Newspaper Page Text
6
M'KINLEY ACCEPTS.
(Continued from First Paged
this year they will not f.xll lo record again
their tauoi dlMt-nl.
Faithful lo th<- Tariff.
The Republican party remain* faithful
to n principle of i irlflT whl b nipplles
ruffle!) nl revenue* for the goternmrnt.aml
adequate protection to our enterprise* and
producer*, and of reclpr," icy whl It open*
? ti i ok*!* 1., the fruits of Ano 1
laUtr. and furnish. * to w • hannel* through
whl. h to market the surplus at American
fartnr The time-honored principle# of
protection and reciprocity wore Ihe first
pledge* of Republican victory lo bo writ
ten Into public laa
The present Congress ha* given to
Alaka a territorial government for which
It had wailed more than a quarter of a
century . !.*- e*tiibltahed a representative
government In Hawaii, hg* eii * ted hill*
for Ihe no rt lllcral treatment of the p*n
- loner* atifl their widow*, ha* revived
the tr. e burn* steal poll. y. In ll goal
financial law it provided for tho estab
lishment of hank* Of Issue with a o(4:l
of for the lienelll of village* and
rural communities, and bringing Ihe op
portunity (8r profitable business In bank
ing within th* reach of moderate capital
Many or already availing themselves of
this privilege.
louring Ihe feast year more than nlne
'een million* of United fltute* brawl* have
been pawl (root the surplus revenue* of
.he Tr<usury, and In addition twenty-five
nlillons of two per cents matured, eallet
by the government, ate In process of pay
ment Pacific Hal Ir.ai l honde Issue I by
ihe government In aid of the mad* In Ihe
-urn of nearly Idjm.Sn have been i*ill
•luce tfeo. SI. 1897. The treasury balance
:* In satisfactory condition showing an
dept 1. 3155.149.‘). in addition lo the IW-
Ui.OW gold reserve held In the ireasurv.
The government's relartons with
the I'arltlc railroad* have been sub
stantially . .~.| J 154 42!<0* being re
yelvrwl from these road*, the great
er portion rasli anrl the retrxaln
ler wlih ample securities for payments de
ferred.
Instead of diminishing, a* was pre Ik-te I
four year* ago. ths volume of our currency
1* greater per capita than It ha* ever
been. It wa* Cl.lo In IW*l It had in-reaa
ed lo s3f. 1 on July 1. I*oo. and 3X85 on
Sept 1. 1900 Our total money on July 1.
1.096. was 31.306.434,986: on July 1. ll**'. It
was 32,1)62.425,490. and t-.0WA53.012 on Bcpt
1. 1900
AgrlrMtlare and Industry.
Our Industrial and agricultural condi
tions are more promising than they have
bacn for may year*; probably mors- so
than they havs ever l>een. I’nosperlty
abouinl* everywhere throughout the re
public. I rejoice that the (iouthern a#
well a* the Northern stnles are enjoying
a full share of theae Improved national
conditions, and Ihnt all are contributing
st> largely lo our remarkable Industrlnl
development. The money lender receives
lower reward* for hi* capital than If It
were Invested In active buslne*#. The
rate* of Interest ore lower than they
nave ever been In this country, while
those things which are produced on the
farm and In the workshop, and Ihe labor
p rod twang them, hive advanred In value
Our foreign Ira.:, shows a satisfactory
and Increasing growth. The amount of
our exports for the year l* over Iho-e
of the exoeptton.illy prosperous year of
Ik** was about half a million dollar* for
•very day of the year, and these sum*
have gone Into the home* and rnlerprise*
of the peopiw. There ha* bsen an Increase
of over Ssu.tdO.tdn in Ihe exiiorf* of agri
cultural probed*; $92.92.2> In manufac
ture* and in She product* of Ihe mine* of
over 110,tw0,000. Our trade balances cannot
fall to give satisfaction to the people of
the country- In lWk we sold abroad *15.-
432,676 of products morn than ws bought
abroad In IW, *,29 074.813. and In I*>. SM4.-
171.701. making during the three year* a
total balance In our favor of t1.tia0.779.19u
nearly five tltr.es the hnlance of trade
In our favor for the whole period of 10*
year* from 179 uto June Jo. 1897. Inclu
sive
Four hundred and fhlrly-slx million dol
lar* of gold have been added to the gold
stock of (ha I’nlted States sine. July 1,
Iffti The law of March 11. 1900, authorised
the refunding Into two per cent, bond*
of that part of the public debt represent
ed by the three per cent* due In 1906, the
(our per rents due In I9OT, and the live
per cent*, due In Ib*4, aggregating JMU.OOt.-
u. More than one-ihlnl of the sum of
tlase bonds was refunded In the first
three months after the passage of the
act, and on Sept. 1 the sum had been In
creased more than 331.un0.<M0. making In
all tun 578.051'. resulting In a net saving of
over 1t.379.5JU The ordinary receipt* of
the government for the fiscal year itiuu
were n9.557.06U In excess of It* expen
diture*.
Expeudllurr llrerrsilng.
While our receipts both from customs
and Internal revenue have heen greatly
Increased, our expenditure- have been de
creasing Civil and ml*<-rllanrous ex
pense* for the fiscal year ending June- 30.
1 were nearly fl4.B).000 leas than In
1899. while on the war account
there Is a decrease of more than 995.-
100.900. There were required *8.000.0(10 less
40 support the navy (We year than last,
and the expenditure* on account of In
dians were nearly two and three-quarters
million dollars less than In 1099 The only
two Hem- of Increase In the public ex
penses of l*io. oer 1899. are for pensions
and Interest on the public debt For 1890
we expended for pensions 1139 and
for the fiscal year 1900. our payment* on
thl* ace Jitnt amounted to |140.*77.31. The
net Increase of Intrreet on the nubile
debt of 1900 over 1899 required by the war
1-tun. was 3363,408 25. While Congress au
thorised the government to make a war
loan of HO'.iOO.iijo at the beginning of the
war with Spain, only $2(i.h0.000 of bonds
wre Issued, bearing three per cent In
terest. which were promptly and patriotic
ally taken by our cltlsens
Unless something unforeseen occur* to
reduce our revenues or Increase our ex
penditure-*. the Congress al Ita next ses
sion should reduce taxation very mater
ially.
