Warren sheaf., 1899-12-14

home as long as they were needed at the
front forms one of the brightest pages in
our annals. Although their operations
lence and duration, they have gained
gnoun1d 1doS steadily in every direction and
completion Of their task.
Work of Reconstruction.
The unfavorable circumstances connect
permitted to interfere with the equally i'm
portant work of reconstruction. Again
invite your attention to the report Of the
details of the work already ac-
complished in the establishment of peace
and order and the inauguration of self
governing municipal life in many portions
OF the archipelago. A notable beginning
has been made in the Establishment of a
government ia the island of Negros, which
was the first island to accept American
sovereignty. It's people unreservedly pro-
claimed allegiance to the United States and
adopted constitution looking to the es-s
tablishment Of popular government. It
was impossible to guarantee to the people
OF Negros that the constitution so adopted
should be the ultimate form of govern
ment. SUCH question, under the treaty
with Spain, and in accordance with our
own constitution and laws came exclu-
sively within the jurisdiction of congress
The government actually set up by the
of Negros eventually proved
unsatisfactory to the natives themselves.
A new system was put into force by. order
partment, of which the following are the
most important elements:
The Sulu Islands.
He refers to the government esta ablished
in the island of Negros as successful, and
outlines it's salient features. OF the Sulu
entered into between this country and the
sultan, and of that portion Of the treaty
relating to slavery in the islands says:
Article K. provides that any slave in the
to purchase freedom by paying to the mas
ter the usual market value The agree
ment by Gen. Bates was made subject to
ture notifications by the consent of the
parties in interest. I have confirmed said
agreement, subject to the action of the
congress, and with the reservation, which
l have directed shall be communicated to
the sultan of Jolo,. that this agreement is
not to be deemed in any way to authorize
or give the consent Of the United States
archipelago. I communicate these facts
TO the congress for its information and
The United States flag will be used in
land and sea. Piracy is TO be suppressed
ily with the United states authorities to
gagged in piracy. All trade in domestic
products of the archipelago of Jolo when
islands and under the American flag shall
be free. unlimited and undutiable. The
United States will give full protection to
the sultan in case any foreign ma ton should
states will! not sell the island of Jolo or
any other island Of the Jolo archipelago to
any foreign nation without the consent of
associates in the administration of the is
lands have been agreed upon to the
amount of $3.50 monthly.
Government of the Philippines.
The president. points to the recent VIC
tories over the insurgent forces as a proof
over, and says of their future government:
The future government of the Philippines
rests with the congress Of the United
Stat states Soo Few grayer responsibilties have
them in spirit worthy of our race and our
TRADITIONS, a great opportunity cones with
them; The islands lie under the shelter of
our flag: They are ours by every title of
law and equity. They cannot be aban-
doned. If we desert them we leave them
at once to anarchy and finally to barbar-
cord, among the rival powers, no one of
which could permit another to seize them
unquestioned. Their gich plains and val
leys Wo9d be the scene OF endless strife
The advent of Dewey's fleet in Manila
bay, instead of being, as we hope, the dawn
of new day of freedom and progress, will
have been the beginning of an era of misery
and violence worse than any which has
darkened their unhappy past. The sugges-
ton has been made that we could re-
giving. them independence. could retain a
protectorate over them. This proposition
will not be found, am sure, worthy OF
ment would involve at the outset a cr1el
breach of faith. It would place the peace
able and loyal majority, who, ask nothing
better than to accept our authority, at the
mercy of the minority of armed insur-
gents. 1t would make us responsible for
the acts of the insurgent leaders and give
US no power to control them. It would
against each other, and defending them
against any foreign power with which they
chose to quarrel. In short, it would take
power Of declaring war and vest that tre-
mendous prerogative in the Taga1o leader
of the hour.
Recommendations Not Needed Now.
He does not deem recommendations for
the Philippines needed at the present time,
has been fully restored there. Until such
time as congress shall legislate upon the
subject he announces that he will maintain
the s9vereignty Of the Hnited states in the
down the insurrection. OF the efforts to
build up the waste places as fast as they
shall come within our control he says:
No effort will be spared to build up the
waste places desolated by war and by long
years of misgovernment. We shall not
wait for the end of strife to begin the
beneficent work. We shall continue, as we
have begun, to open the schools and the
churches, to set the courts in operation,
to foster industry and trade and agricul-
ture, and in every way in our power to
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, we are seeking
to enhance. Our flag has never waved
over any community but in blessing. !
believe the Filipinos will soon recognize
diction in it's worldwide journey to their
shores.
The Hawaiian Islands.
Regarding the Hawaiian islands he rec
ommends speedy legislation and the estab-
tenn. He recounts the possible difficulties
that may be encountered, and says:
The people Of these islands are entitled
to the benefits and privileges of our con-
stitution, but in the absence Of any act
of congress providing for federal courts in
appeals, writs Of error, and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforcement
of civil rights may be prosecuted, they are
pOWerless to secure their enforcement by
the judgment Of the courts Of the United
States. It is manifestly important, there
as possible erecting these islands into a
judicial district providing for the appoint
ment Of a Judge and other proper officers
and methods Of procedure in appellate
proceedings and that the government Of
this newly acquired territory under the