To the Senate and House of Representa
tives :
Notwithstanding the added burdens ren
dered necessary by the war , our people re
joice in a very satisfactory and steadily
increasing degree of prosperity evidenced
"by the largest volume ot business ever re
corded. Manufacture has been produc
tive , agricultural pursuits have yielded
abundant returns , labor in the fields of
Industry is better rewarded , revenue legis
lation 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 it has
been maintained at the world's highest
standard. Military service under a common
for righteous cause has
mon Hag and a
strengthened the national spirit and served
closely than ever tne
ed to cement more
fraternal bonds between every section of
review of the relations of
the c < .mitry. A
*
the T.lit oil Slates to other powers , always
appropriate , is this year of primary impor
tance , in view of the momentous issues
demanding in oiu instance
which have arisen ,
determination by arms
stance the ultimate
and involving far-reaching consequences
which will require the earnest attention of
the Congress.
Failure of Autonomy in Cuba.
In my last annual message very full con
sideration was given to the question of the
duty of the Government of the United
Stales toward Spain and the Cuban insur
rection as being by far the most important
problem with which we were then called
upon to deal. I concluded it was honestly
'due to our friendly relations with Spain
that she should be given a reasonable
chances to realize her expectations of re
form ID which she had become irrevocably
committed.
The ensuing mouth brought little sign of
real progress toward the pacification of
Cuba by the autonomous administration.
. No tangible relief was afforded the vast
numbers of unhappy reconcentrados , and
by the end of December the mortality
amour/ them had frightfully increased.
"With die acquiescence of the Spanish au
thorities a scheme was adopted for relief
by charitable contributions raised in this
country. Thousands of lives were thus
caved , but the war continued on the old
footing without comprehensive plan. No
nlternative save physical exhaustion of
Cither combatant and therewithal the
practical ruin of the island lay in sight.
Pestruclion of the Maine.
At this juncture , on the loth of Febru
ary last , occurred the destruction of the
battleship Maine , while rightfully lying
ill the harbor of Havana a catastrophe ,
the suspicious nature and horror of which
stirred the nation's heart profoundly. Yet
the instinct of justice prevailed and the
nation anxiously awaited the result of the
gearching investigation at once set on foot.
Tfco 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 testi
mony to fix the responsibility of its author
ship.
ship.All
All these things carried conviction to
the most thoughtful , even before the find
ings 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 sug
gestion to the Congress to receive immedi
ate answer to the duty of making instant
provision for the possible and perhaps
speedily probable emergency of war. The
details of the hurried preparation for the
dreaded contingency is told in the reports
of the Secretaries of War and of the
Navy. It is sufficient to say that the out
break of war , when it did come , found
our nation not unprepared to meet the
conflict.
Negotiations with Spain.
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. Ne
gotiations to this object continued active
ly with the Government of Spain , looking
to the immediate conclusion of a six
mouths' armistice in Cuba , with a view to
effect the recognition of her people's right
to Independence. Negotiations continued
for some little time at Madrid , resulting
in offers by the Spanish Government
which could not but be regarded as inade
quate. Grieved and disappointed at this
barren outcome of my sincere endeavors
to reach a practical solution , I felt it my
duty to remit the whole question to the
Congress. In the message of April 13.
ISOS , I reviewed the alternative course of
action which I had proposed , concluding
that the only one consonant with interna
tional policy and compatible with our firm-
Vet historical traditions was intervention
as a neutral to stop the war and check the
hopeless sacrifice of life.
In view of all this , the Congress was
asked to authorize and empower the Pres
ident to take measures to secure a full
atid final termination of hostilities be
tween Spain and the people of Cuba , and
to secure in the island the establishment
of a stable government.
Congress Declares "War.
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 recogni
tion of the Republic of Cuba as the true
and lawful government of that island
a proposition which failed of adoption
the Congress , after conference , April 19.
by a vote of 42 to 35 in the Senate and 311
to G in the House of Representatives ,
passed the memorable joint resolution , de
claring war.
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 imposI I T
sible , and asked for his passports , which | t
were given him. lie thereupon withdrew ' o
from Washington , leaving the protection s
of Spanish interests in the United Stated
to the French ambassador and the A us-
tro-Hungarian minister. Simultaneously
with its communication to the Spanish
minister , Gen. Woodford , the American
minister at Madrid , was telegraphed con
firmation of the text of the joint resolu
tion and directed to communicate it to
the Government of Spain , with the formal
demand that it at once relinquish its au
thority and government in the Island of
Cuba and withdraw its forces therefrom.
coupling this demand with announcements
ot the intentions of this Government as to
the future of the island , in conformity
with the fourth clause of the resolution ,
and giving Sp.iin until noon of April 23
to reply.