Five years ago we were selling gov
ernment bond* bearing a* high as 5 p. r
cent. Interest Now we are redeeming
them with a bond at par hearing 3 per
cent Interest. We are- selling our eur-
phi* products and knitlng our surplus
money o Europe-. One re-null of out *-||-
lng to oilier u nion* no much more than
we have liouicht from them during Ihn
pool three- year* I* n radical Improve
ment of our financial relation*. The- great
amount* of cupliul whlii have been bor- i
rowed of Europe for our r.|itd, material j
elevelopment have remained a i-onntant
•train upon our resources for Inlerent atxl
dlvld/ruj* a net made our money markets
liable to connlant dlnturham-ea by call*
for |Mi)me-nl or heavy nalen of our *e
curlliea whenever moneyed stringency or
(•.into oncurred abroad We have now
l paving thene debln and bringing
liorae- many of Our necurltlea and cst.il>-
ltshtng countervailing credit* abroad by
our loann and placing ourselves upon a
•ure foundation of financial independence.
In the unforlunate content between
Oreat lirl'aln and the ltocr ntaten of
South Africa, th< United Hi ate* ha* main
tain ed an atttiuda of neutrality In ac
cordance with It* well-known traditional
(Alley. It did not henllale. however, when
requested by the goveinment* of the
South African republic* to exerelne 111
pood offices for a cessation of hostilities.
It In to be obnerved (hat while the Houih
African republic* made like rcc|Ue*| of
other |iowern. the United State* I* the
only one which eompiied. The British
government declined 10 accept the Inter
vention of any power.
Cuminerce unel ship*.
Ninety-one per cent, of our exporta
amt import* are now carried by foreign
abtp* For ocean itansporiation we p.iy
annually to foreign *hlp-owner* over s!.*>,•
Wai.oro. We ought to own the *hlpa for
**ur carrying trade with the world, and
we ought to build them In American hlp
yard* and null them with American as 11-
or*. Our nan rlttxena should receive
the tianspormtlon charge* now paid to
foreigner* I have railed the attention of
Congress to this subject In my several an
nual message*. In that of I>ec, 6. 1897. !
said:
•'Mo*t deslratSe from every Standpoint
of national interest and patriotism t* the
effort to extend our foreign commerce. To
this end our merchant marine should be
Improved anil enlarged. We should do our
full share of the carrying trade of the
world. We do not do It now. We should
tw the laggard no longer."
In my message of Dec. 5. 1099. I said;
"Our national development will be one
sided and upxaaLsfacinry so long a* the
remarkable growth of our Inland Indus
trie* remains unaccompanied by progress
on the seas Three Is no lack of constitu
tional authority ftir legislation whb h shall
give to the country maritime strength
. ommensurate with Ita Industrial
achievement* and wbh Ms rank among
the nation* of Iho earth.
"The past year bus recorded exceptional
activity In our shipyards, and the prom
ise* of continual prosperity In ship build
ing ore abundant Advanced legislation
for the protection of our seamen ha* been
enacted Our const trade under regula
tion* wisely framed at the beginning of
the government and since, shows result*
for Ihe past ftsoal year unequaled In our
record* or those of any other power. We
shall fall lo realise our opportunities,
however. If we complacently regard only
matlers at horn* and blind ourselves to
the necessity of securing ottr share In ihe
valuable carrying trade of the world.”
I now reiterate these vtew*.
A subject of Immediate Importance to
one country I* tl# completion of a great
waterway of commerce between the At
lantic and Partite The construction Of a
maritime canal I* now more than ever
lndl*|>erv*ahle to that Intimate nnd ready
communication between our eastern and
western seaports demanded by the annex
ation of the Hawaiian Islaml* and Ihe ex
pansion of our Influence and trade In the
Pacific.
Our national policy more Imperatively
than ever call* for Its completion and
control by this government; nnd It I* be
lieved that th>- next session of Congress,
after receiving the full report of the com
mission appointed under th" act approved
March J. 1099. will make provisions for
the sure acompllshment of thla great
work.
A* to Trout*.
Combination* of capital which control
the market In commodities necessary to
the general use of the people, by suppress
ing natural and ordinary competition, thus
enhancing price*, to the general consutn
,r. are obnoxious to law and
the public welfare They are danger'll!-
conspiracies against the public good, and
should la- made the subject of prohlbltory
~r |wnat legislation. Publicity will be a
helpful influence to check this evil. Un
Iformlty of legislation In Ihe several states
should Is* secured Discrimination be
tween what is injurious and whnt la use
ful and necessary In business operation*,
is essential to the wise and effective treat
ment of this subject. Honest co-operatlon
of capital t* necessary lo meet new busi
ness conditions, and extend our rapidly In
creasing foreign trails, but ennapimole*
nnd combinations Intended to restrict
liuslnra*. create monopolte* and control
prlcea. should be effectively restrained.
The best service which can be rendered
to labor Is to afford It an opportunity for
steady and remunerative emptoyTOent. and
give |t every encouragement for advance
ment . Tbe policy that subserve# this
end Is ths true American policy. The
lost three years have heen more satis
factory to American workingmen than
many preceding year* Any change of the
isisettt Industrial or financial policy of
the government would be disastrous to
their highest tnleresta. With prosperity
at home and an Increasing foreign
market for American product#, em
p'oyment should continue to wait
upon Dior, and with the present gold
standard the workingman |* secur'd
against payments for his labor In a de
preciated currency. For labor, a short
•lav |* better than a short dollar; one wilt
lighten the hurdetvr; the other lessens the
reward# of toll The one will promote
contentment and Independence; the other
penurv and want. The wage# of labor
should be adequate lo keep the home In
omfort. educate the children, nnd. with
fhrlft and economy, lay something by
for the day* of Infirmity nnd oM age.
C'lvll Service Hrfortn.
Practical civil service reform baa nl
ways had the support anti encouragement
of the Republican party. The future of
the merit system Is safe in It* hands.
During the present administration as oc
casions have arts n for modflcntlon or
amendment In the existing civil service
law nnd rules they have been made Im
portant amendment* were promulgated
by executive order under date of May 3.
1899. having for their principal purpose the
exception from competitive examination
of certain places Involving fiduciary re
sponsibilities or duties of a strictly con
fidential, selenttftc or executive character,
which It was thought might htter be
tilled either by non-competitive examina
tion or by o'her tests of fltness In the
discretion of the appointing officer. It Is
gtatlfylng that the experience of more
than a year has vindicated these changes
t> the marked Improvement of the pub
lic eervlee.
The merit syst-m. as far as practicable
I* made the basl- for appointments to of
fice In our new territory.
