The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-11-16
Plan for Government Of Lately
Acquired Territory Adopted
by President Mckinley.
MILITARY WILL CONTROL
Islands VIII Be Kept Out Of Politics
ssMuch as Possible No Change In
Present Currency System.

I
much speculation as 10 the form of goy-
ernmcnt 10 be- given those Islands. and
the prrridedi has been studying the prob
lon with great earncstness Iie has de-
cldod 10 sayo the counry from ihe blum
dora of hasty action. ana Will delay the
decision for one year
This nthtemont ls on the authority Of
ono of tho presidents most Intimate ad-
vigorn. who gives the following outline
Of his programme:
Firnt-Thero will oc no extra session Of
congress next spring, barring graye
emergencies.
sorond-Tho conquered islaD6s will be
continued under strong military gov
ornmont.
Thlrd-Al Judiciary positions will be
administered by army officers
Fourth-The islands will bo kept out
Of politics ~ much AZ possible. until tho
American people have had an opportunity
TO study them and tho national sentiment
can crysializo as TO the relation they
should hold to the United States
Flfth-Tho Islands will probably retain
their prcaon, currency systems. bit
these may be bolstered by de,rees which
will Insure stability
sixth Being IN effect colonies the con-
qucrcd Islands will have tariffs Of their
own. which will be levied on imports
from the United States as well as those
from other countries
scyonih-The United States viii collect
duties on imports from the Islands the
sane as though they still belonged to
foreign sovereignty
Tho presidents programme Is said 10
be- based on tho ground that the Amer
lean people are not sufficiently Informed
about Porto Rico and the Paniphincs to
decide On hand whether they should be
treated as territories or as colonies some
what after tho British system. Many
Americans believe the natives Of the con-
qurrcd islands are not suited to be taken
into full membership in Uncle Sans
family
The president has held that position at
least toward the Philippines and his re-
luo,ance to take al the Philippines was
based on the various stages Of civiliza-
ton OF their inhabitants.
The president himself is at loss TO
say what form Of governmen, should be
provided for the newly acquired Islands. |
The habits Of centuries Of formation are |
not to be uprootcd by mere act OF
congress. and civilization tocr not neces-
sarily follow from the use OF the ballot |
box TIE government OF The islands
presents tremendous prOblem and the
president wishes to attack its solution
intelligcntly. He wants time Tor himself
and he wants time for the American peo-
pie.
The presidents progrom Is based on
the theory that the coming session Of
congress viii be too short and busy to |
permit legislation for a comprehensive |
system OF government for the conquered |
Islands. The appropriation bills and |
other important measures viii absorb |
most OF the time OF the outgoing con- |
gress and the constructive work for the
new possessions will go over until the
next congress
There Is movement TO have the pres
en-, congress appoint commissions Ike |
that which has visited Hawaii. Their |
mission would be to visit Porto Rico and |
the Philippines. study the people and |
their needs, famillariEe themselves with |
the special conditions that must be con-
sidered. and upon their return recon-
mend to congress forms OF government |
for those islands. The president wants
moro light. aad commissions such as
that which visited Hawaii will give an
intelligent basis for legislation for Porto
Rico, and especially for, the Pnhppines.
President Mckinley has already estab-
lshed military government in Porto Rico
and parts OF Cuba and 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 respon-
slbnltles OF government from his hands
II congress fails to take the necessary
action at the coming short session, the
president can continue his military man
agement until December Of next year.
A military government has the advan-
tage of being flexible and quickly adapt
able to special needs.
II a change Is needed in the laws of
Porto Rico in the opinion Of the Amer
lean officers on the ground, the president
can order II on moments notice, win
army officers scattered ever the island
all earnestly studying the needs of the
situation and reporting 10 the president
he can make such adaptations from day
TO day as may seem desirable, and when
congress takes up the problem year
hence It will find the ground work Tor
a government well laid,
The Porto Ricans will be given civil
government under the general super
vision OF the military power and 1t will
be- the aim of the president gradually to
shape that government to the system of
the United states,
lsranklln Pierce, fourteenth president,
was born In New Hampshire in 1904. He