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The president, in his annual message
to congress, says:
“At the threshold of your delibera-
tions you are called to mourn with your
countrymen the death of Vice President
Hobart, who passed from this life on the
morning of Nov. 21 last. His great soul
now rests in eternal peace. His privati-
life was pure and elevated, while Ills pub-
lic career was ever distinguished by large
capacity, stainless integrity and exalted
motives. He has been removed from the
high office. which be honored and digni-
fied, but his lofty character, his devotion.
t) duty, his honesty of purpose and no-
ble virtues remain with us as a priceless
lbgacy and example." '
The president then "plunges into a re-
view of the prosperous conditions which
,Ilave prevailed throughout the country
since his last message was delivered. He
finds that the exports of agricultural
products were $784,770,142 and of man—
ufactured products $339,592,143. larger
than any previous‘year. Government re-
ceipts from all sources for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1899, aggregated nearly
$611,000,000. Customs receipts were
over $200,000.000 and those from inter—
nal revenue about $274,000,000. For the
same period the expenditures were $700,;
093,564, leaving a deficit of a little over
889000000.
The secretary of the treasury estimates
thzit the receipts for the current fiscal
year ‘will aggregate nearly $641,000,000
and the expenditures about $001,000,000.
Mr. McKinley then turns his atten-
tion to the condition of the treasury,
which, he says, is most: gratifying. The
available cash balance on Dec. 1, 1899.
was $278,000,000. of which over $229,-
000,000 was in gohl coin and bullion, and
he remarks that the conditions of confi-
dence which prevail throughout the coun-
try have brought gold into more general
use, and customs receipts are now al-
most entirely paid in that coin.
THE BOND OFFER.
' The recent action of the secretary of
the treashry in offering to purchase $25,-
000,000 of bonds is referred to in the fol-
lowing terms:
' “The strong position of the treasury
with respect to cash on hand and the
favorable showing made by the revenues
have made it possible for the secretary
of the treasury to-takc'action under the
provisions of section 3594. Revised Stat--
utes, relating to the sinking fund. Re—
ceipts exceeded expenditures for the
first five months of the current fiscal
year by $13,413,380.91, and, as mention-
ed above, the secretary of the treasury
estimates that there will be a surplus
' ef‘a‘pproximatcly $50,000,000 at the end
, be redeemed upon presentation, .
of the year. Under such conditions it
was deemed advisable and prepcz- to re-
sume compliance with the provisions of
'the sinking fund law. which for eight
years has not been done because of do-
ficiencies in the revenues. The amount
offered and purchased during November
was $18,408,600.”
Mr. McKinley says the net saving in
interest on the amount purchased was
over $2,000,000.
The president finds that under the rap-
id development in the industries of the
country the national banking act is not a
sufficient avenue through which needful
addition to the circulation can from time
to time be made. He therefore asks con-
gress to take up this matter with the
view of ascertaining whether or not such
reasonable modifications can be made as
will render the act’s service in the par-
ticulars referred to more responsive to
the people‘s needs. He urges that na—
tibnal banks be authorized to organize
with a capital of $25,000.
THE MONEY STANDARD.
President McKinley then proceeds to
discuss the standard of money and says:
"I urgently recommend that to support
the existing gold standard and to main—
tain the parity in value of the coins of
. the two metals (gold and-silver) and- the
equal power of cvory dollar at all times
in the market and in the payment of
debts the secretary of the treasury be
given additional power and charged with
the duty to sell United States bonds and
to employ such other effective means as
may be necessary to those ends. The au-
thority should include the-power to sell
bonds on- long and short time, as condi-
tions may require, and should provide for
a rate of interest lower than" that fixed
by the act of Jan. 14. 1875. \Vhile there
is now no commercial fright which with-
draws'gold from the government, but. on
the contrary. such widespread confidence
but gold seeks the treasury demanding
paper money in exchange. yet the very
situation points to the present as the
most fitting time to make adequate provi-
sion to insure the continuance of the gold
standard and of public confidence in the
ability and purpose of the government to
"meet all its obligations in the money
which the civilized world recognizes as
the best. '
“The financial transactions of the gov-
ernment are conducted upon a gold ba-
sis. “'9 receive gold when we sell Unit-
ed States bonds and use gold for their
payment; We. are maintaining the parity
of all the money issued or coined by au—
thority of the govcrmnent. \Ve are doing
these things wii‘n the means at hand.
