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Newspaper
Freeport Daily Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 06, 1898
Page
8
The president outlines a war context with Spain over Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, urges a standing army of 100000 and supports Long’s naval expansion. He highlights economic gains, unified national spirit, and the need for decisive action amid mounting tensions and a March 9 defense appropriation.
The document reviews the Cuban crisis after Weyler’s reconcentration decree with high mortality among evacuees. It notes relief efforts by consuls and the Red Cross saving thousands, while many remained inaccessible. It cites the Maine disaster in Havana harbor, the naval inquiry finding an external submarine mine, and the nation’s cautious resolve toward intervention.
A congressional joint resolution declares Cuba free and independent and calls on Spain to relinquish authority and withdraw forces. The United States pledges to pacify Cuba, maintain no sovereignty, and hand control to the Cuban people after evacuation. Negotiations with Spain lead to a protocol signed by M Cambon on August 12, resuming hostilities’ suspension and beginning troop muster-out.
The document recounts the declaration of war on Spain in 1898, noting Madrid broke diplomatic ties, General Woodford left Madrid, Cuba blockaded, and Congress declaring war retroactively from April 1. It lists mobilization, sea defenses, a war loan, and casualty totals for Army and Navy. It honors service of troops and naval personnel and mentions the fall of Admiral Cervera and the capitulation of Santiago.
President outlines deferred treaty discussions with the senate and retention of military rule in occupied territories until ratification. He envisions a future Cuban government built by Cubans with friendly US relations and reciprocal trade, while urging nonviolent benevolence and pacification. He notes continuity of diplomacy despite war and ongoing Latin American civil conflicts.
The Nicaragua canal commission under Rear Admiral John G. Walker has nearly finished its inquiry on the feasible Nicaraguan route. The report urges Congress to act during the current session to define policy, while Nicaragua may have granted an option concession to a mother association. The move follows pressures from Nicaragua and Costa Rica amid maritime canal prospects and US Pacific influence.
The United States monitors dramatic shifts in Chinese provinces as foreign powers gain control while stressing that American commerce must not be unduly harmed by exclusive occupation. The president notes ongoing negotiations with France and Germany to protect U.S. trade interests.
The message highlights friendly Anglo American relations and Britain's role protecting U S interests in Spanish jurisdiction. It notes Canadian passage for U S revenue cutters, the Canada Great Britain dispute easing, and a plan for Canadas governance of new islands. It calls for currency reforms to stabilize gold reserves and align with rivals. It urges Congress wise consideration of monetary policy and paper currency safeguards.
Secretary of the Treasury details fiscal year ending June 20 1898 with receipts of 405 321 335 and expenditures of 442 368 582. Customs brought in 149 575 062 and internal revenue 170 900 641 while imports fell and free duties rose. Exports reached 1 231 482 838 with a projected 577 874 607 receipts for 1899 and 6808 4627 expenditures, yielding a 112 000 000 deficit. Net gold holdings rose sharply, boosting confidence in the U.S. credit and treasury resources amid wartime strengthening measures.
The passage argues that United States notes redeemed in gold should remain in gold and not be circulated as non gold payments. It contends government debt issued to fund gold redemption creates an unnecessary interest-bearing burden and urges strict gold redemption upon demand.
The document urges permanent army expansion beyond prewar levels, supports adding up to 100000 troops if needed, and allows presidential discretion to recruit from island populations. It also notes pension rolls, appropriations for 1898, and the need for maritime policy and postal growth as part of wartime administration. The text discusses yellow fever investigations and sanitary measures for Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines.
The agriculture department lists extensive activity including seed and plant explorations, forest adaptation projects, water law studies, and nationwide sugar beet trials. It notes forest reserves totaling about 40 744 acres and a new interior forest system to police reserves. Fire prevention and arson reduction measures show results. The text mentions ship and labor policy proposals and Hawaii annexation alongside Cuba and Puerto Rico changes.
President McKinley urges Congress to fund Washington D C centennial ceremonies marking the 1900 founding anniversary and early capital status. He notes czar led peace plan, naval armament limits, and arbitration on Venezuela Britain border.
The Illinois Central R A offers a one and one third fare for round trips to points within 200 miles of Freeport. Tickets good for travel December 24 25 26 and 31 1808 and January 1 2 1599, with return valid through January 4 1909.
Ticket agent A W Rowley offers all items in stock at Illinois Central Office. Customers can obtain tickets and related information directly from the central ticket office.
New 99c Store advertises a large stock of goods with dinner sets plain white and decorated cups and saucers 10c to 15c fancy. After dinner coffees 10c to 15c chamber sets lamps glassware pickle dishes and more. Byers McCutchen 120 Galena 8 3-lddwly 9c Store.
An advertisement touts Foley's Kidney Cure as the guaranteed remedy for kidney and bladder troubles. It claims universal physician endorsement and notes price and refund terms.
Excursion tickets sold on Tuesday and Friday each week to Omaha for one fare plus two dollars round trip. Limit fifteen days. J B Sweatt, agent. Winter excursion rates to Southern resorts via Southern Railway begin October 15. Tickets valid for fifteen days with return through May 31, 1899. Southern Railway agents in Louisville and Chicago offer schedules and rates.
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