SUPPLEMENT TO REPUBLICAN, Tionesto, IJa. DECEMBER 7, 1898. The National Spirit Has Been Strengthened by ths War. A BRIEF RECITAL OF THE STRIFE. Cubans Knnountgod to Form a Cioveru inrut for Theiimdveit- AuiitrU Kt III le iimiiillngSullfrtlim for the I.nttlmer lUnt-Coiigretu irrged to Act In Kegard to the Mriirgua Cminl GovriiUMnt In Sympathy With t!ii Cur' Iuc Movement-Condition of the Treasury. President McKinley's message was submitted to Congress last Monday. The war Is carefully reviewed Irmii be ginning to end and the president feels grateful over t':e icsii.t. Our new possessions and their future govern nients. as well as the history of the war are considered in the following tut usage: Washington, December 5. The Pres ident's message was sent to Congress To the Senate and House of Reprtsen- tatlves: Notwithstanding' the uddd burdens rendered necessary by the war our people are In a very satisfactory and Steadily Increasing degree of prosper ity, evidenced by the largest vol ume of business ever recorded. Manufacture has been produc tive, agricultural pursuits have yielded abundant returns, labor In all fields of Industry Is better rewarded, ' revenue legislation passed by the pres ent Congress has Increased the treas ury's receipts to the amount estimated by Its authors; the finances of the gov ernment hnvo been successfully admin istered and its credit advanced to the llrst rank; while Its currency has been maintained at the world's highest standard. Military service under a common ting and for a rlfihteous cauae has strengthened the national Hplrlt and served to cement mere closely than ever the fraternal buiuls between every section of the country. A review of the relation of the I'nlted States to other powers, always afproprlate, Is this year of primary importance In view of the momentous issues which have arisen, demanding in one instance the ultimate determin ation by arms and Involving far-reaching consequences which will inspire the earnest attention of the Congress. In my last message very full consid eration was given to the question of the government of the United States toward Spain and the Cuban insurrec tion as being by far the most impor tant 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 evtreme gravity of the situation. Setting aside, as logically unfounded or practically Inadmissible, the recognition of the Cuban Insurg ents as belligerents, the recognition of Cuba, neutral Intervention to end the war by Imposing a rational compro mise: between the contestants, inter vention 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 irre vocably committed. Within a few w eeks previously she had announced compre hensive plans which 11 was confidently asserted would be efficacious to reme dy the evils so deeply affecting our country, so injurious to the true in terests of the mother country as well as to those of Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal sentiment of human ity. The ensuing month brought little Blgn of real progress toward the raciti catlon of Cuba. The autonomous ad ministration set up in the capita! end Borne of the principal cities appeared i 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 poli cies of the government that had pre ceded it. No tangible relief was af forded the vast number? of unhappy reconcentrados, despite the reiterated professions made In that regard and the amount appropriated by Spain to that end. The proffered expedient of zor.es of cultivation proved illusory; Indeed, no less practical nor more de lusive 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 unsympa thetic strangers hardly leas necessitous than themselves. MEETING A CRISIS. By the end of December the mortal ity among them had frightfully In creased. Conservative estimates from Spanish sources placed the deaths among these distressed people at over 40 per cent, from the time Clen. Wey lcr'a decree of reconcentratlun was en forced. With the acquiescence of the Spanish authorities a scheme was adopted for relief by charitable contri butions, raised In this country and dis tributed, under the direction of the consul general and the several consuls, by noble and earnest ndividual effort through the organized agencies of the American Hed Cross. Thousands of lives were thus saved, but many thou sands more were inaccessible to such forms of aid. The war continued on the old footing without comprehensive plan, develop ing only the same spasmodic encount ers, barren of strategic result, that had marked the course of the earlier ten years' rebellion as well as the? present Insurrection from its rtart. No altern ative save physical exhaustion of cither 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 l'th of Feb ruary lust, occur! ed th? destruction of the battleship 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 whi h stirred the nation's heart profoundly. It is a striking evidence of the poise and Bturdy good sense distinguishing our rational character that this shocking blow, falling upon a generous people, already deeply touched by preceding events In Cuba, did nut move them to president mn II HE8SIGE an Instant, desperate resolve to toler ate no longer the existence of a condi tion of danger and disorder at our doors that made possible such a deed, by whomsoever wrought. Yet the in stinct of Justice prevailed and the na tion 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 externally by a submarine mine, and only halted, through lack of positive testimony, to fix the responsibility of its author ship. All these things carried conviction to the most thoughtful, even before the finding cf the naval board, that a cri sis In our relationa with Spain and to ward Cuba was at hand. So strong