The American people are profoundly
grateful to the soldiers, sailor* and ma
rine*. who have In every time of conflict
fought their country'* battles and defend
ed Its honor. The survivors and the wid
ow# and orphans of those - who have
fallen are Justly entitled to receive th#
generous und considerate care- of the na
tion. Few are now left of those who
fought In the Mexican war, and while
many of the veteran* of the Civil War
are still spared lo us. their number* are
rapidly diminishing and age and Infirm
ity are Increasing Ihelr dependence. These
with the -oldlers of the Spanish war. will
not be neglected by their grateful coun
trymen. The pension laws have been lib
eral They vhculd be Justly administered
and will he. Preference should be given
to the soldier*, sailors and marine*, their
widow# and orphans, with reepect to em
ployment In the public aervlce.
t aba and Porto Hlco.
We have been In possession of Cuba
since the firm of January. 1*99 We have
restored order and eatabllahed domestic
trantiulllty. We have fed the starving,
clothed the naked, and mlntt*re-d to the
*| k We have Improved the sanitary oon
dliloti of the Island We have stimulated
Industry. Introduced public education,anJ
taken a full and comprehensive enumera
tion of the Inhabitant* The ipiallttcatlon
of elector* ha* been *ettled and under It
otticer* have been chosen for all the jnu
ulclimllU s of Cuba. These local govern
m.pi* are now tn operation. ad
ministered by the- people. Our military
establishment has been reduced from t*.-
i*a) to le* than g.onft An election ha*
been oreleresl. to be held the 15th of
September, under a flr ejection law al
ready tried In the municipal election*, to
ehooee member* of a constitutional con
vention. *nd Ihe convention, by the same
order. I* to assemble on the first Monday
of Novemlier to frame a constitution up
on which an Independent government for
the Island will rest. All this Is u long
step In Ihe fulfilment of our sacred guar
antees to the people of Cuba.
We hold Porto Htco by the seme title
as the Philippines. The treaty of peace
which ceded us the one cynveyed to us the
other. Congress has given to this Island
a government lb which the tiihmriiant*
partb Ipale.elect their own legislature, en
act their own local laws, provide Ihelr own
system of taxation, and In thewe respect*
have the same (tower and privilege* en
joyed ty other territories lielonging to the
I'nltrd Prate* and a much larger meas
ure of self-government than was given
to the Inhabitants of LiOUlskana under Jef
•ferson.s A district court of tho United
Htntea for Porlo Rico has been establish
ed and local court* have been Inaugurat
ed, ail of which are tn operation. The
THE MOKNING NEWS: MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 10, 1900.
generous treatment of the Porto Rican*
accord* with the most liberal thought of
our own country gnd encourage* the last
aspirations of Ihe people of th* Island.
While they do not hove Instant free . m
merclal Intercourse with th# Pnlted
Hiatea. Cottgreag compiled with my recom
mendation by removing, on the first day
of .May last. *5 per cent of the duties and
providing for the removal of the remain
ing 15 per cent on Ihe Ist of March. Hs’2.
or earlier. If the legislature of l*orto HI o
shall provide local revenue* for the ex -
proses of conducting the government
During this Intermediate period Porto
Klcan producta coming Into the United
Stale- pay a tariff of 15 per cent, of the
rate* under the Dtngley act. and our goesl*
going to Porto 111,0 pay a like rate The
duties thus pall and eollctcd both In
Porto Rico ami llir T'ltllel Stale*, arc
paid to the government of Porto Rico nnd
no part thereof Is taken by the nnttarml
government All of the duties from Nov
lt > Jtlff* *>. isno, aggregating the
sum of t2.2U.iSJ.iI paid at the custom
houses In the Pnlted States upon Porto
Rican products, under the laws existing
prior to the above mentioned act of Con
gress.hava gone Into the treasury of Porto
Rico lo relieve the <le*tltut* and for
school* and other public purposes. In
addition to this we Itavr expended
for relief, education and Improvement
of toade the sum of 11.513.9*195. The
Pnlted States military forces In th* I*l
atsi have been reduced from ll.OOn to 1,590.
and native Porto Rican* constitute for the
ino-i part the local constabulary.
Dialer (he new law and (he Inauguration
of civil government there has Iteen a
gratifying revival nf business. The man
ufacture* of Porto Rico are developing;
her import* are Increasing; her larlff la
yielding Increased return#, her fled* are
l*elng cultivated; free school* are being
established. Notwithstanding the many
eml-arrns-ments Incident to a chan*, of
national condition* she l* rapidly showing
ihe goal effects of her new relailon* to
thla nation.
The Philippine Munition.
For the sake of full ar.d Intelligent un
derstanding of the Philippine question, and
to give to Ihe people authentic Information
of ihe acta and alms of the administra
tion. I present at some length th* event*
of ltn|iortance leading up to the present
situation. The purpose# of the executive
are best revealed, and can beat be Judged
by what he has done and Is doing. It will
be seen that the power of the government
has been used for the liberty, Ihe peace
and the prosperity of the Philippine peo
ples, and that forre has been employed
only against force which stood In the way
of the realisation of Iheec ends.
On the 25th day of April. I*9o. Congress
declared that a state of war existed lie
tween Spain and Ihe Dnlled States. On
May I. I*9o. Admiral Dewey destroyed the
Spanish fleet In Manila hay. On May 19.
I*9*. MaJ. Gen. Merritt, 17. B A., was
placed In command of the military expe.
dltioti to Manila, anrl directed, among
other things to Immediately "publish u
proclamation declaring that we come not
to make war upon tho people of the Phil
ippine# nor upon any part or faction
among them, hut to protect them In their
homes. In tb-lr employments, and In their
personal and religion# rlghta. Alt par
sons who. either by active aid or by hon.
esl submission, co-operate with the UYitted
States In It* efforts to give effect to
benefleent purpose, will receive th# re
ward of Its eupport nnd protection."
On July 3, 1090. the Bpanlsh fleet .In at
tempting to escape from Santiago harbor,
was destroyed by the American fleet, and
on July 17. 1896. the Spanish garrison In
the city of Santiago surrendered to Ihe
commander of the American force*.
Following these brilliant vlctorlea. on
the !2lh day of August. I*9*. upon th# In
itiative of Spain, hostilities were suspend
ed. and a prolocal was signed with a view
to arranging terms of peace between
the two governmenta. In pursuance there
of I appointed a* commissioner# the fol
lowing distinguish'd cltUens to conduct
the negotiation# on the part of th" Dnlted
States: Hon. William It. Day of Ohio.
Hon. William P. Frys of Maine, Hon.
Cushman K. Davis of Minnesota. Hon.
George Gray of Delaware, and Hon.
