The true northerner., 1900-12-07

Iorce employed, the work mas been 10
systematized that responses are made
with such promptitude and accuracy as
to elicit fiattering encomiums. The ex-
pertinent OF printing the consular reports
exporters, and the press, which was be-
gun I'm January. 1898. continues TO give
general satisfaction.
Medals for Volunteers.
1 renew the recommendation made in
my last annual message that the congress
provide special medal of honor for the
volunteers, regulars, sailors, and marines
on duty IN the Philippines, who volun-
tarily remained in the service after their
terms OF enlistment had expired.
l favor the recommendation OF the sec
retary of war for the detail OF officers
from the line of the army when vacan-
cies occur in the adjutant generals de-
partment. inspector generals department,
quartermasters department., subsistence
department, pay department., ordnance
department and signal corps.
The army cannot be too highly COM
mended Tor its faithful ana eifecIIve
service in active military operations in
the field and the difficult work OF civil
administration.
Several Questions settled.
The convention signed May "a, 1897, for
the final settlement of claims left i'm
abeyance upon the dissolution of the
commission OF 1893, was at length ratified
by the Chilean congress and the supple
mental commission has been organized.
1t remains for the congress TO appro-
pirate for the necessary expenses OF the
commission.
The insurrectionary movement which
disturbed Colombia in the latter part Of
1889 has been practically suppressed, al
though guerillas still operate IN some de-
partments. The executive power of that
republic changed hands in August last by
the act OF ice-President Marroquin in
assuming the relns of government dur
ing the absence OF President san Glenn
ente from the capital. The change met
with no serious opposition, and, follow
ing the precedents in such cases, the
United States minister entered into rela-
uons with the new de facto government
on Sept. II.
1t is gratifying to announce that the
residual questions betweenI Costa Rica
and Nicaragua, growing 'out of the
have been adjusted through the choice
of an American engineer, Gen. E, +:
Alexander, as umpire to run the disputed
line. His task has been accomplished TO
the satisfaction of both contestants.
A Cable Needed.
/ renew the recommendation made In
my special message of Feb. 10, 1899, as to
the necessity for cable communication
with extension to Manila. Since then
circumstances have strikingly empha-
sized this need. Surveys have shown the
entire feasibility of chain of cables
which at each stopping place shall touch
on American territory. so that the system
shall be under our own complete control
Manila once within telegraphic reach,
connection with the systems of the Asia
tic coast would open Increased and prof
liable opportunities for a more direct
cable route from our shores to the orient
than is now afforded by the trans ATTAIN
tic, Continental and trans-Asian lines. l
urge attention to this important matter.
National Celebration.
The congress having provided for IAN
appropriate national celebration OF the
centennial anniversary OF the establish
he. Of araf In, hn
District of Columbia" the committees
authorized by it have prepared pro-
gram for the 18th OF December, 1900,
which date has been selected as the an
niversary day Deep interest has been
shown in the arrangements for the ceie-
bration by the members of the commit
tees of the senate and house OF repre-
sentatives, the committee of governors
appointed by the president and the COM
mittees appointed by the citizens and in
fabitants of the District of Columbia
generally The program, in addition TO
reception and other exercises at the
executive mansion, provides commemor-
ative exercises to be held jointly by the
senate and house representatives in the
hall Of the house Of representatives., and
a reception in the evening at the Cor
coran Gallery of Art in honor of the gov
ernors of the states and territories.
Our Territories.
The attention of the congress is called
to the report of the secretary OF the in
terror touching the necessity for the fur
ther establishment of schools in the ter
ritory of Alaska and favorable action is
invited thereon.
Much interesting information is given
in the report Of the governor OF Hawaii
as to the progress and development or
the islands during the period from July
z, 1898, the date of the approval OF the
joint resolution OF the congress provid-
ing for their annexation up to Aprff 80,
1900, the date OF the approval of the act
providing a government for the territory.
and thereafter.
The last Hawaiian census, taken in the
year 1896, gives a total population or lO9,-
020. Of which 3l0l9 were native Hawaiians.
The number or Americans reported was
g. 4s5. The results OF the federal census.
taken this year, show the islands to have
a total population OF 154.001, showing an
increase over that reported in 1896 OF A.
9S1. or AZ per cent.
There has been marked progress in the
educa tional. agricultural and railroad de-
yelopment OF the islands.
In the territorial act OF April 80, 1900,
section of said act repeals chapter "a
of the civil laws of Hawaii, whereby the
was 10 assist In encouraging
and developing the agricultural resources
of the republic. especially irrigation. The
governor Of Hawaii recommends legisla-
tion looking to the development OF such
water supply as may exist on the pub
lie lands with "A view of promoting land
settlement The earnest consideration
OF the congress is invited to this import
ant recommendation and others, as en-
DOOltu III the ltpOib VI tHt SNNiNtdiy "
the interior.
Cubn and Porto Rico.
The civil government or Porto Rico pro-
vided for the act of the congress approved
April 12 1900, i'm successful operation. The
courts have been established. The gov
ernor and his associates working intelli-
gently and harmoniousy are meeting
with comm ndable success.
On the 9Th Of November a general cleo
tion was held in the island for members
of the legislature and the body elected
has been called TO convene on the first
OF December.
I recommend that legislation be en-
acted by the congress comforting upon
the secretary of the interior supervision
over the public lands in Porto Rico, and
that he be directed TO ascertain the loca-
ton and quantity OF lands the title to
which remained in the crown of Spain at
the date OF cession OF Porto Rico to the
United States. and that appropriations
necessary for surveys be made, and that
the methods of the disposition OF sucn
lands be prescribed by law.
The president says OF Cuba that an elec-
lion has been held and debates elected
20 hold a convention at Havana Nov. |
10 adopt a constitution for the island.
That convention is now in session and its
will be sent to congress as
soon as reached.
The Standing Army.
The present strength OF the ramy "
90 600 men-65, 900 regulars and $1,000 vol
lnteers Under the act OF March 2 1899, !