sound as to receive the support of all parties and the favorable action
of Congress. At all events, such a report cannot fail to be of value to
the executive branch of the Government, as well as to those charged with
public legislation, and to greatly assist in the establishment of an
improved system of finance.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.




FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

It gives me pleasure to extend greeting to the Fifty-fifth Congress,
assembled in regular session at the seat of Government, with many
of whose Senators and Representatives I have been associated in the
legislative service. Their meeting occurs under felicitous conditions,
justifying sincere congratulation and calling for our grateful
acknowledgment to a beneficent Providence which has so signally blessed
and prospered us as a nation. Peace and good will with all the nations
of the earth continue unbroken.

A matter of genuine satisfaction is the growing feeling of fraternal
regard and unification of all sections of our country, the
incompleteness of which has too long delayed realization of the highest