davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
THE PHILIPPINE QUESTION.
Acquisition of the lslands-The FIJI.
plmO lnAurrecfian

On the 10th of December, 1898, the treaty.
of peace between 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 Philippine Islands, that the United
States should pay to Spain the sum of S23-
0OO. 900, and that the civil rights and po.it-
cal status of the native inha bitants of
the territories thus coded to the United
States should be determined by the con-
gress The treaty was ratified by the SEN
ate on the 9Th OF February, 1885, and by
the government of Spain on the 10th Ct
March following. The Publications were
exchanged on the 18th of April, and the
treaty publicly proclaimed. On the I'd of
March, the congress voted the sum con-
templated by the treaty, and the amount
was paid over to the Spanish government
on the LIST OF May. In this manner the
philippines came to the United States. The
islands were coded by the government OF
Spain. which had been In undisputed pos
session of them for centuries. They we're
accepted not merely by our authorized
commissioners In Paris, under the direction
OF the executive, but by the constitutional
and well-considered action OF the repre-
sentatives 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 accordance with the wishes and
the aspirations of the great mass Of The
Filipino people. From the earliest moment
no opportunity was lost OF assuring the
people of the islands of our ardent ,lesire
for their welfare and OF the intention of
this government to do everything possible
to advance their interests. In my order Of
the 18th Of May. 1898. the commander Of
the military expedition dispatched 10 the
philippines was instructed to declare that
we came not to make war on the people
of the country, nor upon any part or
faction among them, but to protect them
In their homes In their employments and
In their personal and religious rights"
That there should be no doubt as 10 the
paramount authority there, on the 1-th
OF August. 1t was directed that there
must be no joint occupation with the In
surgents"; that the United States must
preserve the peace and protect persons
and property within the territory cccu-
pied by their military and naval forces.
that the insurgents and all Others must
recognize the military occupation and au-
thority of the United States. As early a.
December I, before the cession and In an
ticipation Of that event, the commander In
Manila was urged to restore peace and
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
VENEZUELAN AFFAIRS.


The international commission OF arbltra-
ton appointed under the Anglo-Venezue-
Ian treaty Of 1897. rendered an award on
October last whereby the boundary line
between Venezuela and British Guiana Is
determined. thus ending controversy
which has existed for the greater part
Of the century. The award. as to which
the arbitrator were unanimous. while
not meeting the extreme contention Of
either party. gives Great Britain large
share OF the interior territory In dispute,
and to Venezuela the entire mouth OF the
Orinoco. including Barimo point and the
Caribbean litroral for some distance to the
eastward. The decision appears to be
equally satisfactory TO both parties.
Venezuela has once more undergone a
revolution. The insurgents, after SAN
culinary engagement. IN which they suf-
fered much loss. rallied in the mountain
Gus interior and advanced toward the
capital. The bulk of the army having
sided with the movement. President An
drade qui ted Caracas. where General
Castro set up a provisional government,
with which our minister and the repre-
sentatives of the other powers entered
into diplomatic cations on the goth Of
November. 1899.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
AMERICAN ExposITloNs.


Inc act to encourage the holding of the
Pan-American exposition on the Niagara
frontier, in the state of New York in the
year 1901, was approved on March g.
1899 This exposition, which will be held
m the city of Buffalo. In the near yicin-
ity or the great Niagara cataract, and
Wltnin days journey of which reside
100000 of our people, will be confined
entirely to the Western hemisphere. Sat
isfaetory assurances have already been
given by the diplomatic Representatives
OF Great Britain, the Mexican and the
central and South American republics.
ana most OF the states of the United
States. that their countries and states will
make an unique. interesting and instruc-
tive exhibit. peculiarly illustrative of their
material progress during the century
which is about to close
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
EXTENSION OF TRADE.
Good Results of Work Done by Dip
IOmatic and Consular Officers.

In my lah annual message. the prog
Yess noted in the work of the diplomatic
and consular offices In collecting Informal
zion as to the industries and commerce of
other countries. and in the care and
prompfitude with which the reports were
printed and distrbDu ed has continued
during the past year, with increasingly
valuable results In suggesting new sources
OF demand for American products and in
pointing out the obstacles still to be
overcome in facilitating the remarkable
expansion of our foreign trade. 1t will
doubtless be gratifying to congress to
learn that the various agencies of the
department OF state are cooperating in
these endeavors with zeal and effective
ness, which are not only receiving the
cordial recognition OF our business In err
ests, but are receiving the emulation of
other governments. In any arrangement
Tor the great and complicated work OF OBJ
taining official data of an economic char
Acter. which congress may undertake. it
Il most important In my judgment, that
the results already secured by the efforts
of the department of state should be con-
sidered with n view of judicious devel-
opment and increased utility to our ex-
port trade.
Burcau of American Republics.
The interest taken by the various states
forming the International union OF Amer
lean republics In the work of rs
bureau is evidenced by the fact that
for the first time since It's creation In
1880 all the republics in Central and South
America are now represented in It, The
unanimous recommendation of the inter-
national American conference providing
Tor the International union of American
republics stated that 1t should continue
m force during term of 10 years from
the date of its organization. and no coun-
try becoming member of the union
should cease to be a member until the
end of said period of 10 years, and. I'M
less II months before the expiration of
said period a majority of the members
Of the union had given to the secretary of
state OF the United States official notice
or their wish to terminate the union at
sne end OF Its first period, that the union
should continue to be maintained for an
other period OF 10 years, and thereafter
under the same conditions for successive
periods of 10 years each. The period for
notification expired on July IA, 1899. with
out any of the members having given
the necessary notice of withdrawal It's
maintenance Is therefore assured for the
next 10 years.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
THE UNITED STATES ARMY.



