Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-12-09
TIE PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE
[ooSqINUFD FROM SIXTH PAGE ]

matte relations is followed by a recon-
mendation for an appropriation to pro-
vide for the payment of certain claims
Of our citizens against Spain which
cur government guaranteed in the
treaty of peace,
Then follows chapter on the ar
bitrary treatment of American pro-
auctions in Turkey, the Anglo-Vene-
Knelan arbitration controversy, the re-
cent Venezuelan revolution and the /
assured maintenance for ten years TO /
come of the bureau OF American re- |
publics. Another international con- |
ference of the republics interested is |
recommended.
Then comes a reference to Buffalo's |
Pan-American exposition and Phila-
delphia's recent export exposition,
both of which are heartily commended.
The Hague peace conference is dwelt
upon at length. and a permanent ar
bitration tribunal is urged.
The increase in our army and the
reduction of our forces In Cuba and
Porto Rico, together with the extern
sion of our postal facilities to those
Islands is dealt with at length.
The president unites in Secretary
Longs recommendation that the act
of congress limiting the price OF armor
plate for the warships TO $500 a ton
be rescinded, and joins the commits
sioner of pensions in urging congress
TO amend the pension laws as to permit
the pension Office to grant pensionable
status TO widows whose income aside
from the proceeds of daily labor is not
In excess OF $3.50 per annum.
On Dec 10, 1898, the treaty of peace
between &C 'Critcd States and Spain
was signed. 1t provided, among other
things, that Spain should cede to the
United States the archipelago known
as the Philippine Islands. that the
United States should pay to Spain the
sum of $4,000, 900, and that the civil
rights and political status of the ma
tive inhabitants of the territories thus
ceded to the United States should be
determined by congress-.
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
this government TO do everything pos
sible to advance their interests. That
there should be no doubt as to the
paramount authority there. on the 18th
of August il was directed that there
must be no joint occupation with the
insurgents"
Our Philippines Mission.
On Dec. 81, after the treaty was sign
ed the commander of the forces o
occupation was instructed Ito an
nounce and proclaim in the most pub
lie manner that we come not as in
vaders and conQuerors, but as friend
60 protect the natives in their homes
in their employment and in their per
sonal and religious rights"
Then follows chapter on the ap
pointment of the special Philippine
commission and Aguinaldo's resistant
to American authority. The presiden
distinctly declares that the rebel leade
was not promised independence, an
that the war with the Filipinos wa
forced upon us. The message pre-
ceeds:
Whatever the future of the Philip
pines may be there is no course ope
to us now except the prosecution of tn
war until the insurgents are reduce
to submission. The course thus cleal
1y indicated has been unfiinchingl
pursued. The rebellion must be pl
down. Civil government cannot
thoroughly established until order
restored. With devotion and a ga
1antry worthy of its most brilliant hi
tory the army, ably and loyalty assis
ed by the navy. has carried on this Ill
welcome but most righteous campais
noble self sacrifice with which OF
soldiers and sailors whose terms
service had expired refused to ava
themselves of their right to retul
home as long as they were needed
the front forms one of the brighte
pages in our annals. Although the
operations have been somewhat int
rupted and checked by a rainy seasi
of unusual violence and duration, tn
have gained ground in every directi
and now look forward confidently
speedy completion of their task.
The unfavorable circumstances CO
nected with an active campaign ha
not been permitted to interfere wi
the equally important work of reco
struction. A notable beginning
been made in the establishment Of
government in the Island of, Negr
which is deserving of special cons
Grafton. This was the first island
accept American sovereignty. It's pt
pie unreservedly proclaimed allegiar
to the United States and adopted
constitution Ice. 40 establis
ment Of a popular government.
was impossible to guarantee to I
people of Negros that the constitute
so adopted should be the ultima
form of government. Such a questi
comes exclusively within the jurisd
ton OF the congress.
The authorities of the Sulu islam
have accepted the succession of I
United States to the rights Of Spa
and our flag floats over that terrific
Cheerful Prediction.
Everything indicates that. with I
speedy suppression of the TagaIo
bellion, life IN the archipelago y
soon resume its ordinary course unC
%he protection OF our sovereignty, a
he people of those favored islaI
will enjoy a prosperity and freed
which they have never before knoN
Already hundreds OF schools are OF
and filed with children. Religi'
freedom is sacredly assured and
Joyed. The courts are dispensing ]
tice. Business is beginning to cir
late IN fla accuetouned channela NJ