Happily at the present time we are not
compelled to resort to loans to supply
gold. It has been done in the past, how-
ever,-zmd may have to be done. in the fu-
ture. It behooves us. therefore. to pro-
vide at once the best means to meet the
emergency when it arises, and the best
"mans are those which are the most cer-
tain and economical. Those now author-
ized have the virtue neither of directness
nor ecmiomy. \Ve have already eliminat-
ed one of the causes of our financial
plight 'and embarrassment during the
years 1893, 1894. 1895‘and 1896.
RECEIPTS EQUAL EXPENDI-
' TURES.
“Our receipts now equal our expendi-
tures. Deficient revenues no longer cre-
ate alarm. Let us remove the only re-
maining cause by conferring the full and
necessary power on the secretary of the
treasury and impose upon him the duty
to uphold the present gold standard and
preserve the coins of the two metals on 'a
parity with each other, Which is there-
peatedly declared policy bf the United
States. -aIn this connection I repeat my
former gecommendations that a portion
of the gold holdings shall be placed in a
trust fund from which greenbacks shall
once redeemed shall not then-mm -
paid out except for gold.” -
'After an urgent appeal to congress.
pass some legislation which shall Mix 3'
American merchant marine l our 12
- present state of“ decadence ”real-Lima?
'Ii‘cKlnley t rns his attention to the sub»
ject of trusts and devotes a great deal of
attention to it. He says:
- “Combinations of capital organized
into trusts to control the conditions of
trade among our citizens to stifle com-
petition, limit production and determine
the prices of products used and consum-
ed by the people are justly provoking
public discussion and should early claim
the attention of congress. The subject
is one that gives" 'rise 'to diversified
views as to the nature and variety or
cause and extent of the injuries to the
public which may result from large com-
.binations concentrating more or less nu—
merous enterprises and‘ establishments
which previously to the formation of the
combination were carried on separately;
OBNOXIOUS COMBINATIONS.
“It is universally conceded that com-
binations which engross or control the
market of any._, particular kind of men
chandise or commodity necessary to the
general community, by Suppressing nat-
ural and ordinary competition, whereby
prices are unduly‘ enhanced to the gen
feral consumer, are obnoxious, not- only
' to the common law, but also to the pub-
. lic welfare. There must be a remedy for
.the evils involved in such organization
If the present law can be extended more
certainly to control or check these mo-
nopolies 0r trusts, it should be done with-
out delay. Whatever power the con-
gress possesses over this most important
subject should be promptly ascertained
and asserted.” ‘
Following the trust question the presi~
dent takes up foreign relations, first re-
viewing the status of several disputes
which the government has on hand and
finding them moving toward a success
ful settlement. He finds that the isth
mian canal commission issmaking good
progress in carrying on‘examinations in
-Nicaragua and Darien with a view to
establishing a canal between the At-
lantic and Pacific oceans, and he asks
congress to help in the work.
Referring to China, Mr. McKinley says
that the interests of our citizens in that
vast empire have not been neglected, and
adequate protection has been secured for
American missionaries there. Our trade
with China has continued to grow. and
our commercial rights under existing
treaties have been and will be maintain-
ed. He again urges an appropriation for
a commission to study the commercial
and industrial conditions in the Chinese
empire so that American trade may be
enlarged in the empire. _
OUR RELATIONS IVITH GER-
MANY.
Next the Paris exposition is touched
on. and concerning Germany the presi-
dent finds that our relations continue to
be most cordial. He says: '
“In all that promises closer relations of
intercourse and commerce and a better
understanding between two races hav-
ing so many traits in common Germany
can be assured of the most cordial co-
operation of this government and people.
\Ve may be rivals in many material
paths. but our rivalry should be generous
and open, ever aiming toward the attain-
ment of larger results and the mutually
beneficial advancement of each in the
line of its especial adaptabilities.”
Mr. McKinley contends that our sys—
tem of the inspection of food products
for cxport is of the best. and he hopes
that the German government will come
to realize this and suggests that, congress
authorize an invitation to Germany in
connection with the pending reciprocity
negotiations for the constitution of a
joint commission of scientific experts and
practical men of affairs to conduct a
searching investigation of food produc-
tion and exportation in both countries.
The president hopes that the disputed
question concerning the Alaskan-(fana-
dian boundary will soon be satisfactorily
settled.