was this belief that it needed but a brief executive suggestion, to the con gress to receive immediate answer to the duty of making instant provision for the possible and perhaps speedily piobable emergency of war, and the remarkable, almost unlqu, spectacle was presented of a unanimous vote of both houses on the 9th of March ap propriating $50,0110,000 "for the national defence and for each and every pur pose connected therewith, to be ex pended nt the discretion of the Presi dent." That this act of prsvlslon came none too soon was disclosed when the application of the fund was undertak en. Our coasts were practically unde fended. Our navy needed large pro vision for Increased ammunition and supplies, and even numbers to cope with any sudden attack from the navy of Spain, which comprised modern ves sels cf the highest type of continental perfection. Our army also required en largement of men and munitions. The details of the hurried preparations 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. PREPARING FOR HOSTILITIES. The maximum effective fighting force of the navy during the war, sep arated Into classes, was ps follows: Four battleshps of the first class; 1 battleship of the second class: 2 arm ored cruisers; 6 coast defense monitors; 1 armored ram; 12 protected cruisers; 3 unprotected cruisers; 18 gunboats; 1 dynamite cruiser; 11 torpedo boats; U vessels of the old navy. Including mon itors. Auxiliary navy: 11 auxiliary cruisers: 28 converted yachts; 27 con verted tugs: 19 converted colliers; 15 revenue cutters; 4 lighthouse tenders ar.d IS miscellaneous vessels. Much alurm was felt along our entire Atlnntle seaboard lest some attack might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent pos sible 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 forc. About 12,000 troops were thus employ ed. The coast signal service was es tablished for observing the approach of an enemy's ships to the coast of the I'nlted States, and the life-saving and lighthouse services co-operated, which enabled the Navy department to have all portions of tho Atlantic coast, from Maine to Texas, under ob servation. The auxiliary navy was created un der the authority of Congress and was officered and manned by the nnval mi litia of the several States. This or ganization patrolled the coast and per formed the duty cf a second line of de fense. Under the direction of the chief of ergineers, submarine mines were placed at the most exposed points. Be fore the outbreak of the war, perma nent mining casemutes and cable gal leries had been constructed at. nearly all Important harbors. Most, of the tor pedo material was not to be found in the market, and had to be specially manufactured. Under date of April 10, district officers were directed to take all preliminary measures, short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the cables, nnd on April 21, telegraphic orders were Issued to place the loaded mlne3 In position. The ag gregate number of mines placed were 1.5:15. at tho principal harbors from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the planting of mines nt certain other hurbors, but owing to the early destruction of the Spanish fleet, these were not placed. The Signal Corps was-promptly or ganized and performed service of the most difllcult and important character. Its operations during the war covered the electrical connection of all coast fortifications, the establishment of tel ephonic nnd telegraphic facilities for the camps at Manila. Santiago and in Porto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles of line at ten great camps, thus facilitating military movements from those points In a manner hereto fore unknown In military administra tion. Field telegraph lines were es tablished and maintained under the enemy's fire at Manila, and later the Manila-Hongkong cable was reopened. MONEY PROVIDED BY CONGRESS. In Porto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued route, and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept in tele graphic communication with the divi sion commanders on four different lines of operations. There was placed in Cuban waters a completly outfitted cable ship, with war cables and cable gear, suitable both for the destruction of communi cations 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 Gen. Shafter's corps at Caimanera, within 20 miles of the landing place, cable communications were established and u cable station opened, giving direct communication with the government at Washington. This service was in valuable 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, offi cers and men Included, only five. 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 neded 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 July 13, by au thorizing a 3 per cent popular loan not to exceed $100,000,000 and by levying additional Imposts and taxes. Of the authorized loan, $200,000,000 were offer ed and promptly taken, the subscrip tions so far exceeding the call as to cover it mariy times over, while pre ference 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 deter mination of the people to uphold their country's honor. It Is not within the province of the 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 recon naissance in force at Matanzas, shelled the harbor forts and demolished sev eral new works in construction. DEWEY'S MAGNIFICENT VICTORY 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 21 hours' notice being given, it repaired to Mlrs Bay, near Hongkong, whence It proceeded to the Philippine Islands under telegraphic orders to capture or destroy the formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at Manila. At day break on the 1st of May the American