I renew the recommendation made in my special message of February 10, 1899, as to the necessity for cable communication between the United States and Hawaii, with extension to Manila.  Since then circumstances have strikingly emphasized this need.  Surveys have shown the entire feasibility of a chain of cables which at each stopping place shall touch on American territory, so that the system shall be under our own complete control.  Manila once within telegraphic reach, connection with the systems of the Asiatic coast would open increased and profitable opportunities for a more direct cable route from our shores to the Orient than is now afforded by the trans-Atlantic, continental, and trans-Asian lines.  I urge attention to this important matter.

The present strength of the Army is 100,000 men—­65,000 regulars and 35,000 volunteers.  Under the act of March 2, 1899, on the 30th of June next the present volunteer force will be discharged and the Regular Army will be reduced to 2,447 officers and 29,025 enlisted men.

In 1888 a Board of Officers convened by President Cleveland adopted a comprehensive scheme of coast-defense fortifications which involved the outlay of something over one hundred million dollars.  This plan received the approval of the Congress, and since then regular appropriations have been made and the work of fortification has steadily progressed.

More than sixty millions of dollars have been invested in a great number of forts and guns, with all the complicated and scientific machinery and electrical appliances necessary for their use.  The proper care of this defensive machinery requires men trained in its use.  The number of men necessary to perform this duty alone is ascertained by the War Department, at a minimum allowance, to be 18,420.

There are fifty-eight or more military posts in the United States other than the coast-defense fortifications.

The number of these posts is being constantly increased by the Congress.  More than $22,000,000 have been expended in building and equipment, and they can only be cared for by the Regular Army.  The posts now in existence and others to be built provide for accommodations for, and if fully garrisoned require, 26,000 troops.  Many of these posts are along our frontier or at important strategic points, the occupation of which is necessary.

We have in Cuba between 5,000 and 6,000 troops.  For the present our troops in that island cannot be withdrawn or materially diminished, and certainly not until the conclusion of the labors of the constitutional convention now in session and a government provided by the new constitution shall have been established and its stability assured.

In Puerto Rico we have reduced the garrisons to 1,636, which includes 879 native troops.  There is no room for further reduction here.

We will be required to keep a considerable force in the Philippine Islands for some time to come.  From the best information obtainable we will need there for the immediate future from 45,000 to 60,000 men.  I am sure the number may be reduced as the insurgents shall come to acknowledge the authority of the United States, of which there are assuring indications.