Overtime Troops i'm Philippines.
Since my last annual message. and In
obedience to the acts of congress OF April
" and 26, 1898. the remaining volunteer
force enlisted for the Spanish war. con-
sisting of "a, S34 regulars and 110202 vol
unteers, with over 5000 volunteer officers,
has been discharged from the mill
tary service. All Of the volunteers in
the Philippines, and 1850 Of the regulars,
werea entitled to be mustered out
after the ratification Of the treaty Of
peace. They voluntarily remained at the
front until their places could be filed
by new troops. They were returned home
in the order In which they went to Ma
Mia, and are now all of them out OF the
service and in the ranks OF citizenship.
l recommend that the congress provide q
special medal Of honor for the volunteers.
regulars. sailors and marines on duty in
the Philippines, who voluntarily remained
In the service after their terms Of enlist
ment had expired.
BY the act Of March Q. 1899. congress
has authority to increase the regular
army to a maximum not exceeding G5.0OO
enlisted men, and to enlist force Of 8. 900
volunteers, to be recruited from the coun-
try at large. By virtue of this authority,
the regular army has been increased to
the number of 81, 999 enlisted men and 224S
officers. and new volunteer regiments have
DeeH organized, asSreBatlHS SoUJo eiiilSt-
ed men and 1924 officers. Two of these
volunteer regiments are made up of col
ored men, with colored line officers.
The Forces in the Philippines.
The new troops to take the places of
those returning from the Philippines have
been transported to Manila to the number
of 5s1 officers and 49, 1922 enlisted men of
the regular army. and 594 officers and 15,-
1888 enlisted men of the new volunteer
force, while 504 officers and 14.119 men Of
the volunteer force are on the ocean Ell
route to Manila. The force now In Ma
Mia consists of 9O5 officers and 30.50S regu-
lars. and 594 officers and 1888 of the vol
unteers, making aggregate of 1499 Of
ficers and 1856 men. When the troops
now under orders shall reach Manila,
the force In the archipelago will comprise
2o51 officers and 634S3 men. The MUSTER
out of the great volunteer army organ
lied for the Spanish war and the crea-
ton of new army, the transportation
from Manila to San Francisco of those
entitled to discharge, and the transpor.a-
ton of the new troops to take their places.
has been a work of great magnitude, we'll
and ably done. for which too much credit
cannot be given the war department..
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE.
The Reserves and Regulations fol
Their Maintenance.

On June 80, 1898. there were 80 forest res
ervatOns Exclusive of the Afognak forest
and fish-cultvre reserve In Alaska), en-
bracing an estimated area of 40, 719, ia
acres. During the past year, two of the
existing forest reserves the Trabuco cam
yon, California. and Black Hills South
Dakota and Wyoming. have been cons. d.
erably enlarged; the area of the Mount
Rainier reserve. in the state Of Washing
ton, has been somewhat reduced. and six
additional reserves have been established,
namely, the San Francisco Mountain,
Ariz.; the Black Mesa. Ariz. Lake Tahoe.
CAL; Gallatin. Mont; ella river, N. NJ.
and Fish Lake, Utah, the total estimated
area Of which Is 5,025 722 acres. This makes
at the present time total of 36 forestry
reservations, embracing an estimated area
of 46, O21 ,899 acres. This estimated area is
the aggregated area within the boundaries
of the reserves. The lands actually re-
served are. however. only the vacant pub
lie lands therein, and these have been set
aside and reserved from sale or settlement
in order that they may be of the greatest
use to the people.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08