The demand , although , as above shown ,
officially made known to the Spanish en
voy here , was not delivered at Madrid.
After the instruction reached Gen. Wood-
ford on the morning of April 21 , but be
fore he could present it , the Spanish min
ister of state notified him that upon the
President's approval of the joint resolu
tion the Madrid Government , regarding
the act as "equivalent to an evident dec
laration of war , " had ordered its minis
ter in Washington to withdraw , thereby
breaking off diplomatic relations between
the twontries , and ceasing all official
comn : : if ton lu-tvei-n their respective
rejires-ntativc-s. Gen. Woodford there
upon di'n a ! ' bis psports > and quitted
Ma-'rid l ! - - dy.
, * . . ; n j , , : , _ _ f'i .v denied the demand
of t1V - , ! - atis ami initiated that
co ! ] I t" . ' . < ii rupture of relations
which jut' < - ji state of war. the exem-
tive powis authorized by the resolution
were at once used by me to meet the en
larged contingency of actual war between
Spain and the United States. April 22 I
proclaimed a blockade of the northern
coast of Cuba , and on the 23d 1 called for
volunteers to execute the purpose of the
resolution. By my message of April 23
the Congress was informed of the situa
tion , and I recommended formal declara
tion of the existence of a state of war be
tween the United States and Spain. The
Congress accordingly voted on the same
day that act approved April 25 , IS'JS , de
claring the existence of such war. from
and including the 21st day of April , and
re-enacted the provision of the resolution
of April 20 , directing the President to use
r.ll the armed forces of the nation to carry
that act into effect.
Due notification of the existence of war
as aforesaid was given April 25 by tele
graph to all the governments with which
the United States maintains relations.
In further fulfillment of international
duty I issued April 20 a proclamation an
nouncing the treatment proposed to be
accorded to vessels and their cargoes as
to blockade , contraband , the exercise of
the right of subjects and the immunity
uf neutral flags and neutral goods under
enemy's flag. A similar proclamation
was made by the Spanish Government.
Pr parations for the War.
Our country thus after an interval of
lialf 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 vol
unteers was instant and complete , as was
also the result of the second call of May
25 for 75,000 additional volunteers. The
ranks of the regular army were increas
ed to the limits provided by the act o
A.pril 20. The enlisted force of the navy
DII the 15th of August , when it reached
ts maximum , numbered 24,123 men and
ipprentices. One hundred and three ves
sels were added to the navy by purchase ,
me was presented to the Government ,
me leased and the four vessels of the In
ternational Navigation Company the St.
Paul , St. Louis , New York and Paris
, vere chartered. In addition to these the
evenue cutters and lighthouse tenders
ivere turned over to the Navy Depart-
"nt and became temporarily a part of
auxiliary navy.
Much alarm was felt along our entire
Atlantic seaboard lest some attack might
> e made by the enemy. Every precau-
iou was taken to prevent possible injury
0 our great cities lying along the coast.
Dhe auxiliary navy patrolled the coast
ind performed the duty of a second arm
if defense. Under the direction of the
hief of engineers submarine mines were
> laced at the most exposed points. The
igcregat-j number of mines placed was
. .535 , at the principal harbors from
Jaiue to California.
The Si aal Corps was promptly organ-
zed and performed service of most diffi-
ult and important character. Its opera-
ions during the war covered the clectri-
al connection of all coast fortifications ,
lie osUjhJishment of telephonic and tele-
iraphic facilities for the camps at Man-
la. Santiago and in Porto Rico. There
rere constructed 300 mile' ; of line at ten
; reat camps , thus facilitating military
lovements from those points in a manner
.eretofore unknown in military adminis-
ration. With a total force of over 1,300
lie loss was , by disease in camp and
eld , officers and men included , only five.
The national defense ? 50,000,000 fund
ras expended in large part by the army
nd navy , and the objects for which it
as used are fully shown in the reports
i. the several secretaries. This fund , be-
ig inadequate to the requirements of
( luipment and for the conduct of the
; ar , the patriotism of the Congress pro-
id ed the means in the war revenue act
f June 13 by authorizing a 3 per cent ,
opular loan not to exceed $400.000,000 ,
lid by levying additional imposts and
ixes.
Salient Features of the War
It is not within the province of this
lessage to narrate the history of the cx-
raordinary war that followed the Span-
ih declaration of April 21 , but a brief
? eital of its more salient features is ap-
ropriate. The first encounter of the war
1 point of date took place April 27 , when
detachment of the blockading squadron
lade a reconnaissance in force at Matan-
us. shelled the harbor and forts and de-
lolished several new works in construe-
on.
