the improvements placed upon this land during the life of this preemption claim and thereafter abandoned were less than $200 in value.

I have therefore the honor to submit the following recommendations and to ask your favorable action thereon:

The preparation of the Bear was commenced on the 11th of November, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury.

I commend this heroic crew to the grateful consideration of Congress and the American people.

In view of the improved condition and increasing usefulness of the Bureau, to which I have already called attention in my annual message, and the welcome assurances of greater activity on the part of the other American republics in support…

The interest of the United States in giving the fullest possible effect to the laudable desire of the international conference to promote not only trade intercourse but a closer fellowship among the various republics of this hemisphere is…

It will doubtless be as gratifying to Congress as it is to me to be informed that the Argentine Republic has decided to renew its relations with the Bureau.

In response to the resolution of the Senate of December 21, 1898, requesting the President, 'If it be not inconsistent with the public service, to inform the Senate whether authentic information is in possession of the Government as to the…

They will aid in carrying out such arrangements.

Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate rights or franchises for the construction of public or quasi public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone lines, water works, gas works…

The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation of Havana, to take place on…

It is most important that there should be no conflict with the insurgents.

Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life and property.

We come, not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious rights.

The mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule.

Be conciliatory, but firm.

All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, co-operate with the Government of the United States to give effect to these beneficent purposes will receive the reward of its support and protection.

Reunited—one country again and one country forever!