The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-12-21

to US now except the prosecution of the
war until the insurgents are reduced
to submission. The course thus clear
IL indicated has been unfiinchingly
pursued. The rebellion must be put
down. Civil government cannot be
thoroughly established until order Is
restored With a devotion and gal
lantry worthy of its most brilliant his
tory the army, ably and Loyalty assist
ed by the navy, has carried on this I'M
welcome but most righteous campaign
with richly deserved success. The
noble self sacrifice with which our
soldiers and sailors whose terms OF
service had expired refused to avail
themselves of their right to return
home as long as they were needed at
the front forms one of the brightest
pages in our annals. Although their
operations have been somewhat inter-
rupted and checked by rainy season
of unusual violence and duration, they
have gained ground in every direction
and now look forward confidently to
a speedy completion of their task.
The unfavorable circumstances con-
nected with an active campaign have
not been permitted to interfere with
the equally important work of recon-
struction. A notable beginning has
been made in the establishment OF a
government in the Island of Negroes,
which is deserving of special consld-
Grafton. This was the first island to
4ccept American sovereignty. It's peo-
pie unreservedly proclaimed allegiance
to the United States and adopted q
constitution looking 10 NJ e5t;stilsh-
ment Of a popular ~-Vc-Lment. 1t
was impossible to guarantee TO the
people of Negroes that the constitution
so adopted should be the ultimate
form of government. Such question
comes exclusively within the jurisdic-
ton of the congress.
The authorities of the Sulu islands
have accepted the succession Of the
United States to the rights Of Spain,
and our flag floats over that territory.
A Cheerful Prediction.
Everything indicates that. with the
speedy suppression of the Tagalo re-
bellion, 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 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 JUS
| tice. Business is beginning TO circu-
| late in it's accustomed channels. Man.
| lila, whose inhabitants were fleeing to
| the country few months ago, is now
a populous and thriving mart Of com
merce.
The future government Of the Phil
| ippines rests with the congress of the
United States. Few graver RESPONSE
bilities have ever been conffded 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 law and equity. They cannot be
| abandoned If we desert them we leave
| them at once to anarchy and finally to
| barbarism. We fling them a golden
| apple of discord, among the rival pow
ers, no one of which could permit an
other to seize them unquestioned.
The suggestion has been made that
| we could renounce our authority over
the islands and, giving them indie
pendence, could retain a protectorate
over them. This proposition will not
be found, 1 am sure. worthy of your
serious attention. Such an arrange
ment would involve at the outset a
cruel breach of faith. 1t would make
us responsible for the acts of the in
surgent leaders and give us no power
| to control them.
Until congress shall have made
known the formal expression of its
will shall use the authority vested
in me by the constitution and . the
statutes to uphold the sovereignty OF
| the United States in those distant ISL
| ands as in all other places where ou1
flag rightfully floats. Every step OF
the progress of our troops has beer
marked by humanity which has sur
prised even the misguided insurgents
| The truest kindness to them will be
swift and effective defeat of Their
present leader.