THE TRANSVAAL \VAR.
Touching on~ the war between Great
Britain and the Boers, the president
says:
“This government has attained an at-
titude of neutrality in the unfortiuiate
contest between Great Britain and the
Boer states of South Africa. “’e have
been faithful to the precept of avoiding
entaugling alliances as to affairs not of
a direct concern. Had circumstances
suggested that the parties to the quarrel
would have welcuulcd any kindly expres-
sion of the hope of the American peo—
ple that war might be averted good of:-
fices would have been gladly tendered.
"The United States representative at
Pretoria was early instructed to see that
all neutral American intczests be re-
spected by the combatants. This has
been an easy task in view of the positive
declarations of both British and Boer
authorities that the personal and prop-
erty rights of our \itizcns should be ob-
served.
“Upon the withdrawal of the British
agent from Pretoria the United States
consul was authorized. upon the request
of the British government and with th(
assent of the. South African and Orange
Free State govcrmncnts, to exercise the
customary good offices of a neutral for
the care of the. British interests. In the
discharge of this function I am happy to
say that abundant opportunity has been
afforded to show the impartiality of this
mivcrnment toward bOth the combat-
ants.” . '
Taking up the subject of the lynching
of certain Italians in Louisiana, Mr. Mc-
Kinley follows President -Harrison in
urging that congress‘extend the powers
of the federal courts so that they may
have jurisdiction over’ offenses against
the treaty rights of foreigners domiciled
in the United States.
The president” after a complimentary
reference to the friendly feeling the gov-
ernment of Japan has for t e United
Stateshopcs that that count-r” will soon
be brought into telegraphic relation with
this country and also calls. attention to
his special message 0f Feb. 10, 1899,
concerning the necessity of a cable to
Manila, recommending that congress au-
thorize the postmaster general to invite
competitive bids for the establishment of
such a cable. - ’ » "
. President McKinley reviews at some
length the Samoan troubles and says
that he will soon submit to the senate a
convention entered into between'the Unit-
ed States, Germany and England for its
action. .
THE TREATY OF PEACE.
The message continues:
"My annual message of last~year was
necessarily devoted in great part to a
consideration of the Spanish war and of
the results it wrought and the conditions
it imposed for the future. I am gratified
to announce that the treaty of peace has
. restored friendly relations between the
5 two powers. Effect has been given to its
. most important provisions. The evacua.
. tion ofPorto Rico having'already been
l accomplished on,’ thé 18th of‘ October,
7
1898, nothing rgmained necessary there
I
’the ashes of the past must needs be
. tabulated, and we shall proceed to pro-
‘ vide‘for elections which will commit the
1 .
but to. continue the provisional military 9
control of cthe island until the congress
should enact a suitable government for
the ceded territory. Of the character
and scope of the measures to that-end
I shall treat in another part of this mes
rage. ' ’ '
“The withdrawal of the authority 01
Spain from the island of Cuba was ef
fected by the 1st of January, so that tlu
full re-es’tahlishment of peace found the
relinquished territory held by us in trusi
for the inhabitants, maintaining, under
the direction of the executive, such gov
ernment and control therein as shoulo
conserve ~public order, restore the produc
five conditions of peace so long disturbcc
by the instability and disorder which pre
vailed for the greater part of the preced
ing three decades and build up that tran
quil development of the domestic stats
whereby alone can be realized the high
purpose, as proclaimed in the joint reso
lution adopted by the congress on the
19th of April, 1898, by which the United
States disclaimed any disposition or in
tention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdic
tion or Control oVer Cuba, except for the
pacification thereof, and asserted its de
termination that when that was accom
plished to leave the government and con-
trol} of the island to its people. The
pledge. contained in this resolution is 01
the highest honorable obligation and
must be' sacredly kept.
V“I believe that substantial progress
has been made in this direction. All the.
administrative measures adopted in Cu-
ba have aimed to fit it for a regenerated
existence by enforcing the supremacy of
law and justice by placing wherever
practicable the machinery of admin-
istration in the hands of the inhabitants.
by instituting needed sanitary reforms.
by spreading education, by fostering in
dustry and trade, by inculcating public
morality and, in short, by taking every
rational step to aid the Cuban people to
attain to that place of self conscious re-
spect and self reliant unity which fits
an enlightened community for self gov-
ernment within its own sphere, while en
abling it to fulfill all outward obliga-
tions.
