As a whole, the Presiden's annual message to Congress was distinctly disappointing. It was almost devoid of recommendation on any subject, being ta simple recital of the events of the war amd. of the conditions of the time in internationed and domestic affairs. The matter of they future government of the country's neve possessions is left in abeyance and the reform of the currency and the evactmerit of the gold standard is ignored. The explanation for such a message is given by the friends of the Administration as th: at Mr. McKinley wished to avoid distracting the attention' of Congress from the pressing. questions of appropriations and the r organisation of the military forces of the country.
On but one point was the attention of! other countries turned and that was the President's reference to Chinese matters. He: says "The United States has not been an indiffe—rent spectator of the extraordinary events. transpiring in the Chinese Empire, whereby: portions of its maritime provinces are pas~ sing under the control of various European Powers; but the prospect that the vast commerce which the activity of our citizens and the necessity of our staple productions for Chinese use, has built up in these regions may not be prejudiced through any exclu sive treatment by the new occupants, jag obsinted the need of our country becor ging an actor in the scene. Our position? song the nations as having a large Paci?,<\ron& and a constantly expanding dire ct" trade the Farther Orient, give equitable claim to consideration yng friend= ly treatment in this regard, a 14'Jp will be my aim to subserve our larr 4c Interests in that quarter by all means 6° opriate to the constant policy of our Gov" sonment.
The territories of Ki so chou, of Weihaiwei, and of Port Atth grand leased to Germany, Russia respectively & " an Great Britain, and it % snnonnoed, "by °C Comme Of seam, will uncod, Ys open, to international commerce during such alien occupation; and if no. disc iminating treatment of American citizen gs and their trade be found to exist, or the hereafter developed, the Fosgate of ti i, Government would appear to, desire of thi
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.