The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1899-12-12

avail themselves of their right to return
soms Is ong as they WERE NEEDED at the
our annals. Although their operations
have been somewhat interrupted and
ien eSs and duration. eS they have gained
ground steadily In every direction, and
now look forward confidently TO speedy
completion of their task.
work of Reconstruction.
The unfavorable circumstances connect
| ed with an active campaign have not been
permitted to interfere with the equally Inn
| portant work of reconstruction. Again l
invite your attention 10 the report OF the
commissioners for the Interesting and en-
couraging details OF the work already ac-
complished in the establishment of peace
and order and the Inauguration OF self
OF the archipelago A notable beginning
| has been made In the establishment OF a
government In the island of Negros. which
was the first island to accept American
| sovereignty. Its people unreservedly pro-
claimed allegiance TO- the United States and
| adopted q constitution looking to the es-
tablishment of a popular government. 1t
was impossible to guarantee to the people
OF Negros that the constitution SO adopted
| should be the ultimate form of govern
ment. Such a 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
inhabitants of Negros eventually proved
unsatisfactory to the natives themselves.
OF the major general commanding the de-
partment. of which the following are the
most important elements:
The Sulu Islands.
He refers to the government established
outlines its salient features. or the Sulu
| group he gives the features OF the treaty
entered into between this country and the
sultan and OF that portion of the treaty
relating to slavery in the islands says:
Article X. provides that any slave In the
archipelago OF Jolo shall have the right
to purchase freedom BY paying to the mas
ment by Gen. Bates was made subject to
continuation BY the president and to fu-
ture modifieations by the consent Of the
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. communicate these facts
to the congress for it's information and
!, The United States flag will be used in
land and sea. Piracy is 10 be suppressed
ana the sultan agrees to cooperate heart
iIy with the United States authorities to
that END ana make every possible effort TO
arrest and bring to justice all persons en-
gagged in piracy. All trade In domestic
products of the archipelago Of Jolo when
carried on with any part of the Philippine
Islands and under the American flag shall
be free, unlimited and undutia BILE The
united States will give full protection to
the sultan in case any foreign nation should
attempt 70 impose upon him. The United
states will not Sell The island of Jolo or
any other island of the Jolo archipelago to
any foreign nation without the consent %
the sultan. Salaries for the sultan and his
associates In the ADMINISTRATION of the IS
lands have been agreed upon 10 the
amount OF $3.50 monthly
Government of the Philippines.
The president points to the recent VIC
tories over the insurgent forces as proof |
that the insurrectlon In theislands is about |
over, and says OF their future government |
The future government of the Philippines |
rests with the congress of the United |
states. Few graver responsibilities have |
ever been confided to us. If we accept |
them IN spirit worthy of our race and our /
traditions, a great opportunity comes with |
them. The islands lie under the shelter OF |
our flag; They are ours by every title OF
doned. IL we desert them we leave them |
at once to anarchy and finally to barbar-
ism; We hing them, a golden apple of dis
which could permit another 10 seize them |
unquestioned. Their rich plains and val
leys You'd be the scene of endless strife
The advent of Dewey's feet 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 mas SD been mage tnat we could re-
giving them independence, could retain
protectorate over them. This proposition
v W net ssr6 Se tSgn am sure worthy OF
ment would involve at the outset cruel
breach OF faith. II would place the peace
better than to accept our authority. al the
mercy of the minority OF armed insur-
gents II would make us responsible for
us no power to control them II would
charge us with the task Of protecting them
against each other and defending them
chose to quarrel. In short, II would take
from the congress Of the United States the I
power Of declaring war and vest that tre-
mendous prerogative In the Tagalo leader
OF the hour.
Recon- I'M END ations Not Needed Now.
He does not deem recommendation for
the Philippines needed at the present time
but will make them to congress when peace
time as congress shall iegislate upon the
subject he announces that he will maintain
the sovereignty OF the United States In the
navy al the means 70 put
down the insurrection. or the efforts to
build up the waste places as fast as they
No effort viii be spared TO build Up the
waste places desolated by war and by long
years of misgovernment, We shall not
beneficent work. We shall continue. as we
churches. to set the courts in operation,
ture. and IN every way in our I power to
make these people whom Providence has
brought within our jurisdiction feel that
ss ana s0 and CANT oSs
10 enhance. Our flag has never waved
over any community but in blessing. /