The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1899-12-08

No effort win be made 70 build up the waste
places deSOlaued BY war and long years Of mis-
government We shall not wait for the end o.
the strife 70 begin the bsuehcent work. We
shall continue. as we have begun. 20 OTeR tie
schools ana the churches % set the courts In
operation, 70 foster industry and trade and az
riculture and in every way in our power %
make these people whom Providence has
brought within our jurisdiction feel that it IS
their liberty and not our power, their welfare
and not our gain that we are seeking %
enhance Our tag has never waved over any
community but in blessing. I believe the Fill
pinoS viii soon recognize the fact that IL has
not lost its gift OF benediction in its Worldwids
journey % their shores
Recommendation for Porto Rico.
The system Of civil Jurisprudence now adopted
By the people OF Porto Rico Is described by
competent lawyers who are familiar with &c Is
thoroughly modern and scientific. 50 far as it re-
lates 70 matters OF internal business, trade
production and social and private rights in gen
eraL The cities OF the island are governed IN
der charters which probably require very little
OF no change SO that with relation 70 matters
Of local concern and private right 10 Is not
probable that much IL any legislation Is desir-
able; but with reference 70 public adminiStra-
ton and the relations Of the islands % the fed
eral government there are many matters which
are Of pressing urgency.
It is desirable that the government OF the is
land under the law Of belliEercut right now
maintained through the executive department,
should be superseded by an administration en-
tlrelY civil IN Its nature. For present purposes
1 recommend that congress pass n law for the
organization OF a temporary government, which
shall provide for the appointment by the preSi-
dent subject 70 confirmation by the senate, OF a
governor and such other OfnCerS as the general
administration OF the island may require. and
that for legislative purposes on subjects OF To-
cal nature not paTtaking OF federal character,
legislative council composed partly Of Porto
Ricans and partly OF citizens OF the United
n ed nv
the president subject TO confirmation by the
senate In the municipalities and other local
subdivisions recommend that the principle
OF Self-gOveTnment be applied at once 50 rs 20
enable the intelligent citizens Of the island 20
participate IN their own government and 70
learn by practical experience the duties and re-
quirements Of a self-cOntained and . selI-gOv-
erning people
pie. as for all people, is education. The free
schOOlhOuse is the best precepJor for citizen
ship In the introduction OF modern educa-
JiOnal methods care. however. must be eXer-
cised that changes be not made too abruptly
and that the history and racial peculiaritfes OF
the inhabitants shall be given due weight Sys-
tens OF education in these new possessions
founded on common sense methods. adapted 70
existing conditions and looking 70 the future
movement and industrial advancement Of the
people, viii commend 20 them IN peculiarly
effective manner the blessings Of free govern
ment
Presented 70 this congress are great Oppor-
tuuities With them come great responsible
ties The power coufided 20 US increases the
weight Of our obligations - the people and We
must be profoundly sensitive Of them as We
contemplate the new and grave problems which
confront US Aiming only at the public good.
we cannot err right Interpretation Of the
peoples viii and OF duty cannot fail TO insure
wise measures for the welfare Of the islands
which have come under the authority O.
the United states ana insure the common
interest and lasting honor OF our country
Never has this nation had more abundant
cause than during the past year for thanlSful-
ness 70 God for manifold blessings and mercies
for which We make revereuJ Acknowledgements
WILLIAM MCKINLEY,