The next engagement was destined to
lark a memorable epoch in maritime
arfare. The Pacific fleet , under Com-
lodore George Dewey , had lain for some
'eeks a : Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
reclamation of neutrality being issued
nd the customary twenty-four hours' no-
ce being given , it repaired to Mirs Bay ,
ear Hong Kong , whence it proceeded
) the Philippine Islands under tele-
raphed orders to capture or destroy the
jrmidable Spanish fleet then assembled
t Manila. At daybreak on the 1st of
lay the American force entered Manila
> ay , and after a few hours' engagement
[ reeled the total destruction of the Span-
ill fleet , consisting of ten warships and
transport , besides capturing the naval
Fation and forts at Cavite. thus annihil-
ting the Spanish naval power in the Pa-
ilic Ocean and completely controlling the
lay of Manila , with the ability to take
ic city rtvill. . Not a life was lost on
ur ships the wounded only numbering
: yen , wlile ! not a vessel was materially
ijured.
Tiie effect of ( his remarkable victory
[ ) on the spirit of our people and upon
10 fortunes of the war was instant. A
restfgo of invincibility thereby attached
i our arms , which continued throughout
le struggle. Re-enforcements were hur-
ed to Manila under the command of
[ ajor General Merritt and firmly estab-
shed within sight of the capital , which
y helpless before our guns.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss i
! life and property prevented the early 1
orini g and capture of the city , and
therewiththeabsolutc military occupancy
of the whole group. The insurgents mean
while had resumed the active hostilities
suspended by the uncompleted truce of
December , 1897. Their , forces invested
Manila from the northern and easteni
side , but were constrained by Admiral
Dewey and General Merritt from at
tempting 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.
i Following the co'mprehensivc scheme of
general attack , powerful forces were assembled -
semblod at various points on our coast
! to invade Cuba and Porto Rico. Mean
while naval demonstrations were made
at several exposed points. May 11 the
cruiser Wilmington and torpedo boat
Winslowwere unsuccessful in an attempt
to silence the batteries at Cardenas and
Matanzas , Worth , Bagley and four sea
men falling.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval prepara
tions had been pushed with great vigor.
A powerful squadron under Admiral Cer-
vera , 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 operations while
baiiiing the pursuit of our fleets. Not
until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the
harbor of Santiago de Cuba about May
0 was it practicable to plan a systematic
military attack upon the Autillean pos
sessions of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred on the
coast of Cuba am' Porto Rico in prepara
tion for the larger event. On May 13 the
North Atlanic squadron shelled San Juan
de Porto Rico. On May 30 Commodore
Schley's squadron bombarded the forts
guarding the mouth of Santiago harbor.
Neither attack had any material result.
HoIjBMj's i arintr Act.
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 , block
ed the narrow outlet from Santiago har
bor by sinking the collier Merrimae 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. They were sub
sequently 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 00 marines from the Oregon ,
Marblehead and Yankee , was effected in
Guantanamo Bay , where it had been de
termined to establish a naval station.
This important and csesntial port was
taken from the enemy after severe fight
ing by the marines , who were the first or
ganized force of the United States to
land in Cuba. The position so won was
held despite desperate a tempts to dis
lodge our forces. By June 10 additional
forces were landed and strongly intrench
ed. On June 22 , the advance of the in
vading army under Major General Shaft-
er landed at Baiquiri , about fifteen miles
east of Santiago. This was accomplished
under great difficulties , but with marvel
ous 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 five miles of Santiago was
won. The advantage was steadily in
"
creased. On July 1 a severe battle" look
place , our forces gaining the outwork of
Santiago ; on the 2d El Caney and San
Juau were taken after a desperate
charge , and the investment of the city
was completed. The navy co-operated by
shelling the town and coast forts.
Destruction of Cervera's Fleet.
On the day following this brilliant
achievement of our land forces , July 3 ,
occurred the decisive naval combat of the
war. The Spanish fleet , attempting to
leave the harbor , was met by the Ameri
can squadron , under command of Com
modore Sampson. In less than three
hours all the Spanish ships were destroy
ed , the two torpedo boats being sunk and
the JMaria Teresa , Almirante Oqueudo ,
Vizcaya and Cristobal Colon driven
ashore. The Spanish admiral and over
thirteen hundred men were taken prison
ers , while the enemy's loss of life was de
plorably large , some GOO perishing. On
our side but one man. was killed , on the
Brooklyn , and one man seriously wound
ed. Although our ships were repeatedly
struck , not one was seriously injured.
