Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-12-14

vested in the United States, yet a COM
plets establishment for its government
under our system was not effected.
BY the resolution Of annexation the
president was directed to appoint five
commissioners to recommend to congress
such legislation concerning the islands as
they should deem necessary or proper.
These commissioner were duly appointed
and after a careful investigation and
study OF the system OF laws and govern
ment prevailing in the islands and of the
conditions existing there they prepared
a bill to provide a government under the
title Of the Territory of Hawaii" The
report of the committee with the bill
which they prepared, was transmitted by
me to congress or Dec. 9, 1893, but the
bill still awaits final action.
The people of these islands are entitled
to the benefits and privileges of our con-
stitution, but in the absence OF any act Of
congress providing for federal courts in
the island and for a procedure by which
appeals, writs of error and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforce
ment Of civil rights may be prosecuted.
they are powerless to secure their en-
forcement by the judgment of the courts
OF the United States. 1t is manifestly
important, therefore, that an act shall
be presented as speedily as possible erect
ing these Islands into a judicial district,
providing for the appointment Of a Judge
and other proper officers and methods of
procedure in appellate proceedings, and
that the government Of this newly ac-
auired territory under the feS1s~s con-
stitution shall be fully define and pro-
vided for" ..-.
The president says q necessity for inn
mediate legislative relief exists in the
Territory Of Alaska. The present civil
government is fitted only for the admin
istration Of affairs in the sparsely inhab-
tod nntpntru The " l
ton consequent upon the discovery Of
gold has produced such a condition as
calls for more ample facilities for local
self-government. The president sees no
reason why a more complete form Of
territorial organization should not be
provided.
According to the president the time is
ripe for the adoption of a temporary
form Of government for the island OF
Porto Rico.
1t is desirable, he says, that the gov
m of the island, under the law Of
beliigerent right now maintained through
the executive department., should be SUI
perseded by an administration entirely
civil in it's nature.
In conclusion the president says:
The i4th Of December will be the
one hundredth anniversary Of the death
OF Washington. For a hundred years the
republic has had the priceless advantage
CT the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he bequeathed TO the
American people. It is an inheritance
which time, instead of wasting. contin-
ually increases and enriches. We may
justly hope that in the years to come the
beneticient influence of the Father of His
Country may be even more patent for
good than in the century which is draw
ing to a close. I have been glad to learn
that in many part Of the country the peo-
pie will fittingly observe this historic Gn-
niversary.
Presented to this congress are great op.
portunities. With them come great re-
sponsibilities. The power confided 10 Is
increase the weight of our obligation to
the people, and we must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which cul.frCnt
us. Aiming only at the public good, we
cannot err. A right Interpretation of the
peoples will and Of duty cannot fail to
insure wise measures for the :elfare OF
the islands which rave come under the
authority of the United States and inure
to the common interest and lasting honor
of our country. Never has this nation
had more abundant cause than during the
past year for thankfulness to God for
manifold blessings and mercies, for which
we make reverent acknowledgment.