The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1899-12-07

are performed by secretaries OF state In
our own system OF government. Inc ad-
visory council consists of eight members
elected by the people within territorial
limits. which are defined in the order OF
the commanding general.
Agreement with sultan of sulus.
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. On the 10Th
of August 1899, Brigadier-General Bates,
United States volunteers. negotiated an
agreement with the sultan and his prin-
cipal chiefs, which transmit herewith.
Rebellion Nearly Ended.
communicate these facts to the con-
gress for its Information and action.
Everything indicates that with the speedy
suppression of the Tagal rebellion life in
the archipelago will soon assume its ordi-
nary course under the protection of our
sovereignty, and the people of those IA
vore6 islands will enjoy a 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 enjoyed,
and the courts are dispensing Justice.
Business Is beginning to circulate in its
accustomed channels. Manila, whose in
habitants were fleeing to the country
few months ago, is now a populOus and
thriving mart OF commerce. The earnest
and unremitting endeavors of the COM
mission and the admiral and ma jor- gen.
eral commanding the department OF the
Pacific to assure the people of the benefi-
cent intentions of this government. have
had their legitimate effect in convincing
the great mass of them that peace and
safety and prosperity and stable govern
ment can only be found In a loyal accept
ance OF the authority OF the United States.
The Duty of Congress.
The future government of the Philip
pines rests with the congress of the Unit
ed States. Few graver responsibilities
have ever been confided to us. II NC
accept them In a spirit worthy of our race
and traditions. 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 cam
not be abandoned. II We desert them we
leave them at once to anarchy and finally
to barbarism We fling them, a golden
apple of discord among the rival powers
no one of which would permit another to
seize them unquestioned Their rich
plains and valleys would be the scene of
endless strife and bloodshed. The advent
of Dewey's fleet in Manila bay instead
OF being. as we hope, the dawn of a new
day Of freedom and progress. would have
been the beginning of an era of misery and
violence worse than any which has dark
ened their unhappy past.
1t does not seem desirable that I should
recommend at this time specific final
form OF government for these islands,
When peace shall be restored 1t will be the
duty Of congress TO construct plan of
government which shall establish and
maintain freedom and order and peace in
the Philippines. The instruction is still
existing. and when il terminates further
Information will be required as to the
actual condition of affairs before inaugu-
rating permanent scheme of civil gov
eminent.