New-York tribune., 1900-01-20
PRESIDENT SOUGHT PEACE.

Seeking the betterment Of the condition Of
these unfortunate people, the President bent
every effort within his power to q peaceful soIu-
ton Of the situation. When war did come, as
the constitutional head Of the Army and Navy
he directed it's movements that 1t should be
short and decisive.
That story need not be told again. Its achieve
ments have added new glory to the American
Army and Navy, and have again proved that the
American citizen soldiery is Of the bravest and
trJsst on earth. But the result OF war had
given rise TO a condition In the Islands or the
Far East never anticipated The unexpected,
which is so often an element in human affairs
has happened.
ment, control and disposition Of these islands un-
der Executive guidance-was left TO a joint com
mission, which should negotiate the treaty Of
peace. After patient investigation. backed, as
is believed, by the prevailing sentiment Of the
American people, which, after all, must control
our destinies ii was found that American honor
and that high sense Of humanity always char
acteristic of American policies at home and
abroad would not permit our withdrawal. We
could not give them back TO Spain No less
could we abandon them to the anarchy and dis
cord of contending tribes. or throw them as
bone Of contention among the nations OF the
earth.
NEW RESPONSIBILITY ON THIS NATION.
without seeking it a new responsibility had
been imposed upon the American people, and
the same Nation which had met and overcome
greater difficulties had placed upon II this new
responsibility If Spanish rule must end, then
it was deemed the best solution of the problem
that America take the title herself and this
was done-done in the spirit which showed the
American people TO be great enough in the hour
OF their triumph 10 show consideration Tor
weak and conquered foe. Had a rupture oc-
Cured between the Commissioners Of the two
countries the United States would have been
driven TO the dire necessity Of a conquest or
arms and the certain embarrassment Whlch
would arise from so defective a title. II made
a demand for the islands, but accompanied H.
not with e naked claim or conquest, pul py gen
erous concessions, IN the same spirit which act
uated our conduct with defeated Mexico when
we paid her S15.O00,000 for the territory ceded
By the cession of the treaty We to-day have
a title which must demand the respect OF the
nations Of the earth and which gives US the
same right TO control In those Islands that we
possess over any other territory belonging 10
the United States. That treaty was ratlned py
the Senate and by Congress IN the appIopIid-
ton Of the $40 100000 which we paid to Spain,
and thus this territory came to US under the
Constitution and laws OF the United states MOI
appreciattng the fact that the American Gov
ernment always has meant and always WIZ
mean the advancement Of civilization, misguided
bv evil counsel even before the treaty was
ratified, an attack was made by Agulnaldo on
the American troops. In that situation the duty
of the American President was clear. r orce
TO RESTORE PEACE AND ORDER
Peace and order must be restored in every
To that duty the Executive devoted the Army
and Navy Less than this he could not constt-
411tionaIIy do With less than this the Amer
ican people would not have been satisfied Hap
PLY that condition Of warfare seems near lIs
end and the question is reduced TO the ruture
policy of the American people N uSd4A44S Win
this new part OF its domain Now IS neither the
time nor occasion for its discussion believe
do not pass the line which divides patriotism
from parttsau uship when I say there can come TO
these people nothing but good as result OF
American rule. To US is brought a duty "Lich
will never be fully discharged until American
civilization and the blessings OF good govern
rnent have been given to these distant ISLANDS OF
the sea That the American people are ade-
ouate 10 this new duty one who is familiar
with history can for moment doubt
We rejoice tonight in the unparalleled pros
reri4v Of our people at home, and in the uni
1arsa1 respect which everywhere greets our nag
abroad The achievements Of our Army ana
Navy the prestige which is now enjoyed py our
trade and commerce, give 10 the American citi-
zer everywhere the respect, If not the a1ecoon'
OF mankind II has long been the boast OF Eng
land that her citizenship carried with IL a
guarantee Of protection wherever her peopie
went Tonight there is no flag Whlcn carries
with II more respect from all the people OF the
ear+b than the banner Of the free, which, wher-
aT-sr II floats over the over the lanc,
g+apds and shall forever stand for the hlghest
liberty the most advanced civilization and the
greatest opportunity anywhere accorded 70 the
children Of men.
The Rev. DR.. c. A Hirst was the next speaker
ne took for his subject THE Marietta Settle
ment."
DR.. William r. Harper then spoke briefly on
ohio Educators"
For an hour previous 10 the banquet puohc
-.,a,,+,o- yras rendered to Governor Nash and
r,sga Dav in the Auditorium parlors. hundreds
embracing the opportunity TO greet the dis