El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1899-12-06

| order, restore tne productive cOnol-
lions of peace SO long disturb
order which prevailed for the
greater part of the preceding three
decades, and build up that tranquil de-
velopment of the domestic state where
by alone can be realized the high pur-
pose as proclaimed in the joint resolu-
tiou adopted by the congress in April,
1898, by which the U. S dis
claimed any disposition or intention to
exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or
control over Cuba, except for the
pacification thereof, and asserted its
determination when that was accom-
plished to leave the government and
control of the island to its people.
| The pledge contained in this resolu-
| ton is of the highest honorable obliga-
ton and must be sacredly kept.
| I believe that substantial progress
has been made in this direction. All
the administrative measures adopted
in Cuba have aimed to fit it for a re-
generated existe ace by enforcing the
supremacy Of law and justice: by at pres
ent putting wherever practicable the
machinery of administration in the
hands of the. in abitants; by institu =
ing needed sanitary reforms, by
spreading education, by fostering in
dustry and trade, and in short, by tax
|
Cuban people to attain to that plane of
self-conscious respect and self reliant
unity which fits an enlie htaned COM
munity for self government within its
own sphere, while cabling it to fulfil
all outward obligations.
Thia nation has assumed before the
world u great responsibility for the
future good government O: Cube. We
have: accepted q trust the fulfilment
of which calls for the sternest integ-
rity of purpose and the exercise of the
highest wisdom. The new Cuba yet to
arise from the ashes of the past must
needs be bound to us by ties Of singular
intimacy, and the strength of its endur-
ing welfare is to be assured. Whether
these ties shall be organized or conven-
tional, the destinies of Cubaa are in some
rightful form and manner trrevocably
linked with our own, but how aud how
far is for the future to determine in
the ripeness of events. Whatever be
the outcome, we must see to 1t that free
Cuba be a reality, not an imperfect
entity, not hasty experiment bearing
within itself the element of failure.
Our mission, TO accomplish which
we took up the battle, 10 not to be full
filled by turning adrift any loosely
sues which too often attend weak states
whose natural wealth and abundant
resources are Offset by the incon-
gruites of their political organization
and the te ndency of international rival
ries to sap their strength and disslpate
their energies. The greatest blessing
which can come to Cuba ia the restora-
ton OF her agricultural and industrial
prosperity, which will give employ
ment to idle men and re-establish the
pursuits of peace. This is her chief
need
As to the Philippines, the president
takes the only rational Rround-that
his duty 10 to quell insurrection in
United States territory. and that
congress- must deal with the future of
the islands. The presidents state
ment is 90 concise and logical that it
too is well worth reprin ting:
The future government of the Phil |
ppines rests with the congress of the !
United States. Few, graver respon-
,ibilities have ever been confided to |
is. If we accept them in a spirit |
worthy of our race and our traditions,
! great opportunity comes with them.
The islands lie under the shelter of our
lag. They are ours by every title of
aw and equity. They cannot be
abandoned. If we desert them we
cave them at once to anarchy, aud fin
lily to bsrbarism; we fling them,
golden apple Of discord, among rival
covers, no one of which could permit
mother to seiZe them unquestiOned.
Their rich plains and valleys would be
he scene of endless strife and blood
he'd. The advent of Dewey's fleet in
Manila bay, instead of being, as we
lope, the dawn OF new day of free
ON and progress, would have been
he beginning of an era of misery and
iolepce worse than any which has
arkened their unhappy past.
The suggestion has been made that
,e could renounce our authority over
he islands, and giving them indie {
Evidence could retain a protectorate ;
yer them. This proposition will not
9 found, 1 am sure, worthy OF your
srious attention. Such an arrange
lent would involve at the outset
ruel breach of faith. 1t would place t
ne peaoeable loyal majority, who ask {
othing better than to accept our au-
1ority. at the mercy OF minority of !,
for the acts of the insur- '
emit leaders and give US no power to
)ntrol them. 1t would charge US
it'll the task Of protecting them from T
sch other and defending them against
~ foreign power with which they
hose to quarrel. In short, 1t would
Ike from the congress of the United +
tates the power of declaring war, and +
est that tremendous prerogative in
le Tagalo leader of the hour.
1t does not seem desirable that 1
lould commend at this time specific :
'rm of government for these islands. t
Then peace shall be restored 1t will p
, the duty of congress to construct !,
an of government which shall estab-
sh and maintsin freedom aud order
i'd peace in the Philippines. The insur-
,ction is still existing and when it
rmir a.es further information will be |