include the pensioners Of the army and
navy In all our wars. The number added
to the rolls during the year was 1851.
The number dropped by reason OF death.
remarriage. minors. by legal limitations
failure to claim within three years. ana
other causes. was ~. 1856, and the number
OF claims disailowed was 107.917 During
the year 1904 pension certificates were
issued, OF which 37O77 were for new or
original pensions The amount disbursed
for army and navy pensions during the
year was Sl5S, 355. O62 IS, which was 1851 40
less than the sum Of the appropriations.
The Grand Army Of the Republic. at its
recent national encampment. held at Phil
adeiphia, has brought to my attention, and
to that of congress. the wisdom and JUS
tice of a modification Of the third section
OF the act Of June n. 1880, which provides
pensions for the widows Of officers and
enlisted men who served 80 days or more
during the war Of the rebellion, and
were honorably discharged. provided that
such widows are without other means OF
support than their daily labor and were
married TO the soldier sailor or marine
on account OF whose service they claim
pension prior to the date Of the act
With the approval OF the secretary of
the interior, the commissioner OF pensions
recommends that, In order to make the
practice at all times uniform. and to do
justice to the dependent widow the
amount of income allowed. Independent
Of the proceeds OF her daily labor, should
not be less than $3.50 per annum. and he
urges that congress shall so amend the
act as to permit the pension ofhce to
grant pensionable status to widows I'M
der the terms Of the third section Of the
act OF June a. 1890 whose income, aside
from the proceeds of daily labor. Ii not
in excess of $3.50 per annum. l believe
this to be a simple act Of justice, and
heartily recommend 1t.
The Dawes COmmlsstOn.
The Dawes commission reports that
gratifying progress has been made In its
work during the. preceding year. The
field work of enrolment Of four OF the
nations has been completed.
l recommend that congress. at an eaFly
day, make liberal appropriation for edu-
cational purposes in the Indian territory.
Twelfth Census.
In accordance with the act of con srcss
approved March 8. 1899. the preliminary
work In connection with the 18th census
is now fully under way. The officers re-
quired for the proper administration of
the duties imposed have been selected.
The provision for securing a proper emu
meration of the population, as we'll as to
secure evidence of the industrial growth
of the nation. Is broader and more COM
prehensive than any similar legislation in
the past. The director advises that every
needful effort is being made to push this
great work to completion in the time linz
tied by the statute. 1t Is believed that the
18th census will emphasize our remark
able advance in all that pertains to ma
tional progress.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
Necessity of a Change In the Law.
for Their Government

some embarrassment In administration
mas occurred by reason of the peculiar
status which the Hawaiian islands AZ
present occupy under the joint resolution
OF annexation. approved July I. lS9s.
WINE py tnat resolution the republic of
nawah, as an Independent nation. was ex
tlnguished. its separate soyereirntv de-
slroyed and Its property and possessions
vested In the United States. vet com
psete establishment for lis government nm
.n our system was not effected. While
ehe municipal laws of the Islands. not en-
ae.eu ior the iuifllment of treaties and
not inconsistent with the Joint resolution
or contrary to the constitution of the
onieed states or any OF its treaties. re-
main In force. yet these laws relate only
70 the social and internal affairs of the
Island, and do not touch any subjects Of
tional character
COmmissiOners' Report.
by the resolution of annexation the
p'esioent was directed to appoint five
commissioners to recommend to congress
sucn lesisiation concerning the islands
as they should deem necessary or nroner
me commissioners were duly appointed.
ana. after careful investigation and
study OF the system OF laws and govern
ment prevailing In the islands and the
conditions existing there they prepared
a,. pla 10 provide government under the
title OF THE Territory of Hawaii" The
report OF the commission, with the bill
Wnien they prepared was transmitted by
me to congress on December g. 1898 hut
the Dill still awaits final action. The peo
PIE OF these Islands are entitled to the
Dement'S and privileges of our legislation.
but in the absence of any act of congress-
providing for federal courts In the
isiands. and Tor procedure by which APP
peais, writs OF error and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforce
ment OF civil rights may be prosecuted,
tney are powerless to secure their en-
iorcement by the Judgment OF the courts
OF the United States.
It Is manifoldly important, therefore.
tnat an act should be passed as speedily
as possible erecting these islands into q
judicial district. providing for the ap-
pointment OF judge and other proper Of
hcers and methods of procedure In appel
late proceedings and that the government
o. TINS newly acquired territory under
the federal constitution shall be fu,iv IA.
nned and provided for.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
OTHER MATTERS DIsCUru
Mob Law DenOunced . Ly,si
Must Not He Tolerated

