The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-11-16
TO act WITH MODERATION
FEW RADICAL A N
Aouurdiag - This Programme Ihsrern
% No Exsra ssssion OF Congress
and ths lslands WIZ Be Kept
Under Military Rule.

CHICAGO. o ia special to the
Tfmes-Heraid from Washington says:
President Mckinley has developed his
policy towards Porto Rico and the Phil
ippines. There has been much specula-
ton as to the form Of government to he
given these islands. and the president
has been studying the problem with
great earnestness. He has decided TO
ave the country from the blunderx OF
hesitation and will delay the final decis-
ion for . year. This statement Is on the
authority OF one of the presidents most
intimate advisers. who gives the follow
ing outliqe of his programme:
F1ret-There will be no extra session
OF congress- next spring. barring grave
emergencies.
0~econd-The conquered islands will be
continued under a strong military gov
eminent.
Third-An judiciary positions will be
administered by army officers.
Fourth-The islands will he kept out
Of politics as much Is possible until
the American people have IA an OPP
portunity TO study them and the nat
tonal sentiment can crystalline as to
the relations they should hold to the
United States.
nc lrtan0< Will pIODubly re-
tain their present currency system but
these may be bolstered by degrees
which will insure stability.
S~txth-Being In effect military COL
onies the conquered islands will have
tariffs Of their own which will be levied
on imports from the United States as
well az from those of other countries.
seventh-The United States will coll
lect duties on imports from the islands
the same as though they still belonged
to a foreign sovereignty.
The presidents programme Is said
60 be based on the ground that the
American people are not sufficiently in
formed about Porto Rico and the Phil
tpptnes to decide off-hand whether they
should be treated as territories or as
colonies somewhat after the British sys-
tenn. Many Americans believe the ma
tives OF the conquered islands are not
suited TO be taken into full
membership in Uncle Sans family.
The president has held that position
IT least toward the Filipinos. and
his reluctance was based on the
Inhabitants. The president himself Is
at loss to say what form OF government
should be provided for the newly ac-
CURED islands. The habits Of centuries
OF formation are not 20 be uprooted by
q mere act Of congress and civilization
does not necessarily follow from the use
Of the ballot box The government of
the islands presents n tremendous prob
lem and the president wishes to attack
its solution in%telligently. He wants
time for himself and he wants time for
the American people.
The presidents programme is based
on the theory that the coming session
of congress will be too short and busy
TO permit legislation for n comprehen-
SlVa SNsfam af n0NRTnnant for the ann-
Quered islands. The appropriation bills
and other important measures will abb
eorb most of the time OF the outgoing
congress and the constructive work for
the new possessions will go over to the
new congress. There Is a movement
10 have the present congress appoint
commissions like that which visited
Hawaii. Their mission would be 10
visit Porto Rico and the PHILIPPINES.
study their people and their needs. ia
miiiarize themselves with the special
conditions that must be considered and
on their return recommend TO congress
forms Of government for these islands.
The president wants more light and
commissions such as that which visited
Hawaii will give an intelligent basis
for legislation for Porto Rico. and es-
peciaily for the PHILIPPINES. President
Mckinley has already established a
military government in Porto Rico and
parts OF Cuba ana the Philippines BY
virtue OF his authority as commander
in chief Of the army and navy.
1t Is by that authority that he will
continue In control until congress takes
the responsibility of the government
from his hands. IL congress fails TO
take the necessary action at the COM
ing short session. the president can con-
tinue his military management until
December OF next yea A military
government has the advantage OF being
flexible. and quickly adaptable to
special needs. IL a change Is needed in
the laws Of Porto Rico in the opinion
OF the American officers on the ground.
the president car order IL at n mo-
ment' notice. With army officers scat
tered over the island. all earnestly
studying the needs of the situation M
reporting TO the president. he can make
such adaptations from day TO day as
seem desirable, and when congress takes
up the problem a year hence IL will find
the ground work for a government well
laid The Porto Ricans will be given
q civil government under the general
supervision OF the military power and
Il will be the aim Of the president
gradually to shape that government to
the system OF the United States.