Daily inter mountain., 1900-12-04

with these words.
This city, it's inhabitants, IFS
churches and religious worship, it's edu-
cational establishments and it's pri-
vate property of all descriptions are
placed under the special safeguard of
the faith and honor of the American
army"
'9f be1feve that this pledge has been
faithfully kept. AS high an dsacred an
obligation rests upon the government
of the United States to give protection
for property and life, civil and religious
freedom, and wise, firm and unselfish
guidance in the paths of peace and
prosperity to all the people of the Phil
ippine islands. / charge this commits
sion to labor for the full performance
of this obligation, which concerns the
honor and conscience or this country.
in the firm hope that through their Ia
bors all the inhabitants of the Philippine
islands may come to look back with
gratitude to the day when God gave
victory to American arms at Manila and
set their lands under the sovereignty
and protection of the people of the
United States.
Coincidentally with the entrance of
the commission upon it's labors, / caused
to be issued by Gen. Macarthur the
June q, 1900, proclamatio of amnesty
in generous terms, of which many of
the insurgents took advantage, among
them number of important leaders.
This commission, composed OF eminent
citizens representing the diverse geo.
graphical and political interests of the
country, and bringing to their task
the ripe fruits of long and intelligent
service in educational, administrative
and judicial careers. made great prog
ress from the outset. AS early as Aug
ust 1, 1900. it submitted a preliminary
report, which will be laid before the
congress, and from which it appears
that already the good effects of return
ing order are felt; that business inter-
rupted by hostilities is improving as
peace extends; that a larger area is
under sugar cultivation that ever be-
fore; that the customs revenues are
greater than at any time during Span
ish rule: that economy and efficiency in
the military administration have Gre
ated a surplus of $6000.OOO available for
needed public improvements; that
stringent civil service law is in prepara-
ton; that railroads are expanding, open
ing up the districts, and that compre-
hensive scheme Of education il being
organized.
Later reports from the commission
show yet more encouraging advances to-
ward insuring the benefits of liberty and
Sood government to the Filipinos in the
interest CT humanity and with the aim
of building up an enduring, self-support-
ing and self administering community in
these far eastern seas l would impress
upon the congress that whatever legisa
tion may Zoe enacted in respect to the
philippine islands should be along these
generous lines. THE fortune Of war has
thrown upon this nation an unsought
trust, which should DE unselfishly dis
charged, and devolved upon this govern
ment a moral as well as a material re-
sponsibiity toward these millions whom
we have freed from an oppressive yoke.
l have upon another occasion called the
Filipinos 'the wards of the nation" Our
obligation as guardian was not lightly
assumed it must not be otherwise than
honestly fulfilled aiming first Of all to
benefit those who have come under our
fostering care. 1t is our duty so to treat
them that our flag may be no less be-
lieved in the mountains of Luzon and
the fertile fields of Mindanao and Ne
gros than it is at home; that there it
Shall be revered as symbol of liberty,
nue. of development the Filipinos are
quick to learn and to profit by know
ledge. He would be rash, with the con-
temporaneaus history in view, who
would fix limit to the degree of cul-
ture and advancement yet within the
reach of those people if our duty toward
them may be faithfully performed.
AS TO PORTO RICO.
The civil government of Porto Rico as
provided for by the act of congress ap-
proved April II, 1900, is in successful op-
Grafton. The courts have been estab-
lished; the governor and his associates
are working intelligently and harmoni-
ously; are making commendabe sue
cess. On the 9th of November a gener-
al election was held in the island for
members of the legislature and the body
has been called to convene on the first
Monday of December. l recommend that
legislation be enacted by congress con-
ferring upon the secretary of the inter-
ior supervision over the public lands in
Porto Rico. and that he be directed to as
certain the location and quantity of
lands, the title of which remained in the
crown of Spain at the date of the cession
of Porto Rico to the United States, and
that appropriations for such be made,
and that the methods of disposition of
such lands be prescribed by law.
On the 25th Of July, 1900, I directed
that a call be issued for an election in
| Cuba for members of the constitutional
convention to frame constitution as a
basis for stable and independent gov
ernment in the island. In pursuance
thereof, the military governor issued the
following instructions: "Whereas The
congress of the United States, by it's
joint resolution OF April 90 1898 declared
that the people of the island Of Cuba are
and of right ought to be free and indie
pendent: that the United States here
by disclams any disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or
control, over the said island, except for