Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-02-22
ISLES HELD IN TRUST
M'klNlEY TALKS OF LANDS
TAKEN FROM SPAIN.
Americans Have No I'm periaI Designs
Taking Over of Sovereignty Duty
Made Necessary by War-Nation's
Authority Will Be Asserted.

President Mckinley, FOX the first time
since Dewey's Wet ry at Manila, has
made public declaration of what has been
and is the policy of the administration re-
garding the Philippines This public dec
laration was made by him in Boston
Thursday night at the banquet of the
Home Market Club, at which he was the
guest of honor. He proclaimed it to be
his duty, as the CHIEF executive of the ma
ton, to possess and hold the Philippines
until Congress shall direct otherwise. He
also stated that at no time did ore word
or line go from him either TO Manila or
the American peace commissioners which
did not place as the first consideration the
welfare and the rights of the Filipinos.
To this he added that mo imperial de-
signs lurk in the American mind"
III his address President Mckinley re-
viewed at length the Philippine situation,
saying that the country must bravely face
the new issue and decide it for the best
interests of the islanders as well as the
people at home That this country has no
imperial designs was positively declared
by the nations chief executive. He said
an imperial policy was opposed to the
principles of the American Government
and could not be entertained. Cession of
the Philippines, Mr. Mckinley said be-
came a necessity, and, hard though the
duty is, il will have to be borne. AS for
the future of tn" islands, it rests with
Congress, the Icpr sentative of the peo-
people, and the people will do what is
right.
While grieving over every drop of blood
shed at Manila, whether from the veins
of a brave American or misguided ma
tive, the President said the Filipinos Will
be compelled TO respect the authority of
the United States and then will be shown
that the conqueror is working fcc the ISL
ands' good.
The banquet of the Home Market Club
at Mechanics Hall was the largest af-
fair of the kind ever arranged IN this
country, the exact number of persons who
were served being 1914. Besides these
there were fully $500 spectators in the
balconies
Over the stage, under an arch of buSt-
ing and electric lights, were large por
traits of Washington. Lincoln and Nc
Kinley, and underneath was the word
"Liberator'' in large letters Each bai-
cony was draped with bunting and shields
and from the roof hung long streamers.
Over the speakers platform We're large
pictures of Speaker Reed and ex-Presi-
dent Harrison and between them the ban
ner of the Home Market Club, under
which both Presidents Harrison and Me
kinley were nominated at the national
convention.
Upon the balcony was a picture of Ad-
miral Dewey. with the motto, ITO the
| Captain of German ship: You must not
sail by the United States flag without see
| ing it," and his famous command at Ma
Mia: You may fire, Gridley, when ready"
| On either side of this portrait were those
| of Grant and Mckinley.
The menus were handsome. Each was
an eight-page book, containing lifelike
| portrait of the President, the names and
positions of the guests at the tables, the
names of all the marshals, the dinner
menu, the toasts TO which the guests were
| to respond, the musical program and an
| ode to the President, written by Sam
Walter Foss, to the music of America, =
| and which was sung by the audience after
| the President concluded his speech.