AMERICAN CONGRESS.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 368, 8 December 1898, Page 3

AMERICAN CONGRESS.

PRESIDENT'S SPEECH. FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN. [united press association.j (by electric telegraph.—coptkight). Washington, December 5. President Mckinley, in his Message to Congress, states that when the Cubans are pacified, they will be directed to form a just, benevolent and humane Government, to be created by themselves. Deceb-ber 6. The President's Message to Congress dwells on the increased prosperity of the nation and the unprecedented volume of business, the revenue equalling the estimates. Referring to the recent war, the President states that the. championship of the cause of an oppressed people had the effect of cementing all classes of the community. The Message recapitulates the previous Message dealing with the subject, and then goes on to state that the poise and sturdy good sense of the nation was shown to the full over the Maine horror, when the instinct of justice prevailed. The treatment of Lieutenant Hobson by Admiral Cervera, when the former blocked Santiago, was a qualifying incident of the war. He hoped the Americans would always bo mindful of the Almighty's care and guidance. It was their duty to promote thrift, industry and peace in the island which had come into their possession, but meanwhile it would be necessary to maintain military occupation. The Nicaraguan Canal was an indispensable necessity, It was also imperative that America should control it. With regard to afFairs in China, America dasired equal treatment with the other nations, and the American Minister at Pekin had been instructed to secure the fullest protection and instant reparation for any injury to American interests. The warships at Tientsin would act, if needful, to ensure order. The relations with Great Britain were of a most friendly and happy character. There was a prospect of greater trade facilities between America and Canada, and he approved of Mr Alger's and Mr Long's proposals in this respect. The Message foreshadowed no currency legislation. At the opening of Congress the chaplain prayed for blessing on the Queen Regent of Spain and her son, and for the uplifting of the stricken people. Mr Sulzer, a Demoorat, moved a resolution for an inquiry into the conduct of the war. The matter was referred to the Military Committee.