W'hltelew Reid of New York. In address-
In* the pence commission before It* de
parture for Paris. I said:
"It I* my wl*h that throughout the ne
gotiations entrusted to the .commission,
the purpoe- und spirit with which the
Unlteel Stale* ace-epted the unwelcome ne
cessity of war should be kept constantly
In view. We took up arms only In obe
dience to the dictates of humanity and In
the fulfillment of high public and moral
obligation*. We had no design of aggran
disement. nnd no ambition of conquest.
Through the long course of repeated rep
resentation* which preceded and aimed to
avert the struggle and In the final arbi
trament of force this country wa# Imped
ed solely by the purpose of relieving
grievous wrongs and removing long exist
ing condition* which disturbed It* tran
quility, which chocked Ihe moral cense of
mankind and which could no longer bn en
dured.
"It I* my earnest wish that the United
State# In making peace should follow the
same high rule of conduct whl-h guided It
In f acing war. It should he a* scrupulous
and magnanimous In the concluding set
tlement as ll was Just nnd human" In ll*
original action. • • • •
“Our aim In the adjustment of peace
should be directed to lasting results and
to the achievement of the common good
under the demands of elvlUxatton, raiher
than to ambitious designs. • • • •
"Without any original thought of com
plete or even partial acquisition, the pres
ence and success of our arms In Manila
Imposes upon us obdgatlon# which we can
not disregard Th# march of event* rules
and overrules human action. Avowing un
reservedly the purpose which hne animat
ed all our effort, and still solicitous to
adhere to It. we cannot be unmindful that
without any desire or design on our part,
the war has brought u* new dutlea and
responsibilities which we must meet and
discharge as becomes a great nation on
whose growth and career from the begin
ning the Ruler of Nations has plainly
written the high command and pledge of
civilian!-on."
Instrncllons to Dommlaslon.
On Oct. 2S. 189$. while the Piece Commie
slon was continuing Its negotiations In
Pari*, the following additional Instruction
was sent:
•'lt I* Imperative upon ua that an victor#
we should be governed only by motive*
which will exalt our nation. Territorial
expansion should be our least concern
tl it we shall not shirk the moral obltga
to.ii* of our victory Is of the greatest. It
Is undlsputrd that drain's authoilty Is
permanently destroyed In every part of
the Philippines. To leave any pan In her
feeble control now would Increase our dif
ficulties amt be opposed to the Intertats
of humanity. • • • • Nor can we per.
inlt Spain to transfer any of the lalands
to another power. Nor can we Invite an
other (lower or powers lo Jcln the United
States in sovereignty over them. We must
either hold them or turn them back t“
Spain.
"Consequently, grave as are the respon
sibilities and unforeseen aw are the dif
ficulties which ate before us. the Presi
dent can are but one plain path of duty,
the acceptance of the Archipelago. Great
cr difficulties and more serious complica
tion* -administrative and International—
would follow any other course. The Pres!-
dent hat given to the views of the com
missioners the fullest consideration, and
In reaching the conclusion above announc
ed In the light of Information communi
cated to the commission and to the Pres
ident since your departure, he ha* been
Influenecd by the single ,-onslderatlon of
duty and humanity The President la not
unmindful of Ihe distressed financial con
dition of Hpain, and whatever considera
tion Ihe United Wales rony show must
come from its **r.st of generosity and ben.
evotence, rathei than from any real or
technical obligation."
Again, on Nov. IS, 1 Instructed the com
mission:
"From the standpoint of Indemnity both
the archipelagoes (Porlo Rico and the
PUUippme*) are Insufficient to pay our
war expense*, hut aside from thla do we
not owe an obligation to the people of the
Philippine* which will not permit u* to
return them to the sovereignty of Spain?
Could we Justify oursclvt in such a
• nurse, or could we permit thclt loarter to
some other power? Willing or not *
tittle the responsibility of .buy which we
cannot escape • • • The President can
not believe any division of the archipelago
can bring us anything hut • mliartassntetii
In the future The trade und commercial
side, as well as the Indemnity for the cost
of the war are questions w‘ might yield.
They might be walvd or compromised,
but the questions of duty nnd humanity
appeal to the President so strongly that
he can And no appropriate answer but
the one he has here marked out."
The treaty of peace was c*included on
Dec !U. 107*0 By It* terms the archipelago,
known a* the Philippine Islands, was ced
ed by Spain to ihe Dnlled Stoic-. Jt was
also provided that "the .Bvll rights attd
political statu* of the native inhabitants
of the territories hereby ceded to the
Dnlled Stale* shall be determined by the
Congress." Eleven 'lays tncrr.iftwr. on
Dec. 21. the following direction was given
to the commander of our force* In the
Philippine*;
••• • . Th* military commander of the
Dnlled States Is enjoined to make known
to th- Inhabitant* of the Philippine Isl
ands that in succeeding lo the sovereignly
of Spain. In severing the Parmer political
relations nf the tnhahirants and In the
establishing anew point, al {lower, the
authority of the* United Stales is to lie
exerted for the securing of the persons
and property of the people of the Island*
and for the confirmation of all their pri
vate rights and relation*. It will be Ihe
duly of (lie commander of (he forces of
occupation to annnuntb oi l proclaim. In
Ihe most public manner, that we come
not as Invaders or conquerors, but as
friend*, to protect the natives In their
homes. In their employments and In their
personal and religious rights."
The First Commission.
In order to facilitate the most humane
|w Iflr and effective extension of author
ity throughout these Islands, and to se
cure. with the leaat possible delay, the
brnefllw of a wise Mini generous protection
of life and property to the Inhabitant*. 1
appointed in January, 1099. a commission,
consisting of Hon. Jacob Gould Scburman
of New York. Admiral George Dewey. D.
8 N . lion Charles Denby of Indiana.
Prof Dean C Worcester of Michigan, and
MaJ Gen dwell 8. Otis, V. S. A Th*lr
Instructions contain*-*! Ihe following:
“In the performance of this duty the
commissioners are enjoined to no—l at
the earliest possible day In the city of
Manila and to announce, by public proc
lamation. their presence nnd the mission
Intrusted to them, carefully setting forth
that, while the military government al
ready procialmel I* to lie maintained nnd
continued so long as necessity may re
quire, efforts will be made to alleviate
the burden of taxation, to estalrilsh In
dustrial and commercial prosperity, and to
provide for the safety of persons and of
property by such means as may be found
conducive lo these end*.