Where all so conspicuously distinguish
ed themselves , from the commanders to
the guaners and the unnamed heroes in
the boiler-rooms , each and all contribut
ing toward the achievement of this as
tounding victory , for which neither an
cient nor modern history affords a par
allel in the completeness of the event and
the marvelous disproportion of casualties ,
it would be invidious to single out any for
JspecSal honor. Deserved promotion has
rewarded the more conspicuous actors
Hie nation's profoundest gratitude is due
Lo all of those brave men who by their
; kill and devotion in a few short hours
crushed the sea power of Spain and
wrought a triumph whose decisiveness
ind far-reaching consequences can
scarcely be measured. Nor can we be un-
'Miidful of the achievements of our build-
.rs , mechanics and artisans for their skill
n the construction of our warships.
With the catastrophe of Santiago
Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually
; eased. A spasmodic effort toward the
Mid of June to send her Mediterranean
leet under Admiral Camara to. relieve
Manila was abandoned , the expedition
> eing recalled after it had passed through
he Suez Canal.
Capitulation of Faiitiajjo.
The capitulation of Santiago followed.
Che city was closely besieged by land ,
vlulo the entrance of our ships into the
uirbor cut off all relief on that side.
Vfter a truce to allow of the removal of
ion-combatants , protracted negotiations
continued from July 3 until July 15 ,
vhen , under menace of immediate as-
lault , the preliminaries of surrender were
igreed upon. On the 17th General Shafer -
er occupied the city. The capitulation
unbraced the entire eastern end of Cuba.
Due number of Spanish soldiers surresn-
lered was 22,000 , all of whom were sub-
icquently conveyed to Spain at the
harge of the United States. The story
f this successful campaign is told in the
eport of the Secretary of War , which
vill be laid before you.
The individual valor of officers and sol-
liers was never more strikingly shown
ban in the several engagements leading
o the surrender of Santiago , while the
rompt movements and successive victor-
PS won instant and universal applause ,
[ "o those who gained this complete tri-
imph , which established tine ascendency
if the United States upon land , as the
ight off Santiago had fixed our Ruprem-
icy on the seas , the earnest and lasting
jriitilude of the nation is unsparingly
[ tie. Nor should we alone remember the
rallantry of the living ; the dead claim
ur tears , and our losses by battle and
lisease must cloud any exultation at the
esult and teach us to weigh the awful
est of war , however rightful the cause
r signal the victory.
Occupation of Porto Rico.
With the fall of Santiago , the occupa-
ion of Porto Rico became the next strat-
gic necessity. General Miles had pre-
iously been assigned to organize an ex-
edition for that purpose. Fortunately ,
ie was already at Santiago , where he had
rrived the llth of July , with re-enforce-
iients for General Shafter's army. With
hese troops , consisting of 3.415 infantry
nd artillery , two companies of engineers
and one company of the signal corps
General Miles left Guantanamo July 21
having nine transports convoyed by th
fleet under Captain Higginson , with th
Massachusetts ( flagship ) , Dixie , Glouces
ter , Columbia and Yale , the- two la.tte
carrying troops. The expedition lande
at Guanica July 25 , which port was en
tered with little opposition. The Majo
General commanding was subseqiientl.
re-enforced .by General Schwann's bri
gade of the Third Army Corps , by Gener
i al Wilson , with a part of his division , am
also by General Brooke , with a part o
his corps , numbering in all 10,973 officer
and men.
July 27 he entered Ponce , one of thi
most important ports of the island , fron
which he thereafter directed operation
for the capture of the island.
With the exceirtion of encounters wit !
the enemy at Guayama , Ilermigueres
Con mo and Yauco , and an attack on j
force landed at Cape San Juan , then
was no serious resistance. The eampaigi
was prosecuted with great vigor , and b :
the 12th of August much of the islaiu
was in our possession , and the acquisitioi
of the remainder was only a matter of !
short time.
The last scene of the war was enacted
at Manila , its starting place. Aug. 15
after a brief assault upon the works bj
the land forces , in which the pquadroi
assisted , the capital surrendered uncon
ditionally. The casualties were compara
lively few. By this conquest of the Phil
ippine Islands , virtually accomplished
when the Spanish capacity for resistanci
\vas destroyed by Admiral Dcwey's vie
lory of the 1st of May , victory was for
mally sealed. To General Merritt , his of
ficers and men , for their uncomplaining
and devoted services , for their gallantry
in action , the nation is sincerely grateful ,
Their long voyage was made with singu
lar success , and the soldierly conduct of
the men , most of whom were without
previous experience in the military serv
ice , deserves unmeasured praise.
Total Casualties of the War.
The total casualties in killed and
wounded in the army during the war was
as follows : Officers killed , 23 ; enlisted
men killed. 257 ; total , 280 ; officers
wounded , 113 ; enlisted men wounded ,
1.404 ; total , 1,577. Of the navy : Killed ,
17 ; wounded , 07 ; died as result of
wounds , 1 ; invalided from service , G ;
total , 91.
