The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-11-16
HIS POLICY IS DEVELOPED.
MkINLET-S PROBABLE PLANS IN
PORTO RICO AND PHILIPPINES.
Military Government VIII lie Con-
tinued Pending Exhaustive study
of Conditions-NO BluRders From
Hasty Action TO BE Made.

CHICAGO. Nov IA special 10 the
Times-H Herald from Washington says:
President Mckinley has developed his
policy in Porto Rico and the Philippines
There has been much speculation as 50 the
form OF government 10 be given these
islands. and the president has been study
ing the problem with great earnestneSS.
He has decided 20 save the coQntry from
the blunders Of hasty action and Will de-
lay his final decision FOR a year. This
statement is on the authority OF one OF the
presidents most intimate advisers, who
gives the following outline og his pro-
gramyne:
FGrst-There will be no extra session q
congress next spring, unless grave Saler-
gencieS arise.
Second-The conquered islands will he
continued under strong military govern
ment.
Third-AIl fduciary positions Will be adj
minfstered by army officers.
Fourih-The islands VIII be kept cat o.
politics as much as possible until the
American people have had an opportunity
to study them and the national sentiment
can crystalline as 30 the relation they
should bear 10 the United States:
F1fth-The islands Will probably retain
their present currency systems. bat these
may be boistered up by DEGREES WhlCh VIII
insure stability.
Sixth-Being in effect military colonies;
the conquered islands viii have tariffs OF
their own. which VIII ne levied on imports
from the United States as we'll as those
from other countries.
Seventh-The United States Will collect
duties on imports. from the Islands the
same though they stin belonged 20
foreign sovereignty
The presidents programme IS said to he
based on the ground that the American
people are not sufficiently informed about
Porto Rico and the Philippines 10 decide
off-hand whether they should be treated
as territories or as colonies somewhat
after the British system. Many Americans
believe the natives 81 the conquered islands
are not suited to be taken into fun mem
bership in Uncle Sans family. The presi-
dent has held that position. al least to-
ward the Filipinos, and his reluctance 20
take all the Philippines was based on the
various degrees Of civilization Of their in
habitants.
The president himself is at loss 10 say
what form of government should be pro-
vided for the newly acquired islands. The
habits of centuries are not To be upTooted
by a mere act Of congress, and civilization
does not necessarily follow from the use
of the ballot box. The government Of the
islands presents a tremendous problem and
the president wishes TO attack lis solution
intelligentiy. lie wants time for himself
and for the American people.
His programme Is based on the theory
that the coming session of congress will
be TOO short and too busy to permit leglsa-
ton for comprehensive system OF gov
eminent for the conquered islands. The
Appropriation bills and other important
measures will absorb most Of the time of
the outgoing congress and the work for
the new possessions VIII 10 over TO the
next congress. There is a movement 10
have the present congress appoint COM
missions Ike that which have visited Ha-
wall. Their mission would be TO visit
Porto Rico and the Philippines. study the
people and their needs, famIliarize them
selves with the special conditions that
must be considered. and on their return
recommend to congress forms Of govern
ment for those islands
President Mckinley has already cstab
lished a military government in Porto
Rico and In parts Of Cuba and the Philip
pines by virtue OF his authority as com
mander-in-chief of the army and navy. 1t
is by that authority that he will continue
in control until congress takes the respon-
sfbilities OF government from his hands.
If congress fails To take the necessary ac-
ton at the coming short session. the pTesi-
dent can continue his military manage
mcnt until December OF next year.
military government has the advan-
tage Of being flexible and quickly adapta-'
BILE TO special needs. If a change is need
ed in the laws Of Porto Rico in the opin-
ION OF t1e ANeFlfab olllcff on the ground,
the president can order IL on a moments
notice. With army officers scattered over
the island all earnestly studying the needs
Of the situation and reporting 20 the presi-
dent, he can make such adaptations from
day 10 day "a may seem desirable. and
when congress takes up the problem a year
hence It Will find the groundwork fer
government well laid.
The Porto Ricans will be given a civil
Of the military power. and It Viii be- the
aim OF the president gradually 10 shape
that government 10 the system Of the
United States
Joseph jefferson is suffering from mnA