The love OF law and sense Of OH
and submission to the lawfully |,
tuted tribunals are imbedded 4
hearts of our people, and any
on Of these sentiments and s..;rsru
their obligations Justly arouse,
condemnation. The guarantees Of N
erty and of civil rights should be fatl
upheld, the right Of trial by juy
spected and defended. The rule
courts should assure the public i
prompt trial Of those charged with
inal offeEse, and upon conviction tn
ishment should be commensurate
the enormity of the crime Thos
in disregard of law and public
unwilling to await the Judgment Of
and jury. constitute themselves
and exeeutioners should not escap
severest penalties Of their crimes
Extending the Classified Sepviq
The executive order Of May I, Mf
tending the limits Of the classified
ice, brought within the operation 9
civil service law and rules nearly
the executive civil service not Prev
classified. Some of the incluaIons
found wholly illog cal and unsull1
the work of the several departments
application of the rules to many u
places so included was found 10
In friction and embarra ssment. Mtel3
and very thorough consideration,
came evident to the heads Of the
ments responsible for their einclshel
in order to remove those diineulus
promote an efficient and harmonles
mInistration, certain amenanoae
necessary, These amendments wessl
muigated by me In executive olos1 !
May %, 1899.
Anniversary of Washingtcnt -
The 14th of December Will oe ~
hundredth anniversary OF the us. =
Washington. For a hundred yea',
public has had the priceless su.s5
of the lofty standard OF cnai.l Z
conduct which he bequeatneu =;
American people. 1t Is an nns,'1
which time, ms cad Of wasting, -
ally increases and enrlcnes. -
Justly hope that in the years 70 TO- -
benignant influence Of the n'ns 49,
country may be even more W.
good than In the century wnlen
Inc To q close. / have been g'sn =
that In many parts Of the s s' y
people will fittingly observe 'ns
anniversary.
Responsibilities q ee.ss
Presented to tn 8 congress ere ~ -
portunIties. With them cons stes
sponsibilities. The power co 's'.sste
,ncrea ses the weight Of our oOas. ~
the people, and We must % s.rnI,I,
sensitive of them as we coa, 'ss n
new and grave problems mn,ss 81
us. Aiming only at me ps .s,1 !
cannot err. A ght interpls.. .rot 1
people's will and Of duty g. s IN
insure wise measures sor .ne ma
the Islands which have s v I'D
authority of the United s.s's ,s.,ins
to the common interest anu
OF our country. -. h.A more
Never has this na.''n ~ W rast n
dant cause than during inc ppu aa.
thankfulness to God for %s =
Ing and mercles. for WINCH
reyerent ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; uKlNl
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08

force. The provision for arbitration con-
templates the formation Of permanent
tribunal before which disputed cases may
be brought for settlement by the mutual
consent of the litigants In each separate
case. The advantages Of such a per-
manent tribunal over impromptu commits
sions Of arbitration are conceived to be
the actual existence of a competent court.
prepared to administer justice. the greater
economy resulting from a well-devised sys-
TEN, and the accumulated judicial skill
and experience which such tribunal
swould soon possess.
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08
PEACE CONFERENCE.
Results of the Gathering Last May
at The Hague,

M The Hague.
In response to the invitation of his ma.
1esty the emperor of Russia. delegates
from 70 countries were assembled at The
Hague on the 18th of May, as members
of conference In the interest of peace.
The commission from the United States
consisted of Hon. Andrew D. White the
Hon. Seth Low. the Hon stanford Newell.
Captain Alfred T. Mahan, OF the United
States navy: Captain William 7. Croker.
OF the United States army, and Hon. Fred
erick w. Hollis, secretary. The occasion
seemed to be opportune for the serious
consideration of plan for the peaceful
adjustment of International differences. a
subject In which the American people have
been deeply Interested for many years and
Q definite project for permanent inter-
national tribunal was included in the in
struetions to the delegates of the United
States.
The final act of the conference includes
q convention upon the ameloration of
the laws and customs Of war on land the
adaptation to maritime warfare Of the
principles of the Geneva convention of
1864 and the extension of judicial methods
to International cases. The convention
Tor the pacific settlement of international
conflicts embodies the leading features of
the American plan. with such modifica-
tions were rendered necessary by the
great diversity of views and interests
represented by the delegates. The four
.ieSs VI INC eohNeHtioH proNlue Tor tnS
continuance of general peace. the exercs Sc
OF good offices and mediation. the forma-
ton of commissions of inquiry and inter-
national arbitration.
The mediation provided for by the con-
venton Is purely voluntary and advisory.
and is intended to avoid any invasion or
limitation of the sovereign rights OF the
adhering states. The commissions on In
ouiry proposed consist of delegations to be
specifically constituted for particular pur-
poses by means OF conventions between the
contesting parties. having for their object
the clear understanding of International
differences before resorting to the use OF
Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-12-08

Spanish government has appointed consuls
for Cuba, who have been Professionally
recognized during the military administra-
ton Of the affairs of that island.
Ottoman Empire.
The United States minister to Turkey
continues. under Instructions. to press for
a money payment in satisfaction of the
Just claims for injuries suffered by Amer
lean citizens in the disorders OF several
years past and for wrong done them by
the Ottoman authorities. Some OF these
claims are OF many years standing. This
government is hopeful of a general agree
ment in this regard.