“The commissioner* will endeavor, with
out Interference with the military author
ities of Ihe Dnlted States now In control
of Ihe Philippines, to ascertain what
amslloratlon In the condition of the Inhab
itants and what Improvements In laihllc
order may be practicable, and for thl*
purpose they will study attentively the
existing social and political state of the
various populations, particularly as re
gards the forms of local government, the
administration of Justice, the collection
of customs and other taxes, the means
of transportation, and the need of public
Improvement#. They will report • • •
the results of their observations and re
fle Hone and will recommend such execu
tive action as may from time to time seem
to them wise and useful
"The commissioners are hereby authoris
ed to confer authoritatively with any per.
sons resident In the Islands from whom
they may believe themselves able to de
rive Information or suggestions valuable
for the purpose* of their commission, or
whom they may choose to employ as
agents, as may be necessary for thl* pur
pose. • • •
"It I* my desire that In all their rela
tions with the Inhabitant* of the Island*
Ihe commissioner* exercise due respect
for all the Ideal*, custom* and Institu
tions of the tribes which compose the pop
ulation. emphasising upon nil occasions
the Just and benefleent Intentions of the
government of the Dnlted Stales. It Is
also my wish and expectation that the
oommlssloner* may be re<elved in a man
ner due to the honored ami authorlxed
representative* of the American republic,
duly commissioned on account of their
knowledge, skill and Integrity as bearers
of the good will, the protection and the
richest blessing* of a liberating rather
than a conquering nation."
Thf Trent jr liatltled.
On the th of February, 1899. the treaty
*n* ratified by the Senate of the I'nlted
States and the Congress Imme
dlmely appropriated 120. on. ooo to
carry out Ita provisions. The
ratifications were exchanged by the
United States and Spain on the 11th of
April, 1*99.
Aa early a* April. 1*99, the Philippine
Commission, of which Dr. Schurman waa
prealdenl, endeavored to bring about
pence In the Inland* by repealed confer
ences with leading Tagalogn represent
ing the no-called Insurgent government,
to the end that aotne general plan of gov
ernment might be offered them whldh they
tvoulf! accept. So great was the satisfac
tion of the Insurgent commissioners with
the form of government proposed by the
Amerlrrn commissioners that the latter
submitted the proposed scheme to me for
approval, and my action thereon Is shown
by the cable message following:
"May b, 1899 Schurman, Manila: Yours
tlh received. You are authorized to pro
pose that under the military power of
the President, pending action of Congress,
government of Ihe Philippine Islands shall
consist of a governor general, appointed
by ihe President; cabinet, appointed by
the governor general; a general advisory
council elected by Ihe people; the quall
ficlatlons of elector* to be carefully con
sidered ami determined, and the governor
general to have absolute veto. Judiciary,
strong and Independent; principal Judges
appointed by the President. The cabinet
and Judge* to be chosen from natives or
Americana, or both, having regard lo ni
nes*. The Presklent earnestly desires the
cessation of bloodshed, ami that Ihe peo
ple of the Philippine Islands, at an early
date, shall have the largest measure of
local self-government consistent with
peace and good order."
In the latter part of May another group
of representatives came from the Insur
gent leader. The whole mailer was fully
discussed with them ami promise of ac
ceptance seemed near at hand. They
assured our commissioner* they would re
turn after consulting with ther leader,
bul they never did.
Asa result of the views expressed by
the first Tagalog representative favorable
to the plan of the commission It appears
that he was. by military order of the in
surgent leader, stripped of hla shoulder
straps, dismissed from the army and sen
tenced lo twelve years' Imprisonment
The views of the commission arc best set
forth In their own words:
"Iteplorable as war Is, the one In which
we are now engaged was unavoidable hy
us. Wc were attacked by a bold, adven
turous and enthusiastic army. No alter
native was left lo us except Ignominious
retreat.
"It IS not to.be conceived of that nny
American would have sanctioned Ihe sur
render of Manila to Ihe Insurgents. Our
•ther nartonw and to the
friendly Filipinos and go ourselves and
our flag demanded that force should he
met by force. Whatever the future of
the Philippines may be. there Is no course
open to us now except the prosecution of
the war until the Insurgents are reduced
to submission The commission Is of the
opinion that ehere has been no time since
the destruction of the Spanish squadron
by Admiral Dewey when It was possible
(o withdraw our force* from the Islands
either with honor to ourelvea or wllh
safety to the Inhabitant*."
After he most thorough *tudy of the
people* of the archipelago the commission
reported, among oilier things.
"Their lack of education and political
experience, combined with their racial and
linguistic diversities, disqualify them. In
spite of l heir mental gift* and domestic
virtues, to undertake the task of govern
ing the archipelago at the present time.
The moat that can be expected of them I*
to co-operate with the American* In the
administration of general affair*, from
Manil i as a renter, and to undertake, sub
ject to Amerlcon control or guidance (a*
may be found neceasaryl the admlnlitra
tlon of provincial and municipal affair*. *
• *
"Should our power by any fatality be
withdrawn, the commission believes that
the government of the Philippine* would
speedily lapse Into anarchy, which would
excuse. If It did not nece*ltae (he Inter
vention of other powers, and the eventual
division of the Islands among them. Only
through American occupation, therefore,
I* the Idea of a free, self-governing and
untied Philippine commonwealth at all
conceivable. • • •
"Thus the welfare of the Flllplnoa ro-
Inrldea with rtte dictates nf national honor
In forbidding our abandonment of the
archipelago. We cannot from any point
of view escape the responsibilities of gov
ernment which our sovereignty entail#;
and the commission Is atrongly persuaded
that the performance of our national duty
will prove the greater) blessing to the peo
ple of the Philippine Islands."
The Second 4 ntutnlsslon.
flattened that nothing further muld be
accomplished In pursuance of their mis
sion until the rebellion wa* suppressed,
and desiring to place before the Congress
the result of ttwir observations. I request
ed Ihe commlaslon to return to Che Dnlled
State*. Their most Intelligent and com
prehensive report wa* submitted lo Con
gress.
In March. 199 ft, believing that the In
surrection was practically ended and
earnestly desiring to promote the estab
lishment of a stable government In the
archipelago. I appointed the following civil
commission:
Hon. William H. Taft of Ohio, Prof
Dean C. Worcester of Michigan. Hon.
