Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-12-14

vested In the United States, yet a COM
plsts establishment for IT'S government
under our system was not effected.
BY the resolution of annexation the
president was directed to appoint Ave
commissioners to recommend TO congress
such legislation concerning the islands as
they should deem necessary or proper.
These commissioners were duly appointed
and after a careful investigation and
study OF the system of laws and govern
ment prevailing II the islands and OF the
conditions existing there they prepared
a Dill TO provide a government under the
title OF the Territory Of Hawaii" The
report Of the committee with the bill
which they prepared. was transmitted by
me- TO congress on Dec. 8. 1895, but the
bill still awaits final action.
The people OF these islands are entitled
TO the benefits and privileges of our con-
stitution, bat in the absence of any act of
congress providing for federal courts IN
the island and for a procedure by which
appeals, writs OF error and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforce
ment of civil rights may be prosecuted,
they are poweriess TO secure their en-
forcennent by the judgment OF the courts
OF the United States. II Is manifestly
important, therefore, hat an act shall
be presented as speedily as possible erect
ing these stands into a judicial district,
providing for the appointment Of a Judge
and other proper officers and methods OF
procedure in appellate proceedings. and
that the government OF this newly ac-
CURED territory under the fes1s con-
stitutton shall be fully defined and pro-
vided for"
The president says a necessity for i'm
mediate legislative relief exists in the
Territory Of Alaska The present civil
government IS fitted only for the admin
istration Of affairs IN the sparsely inhab-
tied country. The increase Of immigra-
ton consequent upon the discovery OF
gold has produced such a condition as
calls for more ample facilities for local
self-government- The president sees no
reason why a more complete form OF
territorial organization should not be
provided.
According to the president the time is
ripe for the adoption OF a temporary
form OF government for the island Of
Porto P.So.
II IS desirable, he says, that the gov
eminent of the island. under the law of
~belltgerent right now maintained through
the executive department, should be SUI
perseded by IN administration entirely
civil in its nature.
In conclusion the president saws:
The 14th OF December will be the
one hundredth anniversary OF the death
OF Washington For a hundred years the
republic has had the priceless advantage
or the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he bequeathed to the
American people. II is an Inheritance
which time, instead OF wasting. contin-
ually increases and enriches. We may
justly hope that in the years TO come the
beneficient influence Of the Father OF His
Country may be even more patent for
good than in the century which is draw
Ing to a close. I nav been glad TO learn
that in many part Of the country the reo-
pie will fitttngly observe this historic Gn-
niversarv.
Presented to this congress are great op-
~portunities. With them come great re-
sponsibilities. The power confided TO Is
increase the weight Of our obligation to
the people. and we must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which cul.frCnt
Us. Aiming only at the public good, we
cannot err. A right Interpretation OF the
peoples viii and Of duty cannot fail to
insure wise measures for the .elfare OF
the islands which have come under the
authority OF the United states and inure
to the common interest and lasting honor
OF our country. Never has this nation
had more abundant cause HI during the
past year for thankfulness 10 God for
manifold blessings and mercies, for which
We make reverent acknowledgment.