalan representative as a mediator, the act +being negotiated and signed on board the United States steamer +_Alert_, then lying in Central American waters. It is believed that +the good offices of our envoy and of the commander of that vessel +contributed toward this gratifying outcome. + +In my last annual message the situation was presented with respect to +the diplomatic representation of this Government in Central America +created by the association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador under +the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, and the delegation +of their international functions to the Diet thereof. While the +representative character of the Diet was recognized by my predecessor +and has been confirmed during my Administration by receiving its +accredited envoy and granting exequaturs to consuls commissioned under +its authority, that recognition was qualified by the distinct +understanding that the responsibility of each of the component sovereign +Republics toward the United States remained wholly unaffected. + +This proviso was needful inasmuch as the compact of the three +Republics was at the outset an association whereby certain +representative functions were delegated to a tripartite commission +rather than a federation possessing centralized powers of government +and administration. In this view of their relation and of the +relation of the United States to the several Republics, a change +in the representation of this country in Central America was neither +recommended by the Executive nor initiated by Congress, thus leaving one +of our envoys accredited, as heretofore, separately to two States of the +Greater Republic, Nicaragua and Salvador, and to a third State, Costa +Rica, which was not a party to the compact, while our other envoy was +similarly accredited to a union State, Honduras, and a nonunion State, +Guatemala. The result has been that the one has presented credentials +only to the President of Costa Rica, the other having been received only +by the Government of Guatemala. + +Subsequently the three associated Republics entered into negotiations +for taking the steps forecast in the original compact. A convention of +their delegates framed for them a federal constitution under the name of +the United States of Central America, and provided for a central federal +government and legislature. Upon ratification by the constituent States, +the 1st of November last was fixed for the new system to go into +operation. Within a few weeks thereafter the plan was severely tested +by revolutionary movements arising, with a consequent demand for unity +of action on the part of the military power of the federal States to +suppress them. Under this strain the new union seems to have been +weakened through the withdrawal of its more important members. This +Government was not officially advised of the installation of the +federation and has maintained an attitude of friendly expectancy, while +in no wise relinquishing the position held from the outset that the +responsibilities of the several States toward us remained unaltered by +their tentative relations among themselves. + +The Nicaragua Canal Commission, under the chairmanship of Rear-Admiral +John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a +provision in the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly +completed its labors, and the results of its exhaustive inquiry into the +proper route, the feasibility, and the cost of construction of an +interoceanic canal by a Nicaraguan route will be laid before you. In the +performance of its task the commission received all possible courtesy +and assistance from the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which +thus testified their appreciation of the importance of giving a speedy +and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years +engrossed the attention of the respective countries. + +As the scope of the recent inquiry embraced the whole subject, with the +aim of making plans and surveys for a canal by the most convenient +route, it necessarily included a review of the results of previous +surveys and plans, and in particular those adopted by the Maritime Canal +Company under its existing concessions from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so +that to this extent those grants necessarily hold as essential a part +in the deliberations and conclusions of the Canal Commission as they +have held and must needs hold in the discussion of the matter by the +Congress. Under these circumstances and in view of overtures made to the +Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica by other parties for a new canal +concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts +of the Maritime Canal Company with those States, I have not hesitated +to express my conviction that considerations of expediency and +international policy as between the several governments interested in +the construction and control of an interoceanic canal by this route +require the maintenance of the _status quo_ until the Canal +Commission shall have reported and the United States Congress shall have +had the opportunity to pass finally upon the whole matter during the +present session, without prejudice by reason of any change in the +existing conditions. + +Nevertheless, it appears that the Government of Nicaragua, as one +of its last sovereign acts before merging its powers in those of the +newly formed United States of Central America, has granted an optional +concession to another association, to become effective on the expiration +of the present grant. It does not appear what surveys have been made +or what route is proposed under this contingent grant, so that an +examination of the feasibility of its plans is necessarily not embraced +in the report of the Canal Commission. All these circumstances suggest +the urgency of some definite action by the Congress at this session +if the labors of the past are to be utilized and the linking of the +Atlantic and Pacific oceans by a practical waterway is to be realized. +That the construction of such a maritime highway is now more than ever +indispensable to that intimate and ready intercommunication between our +eastern and western seaboards demanded by the annexation of the Hawaiian +Islands and the prospective expansion of our influence and commerce in +the Pacific, and that our national policy now more imperatively than +ever calls for its control by this Government, are propositions which +I doubt not the Congress will duly appreciate and wisely act upon. + +A convention providing for the revival of the late United States and +Chilean Claims Commission and the consideration of claims which were +duly presented to the late commission, but not considered because of the +expiration of the time limited for the duration of the commission, was +signed May 24, 1897, and has remained unacted upon by the Senate. The +term therein fixed for effecting the exchange of ratifications having +elapsed, the convention falls unless the time be extended by amendment, +which I am endeavoring to bring about, with the friendly concurrence of +the Chilean Government. + +The United States has not been an indifferent spectator of the +extraordinary events transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby portions +of its maritime provinces are passing under the control of various +European powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the +energy of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for +Chinese uses has built up in those regions may not be prejudiced through +any exclusive treatment by the new occupants has obviated the need of +our country becoming an actor in the scene. Our position among nations, +having a large Pacific coast and a constantly expanding direct trade +with the farther Orient, gives us the equitable claim to consideration +and friendly treatment in this regard, and it will be my aim to subserve +our large interests in that quarter by all means appropriate to the +constant policy of our Government. The territories of Kiao-chow, of +Wei-hai-wei, and of Port Arthur and Talienwan, leased to Germany, +Great Britain, and Russia, respectively, for terms of years, will, +it is announced, be open to international commerce during such alien +occupation; and if no discriminating treatment of American citizens and +their trade be found to exist or be hereafter developed, the desire of +this Government would appear to be realized. + +In this relation, as showing the volume and value of our exchanges with +China and the peculiarly favorable conditions which exist for their +expansion in the normal course of trade, I refer to the communication +addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the +Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of last June, with its +accompanying letter of the Secretary of State, recommending an +appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial +conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities +for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in China for the +raw products and manufactures of the United States. Action was not +taken thereon during the late session. I cordially urge that the +recommendation receive at your hands the consideration which its +importance and timeliness merit. + +Meanwhile there may be just ground for disquietude in view of the unrest +and revival of the old sentiment of opposition and prejudice to alien +people which pervades certain of the Chinese provinces. As in the case +of the attacks upon our citizens in Szechuen and at Kutien in 1895, the +United States minister has been instructed to secure the fullest measure +of protection, both local and imperial, for any menaced American +interests, and to demand, in case of lawless injury to person or +property, instant reparation appropriate to the case. War ships have +been stationed at Tientsin for more ready observation of the disorders +which have invaded even the Chinese capital, so as to be in a position +to act should need arise, while a guard of marines has been sent to +Peking to afford the minister the same measure of authoritative +protection as the representatives of other nations have been constrained +to employ. + +Following close upon the rendition of the award of my predecessor as +arbitrator of the claim of the Italian subject Cerruti against the +Republic of Colombia, differences arose between the parties to the +arbitration in regard to the scope and extension of the award, of which +certain articles were contested by Colombia, while Italy claimed their +literal fulfillment. The award having been made by the President of the +United States, as an act of friendly consideration and with the sole +view to an impartial composition of the matter in dispute, I could +not but feel deep concern at such a miscarriage, and while unable to +accept the Colombian theory that I, in my official capacity, possessed +continuing functions as arbitrator, with power to interpret or revise +the terms of the award, my best efforts were lent to bring the parties +to a harmonious agreement as to the execution of its provisions. + +A naval demonstration by Italy resulted in an engagement to pay +the liabilities claimed upon their ascertainment; but this apparent +disposition of the controversy was followed by a rupture of diplomatic +intercourse between Colombia and Italy, which still continues, although, +fortunately, without acute symptoms having supervened. Notwithstanding +this, efforts are reported to be continuing for the ascertainment of +Colombia's contingent liability on account of Cerruti's debts under the +fifth article of the award. + +A claim of an American citizen against the Dominican Republic for +a public bridge over the Ozama River, which has been in diplomatic +controversy for several years, has been settled by expert arbitration +and an award in favor of the claimant amounting to about $90,000. It, +however, remains unpaid, despite urgent demands for its settlement +according to the terms of the compact. + +There is now every prospect that the participation of the United States +in the Universal Exposition to be held in Paris in 1900 will be on a +scale commensurate with the advanced position held by our products and +industries in the world's chief marts. + +The preliminary report of Mr. Moses P. Handy, who, under the act +approved July 19, 1897, was appointed special commissioner with a view +to securing all attainable information necessary to a full and complete +understanding by Congress in regard to the participation of this +Government in the Paris Exposition, was laid before you by my message +of December 6, 1897, and showed the large opportunities opened to make +known our national progress in arts, science, and manufactures, as +well as the urgent need of immediate and adequate provision to enable +due advantage thereof to be taken. Mr. Handy's death soon afterwards +rendered it necessary for another to take up and complete his unfinished +work, and on January 11 last Mr. Thomas W. Cridler, Third Assistant +Secretary of State, was designated to fulfill that task. His report was +laid before you by my message of June 14, 1898, with the gratifying +result of awakening renewed interest in the projected display. By a +provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of July 1, 1898, a sum +not to exceed $650,000 was allotted for the organization of a commission +to care for the proper preparation and installation of American exhibits +and for the display of suitable exhibits by the several Executive +Departments, particularly by the Department of Agriculture, the Fish +Commission, and the Smithsonian Institution, in representation of the +Government of the United States. + +Pursuant to that enactment I appointed Mr. Ferdinand W. Peck, of +Chicago, commissioner-general, with an assistant commissioner-general +and a secretary. Mr. Peck at once proceeded to Paris, where his success +in enlarging the scope and variety of the United States exhibit has +been most gratifying. Notwithstanding the comparatively limited area +of the exposition site--less than one-half that of the World's Fair at +Chicago--the space assigned to the United States has been increased from +the absolute allotment of 157,403 square feet reported by Mr. Handy to +some 202,000 square feet, with corresponding augmentation of the field +for a truly characteristic representation of the various important +branches of our country's development. Mr. Peck's report will be laid +before you. In my judgment its recommendations will call for your early +consideration, especially as regards an increase of the appropriation to +at least one million dollars in all, so that not only may the assigned +space be fully taken up by the best possible exhibits in every class, +but the preparation and installation be on so perfect a scale as to +rank among the first in that unparalleled competition of artistic and +inventive production, and thus counterbalance