Duke I. Wright of Tennessee. Hon Henry
C. Ide of Vermont, and Hon. Bernard
Moses of California. My Instructions to
them contained the following:
"You (the fleeresary of War) will In
struct the commission • • • to devote
Ihelr attention In the first Instance to the
establishment of municipal government*
In which Ihe native* of ths Islands, both
In the cities and In Ihe rural communities,
shall be afforded the opportunity to man
age their own local affairs to the fullest
extent of which they are capable, and
subject to the least degree of supervision
and control which a careful study of their
capacities and observation of the work
ings of nwttve control show to be consist
ent with the maintenance of law. order
and loyally. • • • Whenever the com
mission Is of the opinion 4hat the condi
tion of affairs In the Islands Is such that
the control of administration may safely
be transferred from military to civil con
trol they will report that conclusion to
you (the Secretary of War), with their
recommendations as to the form of cen
tral government to be established for the
purpose of taking over the control. • • •
"Beginning with the first day of Sep
tember. 19nn. the authority to exercise,
subject to my approval, through the Sec
retary of War. that part of the power of
government In the Philippine Islands
which I* of a legislative nature Is to be
transferred from Ihe military governor of
the Islands to this commlslson, to be
thereafter exercised by them In the place
and stead of the military governor, under
such rule# and regulations as you (the
Secretary of War) shall prescribe, until
the establishment of the civil central
government for the Islands contemplated
In the last foregoing paragraph or until
Congrcgp shall olherwlae provide. F.xer
clss of fhls legislative authority will In
clude the making of rule* and order* hav
ing the effect of law for the raising of
revenue by taxes, custom* duties and im
posts; the appropriation and expenditure
of the public funds of the Island*; the es
tablishment of an educational system
throughout the Islands; the es
tablishment of a system to secure an effi
cient civil service; the organisation ond
establishment of court*: the organisation
and establishment of municipal nnd de
partmental governments; and all other
mutters of a civil nature for which the
military governor Is now competent to
provide by rules or order* of a legislative
character. The commission will nlso havs
power during the snme period to appoint
to office such officer* under the Judicial,
educational and civil aervlce aystems nnd
In the municipal and departmental gov
ernments a* shall be provided. • • •
■ ■aid Down Holes.
Vntll Congress shall take action I di
rected that upon every division and
branch of the government of the Phlllie
plnes must be Imposed these Inviolable
rules:
"That no person shall be deprived of
life, liberty or properly without due pro
cess of law; that private property shall
not be token for public use without Just
compensation, that In ell criminal prose,
cut tons the accused shal enjoy the right
to a speedy and public trial, to be In
formed of the nature and cause of the
accusation. *o he confronted with the
witnesses against him. to have compul
sory process for obtaining witnesses In
his favor and to have the assistance of
counsel for hla defense; that excessive
hsll shall not be required, nor excessive
fines Imposed, nor cruel anti unusual pun
ishment Inflicted; that no person shall
he pui twice In Jeopardy for the enme of
fense. or he compelled in any criminal case
to be a witness against himself; that the
right to be secure against unreasonable
searches and seizures ahall not be violat
ed; that neither slavery nor Involuntary
servitude shall exist except as a punish
ment for crime; that no bill of retalnder.
or ex-post-facto law ahall be passed; that
no law shall be passed abridging the free
dom of speech or of the press, or the
rights of the people to peao-ahly assemble
and petition the government for a redresa
of grievances; that no law shall be made
respecting Ihe establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,
and that the free exercise and enjoyment
of rellgtoue profession and worship with
out discrimination or preference ahall for
ever be allowed. • • • •
"It will be Ihe duly of the Commission
to promote and extend, and. aa they find
occasion, to Improve, the system of edu
cation already Inaugurated by the mlll
lary aulhorttlea. In doing thla they should
■egard a of first Importance the extension
of a system of primary education, whl-h
shall be free to all. anti which shall tend
to fit the people for ihe duties of citizen
ship. and for the ordinary avocation* of
a civilized community. • • • • Especial
attention should be at once given lo af
fording full opportunity to all the people
of ihe island* lo acquire Ihe u*e of the
English language • • • •
•Tpon all officers and employes of the
I'nlted Sl.ties. both civil and military,
should be Impressed a sense of the dmv
to observe, not merely the material, but
Ihe personal and social rights of the peo
ple of Ihe Islanda. and to treat them with
Ihe same courtesy and neaped for their
personal dignity which the people of the
l r nited State# are accustomed to require
from each other.
"The articles of capitulation of Ihe city
of Manila on the ISth of August, I*9B. con
cluded with these words:
•• -This city. Its Inhabitants. Ita churches
and religious worship. Ita educational es
tabHehment* and It* private property of
all description* ars placed under Ihe t|*<-
clal safeguard of the faith and honor
of the American arm
"I believe that this plods* ha* been
faithfully kept. A* high and sacred an ob
ligation. reels upon the government ,f
the Cnlted State* to give protection for
property anti life, civil and religion# free
dom, and wtae. firm and unselfish guid
ance In the paths of peace and prosper!-
ly, to all Uia peoples of the Philippine |,j.
lands. I charge thl* Oonflnlsslon to la
bor for the full performance of thl* obli
gation. which concern* the honor and con
science of Ihelr country. In the Arm hope
that through their labor* all the Inhabi
tants of the I’hlllpidne Islands may come
to. look back with grtutu'le to the day
when clod gave victory to American arms
In Manila and set their land under the
sovereignty and the protection ol the
people of the Dnlted Stale.-."
Prnolnmntlon of Amnesty,
That all might share In the regeneration
ol the Islands and parti Ipate In the.r
governiTu nl. 1 directed Gen. MacArthur.
the military governor of the Philippines,
to Issue a proclamation of amnesty, which
contained, among other statements, the
following:
"Manila. P. 1.. June 21. 1990 By direc
tion of the President of the I'nlt-d fltates.
the undersign* and unnounc'* amnesty with
complete Immunity for the past, and ab
solute liberty ot acltcn for the future, to
all person* who or* now. or at any time
since Feb. 4, 1899. have been In Insurrec
tion against the I’nlted fltates In either a
■nllltaryeor civil cu|*ac’|ty. an.l who shall,
within a perhel of ninety day* from Ihe
date hereof, formally renounce oil connec
tion wllh such Insurrection and subscribe
to a declaration acknowledging and ac
cepting the sovereignly and aulhoiliy of
the United Slate* In und over the Philip
pine Islands. The privilege herewith pub
lished ts extended lo a’l concerned with
out any reservation whatever, excepting
that person* who have violated the laws
of war during the period of active hostil
ities are not embraced within the scope
of this ammsly. • • • •
"In order to mitigate as much as po--
slldc consequences resulting from the va
rious disturbances which since 1899 have
sui'cetabd each other so rapidly, and to
provide In some measure for destitute Fil
ipino *oidler* during the transitory per o|
which must Inevitably succerd a general
peace, Ihe military auihorltles of Ihe Unit
ed fltates will pay thirty peso* to each
man who presents a rifle In good condi
tion.”
