William McKinley: “Considered as a question of expediency, I regard the accordance of belligerent rights still to be as unwise and…”

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

The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to enlist in the Insular Forte United States Navy, which is hereby established, not to exceed five hundred (500) Filipinos in the following ratings at the rates of pay indicated.

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.

Counsular officers will hereafter collect any fees for bills of health and supplemental bills of health issued foreign war vessels.