the disadvantage with +which we start as compared with other countries whose appropriations are +on a more generous scale and whose preparations are in a state of much +greater forwardness than our own. + +Where our artisans have the admitted capacity to excel, where our +inventive genius has initiated many of the grandest discoveries of these +later days of the century, and where the native resources of our land +are as limitless as they are valuable to supply the world's needs, it is +our province, as it should be our earnest care, to lead in the march of +human progress, and not rest content with any secondary place. Moreover, +if this be due to ourselves, it is no less due to the great French +nation whose guests we become, and which has in so many ways testified +its wish and hope that our participation shall befit the place the two +peoples have won in the field of universal development. + +The commercial arrangement made with France on the 28th of May, 1898, +under the provisions of section 3 of the tariff act of 1897, went into +effect on the 1st day of June following. It has relieved a portion of +our export trade from serious embarrassment. Further negotiations +are now pending under section 4 of the same act with a view to the +increase of trade between the two countries to their mutual advantage. +Negotiations with other governments, in part interrupted by the war with +Spain, are in progress under both sections of the tariff act. I hope to +be able to announce some of the results of these negotiations during the +present session of Congress. + +Negotiations to the same end with Germany have been set on foot. +Meanwhile no effort has been relaxed to convince the Imperial Government +of the thoroughness of our inspection of pork products for exportation, +and it is trusted that the efficient administration of this measure by +the Department of Agriculture will be recognized as a guaranty of the +healthfulness of the food staples we send abroad to countries where +their use is large and necessary. + +I transmitted to the Senate on the 10th of February last information +touching the prohibition against the importation of fresh fruits from +this country, which had then recently been decreed by Germany on the +ground of danger of disseminating the San Jose scale insect. This +precautionary measure was justified by Germany on the score of the +drastic steps taken in several States of the Union against the spread of +the pest, the elaborate reports of the Department of Agriculture being +put in evidence to show the danger to German fruit-growing interests +should the scale obtain a lodgment in that country. Temporary relief was +afforded in the case of large consignments of fruit then on the way by +inspection and admission when found noninfected. Later the prohibition +was extended to dried fruits of every kind, but was relaxed so as to +apply only to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. As was to be expected, the +alarm reached to other countries, and Switzerland has adopted a similar +inhibition. Efforts are in progress to induce the German and Swiss +Governments to relax the prohibition in favor of dried fruits shown to +have been cured under circumstances rendering the existence of animal +life impossible. + +Our relations with Great Britain have continued on the most friendly +footing. Assenting to our request, the protection of Americans and their +interests in Spanish jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic and +consular representatives of Great Britain, who fulfilled their delicate +and arduous trust with tact and zeal, eliciting high commendation. +I may be allowed to make fitting allusion to the instance of Mr. Ramsden, +Her Majesty's consul at Santiago de Cuba, whose untimely death after +distinguished service and untiring effort during the siege of that city +was sincerely lamented. + +In the early part of April last, pursuant to a request made at the +instance of the Secretary of State by the British ambassador at this +capital, the Canadian government granted facilities for the passage of +four United States revenue cutters from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic +coast by way of the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River. The +vessels had reached Lake Ontario and were there awaiting the opening of +navigation when war was declared between the United States and Spain. +Her Majesty's Government thereupon, by a communication of the latter +part of April, stated that the permission granted before the outbreak of +hostilities would not be withdrawn provided the United States Government +gave assurance that the vessels in question would proceed direct to +a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation. +This Government promptly agreed to the stipulated condition, it being +understood that the vessels would not be prohibited from resisting any +hostile attack. + +It will give me especial satisfaction if I shall be authorized to +communicate to you a favorable conclusion of the pending negotiations +with Great Britain in respect to the Dominion of Canada. It is the +earnest wish of this Government to remove all sources of discord and +irritation in our relations with the neighboring Dominion. The trade +between the two countries is constantly increasing, and it is important +to both countries that all reasonable facilities should be granted for +its development. + +The Government of Greece strongly urges the onerousness of the duty here +imposed upon the currants of that country, amounting to 100 per cent or +more of their market value. This fruit is stated to be exclusively a +Greek product, not coming into competition with any domestic product. +The question of reciprocal commercial relations with Greece, including +the restoration of currants to the free list, is under consideration. + +The long-standing claim of Bernard Campbell for damages for injuries +sustained from a violent assault committed against him by military +authorities in the island of Haiti has been settled by the agreement of +that Republic to pay him $10,000 in American gold. Of this sum $5,000 +has already been paid. It is hoped that other pending claims of American +citizens against that Republic may be amicably adjusted. + +Pending the consideration by the Senate of the treaty signed June 16, +1897, by the plenipotentiaries of the United States and of the Republic +of Hawaii, providing for the annexation of the islands, a joint +resolution to accomplish the same purpose by accepting the offered +cession and incorporating the ceded territory into the Union was adopted +by the Congress and approved July 7, 1898. I thereupon directed the +United States steamship _Philadelphia_ to convey Rear-Admiral +Miller to Honolulu, and intrusted to his hands this important +legislative act, to be delivered to the President of the Republic of +Hawaii, with whom the Admiral and the United States minister were +authorized to make appropriate arrangements for transferring the +sovereignty of the islands to the United States. This was simply but +impressively accomplished on the 12th of August last by the delivery of +a certified copy of the resolution to President Dole, who thereupon +yielded up to the representative of the Government of the United States +the sovereignty and public property of the Hawaiian Islands. + +Pursuant to the terms of the joint resolution and in exercise of +the authority thereby conferred upon me, I directed that the civil, +judicial, and military powers theretofore exercised by the officers of +the Government of the Republic of Hawaii should continue to be exercised +by those officers until Congress shall provide a government for the +incorporated territory, subject to my power to remove such officers and +to fill vacancies. The President, officers, and troops of the Republic +thereupon took the oath of allegiance to the United States, thus +providing for the uninterrupted continuance of all the administrative +and municipal functions of the annexed territory until Congress shall +otherwise enact. + +Following the further provision of the joint resolution, I appointed the +Hons. Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, John T. Morgan, of Alabama, Robert +R. Hitt, of Illinois, Sanford B. Dole, of Hawaii, and Walter F. Frear, +of Hawaii, as commissioners to confer and recommend to Congress such +legislation concerning the Hawaiian Islands as they should deem +necessary or proper. The commissioners having fulfilled the mission +confided to them, their report will be laid before you at an early day. +It is believed that their recommendations will have the earnest +consideration due to the magnitude of the responsibility resting upon +you to give such shape to the relationship of those mid-Pacific lands to +our home Union as will benefit both in the highest degree, realizing the +aspirations of the community that has cast its lot with us and elected +to share our political heritage, while at the same time justifying the +foresight of those who for three-quarters of a century have looked to +the assimilation of Hawaii as a natural and inevitable consummation, in +harmony with our needs and in fulfillment of our cherished traditions. + +The questions heretofore pending between Hawaii and Japan growing out +of the alleged mistreatment of Japanese treaty immigrants were, I am +pleased to say, adjusted before the act of transfer by the payment of +a reasonable indemnity to the Government of Japan. + +Under the provisions of the joint resolution, the existing customs +relations of the Hawaiian Islands with the United States and with other +countries remain unchanged until legislation shall otherwise provide. +The consuls of Hawaii here and in foreign countries continue to fulfill +their commercial agencies, while the United States consulate at Honolulu +is maintained for all appropriate services pertaining to trade and the +revenue. It would be desirable that all foreign consuls in the Hawaiian +Islands should receive new exequaturs from this Government. + +The attention of Congress is called to the fact that, our consular +offices having ceased to exist in Hawaii and being about to cease in +other countries coming under the sovereignty of the United States, the +provisions for the relief and transportation of destitute American +seamen in these countries under our consular regulations will in +consequence terminate. It is proper, therefore, that new legislation +should be enacted upon this subject in order to meet the changed +conditions. + +The interpretation of certain provisions of the extradition convention +of December 11, 1861, has been at various times the occasion of +controversy with the Government of Mexico. An acute difference arose in +the case of the Mexican demand for the delivery of Jesus Guerra, who, +having led a marauding expedition near the border with the proclaimed +purpose of initiating an insurrection against President Diaz, escaped +into Texas. Extradition was refused on the ground that the alleged +offense was political in its character, and therefore came within the +treaty proviso of nonsurrender. The Mexican contention was that the +exception only related to purely political offenses, and that as +Guerra's acts were admixed with the common crime of murder, arson, +kidnaping, and robbery, the option of nondelivery became void, a +position which this Government was unable to admit in view of the +received international doctrine and practice in the matter. The Mexican +Government, in view of this, gave notice January 24, 1898, of the +termination of the convention, to take effect twelve months from that +date, at the same time inviting the conclusion of a new convention, +toward which negotiations are on foot. + +In this relation I may refer to the necessity of some amendment of +our existing extradition statute. It is a common stipulation of such +treaties that neither party shall be bound to give up its own citizens, +with the added proviso in one of our treaties, that with Japan, that it +may surrender if it see fit. It is held in this country by an almost +uniform course of decisions that where a treaty negatives the obligation +to surrender the President is not invested with legal authority to act. +The conferment of such authority would be in the line of that sound +morality which shrinks from affording secure asylum to the author of a +heinous crime. Again, statutory provision might well be made for what is +styled extradition by way of transit, whereby a fugitive surrendered by +one foreign government to another may be conveyed across the territory +of the United States to the jurisdiction of the demanding state. +A recommendation in this behalf made in the President's message of +1886[23] was not acted upon. The matter is presented for your +consideration. + +The problem of the Mexican free zone has been often discussed with +regard to its inconvenience as a provocative of smuggling into the +United States along an extensive and thinly guarded land border. +The effort made by the joint resolution of March 1, 1895, to remedy the +abuse charged by suspending the privilege of free transportation in +bond across the territory of the United States to Mexico failed of good +result, as is stated in Report No. 702 of the House of Representatives, +submitted in the last session, March 11, 1898. As the question is one to +be conveniently met by wise concurrent legislation of the two countries +looking to the protection of the revenues by harmonious measures +operating equally on either side of the boundary, rather than by +conventional arrangements, I suggest that Congress consider the +advisability of authorizing and inviting a conference of representatives +of the Treasury Departments of the United States and Mexico to consider +the subject in all its complex bearings, and make report with pertinent +recommendations to the respective Governments for the information and +consideration of their Congresses. + +The Mexican Water Boundary Commission has adjusted all matters +submitted to it to the satisfaction of both Governments save in three +important cases--that of the "Chamizal" at El Paso, Tex., where the two +commissioners failed to agree, and wherein, for this case only, this +Government has proposed to Mexico the addition of a third member; the +proposed elimination of what are known as "Bancos," small isolated +islands formed by the cutting off of bends in the Rio Grande, from +the operation of the treaties of 1884 and 1889, recommended by the +commissioners and approved by this Government, but still under +consideration by Mexico; and the subject of the "Equitable distribution +of the waters of the Rio Grande," for which the commissioners +recommended an international dam and reservoir, approved by Mexico, but +still under consideration by this Government. Pending these questions +it is necessary to extend the life of the commission, which expires +December 23 next. + +The coronation of the young Queen of the Netherlands