AN OBLIGATION ASSUMED.
"This nation has assumed before the
world a grave responsibility for the fu-
ture good government of Cuba. We have
accepted a trust the fulfillment of which
calls for the stcrnest integrity of put"
pose and the exercise of the highest wis-
dOm. The new Cuba yet to arise from
bound to us by ties of singular intimacy
and strength if its enduring welfare is tc
be assured. Whether those ties shall be
organic or conventional, the destinies of
Cuba are in some rightful form and man-
ner irrevocably linked with our own, but
how and how far is for the future to do
termine in the ripeness of events. \Vhat-
ever be the outcome, we must see to it
that free Cuba be a reality, not a name,
a perfect entity, not a hasty experiment
hearing within itself the elements of fail-
ure. Our mission. to accomplish which
we took up the wage of battle, is not
to be fulfilled by turning adrift any loose-
ly framed commonwealth to. face the
vicissitudes which too often attend weak-
er states whose natural wealth and
abundant resources are offset by the in-
congruities of their political organiza-
tion and the. recurring oc‘asions for in-
ternal rivalries to sap their strength and
dissipate their energies. The greatest
blessing which can come- to Cuba is the
restoration of her agricultural and in.
dustrial prosperity, which will give em-
ployment to idle men and re-establish
the pursuits of peace. This is her chief
and innnediate need.
"On the 19th day of August last an or-
der was made for the taking of the cen
sus in the island. to be completed on the
30th of November. By the treaty of
peace 'the Spanish-people on the island
have until April 11, 1900, to elect whether
they will remain citizens of Spain or be
come citizens of Cuba. Until then it can-
not be definitely ascertained who shall bc. -
entitled to participate in the formation of
the government of Cuba. By that time
thercsults of the census will have been
municipal governments of the island to
the officers elected by. the people. The
experience thus acquired. will prove of
great value in the formation. of a repre-
sentative convention of the people to
draft a constitution and establish a gen:
eral system of independent government
for the island. In the meantime. and so
long as we exercise control over the is-
land. the products of Cuba should have a
market in the United States on as good
terms and ~with favorable rates of
duty as are given to the “'cst India is-
lands under treaties of reciprocity which
shall be made.
All) TO DESTITUTE.
"For the relief of the distressed in the
island of Cuba the war department has
issued supplics to destitute per-Sons
through the ofiiccrs of the. army which
have amounted to 5.493.000 rations, at a
cost of $1,417,554.07. .
“To promote the disarmament of thr
Cuban volunteer army. and in the inter-
est of public peace and the welfare of the
people. the sum of $75 was paid to each
Cuban soldier borne upon the authenti-
cated rolls. on condition that he should de:
posit his arms with the authorities dcsig-
noted by the United States. The sum thus
disbursed aggregated $25417 ~50, which
was paid from the emergency fund pro-
vided by the act of Jan. 5, 1899, for that
purpose. .
“Out of "the Cuban island revenues
during the six months ending June 30,
1899. 51.712.014.20 was expended for
sanitation, 5529389110 for charities and
hospitals and $88,014.03 for aid to the
destitute.
“The international commission or arbi-
tration appointed under the Anglo-Vam-
ezuelan treaty of 1897 renderedan award
on Oct. 3 last whereby the boundary line
between Venezuela and British Guiana
is determined, thus ending a controversy
which had existed for the greater part of
the century. The award, as to which the
arbitrators were unanimous. while not
meeting the‘extreme contention of either
party, gives to Great Britain a large
share ofethe interibr territory in dispute
and to Vénezuela the entire month of’the
Orifioco, including Barima point and the
Caribbean littoralrfor some distance to
the eastward. The decision appears to
be equally satisfactory to both parties,
“Venezuela has once more “Inlay-gone a
revolution. The insurgents under Gen-
eral Castro, after a sanguinary engage.
ment in which they sulfered much loss.
rallied in the mountainous interior and
advanced toward the capital. The bulk
of the army having sided with the move-
ment, President'Andi-ade quitted Cacao
cas, where'Gene'ral Castro set up a pro«
vislonalgovernment’, With which n‘gr min-'
HS
rnvv "
1 11.11
. \ . _
powers entered into diplomatic relations
on the 20th of November, 1899.”
