The Ravalli Republican., 1898-11-23
THE PRESIDENTS POLICY.
Outline IF Ills Plan for the Philippines
and Porto Rico

Chicago, Nov. 15.-A special to the
Times-1lcrald from Washington says:
President Mckinley has developed
his policy towards Porto Rico and
the Philippines. There has been
much speculation as to the form OF
government to be given these islands
and the president has been studying
the problem with great carncstness.
He has decided to save the country
from the blundcrs Of hesitation and
will delay the final decision for Il
year. This statement is on the au-
thoritv Of one of the presidents most
intimate advisers, who gives the fol-
lowing outline of his program:
First-Thcre will be no extra ses-
sion OF congress next spring, barring
grave emergencies.
SccOnd-Thc conquered islands will
be continued under a strong military
government.
Third-A1l judiciary positions will
be held by army officers.
Fourth-Thc islands will be kept
out Of politics us much us possible
until the American people have had
an opportunity to study them and
the national sentiment can crystalizc
as to the relations they should hold
to The United States.
FiftIl-The islands will proba bly,
retain their present currency system
but these may be bostercd by degrees
which will insure stability.
SiXth-Bcing in effect military
colonies the conquered islands will
have tariffs of their own which will
be lcyclcd on imports from the United
States as well as On those from other
countries.
Seyentll-Thc United States will
collect duties on imports from the
islands the same as though they still
belonged to foreign sovereignty.
The presidents program is said to
be based on the ground that the
American people are not sufficiently
Informed about Porto Rico and the
Philippines to decide otf-lland wheth-
cr they should be treated as terri
tories or as colonies somewhat after
the British system. Many Americans
believe the natives Of the conquered
islands arc not suited to be taken
into full membership in Uncle Sans
family. The president has held that
position, at least toward the Fill
pinos, and his reluctance was based
on the various stages Of civilization
Of their inhabitants. The president
himself is 1T 4 loss to say what kind
Of Il government should be provided
for the newly acquired islands. The
habits Of centuries Of formation arc
not TO be uprootcd by mere act of
congress and civilization does not
necessarily follow from the use OF the
ballot box. The government Of the
islands presents Il tremendous prob
lem and the president wishes to at
tack its solution intclligcntlv. He
wishes time for himself and time for
the American people.
The presidents program is based
on the theory that the coming SEES
sion Or congress will be too short and
too busy to permit legislation for a
comprehensive system OF government
for the conquered islands. The APP
preparation bills and other important
measures will absorb most Of the
time Of the outgoing congress and
the constructive work for the new
Possessions will 60 over to the new
congress. There is Il movement to
have the present congress appoint
commissions like that which visited
Hawaii. Their mission would be to
visit Porto Rico and the Philippines,
study their people and their needs,
familiarizc themselves with the spec
inl conditions that must be considered
and on their return recommend to
congress forms oi government for
these islands. The president wants
more light and commissions such as
visited Hawaii will give an intclIi-
gent basis for legislation for Porto
Rico and especially for the Philip
pines. President Mckinley has al
ready established a military govern
mcnt in Porto Rico and parts of Cuba
and the Philippines by virtue Of his
authority us commander in chief Of
the army and navy.
1t is by that authority that he will
continue to control until congress
takes the responsibility Of the gov
crnn}cnt from his hands. lf congress
| fails to take the necessary action at
the coming short session, the prcsi-
dent can continue his military man
aycmcnt Until December Of next
year. a militar.as management has
the advantage Of bcin!f flexible, and
quickly adaptable to special needs.
| a change is needed in the laws Of
| Porto Rico in the opinion Of the
American 3tliccrs on the ground, the
| president can order it at il moments
notice. With army officers scattered
over the island, all earnestly study
inc the needs Of the situation and
reporting to the president, lie can
make such adaptations from day to
day as seem desirable, and when con-
grcss takes up the work Il year from
hence it will find the groundwork for
a government we'll laid. The Porto
RicAnS will be given a civil govern
mcut under the general supervision
Of the military power and it will be
the aim Of the president gradually to
shape that government to the system
Of the United States.
That the trial Of Mrs Cordelia
! BUtkiu for the murder Of Mrs. J. p.
/ Dunniny Of Dover. bel, will begin
Oh he day set. December 5, is now
assured. Today Judge Carroll Cook