The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1899-12-15

pressed upon the attention of the con.
gress. In my message of year ago
expressed nav yiows OF the necessity OF
| n canal which would link the two great
oceans, to which again invite your con-
sideration. The reasons then presen ted
Tor early action are even stronger now.
Boer- British Conf CT.
This government has maintained an
attitude OF neutrality in the unfortu.
nate contest between Great Britain and
the Bocr states of Africa. We have re-
manned faithful to the precept ofaaveid-
ing cntanGling alliances as TO affairs
not OF cur direct concern. Had circum.
stances suggested that tho parties TO the
quarrel would have welcomed any
kindly expression of the hope of the
American people that war might be
| averted, good offices would have been
gladly rendered.
The United States representative at
Pretoria was early instructed toSee that
all neutral American interests be ro-
spected by tho combetants. This has
been an easy task in view Of the posi-
tive declarations of both British and
Boor authorities that the personal and
property rights of our citizens should
be observed.
Upon the withdrawal OF the British
agent from Pretoria, the United States
consul was authorized. upon the request
OF the British government and with the
assent of the South African and Orange
Free State governments, to exercise the
customary good offices of q neutral for
tho care of British interests. In the dis.
charge of this function. i am happy to
say that abundant opportunity has been
afforded to show the impartiality of this
government toward both the combat.
ants.
Cuban Administration.
My annual message of last year was
necessarily devoted in great part to
consideration of the Spanish war and
of the results it wrought and the condi-
tions it imposed for the future. lam
gratihad TO announce that tho treaty of
peace has restored friendly relations be.
tween the two powers. Eject has been
given to its important provisions. The
evacuation of Porto Rico having already
been accomplished Oh Oct. l8. 1858.
nothing remained necessary there to
continue the provisional military con.
troll OF the island until the con-
gross should enact n suitable govern
ment for tho ceded territory. OF the
character and scope of the measures 10
tLac end shall treat in another part of
this message.
The withdrawal Of tho authority OF
tected by Jan. l, so that tho full re es
tab iSbmont of peace found the relin
Qui,hed territory held by US IL trust for
tie inha aOitants, maintaining under the
direction Of the executive such govern
ment and control therein as should con.
serve pub orier. restore tho produc.
tive conditions of peace so long lis.
turDed by tho instability and disorder
which prevailed for the greater part of
the preceding three decades, and build
up that tranquil development OF the co.
mestic state whereby alone can be real
lied the high purpose as proclaim ii in
the joint resolution adopted by the CON
"reSs on April ~, 1895, by which the
United States diSc!aimed any disposl-
ton or intention to exercise sOvcrcigntv,
jurisdiction or control over Cuba, ex-
ccpt for the pacihcation thereof, and as
serted its determination when that was
accomplished to leave the government
and control OF tho island 10 it's Peope.
The pledge contained in this resoiu.
ton is OF the highest honorable ob,iga.
ton and must be- sacrcdly kept. I be.
I.evo that substantial progress has BEEN
made III this direction AL the admin
iStrAtivs measures adopted in CuOa have
ainle! 70 st 10: rcEcueratod existence
by enforcing the supremacy OF law and
justice; by placing where; or prS Sc;ica ole
the machinery of administration in the
hands of the inhabitants; by instituting
needed sanitary reforms; by spreading
eiucation; by fostering industry and
trade; by incQ !cating public morality,
and, III short, by taking every rational
step to aid the Cuban people to as!ain
to that plane of self conscious re >pect
and self reliant unity which fits gu en-.
iightcued community for self govern.
ment within its own sphere, while en-.
ablIng it to fulfill all outward obliga.
tions.
Philippians P.obleIn.
On the 10Th OF December, 1899, the
treaty of peac, between the United
States and Spain was signed II pro-
vided. among other things, that Spain
should cede to the United States the
archipelago known as the Philippine
islaudS; that the United States shnnld
pay TO Spain the sum OF twenty millions
OF dollars, and that the civil r;ghts and
politic2, status of the native nhabitant,
of ths territories thus ceded to the
United States should be determined by
the congress. The treaty was ratified
by The senate on tha 9th OF February,
1899. ana by the government OF Spain
on the 10Th OF March following. 1he
raliGcatiJuS were exchanged on the,iIth
Of April. end tie treaty publicly pro
cluimri. On the md OF March ;he con
GresS voted the sum contemDlttoi b.
the treaty and the amount WAS paii
over to the Spinish government on the
lst Of Nay.
III this manner the Philippines came
to the United States. Tne Islands were
ceded by tie government of Span,
which had been in una isputed posses.
sion Of them fer cent ur;es They were
accepted, not merely by our authorized
agents III Paris under the direction Of
the executive, hut BY the constitutional
and we'll considered action of the repre-
sentatives OF tho people in Lolh houses
of congress. | mad every reason TO be-