William McKinley

Then I felt constrained to convene the Congress in extraordinary session to devise revenues to pay the ordinary expenses of the Government.

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

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

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

It is the constitutional method of ascertaining the public will.

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

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

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

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

Sectionalism has disappeared.

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.

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

Hope maketh not ashamed.

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

We should not permit our great prosperity to lead us to reckless ventures in business or profligacy in public expenditures.

Under the circumstances of this case I do not feel at liberty to approve the bill.

Considering it a matter entirely between that gentleman and his tenants, Messrs. Gardiner and Atkinson, I at that time refused to take any action in the matter whatever.

I return herewith, without approval, House bill No. 321.

I am constrained to withhold my approval from the bill.

The measure of governmental liability is fulfilled by the passage of the act of March 3, 1891, and the prompt payment of the judgments rendered thereunder.

To single out for payment a few claims of this large class to the exclusion of all others would, in my judgment, be unjust.

There is no legal obligation on the part of the United States, and no promise, express or implied, for the payment of such claims.

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim and declare that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the United States to convene at the Capitol in the city of Washington on…

That in addition to the usual number, there be printed 15,000 copies: 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, 3,000 copies for the use of the House of Representatives, and 10,000 copies for distribution by the Board to the Executive…

I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress and with a view to its publication in suitable form, if such action is deemed desirable, a special report of the United States Board on Geographic Names, relating to geographic names…