Hope maketh not ashamed.

None exists now.

We are reunited.

Sectionalism has disappeared.

We will not leave the destiny of the loyal millions the islands to the disloyal thousands who are in rebellion against the United States.

Now they are sufficient for all public needs, and we have a surplus instead of a deficit.

It is the constitutional method of ascertaining the public will.

The Republic has marched on and on, and its step has exalted freedom and humanity.

Strong hearts and helpful hands are needed, and, fortunately, we have them in every part of our beloved country.

Now I have the satisfaction to announce that the Congress just closed has reduced taxation in the sum of $41,000,000.

It became inevitable; and the Congress at its first regular session, without party division, provided money in anticipation of the crisis and in preparation to meet it.

Existing problems demand the thought and quicken the conscience of the country.

I did all that in honor could be done to avert the war, but without avail.

The prophets of evil were not the builders of the Republic.

The peace which we are pledged to leave to the Cuban people must carry with it the guaranties of permanence.

Whatever remains unfulfilled is a continuing obligation resting with undiminished force upon the Executive and the Congress.

We are now at peace with the world, and it is my fervent prayer that if differences arise between us and other powers they may be settled by peaceful arbitration and that hereafter we may be spared the horrors of war.

May it end without further bloodshed, and there be ushered in the reign of peace to be made permanent by a government of liberty under law!