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

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

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

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

Sectionalism has disappeared.

It is the constitutional method of ascertaining the public will.

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

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

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

Hope maketh not ashamed.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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…

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…

invite attention to the recommendation of the Board