Under their Instructions the Commis
sion, cotnposrd of representative Ameri
cans of different sections of the country
ami from different po bl.al parlies, who*-
character and ability guarantee the most
faithful Intelligence and patriotic service,
are now laboring to establish stable gov
ernment under civil control. In which the
Inhabitants shall participate, giving them
opportunity to demonstrate how far they
are prepared for self-government.
Ciintmisslon's It.-port.
This commission, under <lnte of Aug. 11.
I9OU. makes an interesting report from
which I quote the following extracts:
"Hostility against Americans was origi
nally aroused by absurd fals ho-da of un
scrupulous Itaders. The distribution of
troops In SO9 posts has by contact
largely dispel ed hostility; and steadily
improved temper of people. Thl* Improve
ment I* furthered by abuse* of Insurgents
l-arge numbers of people king for pence
and willing to accept government tinder
tho United States. Insurgents not surren
dering after defeat divided Into small gue
r.lla bands under general officers or be
come robterr. Nearly all of the prominent
get.sralr and politician* of the Insurrection
except Agtilnaklo, have since hern cap
tured or have surrendered and token the
oath of allegiance. • • • • All North
ern Logon except two province*, substan
tially frit from Insurgents. People busy
planting, and asking (or municipal or
gatiirntlon Hallway and telegraph line
from Manila to Dagupan.l22 miles,not mo
lested for live m.ml ns * • • • llagti
log* alone active In leading guerilla war
fare. In Negro*. Cebu Romblon. Masbate,
Bltuyan, Tablas, Bohol and other Philip
pine Islands little disturbance exists and
civil government eag. rly awaited • • •
* Four year* of war and lawlessness In
port# of Islands have created unsettled
conditions • • • • Native constabu mry
and militia, which shou.d Its organised at
once, will end this, nnd the terrorism to
which defenseless people are subjected.
The native# doidrc to enlist In these or
ganlxatlon*. If Judiciously selected nnd of
ficered. will be efficient forces for main
tenance of order, nnd will permit early
material reduction of United States
troops • • • • Turning Island* over
o coterie of Tagalog politicians will
blight fair prospect* of enormous Improve
ment. drive out capital, make Ilf. and
property secular and religious most In
secure; hanlsh by fear of cruel proscrip
llon con-Iderahle laxly of conservative
Filipino* who have aided American* In
well-founded belief that their people ore
not now fit for self-government, nnd rein
troduce some oppression and corruption
which exlMed In all provinces under Mn
lolos Insurgent government during the
eight months of Its eontrol. The result
will be factional strife between Jealous
leaders, chaos and anarchy, and will re
quire and Justify active Intervention of
our government or some other • • •
Business Interrupted by war much Im
proved as peace extends. • • • In Ne
gros more sugar In cuMlvntlon than ever
before. New forestry regulations give
Impetus to timber trade and reduce high
price of lumber The customs collection*
for lust quarter 50 per cent, greater than
ever In Spanish history, nnd August col
lections show further Increase. The to
tal revenue for same period one-third
greater than In any qtiarier under Spain.
■ hough ceduln tax chief aource of Spanish
revenue, practically alxtllshed. Economy
and efficiency of military government
have created surplus fund of S,OuU.(Wi.
which should be expend'd In much needed
public works, notably Improvement of Ma
nila harbor. • • • with proper tariff
and facilities Manila will become a great
port of the Orient
"The commission Is confidant that by a
Judicious custom* law. reasonable land
tax and proper corporation franchise ta*.
Imposition of no greater rate th in that In
average American state* will give less an
noyance and with |ieace will produce rev
enues sufficient to (My expense* of effi
cient government Including militia and
constabulary. They are preparing a strin
gent civil service law, giving equal oppor
tunity to Filipinos and Americans with
preference for former where qualifications
are equal, to enter at lowest rank and by
promotion reach the head of a depart
ment • • • Forty-five miles of railroad
extension under negotiation will give ac
cess to u large province rich In valuable
mineral*, a mile high, with strictly tem
perate climate. • • • Railroad construc
tion will give employment to many and
communication will furnish market to vast
stretches of rich agricultural lands."
They W ant Schools.
They report that there are "entl* from
all part* of the Island* for public schools
school supplies and English teachers!
greater than the commlslson can provide
until a comprehensive school system is
organised. Night school* for teaching
English to adtihs are being established In
response to popular demand. Native chil
dren show aptitude In learning English.
Spanish I* spoken by n small fraction of
people, and In a few year* the medium of
communication In the courts, public of
fices and between different tribe* will be
English: creation of central government
within eighteen months, tinder which stile
Manually all right described In Ihe R|||
of Rights In Ihe Eedernl Constitution are
to he secured to the people of Ihe Philip
pines. will bring to th-m contentment,
prosperity, education and political en
llghtmeni."
Thl shows to my countrvmen what ha*
been ami l* being done to bring the ben
etlt* of liberty and good government to
these wards of the nation. Every effort
has been directed to their peace and pros
perltv, their advancement find well-being
not for our aggrandisement nor for pride
of might, not for trade or commerce not
tor exploitation, hut for humanity ’and
■ivlllxatlon. and for the protection of the
vast majority of the population who wel
come our sovereignly aga nst the d*.
signing minority whose first demand aft
er the surrender of Manila hy the Spanish
army was to enter the city that they
m‘ghi loot It and destroy those not In
sympathy with their selfish and treacher
ous designs.
No tlllnnrr Willi Insurgent*
Nobody who will avail himself , h
facia will longer hold that there
al.lance between our soldiers and i
aurgenta. or that any promise of
(>endence was made to them l.
fore their leader had reached Mant! i
had resolved If the commander .>;
American navy woukl give them .
with which to light the Spanish
they would later turn upon u*. whl . .’j
did murderously und without the l
ot cause or Justification. There tII
those without the means of full im
tlon. who believe that we were In
with the Insurgents and that w, , .'j
them that they should have indepei
To such let me repeat the facts . i ’ th
SSth day of May, 1(96. Admiral 1
Instructed by me to make no alli.tn. ~,,
any party or faction In the Phlli; | ,
ihnt would Incur liability to m , j n
their cause In the future, and hi- i, , j
under date of June 6. 1696: "Have .j. ~..{
according to spirit of department . m .
strunton* from ths beginning, and I hav
entered Into no alliance with thn n
gent* or with any fat-lion This * () , ~|r „ n
can reduce Ihe defenses of Manila ai ~,y
moment, but It I* considered uselem , r! j|
the arrival of sufficient United fltat, 4
force* to retain possession." In the r „.
pore of the first Philippine Cntmm .
submitted on Nov. I. 1899, Admiral |>. ,
one of Its members, salt):
"No alliance of any kind wns enter*!
