Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-12-11

remained In Manila, OF which General Otis
justly observes that "for barbarous intent IL is
unequalled in modern times" 1t directs the
slaughter OF all people in the city except Fiji
pino families.
Fortunately a copy OF the proclamation fell
into the hands OF the Americans and they were
able to take measures to control the uprising
which was actually attempted.
considerable number of armed insurgents
entered the city by waterways and swamps
and in concert with confederates inside, at
tempted to destroy Manila by fire. They were
kept in check during the night and the next
day were driven out of the city with heavy loss
Deplorable as war is the one in which we are
now engaged was unavoidable by us. We were
attacked by bold, adventurous and enthusi-
astic army. No alternative was left to us, ex-
cept gnominious retreat.
Until congress shall have made known the
formal expression OF its will. shall use the
authority vested in me by the constitution and
the statutes to uphold the sovereignty of the
United States in those distant lands and in all
other places where our flag rightfully floats
The truest kindness to the misguided insur-
gents will be swift and effective defeat OF
their present leader. The hour of victory win
be the hour 81 clemancy and reconstruction.
places desolated by war and by long years Of
misgovernment. We shall not wait for the
end Of the strife to begin the benefcent work.
We shall continue, as we have begun, to open
the schools and the churches. and in every way
make these people feel that it is their liberty
and not our power, their welfare and not our
gain thst we are seeking to enhance.
The people of the island of Negros have I'M
reserVedly proclaimed allegiance to the United
States and adopted constitution looking to
the establishment of popular government.
The government set up by the inhabitants of
Negroes proved unsatisfactory to the natives
themselves. new system was put into force
by order of the major-general commanding the
department, comprising military governor,
who was authorized to appoint secretaries of
the treasury, interior, agriculture, public i'm
and attorney general; a civil gov
ernor who advises the military governor and
acts as secretary of state an advisory council
OF eight members elected by the people, who
discharge the duties of legislature The
judiciary consisty of three judges appointed by
the military governor Free public schools
are being established throughout the populous
districts where the English language is taught
NO WITHDRAWAL FROM ISLANDS.
enounce our authority over the islands, and
living them independence, retain a protec-
crate over them. This proposition will not be
ound, am sure, worthy of your serious atten-
ion. Such an arrangement would involve al
he outset cruel breach of faith. 1t would
lace the peaceable and loyal majority. who ask
othing better than to accept our authority, at
he mercy of armed insurgents 1t would make
recDOnS1Dp Of fha inc,
'aders and give us power to control them.
does not seem desirable that should recom-
lend at this time specific and final form OF
overnment for these islands. When peace
iall be restored it will be the duty of congress
} construct a plan of government which shall
itabliSh and maintain freedom and order and
sace in the Philippines The insurrection is
i'll existing, and when it terminates further
will be required as to the actual
'ndition of affairs before inaugurating per-
anent scheme of civil government
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
Some embarrassment in administration ha.
Cured by reason of the peculiar status which
Q Hawaiian islands at present occupy BY
Q resolution OF annexation the president was
rected to appoint five commits ioners to rec
amend to congress such legislation soncern-
g the islands as they should deem necessary
proper. The commissioners were duly APP
inted and prepared bill to provide goy-
nment under the title of 1.-The Territory O,
wall The report of.the commission, with
. bill which they prepared. was transmitted
me to congress on December 6, 1898, but the
| still awaits final action. The people OF
sse islands are entitled to the benefits and
vileges of our legislation. but in the absence
any act OF congress providing for Federal
irts in the islands, they are powerless to
ure their enforcement by the Judgment of
courts of the United States Legislation
their relief is urgent
FOR PORTO RICO.
recommend that legislation to the same end
had with reference to the government Of
ITO Rico 1t is desirable that the govern
Mt of the islands under the law of beligerent
1T, now maintained through the executive
should be superseded by an adj
listration entirely civil in its nature. For
sent purposes recommend that congress
5 law for the organization Of a temporary
which shall provide for the ap
itment by the president, subject to confr-
ion by the senate, of governor and such
sr officers as the general administration of
island may require and that for legislative
poses and subjects OF local nature not par
ng of q federal character, legislative
icil. composed partly OF Porto Ricans and
ly OF citizens OF the United States. shall no
mated and appointed by the president
ect to confirmation by the senate, their acts
2 subject TO the approval of the congress
president prior to going into effect.
CONCLUSION.