was made the +occasion of fitting congratulations. + +The claim of Victor H. McCord against Peru, which for a number of +years has been pressed by this Government and has on several occasions +attracted the attention of the Congress, has been satisfactorily +adjusted. A protocol was signed May 17, 1898, whereby, the fact of +liability being admitted, the question of the amount to be awarded was +submitted to the chief justice of Canada as sole arbitrator. His award +sets the indemnity due the claimant at $40,000. + +The Government of Peru has given the prescribed notification of its +intention to abrogate the treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation +concluded with this country August 31, 1887. As that treaty contains +many important provisions necessary to the maintenance of commerce +and good relations, which could with difficulty be replaced by the +negotiation of renewed provisions within the brief twelve months +intervening before the treaty terminates, I have invited suggestions by +Peru as to the particular provisions it is desired to annul, in the hope +of reaching an arrangement whereby the remaining articles may be +provisionally saved. + +His Majesty the Czar having announced his purpose to raise the +Imperial Russian mission at this capital to the rank of an embassy, +I responded, under the authority conferred by the act of March 3, +1893, by commissioning and accrediting the actual representative +at St. Petersburg in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary and +plenipotentiary. The Russian ambassador to this country has since +presented his credentials. + +The proposal of the Czar for a general reduction of the vast military +establishments that weigh so heavily upon many peoples in time of peace +was communicated to this Government with an earnest invitation to be +represented in the conference which it is contemplated to assemble with +a view to discussing the means of accomplishing so desirable a result. +His Majesty was at once informed of the cordial sympathy of this +Government with the principle involved in his exalted proposal and of +the readiness of the United States to take part in the conference. +The active military force of the United States, as measured by our +population, territorial area, and taxable wealth, is, and under any +conceivable prospective conditions must continue to be, in time of peace +so conspicuously less than that of the armed powers to whom the Czar's +appeal is especially addressed that the question can have for us no +practical importance save as marking an auspicious step toward the +betterment of the condition of the modern peoples and the cultivation +of peace and good will among them; but in this view it behooves us as +a nation to lend countenance and aid to the beneficent project. + +The claims of owners of American sealing vessels for seizure by Russian +cruisers in Bering Sea are being pressed to a settlement. The equities +of the cases justify the expectation that a measure of reparation will +eventually be accorded in harmony with precedent and in the light of the +proven facts. + +The recommendation made in my special message of April 27 last is +renewed, that appropriation be made to reimburse the master and owners +of the Russian bark _Hans_ for wrongful arrest of the master and +detention of the vessel in February, 1896, by officers of the United +States district court for the southern district of Mississippi. The +papers accompanying my said message make out a most meritorious claim +and justify the urgency with which it has been presented by the +Government of Russia. + +Malietoa Laupepa, King of Samoa, died on August 22 last. According to +Article I of the general act of Berlin, "his successor shall be duly +elected according to the laws and customs of Samoa." + +Arrangements having been agreed upon between the signatories of the +general act for the return of Mataafa and the other exiled Samoan +chiefs, they were brought from Jaluit by a German war vessel and landed +at Apia on September 18 last. + +Whether the death of Malietoa and the return of his old-time rival +Mataafa will add to the undesirable complications which the execution of +the tripartite general act has heretofore developed remains to be seen. +The efforts of this Government will, as heretofore, be addressed toward +a harmonious and exact fulfillment of the terms of the international +engagement to which the United States became a party in 1889. + +The Cheek claim against Siam, after some five years of controversy, has +been adjusted by arbitration under an agreement signed July 6, 1897, an +award of 706,721 ticals (about $187,987.78), with release of the Cheek +estate from mortgage claims, having been rendered March 21, 1898, in +favor of the claimant by the arbitrator, Sir Nicholas John Hannen, +British chief justice for China and Japan. + +An envoy from Siam has been accredited to this Government and has +presented his credentials. + +Immediately upon the outbreak of the war with Spain the Swiss +Government, fulfilling the high mission it has deservedly assumed as the +patron of the International Red Cross, proposed to the United States and +Spain that they should severally recognize and carry into execution, +as a _modus vivendi_, during the continuance of hostilities, the +additional articles proposed by the international conference of Geneva, +October 20, 1868, extending the effects of the existing Red Cross +convention of 1864 to the conduct of naval war. Following the example +set by France and Germany in 1870 in adopting such a _modus vivendi_, +and in view of the accession of the United States to those additional +articles in 1882, although the exchange of ratifications thereof still +remained uneffected, the Swiss proposal was promptly and cordially +accepted by us, and simultaneously by Spain. + +This Government feels a keen satisfaction in having thus been enabled to +testify its adherence to the broadest principles of humanity even amidst +the clash of war, and it is to be hoped that the extension of the Red +Cross compact to hostilities by sea as well as on land may soon become +an accomplished fact through the general promulgation of the additional +naval Red Cross articles by the maritime powers now parties to the +convention of 1864. + +The important question of the claim of Switzerland to the perpetual +cantonal allegiance of American citizens of Swiss origin has not made +hopeful progress toward a solution, and controversies in this regard +still continue. + +The newly accredited envoy of the United States to the Ottoman Porte +carries instructions looking to the disposal of matters in controversy +with Turkey for a number of years. He is especially charged to press for +a just settlement of our claims for indemnity by reason of the +destruction of the property of American missionaries resident in that +country during the Armenian troubles of 1895, as well as for the +recognition of older claims of equal justness. + +He is also instructed to seek an adjustment of the dispute growing +out of the refusal of Turkey to recognize the acquired citizenship of +Ottoman-born persons naturalized in the United States since 1869 without +prior imperial consent, and in the same general relation he is directed +to endeavor to bring about a solution of the question which has more or +less acutely existed since 1869 concerning the jurisdictional rights of +the United States in matters of criminal procedure and punishment under +Article IV of the treaty of 1830. This latter difficulty grows out of a +verbal difference, claimed by Turkey to be essential, between the +original Turkish text and the promulgated translation. + +After more than two years from the appointment of a consul of this +country to Erzerum, he has received his exequatur. + +The arbitral tribunal appointed under the treaty of February 2, 1897, +between Great Britain and Venezuela, to determine the boundary line +between the latter and the colony of British Guiana, is to convene at +Paris during the present month. It is a source of much gratification to +this Government to see the friendly resort of arbitration applied to the +settlement of this controversy, not alone because of the earnest part we +have had in bringing about the result, but also because the two members +named on behalf of Venezuela, Mr. Chief Justice Fuller and Mr. Justice +Brewer, chosen from our highest court, appropriately testify the +continuing interest we feel in the definitive adjustment of the question +according to the strictest rules of justice. The British members, +Lord Herschell and Sir Richard Collins, are jurists of no less exalted +repute, while the fifth member and president of the tribunal, M.F. +De Martens, has earned a world-wide reputation as an authority upon +international law. + +The claim of Felipe Scandella against Venezuela for arbitrary expulsion +and injury to his business has been adjusted by the revocation of the +order of expulsion and by the payment of the sum of $16,000. + +I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the Bureau of +the American Republics, created in 1890 as the organ for promoting +commercial intercourse and fraternal relations among the countries of +the Western Hemisphere, has become a more efficient instrument of the +wise purposes of its founders, and is receiving the cordial support of +the contributing members of the international union which are actually +represented in its board of management. A commercial directory, in two +volumes, containing a mass of statistical matter descriptive of the +industrial and commercial interests of the various countries, has been +printed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a monthly +bulletin published in these four languages and distributed in the +Latin-American countries as well as in the United States has proved to +be a valuable medium for disseminating information and furthering the +varied interests of the international union. + +During the past year the important work of collecting information of +practical benefit to American industries and trade through the agency +of the diplomatic and consular officers has been steadily advanced, and +in order to lay such data before the public with the least delay the +practice was begun in January, 1898, of issuing the commercial reports +from day to day as they are received by the Department of State. It is +believed that for promptitude as well as fullness of information the +service thus supplied to our merchants and manufacturers will be found +to show sensible improvement and to merit the liberal support of +Congress. + +The experiences of the last year bring forcibly home to us a sense of +the burdens and the waste of war. We desire, in common with most +civilized nations, to reduce to the lowest possible point the damage +sustained in time of war-by peaceable trade and commerce. It is true we +may suffer in such cases less than other communities, but all nations +are damaged more or less by the state of uneasiness and apprehension +into which an outbreak of hostilities throws the entire commercial +world. It should be our object, therefore, to minimize, so far as +practicable, this inevitable loss and disturbance. This purpose can +probably best be accomplished by an international agreement to regard +all private property at sea as exempt from capture or destruction by the +forces of belligerent powers. The United States Government has for many +years advocated this humane and beneficent principle, and is now in +position to recommend it to other powers without the imputation of +selfish motives. I therefore suggest for your consideration that the +Executive be authorized to correspond with the governments of the +principal maritime powers with a view of incorporating into the +permanent law of civilized nations the principle of the exemption of +all private property at sea, not contraband of war, from capture or +destruction by belligerent powers. + +The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the +Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, +1898, including $64,751,223 received from sale of Pacific railroads, +amounted to $405,321,335 and its expenditures to $443,368,582. There +was collected from customs $149,575,062 and from internal revenue +$170,900,641. Our dutiable imports amounted to $324,635,479, a decrease +of $58,156,690 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty +amounted to $291,414,175, a decrease from the preceding year of +$90,524,068. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding +year by $24,212,067. + +The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $92,546,999; +on manufactured tobacco, $36,230,522, and on fermented liquors, +$39,515,421. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to +$1,231,482,330, an increase of $180,488,774 from the preceding year. + +It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the +receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1899, will +be $577,874,647, and its expenditures $689,874,647, resulting in a +deficiency of $112,000,000. + +On the 1st of December, 1898, there was held in the Treasury gold coin +amounting to $138,441,547, gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545, +silver bullion amounting to $93,359,250, and other forms of money +amounting to $451,963,981. + +On the same date the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not +included in Treasury holdings, was $1,886,879,504, an increase for the +year of $165,794,966. Estimating our population at 75,194,000 at the +time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.09. On the same date +there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $138,502,545. + +The provisions made for strengthening the resources of the Treasury in +connection with the war have given increased confidence in the purpose +and power of the Government to maintain the present standard, and have +established more firmly than ever the national credit at home and +abroad. A marked evidence of this is found in the inflow of gold to the +Treasury. Its net gold holdings on November 1, 1898, were $239,885,162 +as compared with $153,573,147 on November 1, 1897, and an increase of +net cash of $207,756,100, November 1, 1897, to $300,238,275, November 1, +1898. The present ratio of net Treasury gold to outstanding Government +liabilities, including United States notes, Treasury notes of 1890, +silver certificates, currency certificates, standard silver dollars, +and fractional silver coin, November 1, 1898, was 25.35 per cent, as +compared with 16.96 per cent, November 1, 1897. + +I renew so much of my recommendation of December, 1897, as follows: + + That when any of the United States notes are presented for redemption + in gold and are redeemed in gold, such notes shall be kept and set + apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. This is an obvious duty. + If the holder of the United States note prefers the gold and gets it + from the Government, he should