These original plans have been wrought out with a constant progress and a signal success even beyond anything their framers could have foreseen.  The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and government of the capital and of the rare instruments of science and education which here find their natural home.

A movement lately inaugurated by the citizens to have the anniversary celebrated with fitting ceremonies, including, perhaps, the establishment of a handsome permanent memorial to mark so historical an occasion and to give it more than local recognition, has met with general favor on the part of the public.

I recommend to the Congress the granting of an appropriation for this purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies.  It might also be advisable to authorize the President to appoint a committee from the country at large, which, acting with the Congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the plans for an appropriate national celebration.

The alien contract law is shown by experience to need some amendment; a measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the principle of arbitration are suggested for consideration; and I commend these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress.

The several departmental reports will be laid before you.  They give in great detail the conduct of the affairs of the Government during the past year and discuss many questions upon which the Congress may feel called upon to act.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

[Footnote 12:  See pp. 127-136.] [Footnote 13:  pp. 139-150.] [Footnote 14:  See pp. 202-203.] [Footnote 15:  See pp. 203-204.] [Footnote 16:  See pp. 153-155.] [Footnote 17:  See p. 201.] [Footnote 18:  See p. 155.] [Footnote 19:  See pp. 204-205.] [Footnote 20:  See pp. 203-204.] [Footnote 21:  See pp. 205-206.] [Footnote 22:  See pp. 206-207.] [Footnote 23:  See Vol.  VIII, pp. 501-503.]

AN ACT declaring that war exists between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, First.  That war be, and the same is hereby, declared to exist, and that war has existed since the 21st day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain.

Second.  That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to carry this act into effect.

Approved, April 25, 1898.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, February 10, 1899.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: