As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views between the report of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes that the fact be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts, whose decision Spain accepts in advance.  To this I have made no reply.

In view of these facts and these considerations, I ask the Congress to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment of a stable government capable of maintaining order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these purposes.

And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of the starving people of the island, I recommend that the distribution of food and supplies be continued, and that an appropriation be made out of the public treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens.  The issue is now with Congress.  It is a solemn responsibility.  I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of affairs which is at our doors.

Prepared to execute every obligation imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action.

The addenda.

Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, official information was received by me that the latest decree of the Queen Regent of Spain directs General Blanco in order to prepare and facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the duration and details of which have not yet been communicated to me.  This fact, with every other pertinent consideration, will, I am sure, have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon which you are about to enter.  If this measure attains a successful result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be realized.  If it fails, it will be only another justification for our contemplated action.

(Signed,) William McKINLEY.

Executive Mansion, April 11, 1898.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Strength of the opposing squadrons and armies.

Growth of the White Squadron in a Single Decade—­Progress of Our Navy a Gratifying Ode after It Was Fairly Started—­How the United States Stands in Comparison with the Other Nations of the World—­ List of Ships in the American Navy—­List of Ships in the Navy of Spain at the Beginning of the War—­Interest of All Countries Centered on the Result of Our Naval Battles—­Modern Guns and Projectiles—­The Armies of the Two Combatants—­Coast Defenses of the United States.