ANOTHER TRADE CONFERENCE,
Rene wing the increase of trade bi'ought
about by the elIOI ts of the state depart
ment to- keep in touch with the govern
ment of 1the Latin-American republics-in
South and Central America, President
McKinley thinks it expedient that thi
various republics should be invited tc
hold at an early date another conference
in a capital of one of the countries othei
than the United States and in this con
nection refers to the Pan-American expo
sition to be held onrthe Niagara frontier
in New York in the year 1901 and says
“Satisfactory assurances have already
been given by the diplomatic representa-
tives of Great Britain, . Mexico, the
Central and South American republic:
and most [of the states of the ’United
States that these countries and states
will make a unique, interesting and in
structive exhibit peculiarly illustrative 0‘
their material progress during the cen~
tury which is about to close.”
President McKinley. expresses- satisfac
tion over the outcome of the peace con-
gress held at The Hague and hopes f0]
beneficial results from the permanent
tribunal for arbitration established by it
He calls attention to the fact. that in
signing the convention the representative
of the United States carefully guarded
the historic position of this country anenl
the Monroe doctrine.
PRAISE FOR THE ARMY.
men comprising the army of the United
States in this country and Manila the
president says: '
“I cannot withhold from officers and
men the highest commendation for their
soldierly conduct in trying situations.
their willing sacrifices for their country
and the integrity and ability with whicl:
they have performed unusual and difii
cult duties inour island possessions.”
The message thengoes into an extend
ed review of the postal service not only it
the United States, but the recently ac
quired colonies. It. also calls the atten
tion of congress to the report of the sec-
retary of the navy concerning armor
plate for vessels now u der contract and
building and asks that egislation be en
acted to make contracts early in the year
be obtained in this Country for the Maine
Ohio and Missouri. and that the provisior
of the act of »March 3, 1899, limiting the
price of armor to $300 per ton be re
moved. .
Concerning pensions the president finds
that the pension roll on June 30. 1899,
numbered 991,519. and the number add
her dropped being 43,198. The amoun‘
disbursed for army and navy pensiom
during the year was $138,355,05295
which was $1,651,461.61 less than the
sum of the appropriation. He recom
mends that in order to make the prac
tice of the department at all times uni-
form and to do justice to the dcpendenl
Widows of Officers and enlisted men whc
served 90 days or more during the war
of the rebellion and were honorably dis-
charged the amount of income allowed
independent of the proceeds of. their
daily labor should be not less than $21
per annum. The present ruling allows
such widow only $90.
TI—IE PHILIPPINE WAR.
President McKinley devotes ten type
written pages to the war in the Philip-
pines. Hc recites how the islands came
to the United States by the terms of the
treaty with Spain and says that he has
every reason to believe that this trans.
fer of sovereignty was in. accordance.
with the wishes and aspirations of the
great mass of the Filipino people. He
says that no opportunity was lost of as-
suring the people of the island of our
ardent desire for their welfare and of the
intention of this governmentto do ev-
erything possible to advance their inter
ests; He reviews the appointment of the
Philippinecommissioners-and then says:
“But before their arrival at Manila the
sinister, ambition of a few leaders Of the
Filipinos had created a situationfull ol
embarrassment for us and mostfigrievou:
in its consequences to themselves.” He
refers to the report of the’bommission to
show that‘the claim of the rebel leader
that he was promised independence in
return for'his assistance 11115110 founda
tion in fact. .. . " , '
“No "sooner" had our army c‘apturec
Manila,” says the president, .“than the
Filipino forces began to assume an atti
tude of suspicion, and hostility 'which the
utmost efi‘orts of our officers and troops
were unable to disarnror modify. Their
kindness and forbearance were taken as
a proof of cowardice. The aggressions
of the Filipinos continually increased
until finally, just. before the time set by
the senate of the United States for a
vote upon the treaty, an attack, evidently
prepared in advance, was made all along
the American line, which resulted in a
terribly destructive and sanguinary re
pulse of the insurgents.”
TIIE INSURGENT PROCLAMA-
TION.
