LAD #22 McKinley's War Message

McKinley opens his message by stating how the conflict in Cuba/Spain has affected the U.S. The conflict has affected America's trade, and that the conflict originated from several other uprisings in Cuba. However, the conflict has gone long enough that to try and forcibly end the war through further military action would be impractical. Thus, the U.S must interfere, and McKinley states that this intervention is justifiable on the grounds that the Cuban people need protection, that the bloodshed and "barbarities" must come to an end, that the U.S' trade is being affected because of this conflict in Cuba, and, most importantly, that the conflict is so close to the United States that the U.S must intervene, even though we would be going to war with a country that we are at peace with. He ends with the destruction of the Maine, and then stating that the decision is now in Congress' hands.