force entered Manila Bay, and after a few hours' engagement effected tho total destruction of the Spanish fleet, consisting of ten warships and a trans port, besides capturing the naval sta tion and forts at Cavlte, thus annihi lating the Spanish naval power In the Pacific ocean and completely controll nlg the bay of Manila, with the ability to take the city at will. Not a life was lost on our ships, the wounded num bered only seven, while not a vessel was materially Injured. For this gal lant achievement the .Congress, upon my recommendation, ' fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and sub stantial 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 at tached to our arms, which continued throughout the struggle. Reinforce ments were hurried to Manila under the command of Maj. Gen. Merritt. and firmly established within Bight of the capital, which lay helpless before our arms. On the 7th day of May the govern ment was advised officially of the vic tory of Manila, and at once inqu!-ed of tho commander of our fleet what troops would be required. The infor mation was received on the 15th day of Mny, and the first army expedition sailed May 25. and arrived oft Manila June 30. Other expeditions soon fol lowed, the total force consisting of 641 officers and 13.058 men. Only reluctance to cause needless loss of life and property prevented the early storming and capture of the city, and therewith the absolute mllitary occupancy of the whole group. The Insurgents meanwhile had resumed the active hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce of December. 1$97. Their forces Invested Manila from the northern and eastern side, but were constrained by Admiral Dewey and Gen. Merritt from attempting an as sault. It was fitting that whatever was done In the way of decisive opera tions in that quarter should be ac complished 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 as sailable 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 advan tageous peace could be thought of. THE BLOCKADE OF CUBA. Following the comprehensive scheme of general attack, powerful forces were assembled at various points on our coast to Invade Cuba and Porto Rico. Meanwhile, naval demonstrations were made at several exposed points. On May 11 the cruiser Wilmington and tcrpsdo boat Wlnslovy were unsuccess ful In an attempt to silence the bat teries at Cardenas, a - gallant ensign, Worth Bagley, and four seamen fall ing. These grievous fatalities were, strangely enough, among the very few which occurred during our naval operations In this extraordinary con flict. Meanwhile the Spanish naval pre parations 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 move ments in the Caribbean sea delayed our military plans, while bafliing the pursuit of our fleets. For a time fears were felt lest the battleship Oregon and gunboat Marietta, nearing home ufter a long voyage from San Fran tisco of over 15,000 miles, might be surprised by Admiral Cervera s fleet, but their fortunate arrival dispelled apprehensions and lent much needed reinforcement. Not until Admiral Cer vera took refuge In the harbor of San tiago de Cuba, about May 19, was it practicable to plan a systematic naval and military attack upon the Antlllean possessions of Spain. Several demonstrations occurred on the counts of Cuba and Porto Rico in preparation for the larger event. On May 13 the North Atlantic squadron Bhelled San Juan de Porto Rico. On May 30 Commodore Schley's Bquadron bombarded the forts guarding the mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at tack had any material result. It was evident that well ordered land opera tions 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 hero Ism. On the night of 'July 3 Lieut. Hob3on, aided by seven devoted volun teers, blocked the narrow outlet from Santiago harbor by sinking the collier Merrlmac In the channel, under a fierce fire from the shore batteries, escaping with their lives by a miracle, but fall ing 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 subse quently exchanged July 7. By June 7 the cutting of the last Cu ban cable Isolated the island. There after 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 Im portant and essential port was taken from the enemy after severe fighting by the marines, who were the first or ganized force of the United States to land in Cuba. DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S SQUADRON. The position bo won was held despite desperate attempts to dislodge our forces. On June 22 the advance of the Invading army, under Maj. Gen. Shat ter, landed at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of Santiago. This was aecom plished under great difficulties, but with marvelous dispatch, on June zs the movement against Santiago begun. On the 24th the first serious engage ment took place, In which the First and Tenth Cavalry and the Urst United States Volunteer Calvary, Gen Young's brigade, Gen. Wheeler's divi sion, participated, losing heavily. By nightfall, however, ground within five miles of Santiago was won. The ad vantage was steadily increased. On July 1 a severe battle took place, our forces gaining the outworks of Santi ago; on the 2d El Caney and San Juan were taken, after a desperate charge, and the Investment of the city was completed. The navy co-operated by shelling the town and the coast fort Cn the day following this brilliant achievement of our land forces, July 3, occurred the decisive naval combat of the war. The Spanish fleet attempt ing 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, two torpedo boats being sunk, and the Maria Teresa, Almirants Oquendo, Vlzcaya 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 serious ly wounded. Although