President McKinley then quotes from
the insurgent proclamation, which con-
templatcd the massacre of the Americans
in Manila, of which General Otis said
that “for barbarous intent it is unequaled
in modern times.” He then quotes as fol-
lows from the report of the commission
sent to the Philippines, in which the fol-
lowing wofds were used: “It is not to be
conceivedof that any American would
have sanctioned the surrender of,,Manila
to the insurgents. ’ Our obligations tr.
other nations and to the friendly Filipi-
nos and to ourselves and our flag .de-
mandcd that force should be met by
force. “"hatevcr the future of the 'Phil-
ippines may be. there. is no course open
to us now except the prosecution of the
war untilthc insurgents are reduced it
submission. The conuniSsion is of the
'opinion that there has been no time since
by Admiral Dewey when it was possible
islands either‘with honor to ourselves or
with safety t2 the, inhabitants.”
The president then says:'
been unflinchingly pursued. The rebel.
lion must be put down. Civil. govern-
-ment cannot be thoroughly established
- until order is restored. With a devotion
and gallantry worthy of its most brilliant
history the army, ably and loyally assist-
ed by the navy, has carried on this un~
welcome. but most righteous campaign
with richly deserved success. The noble
self sacrifice with which our soldiers and
sailors whose terms of serviee had expir-
ed rcfused to" avail themselves of their
- right to return home as long as they were
needed at the front forms one of the
brightest pages in our annals. Although
terruptcd and chin .ccd by a rainy sea
son- of unusual violence and duration.
Inter and the roprescutatives of other
. p . I
. they have gained ground steadily in er-
In a brief reference to the number 0..
for armor of the. best quality that can
ed during the year was 40,999, the num _
the destruction of the Spanish squadron
to with withdraw our forces from the,
. their operations l‘""e been somewhat in;
’
ery direction and now look forward con-
ifrideintly to a speedy completion of their
as .
“The unfavorable circumstances con-
nected with an active campaign have
not been permitted to interfere with the
equally important work of reconstruction.
Again I invite your attention to the re-
port of the commissioners for the inter-
esting and encouraging details of the
work already accomplished in the estab-
lishment of peace and order and the in-
auguration of self governing municipal
life in many portions of the archipelago.
A notable beginning has been made in
the establishment of a government in the
island of Negros which is deserving of
special consideration. This was the first
island to accept American sovereignty.
Its people unreservedly proclaimed alle
giance to the United States and adopted
a constitution looking to the establish-
ment of a popular government. It was
impossible to guarantee to the people of
Negros that the constitution so adopted
should be the ultimate form of govern
ment. Such a question, under the treaty
with Spain and in accordance with our
own cpnstitution and laws. came exclu-
sively'within the jurisdiction of the con-
gress. The government actually set up
by the inhabitants of Negros eventually
pr‘oved unsatisfactory to the natives
themselves. '
THE GOVERNMENT OF NEGROS.
“A new system was put into force by
order of the major general commanding
the department, of which the following
are the most important elements:
“It was orderedthat the government of
thejisland of egros should consist .of a
military governor appointed by the Unit
ed States military governor of the Philip
pines and -a civil governor and an ad-
visory council elected by the people. The
military governor was authorized to ap-
point secretary of treasury, interior, agri-
culture. public instruction, an attorney
general and an auditor. The seat of the
government was fixed at Bacolod. The
military governor exercises the supreme
executive power. He is to see that the
laws are executed. appoint to office and
fill all vacancies in office not otherwise
provided for, and may, with the approval
of the military governor of the Philip-
pines, remove any officer from oflice. The
civil governor advises the military gov
crnor on all public civil questions and
presides over the advisory council. He.
in general, perfoms the duties which are
performed by secretaries of state in our
own system of government.”
SLAVERY IN THE SULUS.
He next tells of the succession of the
United States to the rights of Spain over
the Sulu islands. He adds:
“Article 10 provides-that any slave in
the archipelago of Jolo Shall have the
right to purchase freedom‘by paying to
the master the usual market value. The
agreement by General Bates was made
subject to confirmation by the president
and to future modifications by the con—
sent of the parties in interest. I have
confirmed said agreement, subject 'to the
action of the congress, and with the res-
ervation which I have directed shall be
communicated to the sultan of Jolo, that
. this agreement is not to be deemed in any
way to authorize or give the consent of
the United States to the existence of
slavery in the Sulu archipelago. I com-
municate these facts to the congress for
its information and action.