not receive back from the Government a + United States note without paying gold in exchange for it. The reason + for this is made all the more apparent when the Government issues an + interest-bearing debt to provide gold for the redemption of United + States notes--a non-interest-bearing debt. Surely it should not pay + them out again except on demand and for gold. If they are put out in + any other way, they may return again, to be followed by another bond + issue to redeem them--another interest-bearing debt to redeem a + non-interest-bearing debt. + + +This recommendation was made in the belief that such provisions of law +would insure to a greater degree the safety of the present standard, and +better protect our currency from the dangers to which it is subjected +from a disturbance in the general business conditions of the country. + +In my judgment the present condition of the Treasury amply justifies the +immediate enactment of the legislation recommended one year ago, under +which a portion of the gold holdings should be placed in a trust fund +from which greenbacks should be redeemed upon presentation, but when +once redeemed should not thereafter be paid out except for gold. + +It is not to be inferred that other legislation relating to our currency +is not required; on the contrary, there is an obvious demand for it. + +The importance of adequate provision which will insure to our future a +money standard related as our money standard now is to that of our +commercial rivals is generally recognized. + +The companion proposition that our domestic paper currency shall be kept +safe and yet be so related to the needs of our industries and internal +commerce as to be adequate and responsive to such needs is a proposition +scarcely less important. The subject, in all its parts, is commended to +the wise consideration of the Congress. + +The annexation of Hawaii and the changed relations of the United States +to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines resulting from the war, compel +the prompt adoption of a maritime policy by the United States. There +should be established regular and frequent steamship communication, +encouraged by the United States, under the American flag, with the newly +acquired islands. Spain furnished to its colonies, at an annual cost of +about $2,000,000, steamship lines communicating with a portion of the +world's markets, as well as with trade centers of the home Government. +The United States will not undertake to do less. It is our duty to +furnish the people of Hawaii with facilities, under national control, +for their export and import trade. It will be conceded that the present +situation calls for legislation which shall be prompt, durable, and +liberal. + +The part which American merchant vessels and their seamen performed +in the war with Spain demonstrates that this service, furnishing both +pickets and the second line of defense, is a national necessity, and +should be encouraged in every constitutional way. Details and methods +for the accomplishment of this purpose are discussed in the report of +the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of Congress is +respectfully invited. + +In my last annual message I recommended that Congress authorize the +appointment of a commission for the purpose of making systematic +investigations with reference to the cause and prevention of yellow +fever. This matter has acquired an increased importance as a result +of the military occupation of the island of Cuba and the commercial +intercourse between this island and the United States which we have +every reason to expect. The sanitary problems connected with our new +relations with the island of Cuba and the acquisition of Puerto Rico +are no less important than those relating to finance, commerce, and +administration. It is my earnest desire that these problems may be +considered by competent experts and that everything may be done +which the most recent advances in sanitary science can offer for the +protection of the health of our soldiers in those islands and of +our citizens who are exposed to the dangers of infection from the +importation of yellow fever. I therefore renew my recommendation that +the authority of Congress may be given and a suitable appropriation made +to provide for a commission of experts to be appointed for the purpose +indicated. + +Under the act of Congress approved April 26, 1898, authorizing the +President in his discretion, "upon a declaration of war by Congress, or +a declaration by Congress that war exists," I directed the increase of +the Regular Army to the maximum of 62,000, authorized in said act. + +There are now in the Regular Army 57,862 officers and men. In said act +it was provided-- + + That at the end of any war in which the United States may become + involved the Army shall be reduced to a peace basis by the transfer + in the same arm of the service or absorption by promotion or honorable + discharge, under such regulations as the Secretary of War may establish, + of supernumerary commissioned officers and the honorable discharge or + transfer of supernumerary enlisted men; and nothing contained in this + act shall be construed as authorizing the permanent increase of the + commissioned or enlisted force of the Regular Army beyond that now + provided by the law in force prior to the passage of this act, + except as to the increase of twenty-five majors provided for in + section I hereof. + + +The importance of legislation for the permanent increase of the Army is +therefore manifest, and the recommendation of the Secretary of War for +that purpose has my unqualified approval. There can be no question that +at this time, and probably for some time in the future, 100,000 men +will be none too many to meet the necessities of the situation. At all +events, whether that number shall be required permanently or not, the +power should be given to the President to enlist that force if in his +discretion it should be necessary; and the further discretion should +be given him to recruit for the Army within the above limit from the +inhabitants of the islands with the government of which we are charged. +It is my purpose to muster out the entire Volunteer Army as soon as the +Congress shall provide for the increase of the regular establishment. +This will be only an act of justice and will be much appreciated by the +brave men who left their homes and employments to help the country in +its emergency. + +In my last annual message I stated: + + The Union Pacific Railway, main line, was sold under the decree of the + United States court for the district of Nebraska on the 1st and 2d of + November of this year. The amount due the Government consisted of the + principal of the subsidy bonds, $27,236,512, and the accrued interest + thereon, $31,211,711.75, making the total indebtedness $58,448,223.75. + The bid at the sale covered the first-mortgage lien and the entire + mortgage claim of the Government, principal and interest. + + +This left the Kansas Pacific case unconcluded. By a decree of the court +in that case an upset price for the property was fixed at a sum which +would yield to the Government only $2,500,000 upon its lien. The sale, +at the instance of the Government, was postponed first to December 15, +1897, and later, upon the application of the United States, was +postponed to the 16th day of February, 1898. + +Having satisfied myself that the interests of the Government required +that an effort should be made to obtain a larger sum, I directed the +Secretary of the Treasury, under the act passed March 3, 1887, to pay +out of the Treasury to the persons entitled to receive the same the +amounts due upon all prior mortgages upon the Eastern and Middle +divisions of said railroad out of any money in the Treasury not +otherwise appropriated, whereupon the Attorney-General prepared a +petition to be presented to the court, offering to redeem said prior +liens in such manner as the court might direct, and praying that +thereupon the United States might be held to be subrogated to all the +rights of said prior lien holders and that a receiver might be appointed +to take possession of the mortgaged premises and maintain and operate +the same until the court or Congress otherwise directed. Thereupon the +reorganization committee agreed that if said petition was withdrawn and +the sale allowed to proceed on the 16th of February, 1898, they would +bid a sum at the sale which would realize to the Government the entire +principal of its debt, $6,303,000. + +Believing that no better price could be obtained and appreciating the +difficulties under which the Government would labor if it should become +the purchaser of the road at the sale, in the absence of any authority +by Congress to take charge of and operate the road I directed that upon +the guaranty of a minimum bid which should give the Government the +principal of its debt the sale should proceed. By this transaction the +Government secured an advance of $3,803,000 over and above the sum which +the court had fixed as the upset price, and which the reorganization +committee had declared was the maximum which they would pay for the +property. + +It is a gratifying fact that the result of these proceedings against the +Union Pacific system and the Kansas Pacific line is that the Government +has received on account of its subsidy claim the sum of $64,751,223.75, +an increase of $18,997,163.76 over the sum which the reorganization +committee originally agreed to bid for the joint property, the +Government receiving its whole claim, principal and interest, on the +Union Pacific, and the principal of its debt on the Kansas Pacific +Railroad. + +Steps had been taken to foreclose the Government's lien upon the Central +Pacific Railroad Company, but before action was commenced Congress +passed an act, approved July 7, 1898, creating a commission consisting +of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the +Secretary of the Interior, and their successors in office, with full +power to settle the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the +issue of bonds in aid of the construction of the Central Pacific and +Western Pacific bond-aided railroads, subject to the approval of the +President. + +No report has yet been made to me by the commission thus created. +Whatever action is had looking to a settlement of the indebtedness in +accordance with the act referred to will be duly submitted to the +Congress. + +I deem it my duty to call to the attention of Congress the condition of +the present building occupied by the Department of Justice. The business +of that Department has increased very greatly since it was established +in its present quarters. The building now occupied by it is neither +large enough nor of suitable arrangement for the proper accommodation of +the business of the Department. The Supervising Architect has pronounced +it unsafe and unsuited for the use to which it is put. The +Attorney-General in his report states that the library of the Department +is upon the fourth floor, and that all the space allotted to it is so +crowded with books as to dangerously overload the structure. The first +floor is occupied by the Court of Claims. The building is of an old and +dilapidated appearance, unsuited to the dignity which should attach to +this important Department. + +A proper regard for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the officers +and employees would justify the expenditure of a liberal sum of money in +the erection of, a new building of commodious proportions and handsome +appearance upon the very advantageous site already secured for that +purpose, including the ground occupied by the present structure and +adjoining vacant lot, comprising in all a frontage of 201 feet on +Pennsylvania avenue and a depth of 136 feet. + +In this connection I may likewise refer to the inadequate accommodations +provided for the Supreme Court in the Capitol, and suggest the wisdom of +making provision for the erection of a separate building for the court +and its officers and library upon available ground near the Capitol. + +The postal service of the country advances with extraordinary growth. +Within twenty years both the revenues and the expenditures of the +Post-Office Department have multiplied threefold. In the last ten years +they have nearly doubled. Our postal business grows much more rapidly +than our population. It now involves an expenditure of $100,000,000 a +year, numbers 73,000 post-offices, and enrolls 200,000 employees. This +remarkable extension of a service which is an accurate index of the +public conditions presents gratifying evidence of the advancement of +education, of the increase of communication and business activity, and +of the improvement of mail facilities leading to their constantly +augmenting use. + +The war with Spain laid new and exceptional labors on the Post-Office +Department. The mustering of the military and naval forces of the United +States required special mail arrangements for every camp and every +campaign. The communication between home and camp was naturally eager +and expectant. In some of the larger places of rendezvous as many as +50,000 letters a day required handling. This necessity was met by the +prompt detail and dispatch of experienced men from the established force +and by directing all the instrumentalities of the railway mail and +post-office service, so far as necessary, to this new need. Congress +passed an act empowering the Postmaster-General to establish offices or +branches at every military camp or station, and under this authority the +postal machinery was speedily put into effective operation. + +Under the same authority, when our forces moved upon Cuba, Puerto +Rico, and the Philippines they were attended and followed by the postal +service. Though the act of Congress authorized the appointment of +postmasters where necessary, it was early determined that the public +interests would best be subserved, not by new designations, but by the +detail of experienced men familiar with every branch of the service, +and this policy was steadily followed. When the territory which was the +theater of conflict came into our possession, it became necessary to +reestablish mail facilities for the resident population as well as to +provide them for our forces of occupation, and the former requirement +was met through the extension and application of the latter obligation. +I gave the requisite authority, and the same general principle was +applied to this as to other branches of civil administration under +military occupation. The details are more particularly given in the +report of the Postmaster-General, and, while the work is only just +begun, it is pleasing to be able to say that the service in the +territory which has come under our control is already materially +improved. + +The following recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy relative to +the increase of the Navy have my earnest approval: + +1. Three seagoing sheathed and coppered battle ships of about 13,500 +tons trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $3,600,000 each. + +2. Three sheathed and coppered armored cruisers of about 12,000 tons +trial displacement, carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful +ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest practicable +speed and great radius of action. