The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-14
MESSAGE,

adopted heretofore in Cuba by this
government have aimed to fit 1t for q
regenerated existence and for self-gov-
eminent within its own sphere. Free
Cuba. however, must be reality, not
a name. A loosely-framed common
wealth is not to be turned adrift to
face the vicissitudes of weaker states
but wise preparation must be made
for eventual self-government of re-
sponsible character.
In the Turkish empire the situation
Of our citizens remains unsatisfactory
and claims of many years standing
have not yet been collected, though
our government is hopeful in this re-
gard.
Attention is called to the arrange
ments made for collecting official and
economic data under the international
union of American republics and also
to the commercial museum of Phila-
delphia in furthe-ance of this idea and
the Pan-American exposition of 1901
on the Niagara frontier.
The president gives resume of the
Hague conference and it's results In
the amelioration of the laws and Gus
toms Of war and says that the historic
position OF the United States as to en-
tanglements with foreign nations was
duly observed.
In regard to the army, especially in
the Philippines, the message gives fig
ures and facts showing the actuaq
number returned. &c. Mr.. Mckinley
recommends special medal of honor
for volunteers, regulars, sailors and
marines on duty in the Philippines
who remained in service after their
terms of enlistment expired. The total
number of troops now in the Philip
pines and those on the way comprise
2,051 officers and 63,4S3 men. The de-
velopment of the postal system in
Porto Rico and the Philippines is stat
ed to have been rapid and successful
and to be growing with extraordinary
popularity in the domestic service or
in the United States proper. AS to the
navy high praise is given it for its
efficiency and recommendations are
made for necessary legislation and aid
in the matter of naval construction as
suggested by the secretary of the navy
The statements of the message as to
the future of the Philippines are clear
and unequivocal. The rebellion must
be put down and civil government re-
stored. Free public schools must be
established and the burden of gov
eminent equally distributed. Already
hundreds of schools are open and
filled with children. Religious free
dom is sacredly assured and enjoyed.
The courts are dispensing justice and
business is beginning to circulate in
its accustomed channels. The future
government Of the islands rests with
the congress of the United States. and
the president adds that few graver
responsibilities have ever been confided
to us. II we accept them in a spirit
worthy our race and traditions great
opportunity comes with them. The
islands lie under our flag. They are
ours by every title of law and equity.
They cannot be abandoned. If we de-
sert them we leave them at once to
anarchy and finally to barbarism No
specific or final form of government
for the islands is recommended. When
peace is restored it will be the duty
of congress to construct plan of gov
eminent which shall establish free
dom and order in the Philippines. I'm
til congress makes known the final ex-
preston of it's will the president must
use the authority vested in him to up
hold the sovereignty of the United
States in the islands. When the in
surrection ends it will be the hour of
peace and clemency.
The text of the message, referring to
the Philippines, is in full:
On Dec TO- 1898. the treaty of peace be-
tween the United States and Spain was
signed. 1t provided. among other things.
that Spain should cede to the United
States the archipelago known as the Phil
ippne islands. that the United States
should pay to Spain the sum of $780,
0oc.0C0. and that the civil rights and
political status of the native inhabitants
of the territories thus ceded to the
United States should be determined by
the congress. The treaty was ratified by
the senate on the 9Th of February, 1899,
and by the government of Spain on
March 10 following. The notifications
were exchanged on April II, and the
treaty publicly procla lined. On March 2
the congress voted the sum contemplated
by the treaty and the amount was paid
over to the Spanish government on May
LIST.
In this manner the Philippines came to
the United States. The islands were ced-
ed by the government of Spain, which
had been in und .sputed possession of them
for centuries. They were accepted not
merely by our authorized commissioners
in Paris. under the direction of the ex-
ecuttve, but by the constitutional and
well-considered action of the representa-
tves of the people OF the United States
In both houses OF congress. had every
reason to believe. and still believe, that
this transfer of sovereignty was in ac-
cordance with the wishes and the aspir-
atoms OF the great mass of the Filipino
people.
From the earliest moment no oppor-
tunity was lost Of assuring the people
OF the Islands Of our ardent desire for
their welfare and Of the intention of thi.
government to do everything possible to
| advance their interests. In my order OF
the 18th OF May. 1888. the commander
OF the military expedition dispat ched to
the Philippines was instructed to declare
that we came not to make war upon the
people of that country. NOR upon any
psrty or faction among them, but to pro-
tect them in their homes, in their en-
ployments and in their personal and re-
ligious rights" That there should be
no doubt as to the paramount authority
there, on the 18th of August 1t was di.
rected that there must be no joint &C.
cupation with the insurgents" that the
United States must preserve the peace