Into wllh Agtilnaldo. nor w*s any prnntlm
of Independence made to him at any
time.”
Gen. Merritt arrived In the Phi: | ~j n e
on July 25. I*9B, and a dispatch fr. n, \q.
mtral Dewry to the government at VVr .
melon said: "Merritt arrived ,
Blit;*Hon I# most crlllral at Manllt Ths
flp-niDh may eurrender at any nv mr,-
Merritt's moil difficult iwoblcrn sill r*
how to deal with Ihe Insurgent- nixier
Agt inatdo. who have become aggre.<*|ve
and even threatening toward our army
Hero 1* revealed the plrlt of the lnrjr
geM* ns early a* July. 1898. b. l-re tn
pi* toco! wa# signed, while we wre i |
engaged In active war with Spota, Even
then the Insurgtnla wete threatening I>lir
army.
ten Aug. 13. Manila wa* captured and of
t.-ils ano subsequent event* the I'hklp
pl ie* Dcmmisslon says; "When t >t;y
ot Manila wa# taken Aug. 13. the KihpUuo
look no part In the attack, but came f ;.
lowing In with a view to looting the city,
and were only prevented from dung
by our force* preventing them ftnm en.
ferlog Aguinaldo claimed that he hid ths
right to occupy the city; he demanded of
Geo. Merrill the palace of Mala, man for
himself and the cession of all the church?*
of Manila, also that a part of the money
taken fiom the flpnnlard* as spoil* of war
should be given up. and above all rhit
he should be given the arm* of the Spsn.
lsh prlmm r. All these demands were re.
ft 101.
G-n*. Merritt. Greene nnd Anderson.who
were In command al the beginning of or
.> . upa.lon, gnd until Ihe surrender of Ma
nila. state that there was no slltanc*
with the Insurgent*—and no prombe ta
them of Independence On Aug 17, ICa.
Gen. Merritt was Instructed that ther*
must noi be any Joint occupation of Ma
nila wllh Ihe Insurgents. Gen. Anderson,
under dale of Feb. 10, 1900. says that he
wns present at the Interview- between Ad
miral Dewey and the Insurgent Pader,
ami that In this Interview Admiral I'ewer
made no promises whatever. He adds:
"He (Agulnnldo) nskel me If my gov.
ernment was going to recognise his gov
ernment. I answered that I was ther*
simply In a military capacity; that I
could not acknowledge his government be
cause 1 had no authority to do so."
flume Uaestlnss Asked.
Would not our adversaries have #ert
Dewey's fleet to Manila to capture and
destroy the flpantsh sea power there, or.
.dispatching It there, would they havs
withdrawn It ofter the destruction of the
flpantsh fleet and If the latter, whither
woukl they have directed ll to sail? W: ere
could It have aone? What port In ths
Orient was opened to It? Do our adversa
ries condemn Ihe expedition under the
command of Gen. Merritt lo strengthen
Dewev in the distant ocean, and assist m
our triumph over Spain, wltn which natton
we were at war? Wa* It not our hlgh'M
duty to strike Spain at every vulneraba
point, that the war might be succesrfully
concluded at the earliest practicable mo
ment?
And was It not our duty to protect tee
lives and property of those who came
within our control by the fortune* of wsr?
Could we have come away at any time
between May 1. 1898, and thesroncluslon of
peace without a stain, upon our good
name?
Could we have come nway without de
honor at any time after the ratification of
the peace treaty by the Senate of th*
United Slates?
There has been no lime since the de
struction of the enemy’! fleet when w*
could or should have left the I’h.lipptne
Archipelago. After the treaty of peace was
ratified no power but Congres# coukl sur
render our sovereignly or alienate a foot
of the territory thus acquired. The Con
gress ha* not seen fit to do the one or
the other, and the President had no au
thority to do either. If he had been so In
clined. which he was not. So long as th*
sovereignty remains In us ll Is the duty
of the executive, whoever he may be. to
uphold that roverelgnty and If ll be
tacked to suppress Its aseallania IVoud
our political adversaries do less?
Democrats HatlMed Treaty.
II has been asserted that there wood
have been no Aghting In the Philippines
If Congress had declared It* purpose to
give lnde|H-ndence to Ihe Tag.i! Insur
gents. The Insurgents did not welt for
ihe action of Congress. They assumed
the offensive, they opened (Ire on our
army. Those who assert our responsibility
for Ihe beginning of the conflict here foe
gotten that before the treaty was rati
fied In the Se-nale and while It wts be
ing debated In that body. sod
while the Bacon reeoi art r was
under discussion, on Feb. 4. 1891. > h *
Insurgents attacked the American army,
after being previously advised that tht
American forces were under orders rot
to Are upon them except In defense The
paper* found In the recently i iptureJ
archives of the Insurgent* demonstrate
that this attack had been carefully plan
ned for week# before It occurred Thetr
unprovoked assault upon our soldier* •<
a time when the Senate was dcllberitW*
upon the treaty show* that no action °®
our part, except surrender and .tbm-lon
ms-nt, would have prevented the flghtlrd
and leave* no doubt In any fair mind
of where the responsibility rests for the
shedding of American blood.
With all Ihe exaggerated phr*-*— mskl'g
of this electoral contest, we an In dan
ger of being diverted from the real con
tention.
We are In agreement with all of th->st
who supported the war with Si-oin, * r ‘’
also with those who counselled the r*t
fH-ation of the treaty of peace I P or
these two great essential steps there ca
be no Issue, arid out of these came a t “
our responsibilities. If others would shirk
the obligations Imposed by the *f • nJ
the treaty, w-e must decline to a t I' l ''
ther with them and here the isst* *•*
made It Is our purpose to establish ■<'
the rhlltpplnea a government suitable t*
the wants ami condition* of the Inha
lants and to prepare them for self*"''
ernment. and to give them self-Bvert.-
men! when they are ready for It. •’
rapidly i* they are ready for It y>a
I am aiming to do under my coostH 11 ' 10 '
al authority, and will continue to do
til Congress shall determine the pm“
status of the Inhabitants of the arc-hip*-
ago.
Are our opponents against the tree > ■
If so, they must be reminded < h *'
could not have been ratified In !h ' ~
ale but for their assistance. The S
which ratified the treaty and the t o*ut
which added Ita sanction by a large sv
prnprtatlon. comprised senator* sm
rrsentallves of the people of all l* n 1 ’
Would our opponent* surrender to
Insurgent*, abandon our sovereign'jr •
cede It to them? If that be not tn_
purpose, that. U should be *W‘