It will be observed that while our navy
was engaged in two great battles and in
numerous perilous undertakings in block
ades and bombardment , and more than
fifty thousand of our troops were trans
ported to distant lands and engaged in
assault and siege and battle and many
skirmishes in unfamiliar territory , we
lost in both arms of the service a total of
1.008 killed and wounded ; and in the entire -
tire campaign by laud and sea we did not
lose a gun or a flag or a transport ship ,
and with the exception of the crew of the
Merrimae not a soldier or sailor was
taken prisoner.
Aug. 7 , forty-six days from the date of
the landing of General Shafter's army in
Cuba , and twenty-one days from the sur
render of Santiago , the United States
troops commenced embarkation for home ,
and our entire force was returned to the
United States as early as Aug. 24. They
were absent from the United States only
two months.
It is fitting that I should bear testi
mony to the patriotism and devotion of
that large portion of our army which , al
though eager to be ordered to tlie post of
greatest exposure , was not required out
side of the United State ? . They did their
whole duty and earned the gratitude of
the nation. 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 appre
ciation the timely ai-d useful work of the
American National ile-1 Cross , both in re
lief measures preparatory to tlie cam
paigns , in sanitary assistance at several
of the camps of assemblage , and later ,
under the able and experienced leader
ship of the President of the society , Miss
Clara Barton , on the fields of battle and
in the hospitals at the front in Cuba.
In tracing these events we are con
stantly reminded of our obligations to the
Divine Master for His watchful care
over us and His safe guidance , for which
the nation makes reverent acknowledg
ment and offers humble prayer for the
continuance of His -favor.
The annihilation of Admiral Cervera's
fleet , followed by the capitulation of San
tiago , having brought to the Spanish Gov
ernment a realizing sense of the hope
lessness of continuing a struggle now be
coming wholly unequal , it made overtures
of peace through the French ambassador.
On the 26th of July M. Cambon present
ed a communication signed by tlie Duke
of Almodoyar , the Spanish minister of
state , inviting the United States to state
the terms upon whidh it would be willing
to make ipeace. July 30 the temis of this
government were announced , substantial
ly as in the protocol afterward signed.
Aug. 10 the Spanish reply , dated Aug. 7.
was lianded by M. Cambon to the Secre
tary of State. It accepted uncondition
ally the terms imposed as to Cuba , Porto
Rico and an island of the Ladrones
group , but appeared to seek to introduce
inadmissible reservations in regard to
our demand as to the Philippines.
Sijziiinc of the Protocol.
Conceiving that discussion on this point
could neither be practicable nor profit
able , I directed that in order to avoid mis
understanding the matter should be
forthwith closed by proposing the embodi
ment in a formal protocol of the terms
in which the negotiations for peace were
lo be undertaken. The vague and inex
plicit suggestions of the Spanish note
fould uc t be accepted , the only reply be
ing to present as a virtual ultimatum a
ilraft of the protocol embodying the pre
cise terms tendered to Spain In our note
sf July HO , with added stipulations of
letail as to the appointment of commis
sioners to arrange for the evacuation of
the Spanish Antilles. On the afternoon
) f Aug. 12 M. Cambon , as the plenipoten
tiary of Spain , and the Secretary of
State , as the plenipotentiary of the Uni
ted States , signed a protocol.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the
> rotocol I issued a proclamation on Aug.
L2 , suspending hostilities on the part of
rtie United States. Aug. IS the muster
> ut of 100,000 volunteers , or as near that
number as was found to be practicable ,
, vas ordered. Dec. 1 , 101,105 officers and
nen had been mustered out and discharg
ed from the service ; 9.002 more will bo
mistered out by the 10th of the mouth.
The military committees to superintend
: he evacuation . - Cuba , Porto Rico and
: he adjacent islands were forthwith ap-
) ointed. For Cuba , Major General Jas.
p. Wade , Rear Admiral William T.
vimpson and Major General Matthew C.
Butler : for Porto Rico. Major General
Fohn C. Brooke , Rear Admiral Winfield
> . Sehley and Brigadier General George
iV. Gordon , who soon afterward met the
Spanish commissioners at Havana and
au Juan respectively. The Porto Rican
ioint commission speedily accomplished
ts task , and by Oct. 18 the evacuation
> f the island was completed. The United
Stijtes flag was raised over the island at
icon on that day. The administration
> f its affairs has been provisionally in-
rrsted to a military governor until the
Congress shall otherwise provide. The
buban joint high commission has not yet
eruiinated its labors. Owing to the difli-
ulties in the way of removing the large
lumbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba ,
he evacuation cannot be completed be-
; ore tlie 1st of January.
Pursuant to the fifth article of the pro-
ocol. I appointed William R. Day , lately
secretary of State : Cushman K. Davis.
iVHliam P. Frye and George Gray. Sena-
era of the United States , and Whitelaw
, Reid to be the peace commissioners or
, I the part of the United States. Prqccedinfi
> in due season fo Paris , they there met
> on the 1st of October five commissioners
, similarly appointed by Spain. The negotiations -
tiations have made hopeful progress , so
[ that 1 trust soon to be able to lay a definite -
. inite treaty of peace before the Senate ,
[ with a review of the steps leading to its
signature.
I do not discuss at tiiis time the govern
ment or tlie future of the new posses
sions which will con < ; to us as the result
of the war with Spain. Until the Con
gress has legislated otheiwise , it will be
my duty to continue the military govern
ments which have existed since our occu-
j pation and government of the people , se
curity in life and property , and encour
agement under a just and beneficent rule.
As soon as we are in possession of
Cuba and have pacilicd the island , it will
be necessary to give aid , and direction to
its people to form a government for them
selves. This should be undertaken at the
earliest moment consistent with safety
and assured success. Until there is com
plete tranquillity in the island and a sta
ble government inaugurated military oc
cupation will be continued. .
Relations with Other Countries.
With the 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 ad
justed or presenting no serious obstacle
to a just and honorable solution by ami
cable agreement.
A long unsettled dispute as to the ex
tended boundary between the Argentine
Republic and Chili assumed an acute
stage in the early part of the year , and
afforded to this government occasion to
express the hope that tine resort to arbi
tration , already contemplated by existing
conventions between the parties , might
prevail despite the grave difficulties aris
ing in its application. I am happy to say
that arrangements to this end have been
perfected.
I have found occasion to approach the
Argentine Government with a view to
removing differences of rate charges im
posed upon the cables of an American
corporation in the transmission between
Buenos Ayres and the cities of Uruguay
and Brazil of through messages passingg
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
thata good understanding will be reached.
In this relation I may be permitted to
express my sense of the fitness of an in
ternational agreement whereby tlie inter
change of messages over connecting c :
bles may be regulated on a fair basis of
uniformity.
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 Em-
press-Qncen of that historic realm.
The Lattimer Affair.
On the 10th of September , 1897 , a con
flict took place at Ivattimor , Pa. , between
a body of striking miners and the sheriff
of Luzerne County and his deputies , in
which twenty-two miners were killed and
forty-four wounded , of whom ten of the
killed and twelve of the wounded were
Austrian aud Hungarian subjects. This
deplorable event naturally aroused the so
licitude of the Ausiro Hungarian Govern
ment , which , on the assumption that the
killing and wounding involved the unjus
tifiable misuse of authority , claimed rep
aration for the sufferers. Apart from the
searching investigation and the peremp
tory action of the authorities of Pennsyl
vania , the Federal Executive took appro
priate steps to learn the merits of the
case , in order to be in a position to meet
the urgent complaint of a friendly pow
er. The sheriff and his deputies , having
been indicted for murder , were tried and
.acquitted after protracted proceedings.
A representative of the department of
justice attended the trials 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.
Despite the brief time allotted for prep
aration , the exhibits of this country at
the Universal Exposition at Brusels in
1897 enjoyed the singular distinction of
a larger proportion of awards , having re
gard to the number and classes of articles
entered , than those of other countries.
Hardly a year passes that this Gov-
ernnient is not invited to national partici
pation 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 pro
viding 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.
J trust the Belgian restriction on the
importations of cattle from the United
States , originally adopted as a sanitary
precaution , will at an early date be satis
fied as to their present and future of
hardship and discrimination so as to ad
mit Jive cattle under due regulation of
their slaughter after landing. I am hope
ful , too , of a favorable change in the
Belgian treatment of our preserved and
salted meats.
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 rhe
Guatemalan representative as a media
tor , the act being negotiated and signed
on board the United States steamer
Alert , then lying in Central American
waters.
United States of Central America.
In my last annual message the situation
was presented with respect to the diplo
matic 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 inter
nal functions to the diet thereof. While the
representative character of the diet was
recognized by mj' predecessor and has been
confirmed during my administration by re
ceiving Its accredited envoy and granting
exequaturs to consuls commissioned under
Its authority , that recognition was qualified
bv the distinct understanding that the re
sponsibility of each of the competent sovereign
eign republics toward the United States re
mained wholly unaffected. A convention of
delegates framed for them a federal consti
tution under the name of the United States
of Central America and provided for a cen
tral 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 w'eeks thereafter the plan was severely
tested by revolutionary movements arising ,
with a consequent domnid for unity of ac
tion on the part cf the military power of
the Federal S'.ates to suppress them. Und-
thl.s strain ihe new union seems to ha\e b-M-n
weakened through the withdrawal of its
more Important members.