our Bhips were repeatedly struck, not one was serious ly Injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished themselves, from the commodore to the gunners, and the unnamed heroes In the boiler rooms, each and all contributing toward the achievement of this astounding vic tory 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 special honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded the more conspicuous actors the nation's profoundest grat itude 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 meas ured. Nor can we be unmindful of the achievements of our builders, mechan ics and artisans for their skill in the construction of our warships. With the catastrophe of Santiago Spain's efforts upon the ocean virtual ly ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her Medit erranean fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve Manila was abandoned, the expedition being recalled after it had passed through the Suez canal. THE FALL OF SANTIAGO. The capitulation of Santiago follow ed. The city was closely besieged by land, while the entrance of our ships into the harbor cut off all relief on that side and caused a truce to follow for the removal of non-combatants, Protracted negotiations continued from July 3 to July 15, when, under menace of Immediate assault, the pre liminaries of surrender were agreed upon. On the 17th Gen. Shafter oc cupied the city. The capitulation em braced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number of Spanish soldiers surren dered was 22,000. all of whom were subsequently conveyed to Spain at the charge of the I'nlted States. The story of this successful campaign is told In the report of the secretary of war, which will be laid before you. The in dividual 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 I nited States upon land as the fight off Santiago had 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 occu pation of Porto Rico became the next strategic necessity. Gen. Miles had previously been assigned to organize an expedition for that purpose. Fortu nately he was already at Santiago, where he had arrived on the 11th of July, with reinforcements for Geh. Shafter's army. With these troops, consisting of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two companies of engineers, one company of the Sig nal Corps. Gen. Miles left Guantanamo on July 21. having nine transports, convoyed by the fleet under Capt. Hig- ginson, with the Massachusetts (flag ship), Dixie, Gloucester, Columbia and Yale, the two latter carrying troops. The expedition landed at Guanlca, July 25, which port was entered with little opposition. Here the fleet was Joined by the Annapolis and the Wasp, while the Puritan and Amphitrlte went to San Juan and Joined the New Orleans. which was engaged In blockading thnt port. The major-general commanding was subsequently reinforced by uen Schwan's brigade of the Third army corps, by Gen. Wilson, with a part of his division, and also by Gen. Brooks with a part of his corps, numbering in all 16,Si3 officers and men. On July 27 he entered Ponce, one of the most Important ports in the Is land, from which he thereafter directed operations for the capture of the is land. With the exception of encounters with the enemy at Guayum, Hormi guares, Coamo and Yauco, and an at tack on a force landed at Cape San Juan, there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted with great vigor, and by the Iat of August much of the Island was In our posses sion, and the acquisition of the re raaindcr was only a matter of a short time. At most of the points In the Is land 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 to ward peace, the outcome of the Porto Rlcan operations was or great conse quence and generous commendation Is due to those who participated In it. THE CAPTURE OF MANILA. The last scene of the war was enacted at Manila, Its starting place. On Au gust 15, after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces, In which the squadron assisted, the capital sur rendered unconditionally. The casual ties we.-e comparatively few. By this the conquest of the Philippine islands, virtually accomplished when the Span ish capacity for resistance was de stroyed by Admiral Dewey's victory of the 1st of May. was formally sealed. To Gen. Merritt, his officers and men for their uncomplaining nnd devoted service, and for their gallantry in ac tion, the nation Is sincerely grateful Their long voyage was made with sin gular success, and the soldierly con duct of the men, most of whom were without previous experience in th 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, 2.".7; total. 2S0; of ficers wounded. 113; enlisted men wounded, 1,464; total, 1,577. Of the navy, killed, 12; wounded. 67; died us result of wounds, 1; Invalid from serv ice. 6: total, ill. It will be observed that ' while our navy was engaged in two great battles ami in numerous perilous undertak ings, In blockade and bombardment, and more thun 50.000 of our troops wen transported to distant lands nnd were engaged in assault and sieges and hut tie 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 Merrlmuc not a soldier or sailor was taken prisoner. On August 7, 46 days after the date of the landiijg of Gen. Shafter's army In Cuba and 21 days from the surren der of Santiago, the United States troops commenced embarkation for home, and our entire force was return ed to the United States as early as August 24. There 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, although eager to be ordered to the post of greater exposure, fortu nately 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 lemalned In their departments and stations faithfully performing most