William McKinley actually said...

"Officers of the Customs in the Islands of Cuba may authorize the clearance under a permit for foreign ports, ports of the United States of vessels owned prior to June 1st, 1899 by residents of Cuba an..."

"Tariff Circular No. 71, dated Washington, May 25th, 1899, is hereby rescinded."

"Such vessels may carry the American flag above the distinctive signal for the purpose of indicating that the Government of the United States pursuant to treaty has assumed and will discharge the oblig..."

"In granting such clearance under a permit vessels of the customs will advise masters or owners that clearance under permit and the use of the flag of the United States hereby authorized do not confer ..."