“Everything indicates that with the
speedy suppression of the Tagalo rebel-
lion lii‘c in the archipelago will soon rc-
sume its ordinary course under the pro-
tection of our sovereignty, and the peo-
ple of those favored islands will enjoy a
prosperity and a freedom which they
have never before known. Already hun-
dreds of schools are open and filled with
children. icligious freedom is sacredly
assured and enjoyed. The courts are dis-
pensing justice. Business is beginning to
circulate, in its accustomed channels. Ma-
nila, whose inhabitants were fleeing to-
the" country a few months ago, is .now a
populous and thriving mart of commerce.
The earnest and unremitting endeavors
of the commission and the admiral and
major general commanding the depart-
ment of the Pacific to assure the people 01
the.-beneficent intentions of this govern-
ment have had their legitimate effect in
convincing the. great mass of them that
peace and safety and prosperity and sta-
ble government can only be found in a
loyal acceptance of the authority of the
United States.
A G {AVE RESPONSIBILITY.
“The future government of the Philip-
pinnes,” says the president, “rests with
the congress of the United States. Few
graver responsibilities have ever been
confided to us. If we accept them in a
spirit worthy of our race and our tradi-
tions, it great opportunity comes with
them. The islands lie'under the shelter
of our flag. They are ours by every title
of law and equity. They cannot be
abandoned. If we desert them, we leave
them at once to anarchy and finally to
barbarism. \Ve fling them, a golden ap
ple of discord. among the rival powers.
no one of which could permit another to
seize them unquestioned. Their' rich
plains and valleys would be the scene of
endless strife and bloodshed. The ad—
vent of Dewey's licct in Manila bay, in—
stead of being, as we hope, the dawn of
a new day of freedom and progress, will
have. been the leginning of an era of mis-
cry and violence worse than any which .
has darkened their unhappy past.
“The suggestion has been made that
we could renounce our authority over the
islands and, giving them independence,
could rcfain a protectorate. over them.
This proposition will not be found, I am
sure. worthy of your serious attention.
Such an arrangement would involve at
the outs-ct a cruel breach of faith. It
Would place the pcaceable and loyal ma.
.jority. who ask— 'nothing better than to
.accept'our authority. at the mercy of the
'majority of armed insurgents.
It would
make us responsible for the acts of the
insurgent leaders and give us no power to
control them. It would charge us with
7 the task of protecting them against each
iothcr and defending them against any
- foreign power with which they chose tc
“The course thus clearly indicated has -
gquarrel.
In short, it. would take from
the congress of thc'L'nited States the
power of declaring war and vest that tre-
mendous prerogative in the. Tagal leader
of the hour.
TIIE DUTY OF
“It does not seem
CONGRESS.
desirable tha h I
should recommend at this time a specific
and final form of government for these
islands. \Vhen peace shall be restored.
it will. be the duty of congress to con-
struct a plan of govcrmnent which shall
establish and maintain freedom and or-
der and peace in the Philippines. The
insurrection is still existing. and when
.it terminates further information will be
requi;ed as to the actual condition of
adults before inaugurating a permanent
scheme of civil government. The full
'ment the people of the UL
report of the commission, now in pron
aration, will - contain information and
suggestions which will be of value to
congress and which I will transmit as
soon as it is completed. As long as the
insurrection continues the military arm
must necessarily be supreme. But there
is no reason why steps should not be
taken from time to time to inaugurate
governments essentially popular in their
form as fast as territory is held and con-
trolled by our troops. To this end I
am considering the advisability of the
return of the commission, or such of the
members thereof as can be secured, to
aid the existing authorities and facili-
tate this work throughout the islands.
I have believed that reconstruction
should not begin by the establishment
of one central civil government for all
the islands, with its seat at Manila, but
rather that the work should be commenc-
ed by building up from the bottom, first
establishing municipal governments and
then provisional governments, a central
government at- last to follow.
“Until congress shall have made known
the formal expression of its will I shall
use the authority vested in me by the
constitution and the statutes to uphold
the sovereignty of the United States in
those distant islands as in all other
places. where our flag rightfully floats.
I shall put at the disposal of the army
and navy all the means which the lib-
erality of congress and the people have
provided to cause this unprovoked and
wasteful insurrection to cease. If any
orders 'of mine were required to insure
the merciful conduct of military and
naval operations. they would not be lack-
ing; but every step of the progress of our
troops has been marked by a humanity
which has surprised even the misguided
insurgents. The truest kindness to them
will be a swift and effective defeat of
their present leader. The hour of victory
will be the hour of clemency and recon-
struction. '
WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION.