Important duties connected with the war, and whose requests for assign ment in the field and at sea I was com pelled to refuse because their services were indispensable here, are entitled to the highest commendation. It is my regret that there seems to be no suit able provision for their recognition. , SPAIN SUES FOR PEACE. In this connection It is a pleasure for me to mention In terms of cordial ap preciation 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 exper ienced leadership of the president of the society, Miss Clara Barton, In the fields of battle and In the hospitals at the front in Cuba. Working in con junction with the governmental au thorities and under their sanction ana approval, and with the enthusiastic co-operation of many patriotic women and societies In the various States, the Red Cross has fully malntwned its already high reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble purposes of Its international or ganization, thus Justifying the confi dence and support which it has re ceived at the hands of the American people. To the members and officers of this society, and all who aided them in their philanthropic work, tne sincere and lasting gratitude of the soldiers and the public Is due and is freely accorded. In tracing these events we are con stantly reminded of our obligations to the Divine Master, of His watchful care over us and Ills safe guidance, for which the nation makes reverent ac knowledgment and offers humble prayer for the continuance of His favor. The annihilation of Admiral Cer vera's fleet, followed by the capitula tion of Santiago, having brought to 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 Span ish 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 Btate the terms upon which It would be willing to make peace. On July 30, by a communication addressed to the Duke of Almondovar and handed to M. Cambon, the terms of this govern ment were announced, substantially as in the protocol afterward signed. On August 10 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, Porto Rico and an island of the Ladrone groupe, but appeared to seek to Introduce inadmissible reser vations In regard to our demand as to the Philippine Islands. Conceiving dis cussion 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 in explicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted, the only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft or protocol embody ing the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30. with added stipulations of detail aa to the ap pointment of commissioners to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish An tilles. A PROTOCOL SIGNED. 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. Cam bon, as the plenipotentiary of Spain, and Secretafy of State, as the plenipo tentiary of the United States, signed a protocol providing: "Article 1. Spain will relinquish nil claim of sovereignty over and the title to Cuba. "Article 2. Spain will cede to the United States the Island of Porto Rico and other islands now under Spanish sovereignty In the West Indies, and also an island in the Ladrones, to be selected In the United States. "Article 3. The United States will oc cupy and hold the city, bay and har bor of Manila pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall deter mine the control, disposition and gov ernment 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 de tails of stipulated evacuation of Cuba, Poito Rico and other Spanish islands in the West Indies. The fifth article provided for the ap pointment of not more than live com missioners on each side to meet at Paris not later than October 1, and to proceed to the negotiation and conclu sion of a treaty of peace, subject to ratification according to the respective constitutional forms of the two coun tries. 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. Immediatiy upon the conclusion of the protocol I Issued a proclamation of August 12 suspending hostilities on the part of t he United States. The neces sary orders to that end were at once given by telegrauh. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan de Porto Rico wan In like manner raised. On August 18 the muster out of 100.0'W volunteers, or as near that number as was found to be practicable, was or dered. MILITARY COMMISSIONERS NAM UP. On December 1. 101.165 officers and men had been mustered out and dis charged from the service ami ft.iio2 iiiiiio will be mustered out by the Kith of the month. Also n corresponding number of general and geneial st.iff officers have been honorably discharg ed from the service. Th'? military com missions to superintend the evacuation of Cuba, Porto Klco, and the adlaceut islands were forthwith appointed: For Cuba Maj. Gen. James F. Wade. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Maj. -Gen. Matthew C. Sut ler: for Porto Rico, Maj.-Gen. John II. Brooke, Rear Admiral Wirdleld S. Schley. Brig. Gen. Win. G. Gordon, who Boon afterward met the Suanlsh commissioners at Havana and San Juan respectively. The Porto Rlcan Joint commission speedily accomplished Its task, and by October 18 the evacu ation of the island was completed. The United States flag was raised over the island at noon on that day. The ad ministration of its affairs has been provisionally intrusted to a military governor until the Congress shall otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint high commission has not yet termin ated its labors. Owing to the difficul ties In the way of removing the large numbers of Spanish troops still in Cuba, the evacuation cannot be com pleted 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. Fry and George Gray, senators of the United States, and Whitelaw Reld. to be