The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-12-20
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President Mckinley reviews at some
length the Samoan troubles, and says that
he will soon submit to the Senate con-
ventIon entered into between the United
States. Germany and England for its ac-
tion, and then takes up tue subject OF the
condition OF Cuba and Porto Rico since the
treaty OF pence with Spain was signed.
He distinctly aays that the pledge. as
proclaimed In the joint reg olution adopted
by Congress on April 10, 1893, by which the
United States dsclaims any disposition or
Intention to exercise sovereignty, jurtsdic-
tion or control over Cuba, except for the
paclfcation thereof and the determination
that when that was accomplished to leave
the government and control OF the island
to its people. is Of the highest honorable
obligation and must be sacr edly kept.
Diplomatic Relations With spain.
Following the exchange Of ratifications
OF the treaty Of peace the two Govern
ments accredited ministers to each other,
ARGOS, IN eminent diplomatist, while the
United States transferred to Madrid Hon.
Bellamy Storer, its Minister at Brussels.
In addition to its consular representation
in the United States, the Spanish Govern
ment has appointed consuls tor Cuba, who
have been Professionally recognized during
the military administration Of the affairs
of that island.
The President recommends appropriate
legislation in order to carry into execution
Article VII or the Treaty OF Peace with
Spain, by which the United States assured
the payment OF certain claims for indem-
nifty OF It's citizens against Spain.
Claims Against Turkey.
Tive United States Minister to Turkey
continues, under instructions, to press for
a money payment in satisfaction OF the
lust claims for injuries suffered by Ameri-
can citizens In the disorders OF several
years past and for wrongs done to them
by the Ottoman authorities. somo OF
these claims are or many years standing.
This Government is hopeful OF general
agreement In this regard.
The Venezuelan revolution is then dealt
with, and the recognition OF Castro ac-
kpowledged.
Reviewing the increase of trade brought
about by the efforts OF the State Depart
ment to keep in touch with the Govern
ment OF the Latin-American republics In
South and Central America, President Nc
Kinley thinks 1t e1pedient that the various
REPUBLICS should be invited to hold ut an
early date another conference at the capi-
tai OF one OF the countries other than the
United States, and In this connecti on refers
to the Pan-Amerlcan Exposition. to be held
on the Niagara frontier In New York In the
year 1901.
Monroe Doctrine Guarded.
President Mckinley expresses satisfac-
ton over the outcome Of the Peace Con-
gress held at The Hague, and hopes for
beneficial results from the permanent trl-
bunal for arbitration established by 1t. He
calls attention to the fact that In signing
the convention, the representative OF the
United States carefully guarded the bis
ka~ ~ tha
Monroe doctrine.
Tho Army at Manila.
In brief reference to the number Of men
comprising the army OF the United States
In this country nnd Manila, the President
says: '. ....
/ cannot withhold from officers and men
the highest commendation for their SOL
dierly conduct in trying situations, their
willing sacrifice for their country and the
integrity and abilityswlth which they have
performed unusual and difficult duties in
our island possessions. ..
Must Keep Philippines.
The next subject taken up is the insur-
rection In the Philippines. He reiterates
that everything possible was done to rs.
sure the natives OF the good Intentions of
the United States, denies that the rebel
leader was ever promised Independence re-
ldto5 lUo cfouto pECCcutuk kuO
and declares that no course was left but to
suppress this rising. -.
Whatever the future OF the Philippines
may be, there is no course open to US now
except the prosecution Of the war until the
insurgents are reduced to submission. Tho
commission Is of the opinion that there
has been no time since the destruction OF
the Spanish squadron by Admiral Dewey
when 1t was possible to withdraw our
forces from the islands either with honor
to ourselves or with safety to the inhabi-
tants.
The future government OF the Philippines
rests with the Congress OF the United
States. Few graver responsibilities have
ever been confided to us. II we accept
them In spirit worthy OF our race and our
traditions, great opportunity cones with
them. The islands lie under the shelter OF
our flag. They are ours by every title OF
law and equity. They cannot be abandoned.
II We desert them we leave them at once
to anarchy and finally to barbarlsm. We
fling them, golden apple OF discord,
among the rival powers, no one OF which
questioned.
The suggestion has been made that we
could renounce our authority over the Isl.
ands and, giving them independence, could
retain protectorate over them. This pro-
position will not be found, am sure,
worthy OF your serious attention Such an
arrangement would involve at the outset G
cruel breach Of faith. 1t would place the
peaceable and loyal majority, whoask moth
ing better than to accept our autho rity, at
the mercy OF the minority OF armed tnsur-
gents. It would make us responsible for
the acts OF the insurgent leaders,, and give
US no power to control them. 1t would
charge us with the task Of protecting them
against each other, and defending them
against any foreign power with which they
chose to quarrel. In short, 1t would take
from the Congress Of the United States the
power Of declaring war, and vest that tre-
mendDus prerogative In the Tagat leader
Of the hour.
The President docs not deem 1t desirable
to recon mend at this time the specific and
final form OF government for the island,
leaving that to Congress when peace Is
fully restored.
But he believes that reconstruction
should not begin by the establishment OF
one central civil government, with its seat
at Manila. but rather frst establishing mu-
nicIpal governments and then provincial
governments and central governments at
last to follow.
Concerning Hawaii, President Mckinley
says it Is important that an act should be
passed erecting these islands into Tudi-
cial district and providing for the'appoint
ment OF Judge and other officers.
About Alaska.
He then calls attention to the Deeesstty
for imm ediate legislative RELIEF Ia the
territory OF Alaska. the population having
increased so rapidly that more ample facil-
tiles Tor local elf-government are needed.
He also recommends that legislation tothe
same end be had with reference to Porto
Rico.
Mr.. Mckinley repeats in, his message the
words be used In bis inaugural address
concerning lynchings In the United States.
He calls upon the people Of the country to
faithfully uphold the right OF trial by jury.