Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-12-08
iunus nave o-rn agreeu- upun' TO IN
amount of $3.50 monthly.
Government of the Philippines


Government of the Philippines.
The president points to the recent vic
tories over the insurgent forces as proof
that the insurrection in the islands is about
rays OF their 1fe
rests with the congress of the United
States Few graver responsibilities have
them in spirit worthy of our race and our
them The Islands lie "nder The eG shete M'e Of
law and equity. They cannot be alb aban- n
doned. If we desert them we leave them
at once to anarchy and finally to barbar-
cord, among the rival powers, no one of
which could permit another to seize them
unquestioned. Their rich plains and val
and bloodshed.
The advent of Dewey's fleet in. Manila
bay, instead of being, as we hope. the dawn
have been the beginning of an era of misery
and violence. worse than any which has
darkened their unhappy past. The sugges-
nounce our authority over the islands and
giving them independence. could retain
protectorate over, them This proposition
will not be found. / am sure, worthy of
your serious attention. Such an arrange
ment would involve at the outset cruel
breach Of faith. IT would place the peace
able and loyal majority, who ask nothing
better than to accept our authority, at the
mercy of the minority of armed insur-
gents. III would make us responsible Tor
the acts of the insurgent leaders and give
us no power to control them. 1t would
charge us with the task of protecting them
eaef other aHa
chose to quarrel. In short, it would take
from the congress of the United States the
mendous prerogative in the Tagalo leader
of the hour.
Recommendations Not Needed Now.
He does not deem recommendations for
the Philippines needed at the present time,
has been fully restored there Unit until such
time as congress shall legislate upon the
subject he announces that he will maintain
sands and p at dsposa of ars
down dow the insurrection. Of the Efforts 'p TO to
shall come within our control he says:
No effort will be spared to build up the
waste places. desolated by war and by long
walt for the end of strife to begin the
beneicent work. We shall continue, as we
have begun, to open the schools and the
to foster industry and trade and agricul-
ture, and In every way in our power to
make these people whom Providence has
it is their liberty and not our power, their
welfare and not our GAIN we are seeking
to enhance Our flag has never waved
believe the Fiipinos will soon recognize
the fact that it has not lost its gift Of bene-
diction in its worldwide journey to their
shores.
The Hawaiian Islands.
Regarding the Hawaiian islands he rec.
ommends speedy legislation and the estab-
lishment of a government under our sys-
tenn. He recounts the possible difficulties
The people of these islands are entitled
to the benefits and privileges of our con-
stttution, but in the absence Of any act
the islands, and for procedure by which
appeals, writs of error, and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforcement
powerless to secure their enforcement by
the Judgment of the courts of the United
States; 1t is manifestly important. there
as possible erecting these islands into a
judicial district. providing for the appoint
ment of a judge and other proper officers
and methods of procedure In appellate
proceedings and that the. government Of
this newly ACQUIRED territory under the
federal constitution shall be fully defined
and provided for.
Legislation Asked for Alaska.
Legislation is asked for Alaska which will
provide more courts for that territory and
also permit the organization of municipal
governments. and says:
The whole vast area of Alaska COM
prises but one judicial district with one
Judge. one marshal and one, district at
has more than doubled within the past
year. and is many times greater both in
volume. and Importance than it was in
10 Of mics aHss realcf hm
his judicial duties at the various places
designated, for that purpose. The terri
districts and an additional Judge. district
attorney. marsha and other appropriate
officers be provided.
of government in the territory There is
no authority, except in congress. to pass
any law, nc 70, matter matter how local or trivial,
congress. an adequate conception and un-
derstanding of the various needs Of the
Peeps In the different communities is
easily understood see no reason why
a more complete form of territorial or
san!zation should not be provided Fol-
owing the precedent established in the
rear 1865, when q temporary government
ierptory, then known under the name Of
LOUISIANA, 1t seems to me that 1t would
pc; oe adyantageous to confer greater execu'
ish. as was done in the case Of the terri
tory of Louisiana. a legislative council
having h power to adopt ordinances which
IF local legislation, such ordinances not
to take effect until reported to and ap-
proved by the congress if in session, and
president. In this manner system of laws
providing for the incorporation and gov
eminent Of towns and cities having cer-,
talA giving lnem tne power
to establish and maintain system Of ed
ucation to be locally supported, and ordi-
nances. providing for police, sanitary and
other such purposes could be speedily
believe provision Of this kind would
be satisfactory to the people of the terri
tory. II Is probable that the area is too
vast and the population too scattered and
transitory to make 1t wise at the present
tune to provide for an elective legislative
body. but the conditions calling for local
soon exist and will be facilitated by the
measures which l have recommended.
Porto Rico.
For Porto Rico he advises legislation that
Will give them a temporary form of gov
eminent, recounts the work done by the
military government now in control, and
makes the, following recommendations:
II must be borne in mind that since the
principal markets she had long enjoyed
and our tariffs have been continued against
her products as when she was under Span
closed to her products except upon terms
to which the commerce of all nations is
subjected. The island of Cuba which used
toms duties, now imposes the same duties
upon. these products as from any other
country entering her ports. She has there
and Cuba without any compromising bene-
fts In this market. Her coffee was little
known and not in use by our people, and
this, one of her chief products. The mar
kets Of the United States should be opened
up to her, PRODUCES. Our plain duty is to
abolish all customs tariffs between the
United States and Porto Rico and give her
products free access to our markets.
As result of the hurricane which swept
over Porto. Rico on the 9Th of August, 1899,
over 10000 people were reduced to abso=
prived of the necessaries of life, To the
appeal of the war department the people Of
the United States made prompt and gener-