Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1899-12-13
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

form OF government. Such a question
comes exclusively within the jurisdic-
ton Of the congress
The authorities of the Sulu islands
have accepted the succession of the
United States TO the rights of Spain.
and our flag floats over that territory.
Cheerful Prediction.
Everything indicates that, with the
speedy suppression of the Tagalo re-
bellion, life in the archipelago will
soon resume its ordinary course under
the protection of our sovereignty. and
the people of those favored islands
will enjoy prosperity and a freedom
which they have never before known.
Already hundreds Of schools are open
and filled with children Religious
freedom is sacredly assured and en-
joyed. The courts are dispensing JUS
tice. Business is beginning 70 circu-
late in its accustomed channels Man
Tia, whose inhabitants were fleeing TO
the country a few months ago. is now
a pOpulous and thriving mart Of com
MERGE
The future government Of the Phil
ippines rests with the congress Of the
United States. Few graver response
bilities have ever been confded to us
II we accept them in spirit worthy OF
our race and our traditions. q great
opportunity comes 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 10 anarchy and finally TO
barbarism. We fling them a golden
apple Of discord. among the rival pow.
ers. no one of which could permit an
other to seize them unQuestioned
The suggestion has been made that
we could renOunce our authority over
the islands and, giving them indie
pendence. could retain a protectOrate
over them. This proposition will not
be found, ! am sure. worthy of your
serious attention. Such an arrange
ment would involve al the outset a
cruel breach of faith II would make
us responsible for the acts OF the in
surgent leaders and give us no power
TO control them.
Until congress shall have made
known the formal expression OF its
will l shall use the authority vested
in me by the constitution and the
statutes to uphold the sovereignty OF
the United States in those distant ISL
ands as in all other places where our
flag rightfully floats Every step Of
the progress of our troops has been
marked by a humanity which has sur
prised even the misguided insurgents.
The truest kindness TO them will be
a swift and effective defeat OF their
present leader. The hour OF victory
will be the hour of clemency and re-
construction.
Needed Legislation for Hawaii
The president urges speedy action
on the bill creating the Territory OF
Hawaii" and calls attention 10 the
necessity for immediate legislative re-
lief for Alaska. He believes it would
be advantageous to confer greater
executive power upon the governor and
10 establish, as was done in the case
OF the territory of Louisiana. an ex-
ecutive council having power TO adopt
ordinances which shall extend 70 all
the rightful subjects of local legisla-
ton, such ordinances not to take ef-
feet until reported to and approved
by the congress II in session, and il
that body Is not In session, then by
the president"
The president also recommends sim
liar action for the government of Porto
Rico, calling attention 20 the necessity
OF establishing federal courts. ports
OF entry and delivery. ne extension OF
education, etc, and lares further:
II must be borne in nd thrt since
the cession Porto Rico has been denied
the principal markets she had long en-
joyed and our tariffs have been con-
tinued against her products as when
she was under Spanish sovereignty.
The markets of Spain are closed to
her products except upon terms to
which the commerce of all nations is
subjected. The Island Of Cuba, which
used TO buy her cattle and tobacco
without customs duties, now imposes
Inf
as from any other country entering her
ports. She has therefore lost her free
intercourse with Spain and Cuba with
out any compensating benefits in this
market
Anent lynchers the president says:
Those who. in disregard of law and
the public peace. unwilling to await
the judgment of courts and Jury, con-
stitute themselves judges and execu-
TONERS should not escape the severest
penalties for their crimes. The con-
stituted authorities must be cheer
fully and vigorously upheld. Lynch
ings must not be tolerated in a great
country like the United States. Courts,
not mobs, must execute the penalties
of the laws.
The Washington Celebration.
Referring to the celebration next
OF government in Washington the
president strongly approves the cree
ton of the proposed memorial bridge
across the Potomac to the most con-
venient point of the Arlington estate
property.
Regarding the presidential order of
May 6. 1896. extending the limits Of
the classified service, and subsequent
amendments OF May 90, 1899, the presi-
dent says:
All of the amendments had for their
main object more efficient and sat-
isfactory administration OF the sys-
tenn OF appointments established by the
civil service law. The results at
tanned show that under their operation
the public service has improved am
that the civil service system is re-
lieved of many Objectionable features.
After referring to the Tooth anniver-
sary OF the death of George Washing
ton, on the 14th inst, the message con-
cludes:
Presented to this congress are great
opportunities. With them come great
responsibilities. The power confided to
US increases the weight Of our obliga-
lions to the people, and we must be
profoundly sensible of them as wa con-