The Nicaragua Canal Commission , under
the championship of Rear Admiral John G.
Walker , 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 interoceaulc canal by
n Nicaragua : ! route will be laid before you.
The Government of Nicaragua as one of
its last sovereign acts before merging Its
powers ill the : > e of the newly formed United
States of CentKvFrAmerica has granted an
optional concession to another association ,
to become effective on the expiration of the
present grant. These circumstances suggest
the urgency of some definite action by the
L'ongress at this session If the labors of the
nast are to bo utilized ami the linking of
y
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceajis bya prac
tical waterway is to be realized.
A convention providing for the revival or
the late United States and Chilian oten M.
commission and- the consideration t claims. .
1 which were duly presented to th < late com
mission but not considered , was sl ? ? l May
24 , 3S97. and has remained unacted upon uy.
the Senate. The term therein tixe-1 for ef
fecting the exchange of ratllk-ations having
I elapsed , the convent.on fails unions thetime -
be extended by amendment , wbiHi I am e -
' with the frit-is-liy
deavoring to bring about ,
I concurrence of the Chilian Government.
Atneric-M fiitercs a in tlie Orient.
j The United States has not been an Indif
ferent spectator of the extraordinary' cveit *
' transpiring in tl'e Chinese empire , whereby
portions of its maritime provinces are pass
ing under the control ot various Kuronc : n.
I powers ; but the prospect that the vi t com
merce which the energy of our citizens ami.
the necessity of onr staple prndin-Mons foi
Chinese uses has built up in the < e regions-
may not be prejudiced through any exclu
sive treatment by the new occupants has-
obviated the need of our country becoming
an actor in the scene.
In this relation I refer to the communica
tion addressed to the Speaker of the I louse-
of Representatives by the Secretary of the
Treasury on the 14th of last June , recom
mending an appropriation for a commission
to study the commercial and industrial con
ditions in the Chinese empire and report as- V
to the opportunities for and ob lado. < to the :
enlargement of markets in China for thih-
raw products and manufactures of the Uni
ted States. I cord.ally urge that the recom
mendation receive at your hands the con
sideration which Its importance and timeli
ness merit.
Meanwhile , there may he just prouinl for
disqu.etude in view ot" the unrest and revival
of the old sentiment of opposition and preju
dice to alien people winch pervades ct-rtniii
of the Chinese provinces. As in tloasr > * oC'
the- attacks upon our citizen" in Sci-i-huau
and at Kutieu in 1SS5 , the United SMtes.
minister has been Instructed to sccu/c the-
fullest- measure of protection , both lora ! ami
imperial , for any menaced American inier-
ests , and to demand , in case of lawless InJury -
Jury to person or property , instant repara
tion appropriate to the case.
Participation in tlie Paris Kxpositiosi.
There is now every prospect that the par
ticipation of the United States in the uni
versal exposition to be held in Paris in 1UOO r
will be on a scale commensurate with the
advanced position held by our products and
Industries in the world's chief mart . Hy
a provision in the sundry civil appropriation
act of July 1 , 1SJJ8. a sum not to exceed
$ GoO,000 was allotted for the organization of
a commission to care for the proper prep
aration and installation of American ex
hibits , and for the display of suitable exhib
its by the several executive departHi'-afs ? ,
particularly by the Department of Agricul
ture , the l'"lsh Commission and the Smith
sonian Institution , in the representation of
the Government of the United Stafr . Pur
suant to that enactment I appointed Ferdi
nand W. Peck , of Chicago , ComniNsioner
General , with an assistant eonimh-I'mer.
general and secretary. Mr. Peck at once
proceeded to Paris , where hi-- Micros ? in en
larging the scope and variety of the United
States' exhibit has been uio. t ratifying.
Kmbarcoes on American Products.
Negotiations to the same end with Ger
many have been set on foot. Meanwhile no
effort has been relaxed to convince the Im
perial Government of the thorotiKhiu s ot
our Inspection of pork products for exporta
tion , -and It Is trusted that the eflMent ad
ministration of this measure ' y the Pryart-
ment of Agriculture will be recognized as a
guaranty of the healthfulne s of th" food
staples we send abroad to countrr- < where
their use Is large aud necessary.
I transmitted to the Senate Feb. 10 last
information touching the prohibition aji.iinst
the importation of fresh fruits from this
country , wfcicli had then recently been de
creed by Germany on the ground of danger
of disseminating the San Jose cale insect.
