POLITICS IN AMERICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1069, 10 December 1903, Page 1

POLITICS IN AMERICA.

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Washington, Dec. 8. President Eoosevolt’e message at the opening of Congress was similar to last year's messago. He referred to trusts and the relations of capital and Jabor ; anticipated a very small surplus for the current year ; reoommended the appointment of a committee of enquiry into the condition of the mercantile marine ; expressed satisfaction with the fairness and goodwill underlying the. Alaska . boundary award, and the growth of improved methods of settlement implied in the Venezuelan arbitration ; and emphasised the importance of the fact that China had opened Mukden and Antung to foreigners. Ho justified tho United States’ attitude cowards Panama, and declared there had been 53 riotous outbreaks on the isthmus during the past 57 years, which proved Colombia’s helplessness to govern. In emphasising the need for a strong navy, he added : “ Americans cannot afford to let up in this groat work."

; London, Dec, 8. The New York correspondent of the Times says an extra session called to discuss the question of reciprocity with Cuba merged at noon into a regular session. President Boosevolt, actiog on the artful advice of Senator Lodge and lawyers, between the first and last strokes of the clock striking 12, an appreciable interval, utilised it as a recess, and nominated Brigadier-General Wood, who recently crushingly defeated the Filipinos, as Mayor. Mr G. Neal also re nominated Dr Crum, a negro, as a recess appointment. President Boosevelt’s previous nomination of Dr Crum as Collector of Customs at Charlestown raised the question whether color was a bar to selection I for federal offioe, and was strongly resented in certain quarters.