The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-29

tlOH ~ boCdmt our ttEllbOIy anu Is ours, as
| much as the Louisiana purchase. or Texas. or
| Alaska. A body OF insurgents in no sense
| representing the sentiment OF the people OF the
| islands. disputed our lawful authority, and
even before the ratification OF the treaty by the
American Senate were attacking the very
forces who fought for and secured their free
dom.
This was the situation In April. 1899. the
date OF the exchange OF Publications, with only
$1,000 regulars subject to the unquestioned
directions OF the Executive. and they for the
most part on duty In Cuba and Porto Rico. or
invaded at home after their severe cam paiRn
in the tropics Even had they been available
1t would have required months to transport
them TO tho Philippines. Practically new
army had to be created. These loyal volun-
teers in the Philippines snid. We will stay
until the Government can organize an army at
home and transport 1t to the seat OF hostiities
They did stay, cheerfuy. uncomplaininRly
periodically They suffered and sacrificed.
they fought and fell. they drove back and pun
ished the rebels who resisted Federal author
ity and who with force attacked the sover-
eighty Of the United States In its newly ac-
quired territory. without them then and thore
We would have been practically helpless on land
our flag would have had its first stain and the
American name its first ienominy. The bril-
and city OF Manila would have been won In
vain our obligations to civilization would have
remained temporarily unperformed. chaos
would have regned. and whatever government
there was would have been by the will OF one
man and not by the consent OF the governed
Who refused to sound the retreat? Who stood
in the breach when others weakened? Who
resisted the suggestion Of the unpatriotic that
they should come homer Let me call the roll
OF the regiments and battalions that deserve to
be perpstuated in the nations annals. Their
action was not a sudden impulse under excite
ment. but deliberate determination to sus-
tain. at the cost Of life II need be. the honor Of
their Government and the authority OF its flag :
First California. California Artillery. First
Colorado. First Idaho. FiftJ first Iowa. TWEEN
tieth Kansas. Thirteenth Minnesota. First
Montana. First Nebraska, First North Dakota.
Nevada Cavalry. Second Oregon, Tenth Penn
sylvania. First South Dakota. First Tennessee.
Utah Artillery. First Washington, First Wy
ominG. Wyoming Battery.
To these must be added about 900 enlisted
men of the regular army who were entitled to
their discharge under the Peace PROCLAIM alton
OF April II. 1899; the greater portion OF them
participated in the engagements Of the Eighth
corps and are still performing arduous services
in the field
devoted sailors participated in the engagement
OF May in Manila Bay. whose terms of service
had previously expired. continuing on duty
quite a year after that action. For these men
OF army and navy we have only honor and graft
tude.
The world will never know the restraint OF
our soldiers-their seli-control under the most
exaspsratlpg conditions. For weeks. su bj ected
to the insults and duplicity OF the insurgent
eaders. they preserved the status quo. remem-
bering that they were under AN order from
their Government to sacredly observe the
terms Of the protocol in letter and spirit, and
avoid all conflict except in defense. pending
the negotiations OF the treaty OF peace. They
were not the aggressors. They did not begin
hostilities against the insurgents pending the
ratification Of the treaty OF peace in the Sem
ate. great as was their justification. because
their orders from Washington forbade it.
Il take all the responsibility for that direction.
Otis only executed the orders OF hiE Govern
ment. and the soldiers. under great proyoca-
ton TO strike back. obeyed Until the treaty
was ratified we had no authority beyond Manila
city. bay and harbor. We then had no other
title 10 defend. no authority beyond that to
maintain. Spain was still in possession OF the
remainder OF the archipelago Spain had sued
for peace Tho truce and treaty were not con-
Guided The first blow was struck by the In
surgents. Our kindness was refrigerated with
cruelty, our mercy with Mauser. The flag OF
truce was invoked only to be dishonored. Our
soldiers were shot down when ministering to
the wounded Filpinos. Our humanity was
interpreted as weakness. our forbearancO as
cowardcs. They assaled our sovereignty. and
there will be no useless parey. no pause. until
the instruction is suppressed and American
authority acknowledged and established. The
~.
charity and pity. As to the cruel leaders who
have ncedlessly sacrificed the lives OF thou
sands Of their people at the cost OF some OF our
best blood. for the qualification OF their own
ambitious designs will leave to others tho
unCracious task OF justification aud eulogy
Every one OF the noble men OF the regulars
or volunteers. soldiers or seamen. who thus
signaly served their country in its extremity
deserves the special recognition of Congress
and It will be to me an unfeigned pleasure to
recommend for each Of them q special medal
OF honor.
while we give you hail and greeting from
overlooking hearts. we do not forget the brave
men who remain and those who have gone
forward to take your places, and those other
brave men who have so promptly volunteered,
crowdng each other to go to the front
10 carry forward to successful compile
ton the work you 81 noby began. Our
prayers go with them. and more men an
munitions II required, for tho speedy suppress
sion Of the rebellion. the establishment OF peace
and tranquility and a government under the
unquestioned sovereignty Of the United States
"a government which will do justice to all and
at once encourage the best efforts and aspra-
tions OF these distant people and the highest
development OF their rich and fertile lands
The Government to which you gave your
loyalty welcomes you to your homes. With no
blot or stain upon your record. the story of
your unselnsh services to country and to civil
l2ation will be to the men who take your
places ut the front and on the firing line and to
future generations an example OF patriotism
G"n. Merritt followed the President in a brief
speech, and Congressman John DaZell on be-
half of the citizens 90 western Pennsvvania
presented swords to the officers. a loving cup
10 the chaplain, and medals to the men
Lent Col. Barnett responded.
Iteut-Col Barnett refused appoint
mont as successor to Col A. l.. Hawkins
who died on the TRANSPORT returning
by the Republican State Convention for State
Treasurer. In tho course OF his remarks to-
day, he said:
After the attack upon Manila there came
flashing across the land and sea n message OF