This precautionary measure wa ; justified by
Germany on the score of the drn tlo steps
taken In several States of the Union against
the spread of the pest. Later the. prohibi
tion was extended to dried fruit" of every
kind , but was relaxed so as to apply only
to unpeeled fruit and fruit waste. A waa
to be expected , the alarm reached to other
countries , aud Switzerland has adopted a
similar Inhibition. Efforts are In progress
to Induce the German and Swisg Govern
ments to relax the prohibition In favor of
dried fruits shown to have been cured under
circumstances rendering the existence of
animal life Impossible.
Friendly Relations with Great Britain
Our relations with Great Britain have con
tinued on the most friendly footing. As
senting to our request , the protection of
Americans and their lntore < N In Spanish"
jurisdiction was assumed by the diplomatic
and consular representatives of Great IJrlt-
alu , who fulfilled their delicate and arduous
trust with tact and zeal , elicit ing Iiijrii com
mendation.
The long-standing claim of IJornard ( "amp-
bell for damages for Injuries sustained from
a violent assault committed against him l y ,
military authorities In the Island of llayt ! ,
has been settled by the agreement of that
republic to-pay him ? 10ijOJ in American
Annexation of Hawaiian Islands.
Pending the consideration by the Senate
if the treaty signed June 10 , lsj > 7. by the
plenipotentiaries of the United State and
jf the republic of Hawaii , providing for the-
uinexation of the Islands , a joint rcsulu-
: ion to accomplish the same purpose by ac.-
-epting the offered cossron and Incorporating
: he ceded territory Into the Union w.is
idopted by the Congress and approved July
u IS'JS. I thereupon directed the United
states steamer Philadelphia , to convey Rear
\dmiral Miller to Honolulu , and intrusted
o his hands this important legisl.itIve act
: o be delivered to the President of the ro-
lublle of Hawaii , with whom the Adm'ral
ind the United States minister were author-
zed to make appropriate arraumeiits for
Tunsferring the sovereignty ot the islands
o the United Srates. This w.simplr. . but
mprcssively , accomplished on the l th of
lugiifet last , by the delivery of : ; certified
ropy of the resolutions to President Dole ,
vho thereupon yielded up to tiie repre-
; entatives of the Government of the United
States the sovereignty and public property
if the Hawaiian Islands. '
Following the further provision . .f the
ilnt resolution , I appointed Shclbv M. Cull
om of Illinois , Johu T. Morgan of Alabama
toliert R. Ilitt of Illinois , San ford U. Dole-
\1 \ Hawaii and Waiter I-\ Greatof Hawaii
; s commissioners to confer and recomnit'ud
o Congress such legislation concerning the
Jaw.iiian Islands as they should deem ncc-
ssary or proper. The commissioners having
ulfilled the mission confidc'l to them , their
eport will be laid before you at an "nrly
iay.
iay.The
The questions heretofore pending between
lawaii aid Japan growing out of the al-
eged mistreatment of Japanese treaty im-
aigrants were , I am pleased to .say , niijust-
d before the act of transfer by the payment
f a reasonable indemnity to the Govern-
nent of Japan.
Under the provisions of the joint resiiu-
lon the existing customs relations of the-
lawaiian Islands with the United States- ?
nd with other countries remain unchanged
ntil legislation shall otherwise provide.
Controversies with Mexico
The Interpretation of certain pnnisloi.s of
he extradition convention of Dec. 11 , 18G1 ,
as been at various times the occasion of
ontroversy with the Government of Mex-
? o. An acute difference arose In the case
f the Mexican demand for the delivery of
esus Gucrrera , who , having led a maraud-
! ig expedition near the border with the
reclaimed purpose of Initiating an insurrec-
ion against President Diaz , escaped into
'exas. Extradition was refused on the
round that the alleged otTetiso ; ; < poiiti-
al In its character , and therefore c.uue-
ithln the treaty proviso of non-surrender.
The Government of Peru has given the
rescribed .lotification of Its Intention tojb -
og.ite the treaty of friendship , commerce
nd im Ijr-.tion concluded with this coun-
ry Aug. 31 , 18S7. I have Invited sugses-
ious by Peru as to the particular provisions
: is desired to annul. In the hope of rcach-
ig stn arrangement where'iy the remaining-
rticles may be provisionnlly saved.
His Majesty , the I'zar , bavins annon--eil
Is purpose to raise the imperial Russian
irssion at this capital to the rank of an
mbassy , I responded , under the authority
nnfcrred by the act of March H , 1SD3 , by
ommlsslouing and accrediting the actual
jpresentatlves at St. Petersburg in "the
npacity of ambassador extraordinary aud
leuipotentiary.
The proposal of the Czar for a general re- t