the peace commissioners on the part of the Uni ted States. Proceeding in due season to Paris, they there met on the first of October, five commissioners similarly appointed on the part of Spain. Their negotiations have made hopeful prog ress, so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definite treaty of peace before the . Senate, with a review of the steps leading to Its signature. I do not discuss at this time the gov ernment or the nature of the new pos sessions whlcn 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 occupa tion and give to the people security in life and property and encouragement under a Just and beneficent rule. OUR RELATIONS WITH CUBA. As soon as we are in possession of Cuba and have pacified the Island it will be necessary to give aid and di rection to its people to form a govern ment for themselves. This should, be undertaken at the earliest moment consistent with safety and assured success. It is Important that our re lations with this people should be of the most friendly character, and our commercial relations close and recip rocal. 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 re alizing the best aspirations of the Cu ban people. Spanish rule must be replaced by a Just, benevolent and humane govern ment, created by the people of. Cuba, 1 capable of performing all International obligations and which shall encourage thrift. Industry and prosperity and promote peace and good will anions all the inhabitants, whatever may have been their relations In the past. Neith er revenge nor passion should have a place In the new government. Until, there Is complete tranquillity in the isl and a stable government Inaugurated, military ocupatlon will continue. With the one exception of the rup ture with Spain, the intercourse of the United States with the great family of nations has beenmarke d wlthcordiallty and the close of the eventful year finds most of the Issues that necessarily arise in the complex relations of sov ereign State? adjusted or presenting no serious obstacle to a Just and hon orable solution by amicable agree ment. THE LATTIMER RIOT INCIDENT. On the 10th of September, 1897, a conflict took place at Lattimer, Pa., be tween a body of striking miners and the sheriff of Luzerne county and his deputies, in which 22 miners were kill ed and 44 wounded, of whom 10 of the killed and 12 cf the wounded were Aus trian and Hungarian subjects. This deplorable event naturally aroused tho solicitude of the Austro-Hungarlan government, which, on the assumption that the killing and wounding invol ved the unjustifiable misuse of au thority, claimed reparation for the sufferers. Apart from the searching Investigation and peremptory action of the authorities of Pennsylvania, tho federal executive took appropriate steps to learn the merits of the case, In order to be In a position to meet th urgent complaint of a friendly power. The sheriff and his deputies having been indicted for murder, were tried and acquitted" after protracted pro ceedings and the hearing of hundreds of witnesses on the ground t,hnt 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 for indemnity for its injured Wih all the facts in its possession, this government expects to reach a har monious understanding on the subject with that of Austria-Hungary, not withstanding the renewed claim of the latter after learning the result of the trial for lndcmnly for Itt injured subjects. THE NICARAGUA CAN AL. The Nicaragua canal c onimission, under the chairmanship of Rear Ad miral John G. Walker, appointed July 24, 1897, under the authority of a pro vision In the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year, has nearly completed its labors, and the results of Its ex haustive inquiry into the proper route, the fusibility and the cost of construc tion of an inter-oceanic canal by a Nlcaraguan route. In view of over tures made to the governments of Nic aragua and Costa Rica, by other par ties for a new canal concession pre dicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts of the Maritime Canal company with those states. I have not hesitated to express my con viction that considerations of expedi ency and International policy as be tween the several government."! in terested In the construction and con trol of nn inter-oceanle 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 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 found I'nlted States of Central America, has i granted an optional concession to an other association, to become eflecuve on the expiration of the present grant. It docs not appear what surveys haw hern made or what roule Is proposed' under this contingent grant, so that an examination of the feasibility of Ha plans is necessarily not embraced in the report of the canal commission. All these circumstances suggest the urgency of some definite action by lh.? congress a this session If the labors of th. past are to be u'')ized and the 1 linking of th" Atlantic ami Pacific 1 oieatis by a practical waterway Is to be realized. That th" construction of such maritime hiahway Is now i-ore than ever indispensable to that Inti mate and ready Int r-communicii'.loii lit tv eon our cHst'-rn ami western soa j beaids demanded ly the pp'spec ti v ? I expansion of our Influence ami com I niercc in the Pacific, and that o;ir tint, j if mill policy now nic re Imperatively i t I'M n ever culls for Its ii-ntrol by this j psverriiic'i.t, are propositions w hich I doubt not the einiKres will duly np i pre- ii'le and wiselv act iipoii. (il l; RELATIONS WITH CHINA. The United States has not been an I indifferent spectator of the extra rdi- nary events transpiring in the Chm-.sj
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