The evening times., 1899-12-05
distressed $s92, ,342 Sc, which does not In.
clude the cost Of transportation.
IaIamJ GnyApu meuf

distressed $685., ,sl2 ss. which does not in
clude the cost Of transportation.
lsland government.
1t is desirable that the government Of
the island under the law Of beliigerent
right, now maintained through the Execu-
tive Department. should be superseded by
an administration entirelt civil in its ma
ture. For present purposes 1 recommend
that Congress pass a law for the organiza-
tion OF a temporary government, which
snail provide for the appointment by the
President. subject TO confirmation by the
senate, OF a governor and such other ON
GERS as the general administration of tie
island may require. and that for legis-
iative purposes upon subjects Of local
nature not partaking of Federal charac-
ter legislative council, composed partly
OF Porto Ricans and partly OF citizens of
the United States, shall be nominated and
! appointed by the President, subject to
confirmation by the Senate, their acts to
be subject to the approval of Congress or
the President prior to going into effect.
In the municipalities and other local SUBJ
divisions recommend that the principle of
local self-government be applied at once,
sc as to enable the intelligent citizens of
I the island to participate in their own gov
rience the duties and requirements of q
self-contained and self-governing people.
have not thought it wise to commit the
entire government of tie island to officers
selected b. the people. because l doubt
whether in habits, training, and experience
they are such as TO fit them to exercise at
once. SO large a degree OF self-govern-
ment; but it is my judgment and expecta-
tiOn that they will soon arrive at an attain
- ,.lF
control that will Justify comforting upon
them much larger participation in the
choice OF their insular officers.
The fundamental requirement for these
people, as for all people, is education. The
free schooihouse is the best preceptor for
citizenship. In the introduction of modern
educational methods care, however. must
be exercised that changes be not made too
abruptly and that the history and racial
peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be
given due weight. Systems of education
in these new possessions founded upon
common methods, adapted to exist
ing conditions and looking to the future
moral and industrial advancement Of the
people, will commend to them in a pecu-
iiarly effective manner the blessings Of
free government.
The love of law and the sense of obedience
and submission to the lawfully constituted
judicial tribunals are embedded Ia the
hearts OF our people, and any violation OF
these sentiments and disregard of their OBJ
legations justly arouses public condemna-
tion. The guarantees of life, liberty. and
Of civil rights should be faithfully upheld;
the right Of trial by jury respected and
defended. The rule OF the courts snould
assure the public of the prompt trial of
those charged with criminal offences, and
upon conviction the punishment should
be commensurate with the enormity Of the
crime.
Those who in disregard of law and the
public peace unwilling to await the judg-
ment Of court and jury. constitute thec,-
selves judges and executioners should not
escape the severest penalties for their
crimes.
What 1 said in my Inaugural address Of
March 4, 1897, l now repsat:
The constituted authorities must be cleerfuly
and vigorously upheld Lynehngs must not be
tolerated in great and civilized country like
the United States. Courts, not mobs must ex-
cute the penalties CT the laws. The preservation
Of public order, the right Of discussion, the in
togrity Of courts and the orderly administration
OF justice must continue forever the rock OF safety
upon which our Government securely rests.
The Centennial Celebration.
In accordance with the act of Congress
providing for an appropriate national cele-
bration in the year 1900 of the establish
ment of the seat of government in the Dis
trict OF Columbia, l have appointed a com-
mittee, consisting of the Governors of
all the States and Territorities of the
United States. who have been invited to
assembled in the City OF Washington on the
21st of December, 1899, which, with the
committees Of the Congress and the Dis
trict of Columbia, are charged with the
proper conduct of this celebration.
Congress at its last session appropriated
So, eco Ito enable the Chief of Engineers of
the Army to continue the examination of
the subject and to make or secure designs,
calculations, and estimates for a memorial
bridge from the most convenient point Of
the Naval Observatory grounds, or ad-
jacent thereto, across the Potomac River
to the most convenient point OF the Arling-
ton estate property" In accordance wi b |
the provisions of this act the Chief Of
Engineers has selected four eminent bridge |
engineers 10 submit competitive designs |
for a bridge combining the elements Of |
strength and durability and such archi- |
tectural embellishments and ornamental |
tion as will fifty apply to the dedication, !
"A memorial to American patriotism" The |
designs are now being prepared, and as 1
soon as completed will be submitted to |
the Congress by the Secretary of War The |
proposed bridge win be a convenience to |
ell the people from every part of the |
country who visit the national cemetery,
an ornament to the Capital of the nation, |
and forever stand as monument to Ameri- |
can patriotism. l do not doubt that Con-
gress will give TO the enterprise still fur
her Droof of its favor and anprnyaI