Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-12-31

The President has been studying
the Philippine situation in connection
with the peace treaty. He is satisfied
that the treaty will be ratified by the
Senate, and that no amendment will
be adopted declaring that it is not the
policy of this country to exercise
sovereignty over the islands. He has
received assurances from a number of
Democratic Senators that they will
not oppose the treaty, but will reserve
tie right to develop Their position
later as to the future of the islands.
The President himself believes that
no man can at this time form and
bold a settled conviction as to what
should be the future relations of the
islands to this country. That is
question over which he believes there
may be much difference of opinion.
1t is well known that the President
has not expressed himself in favor of
any certain future for the islands.
Never by word or indirect allusion
has he given anybody to understand
that he will favor the annexation of
the islands or that he will recommend
their independence.
He is listening to the views of
others and is acquiring all the infor.
nation he can get. When public men
approach him and ask why such and
such thing is not done he promptly
asks them to give their views as to
how it ought to be done. The re-
sponsibility is shifted to their should
ers.
Republicans Who Favor Annexation.
A number of aggressive Republi-
cans, however, have made up their
minds that the islands should become
part OF the United States. They ar
que that no matter what the condition
of affairs on the islands is the United
States will develop all that is best.
These aggressive statesmen, as we'll
as the conservative ones, are urging
the President to adopt their views.
He simply listens.
He is satisfied that military gov
eminent shall prevail for at least
year. He will then have studied the
conditions to their fullest extent, and
will give Congress the benefit of this
study by making a recommendation
to that body about next December.
While this is the present plan it could
be altered by unexpected events in
the Philippines.
The Situation i'm Havana.
The President has instructed the
War Department to urge the Ameri.
can officers in Havana to use all eau.
ton against exciting demonstrations
on the island the day the United
States formally takes charge. The
President does not want injustice done
the Spaniards nor Cubans.
Several strong Republicans. promi-
nent in the administration, said today
that the shooting Of Spanish soldiers
from houses by Cubans was not calcu-
lated to enhance the opinion in this
country of the Cubans.
Porto Rico's Needs and Wants.
DR.. M. Zeno Gambia, of Porto Rico,
is in this country to consult with the
President as to the needs of the island.
DR. Gambia said:
Reform is needed in monetary,
tariff, educational, and most import
ant. in the administrative condition of
the island. The Porto Ricans do not
want to be treated as a colony, and
above all do not want military gov.
eminent, as at present. Gen. Henry
is capable, honest and gracious, but
the Porto Ricans do not want to be
treated as barbarians, but as a part of
the United States, to have, in fact
territorial government.
"Our hope is that the President will
appoint governor and secretary of
the territory, and by proclamation
decree an election for municipal offices
and for legislature. Four-fifths of
the 1000, 600 people in Porto Rico are
white, and all but about $50, 600 can
read and write.
1.-The unstable currency is source
of vexation to business men. There
are about SO, 1000 900 of Porto Rican
silver in circulation and S., 900. 600 of
American money. We want to use all
American money. and how to substi.