Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-12-07

and troops were unable to disarm or
modify, Their kindness and forbear-
ance were taken as proof of coward
ice. The aggressions of the Filipinos
continually increased until finally, Just
before the time set by the senate of
the United States for a vote upon the
treaty, an attack, evidently prepared in
advance was made all along the
American lines which resulted in a
terribly destructive and sanguinary
repulse of the insurgents
The president says: The rebellion
must be put down. Civil government
cannot be thoroughly established un-
Ill order is restored. With a devo-
ton and gallantry worthy OF its most
brilliant history, the army, ably and
Loyalty assisted by the navy, has car
ried on this unwelcome. but most
righteous campaign with richly de-
served success. Self-governing munic-
ipal life has been started in many por-
lions Of the archipelago A notable
beginning has been made in the estab-
lishment of government in the ISL
and of Negros. This was the first ISL
and to accept American sovereignty
Its people unreservedly proclaimed al
legiance To the United States and
adopted a constitution looking TO the
establishment of a popular govern
ment. 1t was impossible to guarantee
to the people of Negros that the con
stitution so adopted should be the Ill
innate form of government. Such a
question, under the treaty with Spain
and in accordance with our own con
stitution and laws, came exclusively
within the jurisdiction of congress
The government actually set up by the
inhabitants of Negros eventually
proved unsatisfactory to the natives
themselves A new system was put
into force with military governor AT
the head
The judicial power is vested in three
judges, who are to be appointed by the
military governor of the island In
ferior courts are to be established.
Free public schools are to be estab-
lished throughout the populous dis
trcts of the island, in when the Eng
fish language shall be taught.
The authorities of the sun islands
have accepted the succession of the
United States to the rights of Spain
and our flag floats over that territory.
The United States agrees not to sell
the island of Jolo or any other island
of the Jolo archipelago to any foreign
nation without the consent of the sui
tan. Salaries for the sultan and his
associates in the administrator OF the
islands have been agreed upon to the
amount of $3.50 monthly. one article
provides that any slave in the archi-
pelago shall have the right to purchase
freedom by paying to the master the
usual market value. The agreement
by General Bates was made subject to
confirmation by the president and 20
future notifications by the consent OF
the parties in interest, ! have con
firmed said agreement. subject to the
action of the congress. and with the
reservation, which | 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
to the existence of slavery in the Sulu
archipelago.
Everything indicates that with the
speedy suppression of the Tagalo rebel
lion life in the archipelago will soon
resume its ordinary course under the
protection Of our sovereignty, and the
people Of those favored islands will
enjoy prosperity and a freedom
which they have never before known.
Already hundreds of schools are open
and filled with children. Religious
freedom is sacredly assured and en-
joyed. The courts are dispensing
justice Business is beginning to cir
Culate in It's accustomed channels.
Manila, whose inhabitants were fleeing
to the country few months ago, is
now a populous and thriving mart Of
commerce. The earnest and unremit-
ting endeayors Of the commission and
the admiral and major general com
mandlng the department or the Pacihc
to assure the people of the benefcent
Intentions Of this government have
had their legitimate effect in convinc-
ing the great mass Of them that peace
and safety and prosperity and stable
government can only be found in a
loyal acceptance Of the authority Of the
United States
Government of the Philippines.
The future government Of the Philip
pines rests with the congress of the
| United States. Few grayer responsi-
bilities have even been confided 10 as.
If we accept them in a spirit worthy Of
our race and our traditions, a great OPP
portunity comes with them. The ISL
ands lie under the shelter Of our flag
They are ours by every title Of law and
equity. They cannot be abandoned
II we desert them we leave them al
once 10 anarchy and finally 10 barbar-
ism. We fling them a golden apple Of
discord among the rival powers, no one
Of which could permit another 10 seize