Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/81

WILLIAM McKINLEY 55 Dingley of the ways and means committee, and in the course of the summer this passed both branches of congress, and by the signature of the president became a law. It was expected that the election of President McKinley would put an end to the hard times that had prevailed for many years in the country, which, as was believed, were due to the tariff policy of the Democratic party and to apprehension regarding the possible adoption of free coinage of silver. After the passage of the Dingley tariff bill there was a decided revival of prosperity. Many mills that had been closed resumed work, and there were other indications of returning confidence in the business world. On May 17 the president sent to congress a special message, asking for an appro priation for the aid of suffering Americans in Cuba, and in accordance therewith the sum of $50,- 000 was appropriated for that humane purpose. The policy of the new administration toward Spain on the Cuban question had been a matter of much speculation, and there were those who ex pected that it would be aggressive. But it soon be came evident that it was to be marked by calmness and moderation. The president retained in office Consul-General Fitzhugh Lee, who had been ap pointed to his post by President Cleveland, al though he sent a commissioner to Cuba to report to him on special cases ; and the policy of the govern-