Connecticut western news., 1899-12-07


 brilliant history the army. ably and loy- ally assisted by the navy, has carried on this unwelcome but most righteous cam paign with richly deserved success. AL though their operations have been some what interrupted and checked by rainy season of unusual violence and duration, they have gained ground steadily in ev- cry direction and now look forward con fidently to a speedy completion of their task.
 Autonomy In NeEros.
 The form of government to be applied in the islands after the insurrection has been crushed is for congress to deter mine. No special laws are recommended. Until congress acts the authority of the president is sufficient to apply all the GUS toms and postal regulations required for the islands during the continuance of the military regime. The attention of con gress is called, however, to the success of the autonomous government established in the island of Negros.
 This government, which may serve as a model for the government of other is- lands, consists of a military governor ap- pointed by the United States military governor of the Philippines and a civil governor and an advisory council elected by the people. The military governor was authorized to appoint secretaries of treas ury, interior, agriculture, public instruc- tion, m attorney general and an auditor. The military governor exercises the su- preme executive power. He Is to see that the laws are executed, appoint to office and fill all vacancies in office not other wise provided for. and may, with the ap- proyal of the military governor of the Philippines, remove any officer from of fee. The civil governor advises the mili- tary governor on all public civil questions and presides over the advisory council. He, in general, performs the duties which are performed by secretaries of state in our own system of government.
 No position is taken on the peculiar re- lation of this government to the Sum archipelago. By mutual agreement the sultan of Sulu has recognized in the United States the same suzerainty as that held by Spain over the archipelago. The special attention of congress is di- rected to the conditions existing-that the agreement is subject to the approval of congress. The questions of the con tinuance of polygamy, slavery and other Mohammedan customs in the archipelago are left for congress to deal with.
 Government of Hawaii.
 Concerning Hawaii, President McISin. ley says 1t is important that an net should be passed erecting these islands into q judicial district and providing for the appointment of judge and other of icers. ....
 The president recommends new sys- tenn of government for Alaska. The ter ritory, which at present comprises but one judicial district should be divided into at least two districts and an addi. tional judge, district attorney, marshal and other appropriate officers be pro- vided. A system of laws for the incor. poration of towns and cities is also rec commended. A legislative body for the territory is not deemed advisable owing to the vast area and scattered popula- ton.
 The form of government recommended for Porto Rico is essentially territorial. It is proposed to have appointed by the executive. subject to the approval of the senate, a governor and other officers, as attorney general, treasurer, etc., these of ficers, with minority number of native officers, to form legislative council. The Judiciary is to be similar to that in operation in the United States, beginning with a supreme court down to the mu. nicipal judge. The people will be taught the use of the ballot first only in mu- nicipal elections, the time and right to elect a legislature to be determined by congress Abolition of customs duties between Porto Rico and the United States is specially urged as only justice to the Porto Ricans. Reference is made to the misfortune which befell the is- land last summer and the efforts by our nd ha fn their distress. -E
 Increase In Trade.
 Reviewing the increase of trade brought about by the efforts of the state depart ment to keep in touch with the govern ment of the Latin-American republics in South and Central America, President Mckinley thinks it expedient that the various republics should be invited Co hold at an early date another conference in n capital of one of the countries other than the United States and in this con nection refers to the Pan-American expo sition to be held on the Niagara frontier in New York in the year 1901.
 In brief reference to the number of men comprising the army of the United States in this country and Manila the president says:
 .'I cannot withhold from officers and men the highest commendation for their soldierly conduct in trying situations. their willing sacrifices for their country and the integrity and ability with which they have performed unusual and diff cult duties in our island possessions"
 President Mckinley expresses satisfac- ton over the outcome of the peace con. gress held at The Hague and hopes for beneficial results from the permanent tri- bunal for arbitration established by it. He calls attention to the fact that in signing the convention the representative of the United States carefully guarded the historic position of this country anent the Monroe doctrine. He expresses satis- faction also over the result of the Nene- zuelan boundary arbitration.
 Mir. Mckinley repeats the words he used in his inaugural address concerning lynchings in the United States. He calls upon the people of the country to faith fully uphold the right of trial by jury.
 The last subject discussed in n-the mes sage is civil service. The president says that the amendments promulgated by the executive order of May 20, 1899, to the order of May G. 1896, were made when it became evident to the heads of depart ments that the amendments were neces- sary to m efficient and harmonious ad- ministration of the departments. He claims that the results obtained show that the public service has improved and that the civil service system Is relieved of many of its objectionable features.