The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-12-15

BY tho resolution of annexation the
president was directed to appoint ave
commissioners to recommend to congress
such legislation concerning the islands Is
they should deem necessary or proper.
These commissioners were duly appointed
and after careful investigation and
study Of the system Of laws and govern
ment prevailing in the islands and Of the
conditions existing there they prepared
bill to provide government under the
title of the Territory Of Hawaii" Tho
report Of the committee with the bill
which they prepared. was transmitted by
me to congress on Dec. 6, 1893. but the
bill still awaits final action.
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
the island and for procedure by which
appeals. writs of error and other judicial
proceedings necessary for the enforce
ment of civil rights may be prosecuted,
they are powerless to secure their en-
forcement by the judgment of the courts
OF the United States. 1t Is manifestly
important. therefore. that an act shall
be presented as speedily as possible erect
ing these islands into judicial district.
providing for the appointment Of Judge
and other proper officers and methods Of
procedure in appellate proceedings. and
that the government Of this newly ac-
auired territory under the feA~:.s con-
stitution shall be fully defined and pro-
vided for"
The president says a necessity for linz
mediate legislative relief exists in the
Territory of Alaska. The present civil
government is fitted only for the admin-
istration of affairs in the sparsely inhab-
tied country. The increase of immigra-
ton consequent upon the discovery Of
gold has produced such a condition as
calls for more ample facilities for local
self-government. The president sees no
reason why more complete form of
territorial organization should not be
provided.
According to the president the time Is
ripe for the adoption of a temporary
form of government for the island of
Porto Rico.
1t is desirable, he says, that the gov
eminent of the island under the law of
belligerent right now maintained through
the executive department, should be SUI
perseGed by an administration entirely
civil in it's nature.
In conclusion the president says:
THE 14th of December will be the
one hundredth anniversary of the death
of Washington. For hundred years the
republic has had the priceless advantage
OF the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he bequeathed to the
American people. 1t is an inheritance
which time, instead Of wasting. contin-
ually increases and enriches. We may
justly hope that in the years to come the
beneticient influence of the Father of His
Country may be even more patent for
good than in the century which is draw
ing to close. I have been glad TO learn
that in many part of the country the Ieo-
pie will fittingly observe this historic an
niversary.
Presented to this congress are great OPP
portnnitfes. With them come great -e-
sponsibilities. The power confded TO us
increase the weight of .ur obligation to
the people. and We must he prof onndly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which culfrt mt
US. Aiming only at the public good, we
cannot err. right Interpretation of the
peoples will and of duty cannot fail to
insure wise measures for the .elfare of
the islands which have come under the
authority of the United States and inure
to the common interest and lasting honor
of our country. Never has this nation
had more abundant cause than during the
past year for thankfulness to God for
manifold blessings and nlercies, for which
we make reverent acknowledgment.