Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1899-12-14

Of neutrality In the unfortunate contest between
Great Britain and the Boer states Of Africa.
avoiding entangling alliances as to affairs not
of our direct concern. Had circumstances Sug-
gested that the parties TO the quarrel would
have welcomed any kindly expression OF the
hope OF the American people that war might be
averted, good offices would have been gladly
rendered. The United States representative at
Pretoria early Instructed to see that all
neutral American int rests be respected by the
combatants. This has been easy task in
view OF the positive declarations on both Brit
ish and Boer authorities that the personal and
property rights of our citizens should be OBJ
served.
Upon the withdrawal OF the British agent at
Pretoria the United States consul was author
lied, upon the request of the British govern
ment and with the assent of the South African
and Orange Free State governments, to exer-
else the customary good offices of neutral for
the care of British interests In the discharge
OF this function I am happy to say that abundant
opportunity has been afforded to show the inn
partiality OF this government toward both the
combatants.
Wants a Cable to Manila.
The Japanese government has shown lively
interest in the proposition of the Pacific Cable
company to add to its projected cable lines to
Hawaii. Guam and the Philippines a branch
connection with the coast of Japan. 1t would
be gratifying contamination were the utility
of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bring
ing Japan and the United States into direct
telegraphic relation. Without repeating the
observations of my special message of February
TO- 1s99 concerning the necessity of a cable to
Manila, respectfully invite attention to it.
recommend that in case the congress should not
take measures to bring about this result by the
direct action of the government, the postmaster
general be authorized to invite competitive bids
for the establishment of a cable; the company
making the best responsible bid to be awarded
the contract; the successful company to give
ample bonds to insure the completion of the
work within reasonable time
The Problem in Cuba.
The withdrawal of the authority of Spain
from the island of Cuba was effected by the first
of January, so that the full re-estab lishment of
peace found the relinquished territory held by
US in trust for the inhabitants, maintaining,
der the direction of the executive, such govern
ment and control therein should conserve
public order, restore the productive conditions
of peace so long disturbed by the instability
and disorder which prevailed for the greater
part of the preceding three decades and build
up that tranquil development of the domestic
state whereby alone can be realized the high
purpose, as proclaimed in the joint resolution
adopted by the congress on the 18th of April
1898, by which the United States diSclaimed any
opposition or intention to exercise sovereignty,
jurisdiction or control over Cuba, except for the
pacifcation thereof, and asserted it's determi-
nation when that was accomplished to leave the
government and control of the island to its peo-
pie. The pledge contained in this resolution is
of the highest honorable obligation and must be
Sacredly kept.
believe that substantial progress has been
made in this direction. All the administrative
measures adopted in Cuba have aimed to fl it
for regenerated existence by enforcing the
supremacy OF law and Justice; by placing wher-
ever practicable the machinery of administra-
ton in the hands of the inhabitants; by insti-
tuting needed sanitary reforms; by spreading
education; by fostering industry and trade: by
intoxicating public morality and, in short, by
taking every rational step to aid the Cuban peo-
pie to attain to that plane of self-conscious re-
spect and self-reliant unity which fits an en-
lightened community for self-government with
in its own sphere, while enabling it to fulfill all
outward obligations.
This nation has assumed before the world a
grave responsibility for the future good gov
eminent of Cuba. We have accepted a trust
the fulfllment of which calls for the sternest
integrity of purpose and the exercise of the
highest wisdom. The new Cuba yet to arise
from the ashes of the past must needs be bound
to US by ties of singular intimacy and strength
if its enduring welfare is to be assured.
Whether those ties shall be organic or conven-
tional, the deStinieS of Cuba in right
full form and manner irrevocably linked with
our own, but how or how far is for the future to
determine in the ripeneSS of events Whatever
be the outcome, we must see to it that free Cuba
be reality. not name, perfect entity, not a
haSty experiment bearing within itself the ele-
ments of failure. Our mission, to accomplish
which we took up the wages OF battle is not to
be fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely framed
commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which
too often attend weaker states whose natural
wealth and abundant resources Offset by the
incongruities of their political organization and
the recurring occasions for internal rivalries to
sap their strength and dissipate their energies.
The greatest blessing which come to Cuba
is the restoration of her agricultural and indus
trial prosperity which will give employment to
idle men and re-establish the pursuits of peace.
This is her chief and immediate need.
By the treaty of peace the Spanish people on
the island have until April H. 1900 to elect
whether they will remain citizens of Spain or
become citizens of Cuba. Until then it cannot
~ " VIII Sha all no
to participate in the formation of the gov
eminent of Cuba. By that time the results of
the census will have been tabulated, and we
shall proceed to provide for elections which
will commit the municipal governments of the
island to the officers elected by the people. The
experience thus acquired will prove Of great
value in the formation of representative con-
Vent1on OF the people to draft a constitution
and establish a general system of independent
government for the island In the meantime
and so long as we exercise control over the
island the products of Cuba should have a
market in the United States as good terms
and with as favorable rates of duty as are given
to the West India islands under treaties of re-
eiprocity which shall be made.
Concerning Our Soldiers and Sailors.
Since my last annual message and in obedi-
ence to the acts of the congress of April % and
20, 1898, the remaining volunteer force enlisted
for the Spanish war; consisting of g., 1874 regulars
and no. POP volunteers. with over 500 volunteer
officers, has been discharged from the military
service. OF the volunteers, 667 officers and a.
831 men were serving in the Philippines and l.
$50 OF the regulars, who entitled to be mus
tered out after the ratification of the treaty of
peace. They voluntarily remained at the front
until their places could be filed by new troops
They were returned home in the order in which
they went to Manila, and are now all of them
| out of the service and in the ranks of citizen
ship. I recommend that the congress provide
a special medal of honor for the volunteers
regulars, sailors, and marines duty in the
Philippines, who voluntarily remained in the
service after their terms of enlistment had ex-
pired.
By the act of March p 1899, congress has au-
thority to increase the regular army to maxi
mum not exceeding IS, 00J enlisted men and to
enlist force of s. 900 volunteers to be recruited