imony of
competent foreign authorities to the general superiority of their
commercial work, have naturally had a stimulating effect upon its
consular corps as a whole, and experience in the discharge of their
duties adds greatly to their efficiency. It is gratifying to be able to
state that the improvement in the service, following closely upon the
steady progress in expediting the publication of reports, has enabled
the Department of State this year to submit the annual reports a month
in advance of the usual time, and to make them as nearly as possible a
contemporaneous picture of the trade of the world. In view of the great
importance of these reports to our producers, manufacturers, exporters,
and business interest generally, I cordially approve the recommendation
of the Secretary of State that Congress shall authorize the printing as
heretofore of an edition of 10,000 copies of the summary, entitled
"Review of the World's Commerce," and of 5,000 copies of Commercial
Relations (including this summary), to be distributed by the Department
of State.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 14, 1901_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

During our recent war with Spain the United States naval force on the
North Atlantic Station was charged with varied and important duties,
chief among which were the maintenance of the blockade of Cuba, aiding
the army, and landing troops and in subsequent operations, and
particularly in the pursuit, blockade, and destruction of the Spanish
Squadron under Admiral Cervera.

This naval campaign, embracing objects of wide scope and grave
responsibilities, was conducted with great ability on the part of the
commander-in-chief, and of the officers and enlisted men under his
command. It culminated in the annihilation of the Spanish fleet in the
battle of July 3, 1898, one of the most memorable naval engagements in
history.

The result of this battle was the freeing of our Atlantic coast from the
possibilities to which it had been exposed from Admiral Cervera's fleet,
and the termination of the war upon the seas.

I recommend that, following our national precedents, especially that
in the case of Admiral Dewey and the Asiatic Squadron, the thanks of
Congress be given to Rear-Admiral William T. Sampson, United States
Navy, and to the officers and men under his command for highly
distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy, and in carrying on
the blockade a