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This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Monticello Express
Location
Monticello, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 09, 1897
Page
3
President McKinley delivers the annual message to the fifty fifth Congress in Washington. He praises peaceful relations and the early results of the last session, noting enacted laws and the need to test their permanent value while urging further currency legislation.
Speech outlines currency reform to reduce government debt and defend gold reserves, proposing bank note reforms and bond authority. It reviews Spain's Cuba war policy, discusses belligerency recognition, and endorses humanitarian intervention only if Spain’s reforms lead to autonomous Cuba within Spain’s sovereignty.
The article outlines the Cuban question as the dominant foreign relations issue for the government. It discusses the balance between avoiding intervention while addressing Spain and Cuban insurrection concerns and the tensions shaping policy decisions.
The text outlines a shift to clemency under a new Spanish military command, promising protection for fields and industry, release of prisoners, and care for the afflicted in Cuba. It asserts Spain's aim to restore peaceful work and vows U S action only if necessary to uphold rights, civilization, and humanity.
In a special message dated June 16, the president argues for Senate confirmation of the Hawaii treaty to annex the islands as part of the United States. He stresses longstanding US interest, independence of Hawaii, and the need for Congress to decide details of union, local government, and inmate franchise while preserving self rule and broad political liberties for Hawaiians.
The United States plans to station William L. Merrick as minister to Nicaragua Salvador and Costa Rica with temporary headquarters in San Jose. Nicaragua will not accept him due to a June 1895 treaty while lacking accreditation and appropriation limits hindered sending him. The Nicaragua Canal project continues with a commission surveying feasible routes costs and plans for full construction.
The United States special envoys Edward Wolcott Charles Paine and Adlai Stevenson report limited progress toward a multilateral agreement on gold and silver values. France joins in pursuing a practical solution while Britain outlines joint steps with French and U.S. envoys presented to the British government.
Our special envoys have not made their final report as further negotiations between this government and other nations are pending and under contemplation. They believe doubts about maintaining parity between the metals may be resolved through further talks.
The president appointed John A. Kasson of Iowa as special commissioner to negotiate under the revenue act of 1897. Negotiations with several European and American governments are underway. The aim is to remove or ease grievances and expand U S commercial exchanges for mutual advantage.
The administration renewed two year efforts to protect fur seals in the Northern Pacific and Behring Sea. Japan and Russia sent delegates to a Washington conference in October and November, agreeing that an international treaty is needed to prevent extinction. Britain sent experts who met with U S commissioners on Pribylof Island, confirming duties to protect and restore the herd. Negotiations continue with a report to Congress expected soon.
The speaker calls for due consideration by Congress of international arbitration. He notes events reinforce views from his inaugural, praises global move toward settling disputes without war, and pledges constant support for treaties upholding humane principles without harming U S interests or honor.
The article argues for expanded naval facilities and armor funding. It notes four first class battleships and 48 other vessels, with five more first class battleships under construction. It calls for three to four Atlantic docks, one Pacific dock, a Gulf floating dock, and increased powder munitions and personnel, plus a Pacific coast battleship and more torpedo boats.
An Alaska governance overhaul is urged as population rises and winter shortages loom. Proposals call for a flexible territorial government, broader surveys, and access improvements to prevent ongoing distress in Yukon river areas.
The article argues that the five civilized tribes have not kept pace with growing white settlement in the Indian Territory. It notes 45,394 tribal members versus 200,000 to 230,000 whites, millions of acres of fertile land, and widespread white towns with homes and large businesses.
The document outlines tribal land ownership issues the need for citizenship, and the Dawes Commission efforts to extinguish tribal titles and allot lands among the Five Civilized Tribes. It notes opposition, partial agreements with Choctaws and Chickasaws, Creek ratification failure, and pending talks with Cherokees and Seminoles.
The Union Pacific main line was sold by court decree on November 1 to satisfy government subsidy bonds of 27,230,512 principal and 31,211,711.75 interest. The government may bid to redeem the Kansas Pacific line with an upset price of 2,500,000 over prior liens, and deposits are required to qualify as bidder under the 1887 act.
Comptroller James H. Eckels argues for amendments to the national bank act to expand note issuance and liquidity. He cites banks’ ability to meet trade demands, notes the 1863 system's history, and details 3,617 active banks with $230 million in circulation as of October 31 1897 and rising insolvencies.
The civil service gains tightening business methods and merit standards, expanding examinations and ensuring hearings before dismissal for incompetence. The aim is to shield veterans, curb political removals, and keep officials accountable while preserving tenure security tied to performance.
President William McKinley urges Congress to keep appropriations within receipts. He argues expenses can be reduced without harming public service and stresses the duty to avoid deficits in the current session. December 1897 message from the Executive Mansion.
Burned to a crisp in Kansas after saturated kerosene and self immolation. Husband and daughter seriously burned trying to save her. In Tulsa a general store fire destroys over 100000 dollars in goods. James Mingle found guilty of murdering Mary Briscoe’s infant child and sentenced to death.
In a Saturday election within the Chickasaw nation, the ratification of the Dawes Choctaw treaty failed decisively. Adopted and intermarried citizens were barred from voting in the referendum.
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