“No efiort will be spared to build up
the waste places desolated by war and
by long years of misgovernment. We
shall not wait for the end of strife to
begin the beneficent work. We shall con‘
tinue, as we have begun, to open the
to set the
schools and the churches,
courts in operation. to foster industry
and trade and agriculture and in every 3'
way in our power to make these people
whom Providence has brought within
our jurisdiction fcel that it is their lib~
erty and not our power. their welfare '
and not our gain. we. are seeking to en'
hance. Our flag has never waved over
any community but in blessing.
lieve the Filipinos will soon recognize the
fact that it has not lost its gift of bene-
diction in its worldwide journey to their 1"”
shores.”
Concerning Hawaii. President McKin-
ley says it is important that an act
should be passed erecting these islands ..
into a judicial district and provide for
the appointment of a judge and other of-
ficers.
GOVERNMENT IN ALASKA.
He continues: '
“The whole vast. area of Alaska com-
prises but one judicial district, with one
judge, one marshal and one district attor-
ney, yet the civil and criminal business
has more than doubled within the past
year and is many times greater both in
volume and importance than it was in
“-1884. The duties of the judge require
him to travel thousands of miles to dis-
charge his judicial duties at the various
places designated for that purpose. The '—
territory should be divided into at least
two districts and an additional judge.
district attorney, marshal and other ap-
propriate officers be provided.
“In like manner a system of laws pro
viding for. the-incorporation and govern- ..
ment of towns and cities having a cer-
tain population. giving them the power tc
establish and maintain a' system of edu-
cation to be locally supported, and ordi— ‘
nances providing for sanitary and other
such purposes could be speedily provided.
I believe a provision of this kind would 5
be satisfactory to the people of the terri- ‘
toryw It is probable that the area is too
vast and the population' too scattered and
transitory to make it wise at the present
time to provide for an elective legislativt 1“ *
body, but the conditions calling for local
self government will undoubtedly very
soon exist and will be facilitated by the
measures which I have recommended.
“I recommend » that legislation to ”the
same end he had with reference to"the if
The time is 7‘
government of Porto Rico.
ripe for the adoption of a temporary ‘
form of government for this island, and
many suggestions made with reference to ‘
Alaska are applicable also to Porto Rico.
PORTO RICO'S COMMERCE.
“It must be borne in mind that since
the cession Porto Rico has been denied
the principal markets she had long en-
joyed and our tariffs have been continued
against her products as when she was
I be! 1'
under Spanish sovereignty. The markets [
of Spain are closed to her prbducts except
upon terms to which the commerce of: all
nations is subjected. The island of Cuba,
buy her cattle and tobacco
which used ‘
without c'
same «1'
any o
She hm
course w?“
COIllDl‘llSllllnC
Her coffee ‘~ - - ' . '
use by our
was no dema-
chicf products.
duties, now imposes the
these products as from
'nown and not in
this one of her i
es of the Unit
1
cd States shou. to her}
products. Our . r.-.._:{f.-..:€~-J.
all crstoms tar ;,.. 3"; '- .
States and I": _..._ :3
products free access
“As a result of th'
swept over Porto Rico w. firs. ~f .
gust, 1899, over 100,000 .~;-:~ -- , *. .- .“e
duced to absolute desti.
homes and deprived of the
life. To the appeal of the
made prompt and generous res
addition to the private charit,
people, the war department has c:
for the relief of the distressed $392,
342.63, which does not include the. cost of ,
transportation.” ’
Mr. McKinley repeats in his message
the words he used in his inaugural ad
dress concerning lynchings in the United
States. He calls upon the people of the
country to faithfully uphold the right 01%
trial by jury.
The. last subject discussed in the mes
sage is civil service. 'The president say.
that the amendments promulgated by th
executive order of May 29, 1899. to thi
order of May 0. 1800. were made when 1 .
therefore there . -
v'r entering her- ports. 'i 1‘
lost her free inter: f j,
T 5.x. ...d Cuba without any '1'
I?
became evident to the heads of depart 1'5; 3
1 .
ments that the: amendments were neces
.
.‘a
. . _ l
sary to anvefiicrcnt'and harmonious 91113;: ‘-
ministration' of the departments. H
claims that the results obtained sh
that the public service has improved an
' that the civil service system is relic-{y
'of many of its objectionable features.
. ”war"
Norwalk Chronicler