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and +armament, $4,000,000 each. + +3. Three sheathed and coppered protected cruisers of about 6,000 tons +trial displacement, to have the highest practicable speed and great +radius of action, and to carry the most powerful ordnance suitable for +vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive of armor and armament, +$2,150,000 each. + +4. Six sheathed and coppered cruisers of about 2,500 tons trial +displacement, to have the highest speed compatible with good cruising +qualities, great radius of action, and to carry the most powerful +ordnance suited to vessels of their class. Estimated cost, exclusive +of armament, $1,141,800 each. + +I join with the Secretary of the Navy in recommending that the grades +of admiral and vice-admiral be temporarily revived, to be filled by +officers who have specially distinguished themselves in the war with +Spain. + +I earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of early legislation +providing for the taking of the Twelfth Census. This is necessary in +view of the large amount of work which must be performed in the +preparation of the schedules preparatory to the enumeration of the +population. + +There were on the pension rolls on June 30, 1898, 993,714 names, an +increase of nearly 18,000 over the number on the rolls on the same day +of the preceding year. The amount appropriated by the act of December +22, 1896, for the payment of pensions for the fiscal year of 1898 +was $140,000,000. Eight million seventy thousand eight hundred and +seventy-two dollars and forty-six cents was appropriated by the act of +March 31, 1898, to cover deficiencies in army pensions, and repayments +in the sum of $12,020.33, making a total of $148,082,892.79 available +for the payment of pensions during the fiscal year 1898. The amount +disbursed from that sum was $144,651,879.80, leaving a balance of +$3,431,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of June, 1898, which was covered +into the Treasury. There were 389 names added to the rolls during the +year by special acts passed at the second session of the Fifty-fifth +Congress, making a total of 6,486 pensioners by Congressional enactments +since 1861. + +The total receipts of the Patent Office during the past year were +$1,253,948.44. The expenditures were $1,081,633.79, leaving a surplus +of $172,314.65. + +The public lands disposed of by the Government during the year reached +8,453,896.92 acres, an increase of 614,780.26 acres over the previous +year. The total receipts from public lands during the fiscal year +amounted to $2,277,995.18, an increase of $190,063.90 over the preceding +year. The lands embraced in the eleven forest reservations which were +suspended by the act of June 4, 1897, again became subject to the +operations of the proclamations of February 22, 1897, creating them, +which added an estimated amount of 19,951,360 acres to the area embraced +in the reserves previously created. In addition thereto two new reserves +were created during the year--the Pine Mountain and Zaca Lake Reserve, +in California, embracing 1,644,594 acres, and the Prescott Reserve, in +Arizona, embracing 10,240 acres--while the Pecos River Reserve, in New +Mexico, has been changed and enlarged to include 120,000 additional +acres. + +At the close of the year thirty forest reservations, not including those +of the Afognak Forest and the Fish-Culture Reserve, in Alaska, had been +created by Executive proclamations under section 24 of the act of March +3, 1891, embracing an estimated area of 40,719,474 acres. + +The Department of the Interior has inaugurated a forest system, made +possible by the act of July, 1898, for a graded force of officers in +control of the reserves. This system has only been in full operation +since August, but good results have already been secured in many +sections. The reports received indicate that the system of patrol has +not only prevented destructive fires from gaining headway, but has +diminished the number of fires. + +The special attention of the Congress is called to that part of +the report of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the Five +Civilized Tribes. It is noteworthy that the general condition of the +Indians shows marked progress. But one outbreak of a serious character +occurred during the year, and that among the Chippewa Indians of +Minnesota, which happily has been suppressed. + +While it has not yet been practicable to enforce all the provisions +of the act of June 28, 1898, "for the protection of the people of the +Indian Territory, and for other purposes," it is having a salutary +effect upon the nations composing the five tribes. The Dawes Commission +reports that the most gratifying results and greater advance toward the +attainment of the objects of the Government have been secured in the +past year than in any previous year. I can not too strongly indorse the +recommendation of the commission and of the Secretary of the Interior +for the necessity of providing for the education of the 30,000 white +children resident in the Indian Territory. + +The Department of Agriculture has been active in the past year. +Explorers have been sent to many of the countries of the Eastern and +Western hemispheres for seeds and plants that may be useful to the +United States, and with the further view of opening up markets for our +surplus products. The Forestry Division of the Department is giving +special attention to the treeless regions of our country and is +introducing species specially adapted to semiarid regions. Forest fires, +which seriously interfere with production, especially in irrigated +regions, are being studied, that losses from this cause may be avoided. +The Department is inquiring into the use and abuse of water in many +States of the West, and collating information regarding the laws of the +States, the decisions of the courts, and the customs of the people in +this regard, so that uniformity may be secured. Experiment stations are +becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,000 +by Congress is supplemented by $400,000 from the States. Nation-wide +experiments have been conducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil +and climate and States for growing sugar beets. The number of sugar +factories has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the +United States to produce its own sugar from this source has been clearly +demonstrated. + +The Weather Bureau forecast and observation stations have been extended +around the Caribbean Sea, to give early warning of the approach of +hurricanes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine. + +In the year 1900 will occur the centennial anniversary of the founding +of the city of Washington for the permanent capital of the Government of +the United States by authority of an act of Congress approved July 16, +1790. In May, 1800, the archives and general offices of the Federal +Government were removed to this place. On the 17th of November, 1800, +the National Congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive +control of the Federal district and city. This interesting event assumes +all the more significance when we recall the circumstances attending the +choosing of the site, the naming of the capital in honor of the Father +of his Country, and the interest taken by him in the adoption of plans +for its future development on a magnificent scale. + +These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and +a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen. +The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and +government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and +education which here find their natural home. + +A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary +celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the +establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an +occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with +general favor on the part of the public. + +I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this +purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. +It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a +committee from the country at large, which, acting with the +Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the +plans for an appropriate national celebration. + +The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a +measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful +application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the +principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend +these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. + +The several departmental reports will be laid before you. They give in +great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the +past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel +called upon to act. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 12: See pp. 127-136.] +[Footnote 13: pp. 139-150.] +[Footnote 14: See pp. 202-203.] +[Footnote 15: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 16: See pp. 153-155.] +[Footnote 17: See p. 201.] +[Footnote 18: See p. 155.] +[Footnote 19: See pp. 204-205.] +[Footnote 20: See pp. 203-204.] +[Footnote 21: See pp. 205-206.] +[Footnote 22: See pp. 206-207.] +[Footnote 23: See Vol. VIII, pp. 501-503.] + + + +AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America +and the Kingdom of Spain. + +_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the +United States of America in Congress assembled_, First. That war be, +and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed +since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the +United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain. + +Second. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to +carry this act into effect. + +Approved, April 25, 1898. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 10, 1899_. + +_To the Senate and House of Representatives_: + +As a consequence of the ratification of the treaty of peace between the +United States and Spain and its expected ratification by the Spanish +Government, the United States will come into possession of the +Philippine Islands, on the farther shores of the Pacific. The Hawaiian +Islands and Guam becoming United States territory and forming convenient +stopping places on the way across the sea, the necessity for speedy +cable communication between the United States and all these Pacific +islands has become imperative. + +Such communication should be established in such a way as to be wholly +under the control of the United States, whether in time of peace or of +war. At present the Philippines can be reached only by cables which +pass through many foreign countries, and the Hawaiian Islands and Guam +can only be communicated with by steamers, involving delays in each +instance of at least a week. The present conditions should not be +allowed to continue for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. + +So long ago as 1885 reference was made in an Executive message to +Congress to the necessity for cable communication between the United +States and Hawaii. This necessity has greatly increased since then. +The question has been discussed in the Fifty-second, Fifty-fourth, and +Fifty-fifth Congresses, in each of which some effort has been made +looking toward laying a cable at least as far as the Hawaiian Islands. +The time has now arrived when a cable in the Pacific must extend at +least as far as Manila, touching at the Hawaiian Islands and Guam on +the way. + +Two methods of establishing this cable communication at once suggest +themselves: First, construction and maintenance of such a cable by +and at the expense of the United States Government, and, second, +construction and maintenance of such a cable by a private United States +corporation, under such safeguards as Congress shall impose. + +I do not make any recommendations to Congress as to which of these +methods would be the more desirable. A cable of the length of that +proposed requires so much time for construction and laying that it is +estimated that at least two years must elapse after giving the order for +the cable before the entire system could be successfully laid and put in +operation. Further deep-sea soundings must be taken west of the Hawaiian +Islands before the final route for the cable can be selected. Under +these circumstances it becomes a paramount necessity that measures +should be taken before the close of the present Congress to provide such +means as may seem most suitable for the establishment of a cable system. + +I commend the whole subject to the careful consideration of the Congress +and to such prompt action as may seem advisable. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +PROCLAMATIONS. + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April +20, 1898,[24] and communicated to the Government of Spain, it was +demanded that said Government at once relinquish its authority and +government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces +from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was +directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the +United States and to call into the actual service of the United States +the militia of the several States to such extent as might be necessary +to carry said resolution into effect; and + +Whereas in carrying into effect said resolution the President of the +United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade +of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between +Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast +of Cuba: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in +order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim +that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a +blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast +between Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos, on the +south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United +States and the law of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient +force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels +from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said +ports or attempting to leave the same without notice or knowledge of the +establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of +the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the +date of such warning, where such indorsement was made; and if the same +vessel shall again attempt to enter any blockaded port she will be +captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such proceedings +against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the +establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the +seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 24: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas a joint resolution of Congress was approved on the 20th day of +April, 1898,[25] entitled "Joint resolution for the recognition of the +independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of +Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and +to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and +directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval +forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war, and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 +in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the +same to be apportioned, as far as practicable, among the several States +and Territories and the District of Columbia according to population and +to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this +object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities +through the War Department. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 23d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN SHERMAN, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 25: See p. 155.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898,[26] it is +declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 21st day of +April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of +America and the Kingdom of Spain; and + +Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon +principles in harmony with the present views of nations and sanctioned +by their recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy +of this Government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere +to the rules of the Declaration of Paris: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of +America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the +laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: + +1. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of +contraband of war. + +2. Neutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation +under the enemy's flag. + +3. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. + +4. Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United +States shall be allowed till May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their +cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish +merchant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue their voyage if on examination of their papers +it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the +expiration of the above term: _Provided_, That nothing herein +contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officer in +the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal (except such as +may be necessary for their voyage), or any other article prohibited or +contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish Government. + +5. Any Spanish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1898, shall have +sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United +States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge +her cargo, and afterwards forthwith to depart without molestation; and +any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be +permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. + +6. The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the +rights of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be +interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a +violation of law in respect of contraband or blockade. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington on the 26th day of April, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + ALVEY A. ADEE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 26: See p. 201.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas an act of Congress was approved on the 25th day of April, +1898,[27] entitled "An act declaring that war exists between the United +States of America and the Kingdom of Spain;" and + +Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for +temporarily increasing the military establishment of the United States +in time of war and for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the +President is authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue +his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the +United States: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by +virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and +deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, +and hereby do call forth, volunteers to the aggregate number of 75,000 +in addition to the volunteers called forth by my proclamation of the 23d +of April, in the present year,[28] the same to be apportioned, as far as +practicable, among the several States and Territories and the District +of Columbia according to population and to serve for two years unless +sooner discharged. The proportion of each arm and the details of +enlistment and organization will be made known through the War +Department. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused +the seal of the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 27: See p. 201.] + +[Footnote 28: See pp. 203-204.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas, for the reasons set forth in my proclamation of April 22, +1898,[29] a blockade of the ports on the northern coast of Cuba from +Cardenas to Bahia Honda, inclusive, and of the port of Cienfuegos, on +the south coast of Cuba, was declared to have been instituted; and + +Whereas it has become desirable to extend the blockade to other Spanish +ports: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do hereby declare and proclaim that in addition to the blockade of the +ports specified in my proclamation of April 22, 1898, the United States +of America has instituted and will maintain an effective blockade of all +the ports on the south coast of Cuba from Cape Frances to Cape Cruz, +inclusive, and also of the port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto +Rico. + +Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by +the present proclamation extended will be allowed thirty days to issue +therefrom with cargo. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of June, A.D. 1898, and of +the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-second. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + J.B. MOORE, + _Acting Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 29: See pp. 202-203.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +Whereas by a protocol concluded and signed August 12, 1898[30] by +William R. Day, Secretary of State of the United States, and His +Excellency Jules Cambon, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of +the Republic of France at Washington, respectively representing for this +purpose the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, +the United States and Spain have formally agreed upon the terms on which +negotiations for the establishment of peace between the two countries +shall be undertaken; and + +Whereas it is in said protocol agreed that upon its conclusion and +signature hostilities between the two countries shall be suspended and +that notice to that effect shall be given as soon as possible by each +Government to the commanders of its military and naval forces: + +Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, +do, in accordance with the stipulations of the protocol, declare and +proclaim on the part of the United States a suspension of hostilities +and do hereby command that orders be immediately given through the +proper channels to the commanders of the military and naval forces +of the United States to abstain from all acts inconsistent with this +proclamation. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of August, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + WILLIAM R. DAY, + _Secretary of State_. + +[Footnote 30: See p. 174.] + + + +BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. + +A PROCLAMATION. + +The approaching November brings to mind the custom of our ancestors, +hallowed by time and rooted in our most sacred traditions, of giving +thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has vouchsafed to us +during the year. + +Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as +this. We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce +have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and +strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought +together and knitted into closer bonds of national purpose and unity. + +The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we +were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are +permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and +the losses we have had to mourn, though grievous and important, have +been so few, considering the great results accomplished, as to inspire +us with gratitude and praise to the Lord of Hosts. We may laud and +magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as +to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend +protracted war. + +I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be +at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart +and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national +thanksgiving, to come together in their several places of worship for a +service of praise and thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings of +the year, for the mildness of the seasons and the fruitfulness of the +soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and +valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a +righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought +us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the +years to come. + +In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of +the United States to be affixed. + +[SEAL.] + +Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and +of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and +twenty-third. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +By the President: + JOHN HAY, + _Secretary of State_. + + + + +EXECUTIVE ORDERS. + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 7, 1898_. + + +DEWEY, + _Care American Consul, Hongkong_: + +The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your +officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. + +In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will +recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for +further promotion. + +LONG. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the +Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States +to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. +It will therefore be the duty of the commander of the expedition, +immediately upon his arrival in the islands, to publish a proclamation +declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the +Philippines, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect +them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and +religious rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest +submission, cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give +effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support +and protection. Our occupation should be as free from severity as +possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the authority of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which the +commander of the expedition will have to deal is that of the treatment +of property and the collection and administration of the revenues. +It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the +government of the country in its own right and all arms and supplies and +other movable property of such government may be seized by the military +occupant and converted to the use of this Government. The real property +of the state he may hold and administer, at the same time enjoying +the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy it save in the case +of military necessity. All public means of transportation, such as +telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may +be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity +they are not to be destroyed. All churches and buildings devoted to +religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, +so far as possible, to be protected, and all destruction or intentional +defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of +works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent +military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is +to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated. +Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, +and boats, may, although they belong to private individuals or +corporations, be seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed +under military necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of a conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and +the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines, you are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary +for the purpose of devising measures to secure the harmonious action of +those, two branches of the public service. + +I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a +report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a +view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient. +All ports and places in the Philippines which may be in the actual +possession of our land and naval forces will be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, and upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all +places which may be in military possession by conquest, and to apply +the proceeds to defray the cost of the war, including the expenses of +government during the military occupation. It is desirable, however, +and in accordance with the views of modern civilization, to confine +the exercise of this power, so far as possible, to the collection of +such contributions as are equivalent to the duties and taxes already +established in the territory. I have determined to order that all ports +or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession +of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened, while our +military occupation may continue, to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the rates of duty which may be in force at the time when the +goods are imported. In the execution of this policy it may be advisable +to substitute new rates of duty and new taxes for those now levied in +the Philippines. You are therefore instructed to examine the existing +Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes, and to report to me such +recommendations as you may deem it proper to make with respect either +to the rates of duties and taxes or to the regulations which should be +adopted for their imposition and collection. + +As the levy of all contributions in territory occupied by a belligerent +is a military right derived from the law of nations, the collection and +distribution of duties and taxes in the Philippines during the military +occupation of the United States will be made, under the orders of the +Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy, by the military or naval +commanders, as the case may be, of the ports or places which may be in +the possession of our forces. Your report is desired in order that I may +be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of +the Navy. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the +taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, +and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it +necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this +Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable +peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for +the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in +that quarter and of giving to the islands order and security while in +the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition +I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my +duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall +be conducted. + +I inclose herewith a copy of an order which I have this day addressed +to the Secretary of War, setting forth the principles on which the +occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.[31] You are +instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures +may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers +of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided. + +I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine +the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines +and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to +make in regard to the revenues of the islands.[32] I have informed him, +however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes +collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the +law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and +the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the +case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our +forces. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 31: See pp. 208-211.] + +[Footnote 32: See pp. 211-212.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 4, 1898._ + + +Admiral SAMPSON, + _Playa del Este, Cuba_: + +You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people. +Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors +have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and +appreciation of the nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + + +THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 6, 1898._ + +_To the People of the United States of America_: + +At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented +success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the +bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no +less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved +country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and, +staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds +wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow +before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who +holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the +marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the +light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory. + +I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling +for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer +thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading +our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in +a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even +though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to +far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the +success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace. + +With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that +our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and +in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and +disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and +withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought +of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with +compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure +sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above +all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good, +may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to +our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now +ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and +tranquillity. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 8, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Playa, Cuba_: + +Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows: + +The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the +nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the +fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill +the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who +fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes. + +R.A. ALGER, _Secretary of War_. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 13,1898._ + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The capitulation of the Spanish forces in Santiago de Cuba and in +the eastern part of the Province of Santiago, and the occupation of the +territory by the forces of the United States, render it necessary to +instruct the military commander of the United States as to the conduct +which he is to observe during the military occupation. + +The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is +the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and +the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition +of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are +entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their +private rights and relations. It is my desire that the inhabitants of +Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to +discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard. It will +therefore be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make +war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among +them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in +their personal and religious rights. All persons who, either by active +aid or by honest submission, cooperate with the United States in its +efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the +reward of its support and protection. Our occupation should be as free +from severity as possible. + +Though the powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and +immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants, the +municipal laws of the conquered territory, such as affect private rights +of person and property and provide for the punishment of crime, are +considered as continuing in force, so far as they are compatible with +the new order of things, until they are suspended or superseded by the +occupying belligerent; and in practice they are not usually abrogated, +but are allowed to remain in force and to be administered by the +ordinary tribunals substantially as they were before the occupation. +This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on +the present occasion. The judges and the other officials connected with +the administration of justice may, if they accept the supremacy of the +United States, continue to administer the ordinary law of the land as +between man and man under the supervision of the American commander +in chief. The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, +be preserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed +occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so. + +While the rule of conduct of the American commander in chief will be +such as has just been defined, it will be his duty to adopt measures +of a different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should +render such measures indispensable to the maintenance of law and order. +He will then possess the power to replace or expel the native officials +in part or altogether, to substitute new courts of his own constitution +for those that now exist, or to create such new or supplementary +tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the +commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high +sense of justice. + +One of the most important and most practical problems with which it +will be necessary to deal is that of the treatment of property and the +collection and administration of the revenues. It is conceded that all +public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country +in its own right and all arms and supplies and other movable property of +such government may be seized by the military occupant and converted to +his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer, +at the same time enjoying the revenues thereof; but he is not to destroy +it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats, +belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in +case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed. All churches +and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, +all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected, and all +destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical +monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited +save when required by urgent military necessity. + +Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, +is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause. Means of +transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, railways, and boats, +may, although they belong to private individuals or corporations, be +seized by the military occupant, but unless destroyed under military +necessity are not to be retained. + +While it is held to be the right of the conqueror to levy contributions +upon the enemy in their seaports, towns, or provinces which may be in +his military possession by conquest, and to apply the proceeds to defray +the expenses of the war, this right is to be exercised within such +limitations that it may not savor of confiscation. As the result of +military occupation the taxes and duties payable by the inhabitants to +the former government become payable to the military occupant, unless he +sees fit to substitute for them other rates or modes of contribution to +the expenses of the government. The moneys so collected are to be used +for the purpose of paying the expenses of government under the military +occupation, such as the salaries of the judges and the police, and for +the payment of the expenses of the army. + +Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when +possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not +possible receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of +our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral +nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon +payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the +time of the importation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 16, 1898_. + +General SHAFTER, + _Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa_: + +The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the +profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant achievements at +Santiago, resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish +troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has +endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and +battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles +which would have overcome men less brave and determined. One and all +have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude +of the nation. The hearts of the people turn with tender sympathy to the +sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 21, 1898_. + +In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the +United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the +United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening +of hostilities with Spain, may be resumed, subject to such military +regulations as may be deemed necessary. + +As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of +the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may +be opened under the same conditions. + +The domestic postal service within the territory thus occupied may be +continued on the same principles already indicated for the continuance +of the local municipal and judicial administration, and it maybe +extended as the local requirements may justify, under the supervision of +the military commander. + +The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses +of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to +be used. + +The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in +cooperation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War +will issue the necessary directions. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 6, 1898_. + +_Ordered_, That the graves of our soldiers at Santiago shall be +permanently marked. The present marking will last but a short time, and +before its effacement occurs suitable and permanent markers should be +put up. + +The Secretary of War is charged with the execution of this order. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, August 17, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _Manila, Philippines_: + +The President directs that there must be no joint occupation with the +insurgents. The United States, in the possession of Manila City, Manila +Bay and Harbor, must preserve the peace and protect persons and property +within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces. +The insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation +and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities +proclaimed by the President. Use whatever means in your judgment are +necessary to this end. All law-abiding people must be treated alike. + +By order Secretary War: + +H.C. CORBIN, + _Adjutant-General._ + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898._ + +Major-General MERRITT, + _United States Army, Manila_: + +In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers +and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the +conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 21, 1898_. + +Admiral DEWEY, + _Manila_: + +Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your +command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the +gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 4, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila, Philippine Islands_: + +By direction of the Secretary of War, following from the President is +sent you for your early consideration. + +CORBIN. + + +The President desires that Admiral Dewey and General Otis shall have +an early conference and advise him what force and equipment will be +necessary in the Philippine Islands. The President would be glad to have +suggestions from these commanders as to the government of the islands, +which of necessity must be by the Army and the Navy for some time to +come. When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that +peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a +government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged +in their industries and made secure in life and property. The fullest +suggestions are invited. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 9, 1898_. + +By virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander in Chief of the +Army and Navy of the United States, I hereby order and direct that +during the occupancy by the military authorities of the United States +of the island of Cuba and all islands in the West Indies west of the +seventy-fourth degree, west longitude, evacuated by Spain, said islands +shall constitute a collection district for customs purposes. Havana +shall be the chief port of entry. An officer of the Army shall be +assigned to such port, who shall be the collector of customs of the +islands and of the chief port and shall have general jurisdiction over +the collection of customs in the islands. + +The ports of Matanzas, Cardenas, Cienfuegos, Sagua, Caibarien, Santiago, +Manzanillo, Nuevitas, Guantanamo, Gibara, and Baracoa, in said islands, +are hereby declared to be subports of entry, and an officer of the Army +will be assigned to each of the subports, who will be the collector +of customs of a subport and shall have general jurisdiction of the +collection of customs at such port. He shall make weekly reports to +the collector of customs of the islands at the chief port of all +transactions at the subport over which he has jurisdiction, with copies +of all entries of merchandise, duly certified. + +The Secretary of War shall appoint such civilian deputy collectors, +inspectors, and other employees as may be found necessary. + +The collectors of the subports shall deposit all moneys collected by +them with the collector of the islands, and a receipt from the collector +of the islands must be taken in duplicate for all such deposits. + +There shall be appointed an auditor, who shall be stationed at the chief +port, whose duty it shall be to examine all entries of merchandise and +if found correct to certify to them. Such auditor shall on the first +of each month make a full and complete report, duly certified, to the +Secretary of War of all duties collected at each port, with an itemized +report of all expenditures made therefrom, which shall be referred to +the Auditor for the War Department for audit. + +All questions arising in the administration of customs in the islands +shall be referred to the collector of the islands at the chief port for +decision, from which there shall be no appeal, except in such cases as +may be referred by the collector of the islands to the Secretary of War +for his decision. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR. + +SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Manila by the +United States naval squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey, followed +by the reduction of the city and the surrender of the Spanish forces, +practically effected the conquest of the Philippine Islands and the +suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein. + +With the signature of the treaty of peace between the United States +and Spain by their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris, on the 10th +instant, and as the result of the victories of American arms, the future +control, disposition, and government of the Philippine Islands are ceded +to the United States. In fulfillment of the rights of sovereignty thus +acquired and the responsible obligations of government thus assumed, +the actual occupation and administration of the entire group of the +Philippine Islands become immediately necessary, and the military +government heretofore maintained by the United States in the city, +harbor, and bay of Manila is to be extended with all possible dispatch +to the whole of the ceded territory. + +In performing this duty the military commander of the United States is +enjoined to make known to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands +that in succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in severing the former +political relations of the inhabitants, and in establishing a new +political power the authority of the United States is to be exerted for +the security of the persons and property of the people of the islands +and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. + +It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to +announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as +invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in +their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious +rights. All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, +cooperate with the Government of the United States to give effect to +these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and +protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have +assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity so far as may +be possible. + +Within the absolute domain of military authority, which necessarily is +and must remain supreme in the ceded territory until the legislation of +the United States shall otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the +territory in respect to private rights and property and the repression +of crime are to be considered as continuing in force and to be +administered by the ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. The +operations of civil and municipal government are to be performed by such +officers as may accept the supremacy of the United States by taking the +oath of allegiance, or by officers chosen as far as may be practicable +from the inhabitants of the islands. + +While the control of all the public property and the revenues of the +state passes with the cession, and while the use and management of all +public means of transportation are necessarily reserved to the authority +of the United States, private property, whether belonging to individuals +or corporations, is to be respected, except for cause duly established. +The taxes and duties heretofore payable by the inhabitants to the late +government become payable to the authorities of the United States, +unless it be seen fit to substitute for them other reasonable rates or +modes of contribution to the expenses of government, whether general or +local. If private property be taken for military use, it shall be paid +for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash +is not practicable receipts are to be given. + +All ports and places in the Philippine Islands in the actual possession +of the land and naval forces of the United States will be opened to the +commerce of all friendly nations. All goods and wares not prohibited for +military reasons, by due announcement of the military authority, will be +admitted upon payment of such duties and other charges as shall be in +force at the time of their importation. + +Finally, it should be the earnest and paramount aim of the military +administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the +inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring to them in every possible +way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the +heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the +United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild +sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this +high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the +greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the +strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all +obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government +upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the +United States. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 21, 1898_. + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you +send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life +and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with +the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm. + +By order of the Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate +rights or franchises for the construction of public or _quasi_ +public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone +lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made +by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba, +except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military +forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such +grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were +issued.] + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_. + +The SECRETARY OF WAR: + + * * * * * + +The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the +senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are +directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation +of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to +them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid +in carrying out such arrangements. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + + + +ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, January 1, 1899--4.30 p.m._ + +General OTIS, + _Manila_: + +The President considers it of first importance that a conflict brought +on by you be avoided at this time, if possible. Can not Miller get into +communication with insurgents, giving them President's proclamation and +informing them of the purposes of the Government, assuring them that +while it will assert its sovereignty its purpose is to give them a good +government and security in their personal rights. + +By order Secretary War: + +CORBIN. + + + +EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 20, 1899._ + +The SECRETARY OF STATE: + +My communication to the Secretary of War dated December 21, 1898,[33] +declares the necessity of extending the actual occupation and +administration of the city, harbor, and bay of Manila to the whole of +the territory which by the treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, +passed from the sovereignty of Spain to the sovereignty of the United +States and the consequent establishment of military government +throughout the entire group of the Philippine Islands. + +While the treaty has not yet been ratified, it is believed that it will +be by the time of the arrival at Manila of the commissioners named +below. In order to facilitate the most humane, specific, and effective +extension of authority throughout these islands and to secure with the +least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of +life and property to the inhabitants, I have named Jacob G. Schurman, +Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, Charles Denby, +and Dean C. Worcester to constitute a commission to aid in the +accomplishment of these results. + +In the performance of this duty the commissioners are enjoined to meet +at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to announce by a +public proclamation their presence and the mission intrusted to them, +carefully setting forth that while the military government already +proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may +require, efforts will be made to alleviate the burdens of taxation, to +establish industrial and commercial prosperity, and to provide for the +safety of persons and of property by such means as may be found +conducive to these ends. + +The commissioners will endeavor, without interference with the military +authorities of the United States now in control of the Philippines, to +ascertain what amelioration in the condition of the inhabitants and what +improvements in public order may be practicable, and for this purpose +they will study attentively the existing social and political state of +the various populations, particularly as regards the forms of local +government, the administration of justice, the collection of customs +and other taxes, the means of transportation, and the need of public +improvements. + +They will report through the State Department, according to the forms +customary or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and preserving such +communications, the results of their observations and reflections, and +will recommend such executive action as may from time to time seem to +them wise and useful. + +The commissioners are hereby authorized to confer authoritatively +with any persons resident in the islands from whom they may believe +themselves able to derive information or suggestions valuable for the +purposes of their commission, or whom they may choose to employ as +agents, as may be necessary for this purpose. + +The temporary government of the islands is intrusted to the military +authorities, as already provided for by my instructions to the Secretary +of War of December 21, 1898,[34] and will continue until Congress shall +determine otherwise. The commission may render valuable services by +examining with special care the legislative needs of the various groups +of inhabitants and by reporting, with recommendations, the measures +which should be instituted for the maintenance of order, peace, and +public welfare, either as temporary steps to be taken immediately for +the perfection of present administration or as suggestions for future +legislation. + +In so far as immediate personal changes in the civil administration may +seem to be advisable, the commissioners are empowered to recommend +suitable persons for appointment to these offices from among the +inhabitants of the islands who have previously acknowledged their +allegiance to this Government. + +It is my desire that in all their relations with the inhabitants of +the islands the commissioners exercise due respect for all the ideals, +customs, and institutions of the tribes and races which compose the +population, emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent +intentions of the Government of the United States. + +It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners may be +received in a manner due to the honored and authorized representatives +of the American Republic, duly commissioned, on account of their +knowledge, skill, and integrity, as bearers of the good will, the +protection, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than +a conquering nation. + +WILLIAM McKINLEY. + +[Footnote 33: See pp. 219-221.] + +[Footnote 34: See pp. 219-221.] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Compilation of the Messages and Papers +of the Presidents, by William McKinley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM MCKINLEY *** + +***** This file should be named 13893.txt or 13893.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/8/9/13893/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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