The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1900-12-07

habitanta Of the island he would treat
as we did the American Indiana. The
government Of tho Philippines ia 10 be
free, but under the direction and en-.
forccment Of the United States. The
filipinos are 10 select their municipal
aud executive officers, but they must
be loyal TO the wishes and laws Of THE
country. He suggests an extension OF
the school facilities, with free primary
institutes and the Rdoption Of q uni
vereal language English Ian.
guage. The laws are to be oonserva.
tive, just and equitable; taxes are not
20 be excessive and no burdens are TO
be inflicted upon The people which can
be avoided. The treaty Of Paris as to
property rights must be upheld.
In other words, the policy as out
lined for the people of the Philippines
will secure to the nation the advant-
ages of the government of the United
States, with all the rights and privi-
leges Of self-government, just as soon
as the natives show themselves capa-
bic Of governing themselves.
The presidents idea is that the
islands have been pacifed. save for
the guerilla warfare, aud he believes
that an army of Is, 900 natives will in
a short time bring peace in ell the
group, will insure safety to lives and
property and will secure a vast increase
in business.
Until the islands are thoroughly
pacifed the military governor is the
highest authority, acting under the
orders and jurisdiction Of the Taft
commission, but when peace Is finally
brought about civil government must
be administered.
The message reviews at eonsidera-
BILE length the progress that has been
made in Cuba towards bringing about
a self-government for the people.
The president cites many instances
to show that we are at peace with ell
the world and that annually our COM
Nero J and our social relations are
increasing in cordially.
Gradually the commerce of the
United States with our South Ameri-
can neighbors is improving aaA the
future is replete with promise.
An army of 10000 men is recon-
mended, the president to be empowered
to increase to 100, 900 if emergency
should demand.
Within the last four years, $50, 000,-
900 have been paid for improved coast
defenses, requiring an army Of 1000
men for garrison duty. The message
reviews the improving along this line
and gives many interesting details of
what has been accomplished.
The progress made in the extension
of the rural mail system and the bet
tering Of the postal system meets with
the approval of the president and he
urges the congress not to neglect this
important branch of the government.
A civil service is promised the Fill
pinos, under the Taft commission.
A recommendation is made that all
the heroic acts in both army and navy
should be regarded and that the APP
probation of the government should
be shown individual members of the
army and navy who have done valiant
service; especially. to the volunteers
who remained in the Philippine SER
vice after their term of enlistment had
expired.
Pensions, too, are talked about, and
the president expresses the desire that
aged, manned and infirm soldiers and
seamen shall be supported literally.
Reference is made to the great
strides Hawaii has recently made and
the president declares that peace and
prosperity reigns on the island. He
recommends the building of cable to
Hawaii, which, in time, is to be ex-
tended to Manila and to be owned and
controlled exclusively by the United
States.
Attention is paid the compilation Of
the United States census and liberal
applause is given the census bureau
for its faithful work.
The agricultural statistics show a
remarkable progress throughout the
entire country.
In closing the message, the presi-
dent urges that in this era Of pros
perity, we should not become ex-
travagant, but should administer the
affairs of the country economically
and conseryatively, cutting expendi-
lures wherever possible, but not to the
detriment Of the public good.