The agricultural classes have been forced from their farms into
the nearest towns, where they are without work or money. The local
authorities of the several towns, however kindly disposed, are unable to
relieve the needs of their own people, and are altogether powerless to
help our citizens.

The latest report of Consul-General Lee estimates six to eight
hundred Americans are without means of support. I have assured him that
provision would be made at once to relieve them. To that end I recommend
that Congress make an appropriation of not less than $50,000, to be
immediately available for use, under the direction of the Secretary of
State.

It is desirable that a part of the sum which may be appropriated by
Congress should, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, also be
used for the transportation of American citizens who, desiring to return
to the United States, are without means to do so.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 1, 1897_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

On the 15th ultimo all the buildings of the immigration station at Ellis
Island, New York, excepting the heating plant and lighting apparatus,
were destroyed by fire.