US Presidency
1899

I have not thought it wise to commit the entire government of the island to officers selected by the people, because I doubt whether in habits, training, and experience they are such as to fit them to exercise at once so large a degree of self government; but it is my judgment and expectation that they will soon arrive at an attainment of experience and wisdom and self control that will justify conferring upon them a much larger participation in the choice of their insular officers. The fundamental requirement for these people, as for all people, is education. The free schoolhouse is the best preceptor for citizenship. In the introduction of modern educational methods care, however, must be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history and racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be given due weight.