davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
CUBA AND PORTO RICO.
What the President Says Concerning Thess
Two Islands.

The civil government of Porto Rico
provided for by the act of the congress
approved April II, 1900, is in success
full operation. The courts have been
established. The governor and his as
sociates, working intelligently and har-
moniously, are meeting with comenda-
BILE success. On the 9Th of November
a general election was held in the ISL
and for members of the legislature, and
the body elected has been called to con-
vene on the first Monday Of December.
1 recommend that legislation be en-
acted by the congress comforting upon
the secretary of the interior supervis-
ion over the public lands in Porto
Rico, and that he be directed to ascer-
tain the location 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 sur
veys be made, and that the methods
of the disposition of such lands be pre-
scribed by law.
On the 25th Of July, 1870, 1 directed
that call be issued for an election in
Cuba for members Of constitutional
convention to frame a constitution as
a basis for stable and independent
government in the island.
/ renew the recommendation made In
my special message of Feb. 10, 1899.
as to the necessity for cable commune
cation between the United States and
Hawaii, with extension to Manila. Since
then circumstances have strikingly en-
phasized his need. Surveys have shown
the entire feasibility OF chain Of ca
bles which at each stopping place shall
touch on American territory so that
the system shall be under our own COM
plete control. Manila once within tele-
graphic reach, connection with the sys-
TENS of the Asiatic coast would open
increased and profitable opportunities
for more direct cable route from our
shores to the Orient than is now af-
forded by the transatlantic, conti-
mental and trans-Asian lines. I urge
attention to this important matter.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
American Vessels Carry Per Cent. of
Our Exports and Imports.

American vessels during the past
three years have carried about 9 per
cent. OF our exports and imports. For
eign ships should carry the least, not
the greatest, part OF American trade
The remarkable growth of our steel in
dustries, the progress OF shipbuilding
for the domestic trade, ard our stead
lily maintained expenditures for the
navy have created an opportunity TO
place the United states in the first
rank Il commercial maritime powers.
Besides realizing a proper national
aspiration this will mean the establish
ment and healthy growth along all our
coasts of a distinctive national indus
try, expanding the field for profitable
employment of labor and capital. II
will increase the transportation facili-
ties and reduce freight charges on the
vast volume of products brought from
the interior to the seaboard for export,
and will strengthen an arm Of the ma
tional defense upon which the founders
of the government and their successors
have relied. In again urging immedi-
ate action by the congress on measures
to promote American shipping and for
eign trade. direct attention to the
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
THE PENSION RULE.
Number of Names Added During the Fis-
cal Year Was 5,344.

At the end of the fiscal year there
were on the pension roll 993, 225 names,
a net increase of 2.010 over the fiscal
year 1899. The number added to the
rolls during the year was 1894 The
amount disbursed for army pensions
during the year was 1884. zoe, 597 "a, and
for navy pensions IS. 76l 533,41 total
of S13S, 462, 1906. leaving an unexpend-
ed balance of $5.542, 1925 to be covered
into the treasury, which shows an in
diture of $107 OTTO There were 6S4
names added to the rolls during the
year by special acts passed at the first
session of the Fifty-sixth congress
The act of May, 1900. among other
things, provides for an extension Of in
come to widows pensioned under said
act to $3.50 per annum. The secretary
of the interior believes that by the op-
erations of this act the number of per-
sons pensioned under it will increase
and the increased annual payment for
pensions will be between SO 600, 600 and
"a, 0O0, goo
The director of the census states that
the work in connection with the twelfth
census is progressing favorably. This
national undertaking, ordered by the
congress each decade, has finally re-
suited in the collection of an aggrega-
the industrial growth of the country, its
manufacturing and mechanical re-
sources it's richness in mines and for
ests. the number of it's agriculturists.
their farms and products, its educa-
tional and religious opportunities, as
as we'll as questions pertaining to So
Geological conditions.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
GROWTH OF POSTAL SERVICE.
Extension of Rural Free Delivery-In-
crease of the Navy.

The continued and rapid growth of
postal service is a sure index of the
great and increasing business activity
of the country. Its most striking new
development is the extension of rural
free delivery This has come almost
wholly within the last year. At the
beginning of the fiscal year 1891 1890 the
number of routes in operation was only
3gl. and most of these had been run
ming less thar twelve months. On the
18th of November, 1900. the number had
increased TO 2.6l4, reaching into forty
four states and territories, and serving
a population of 1901. 524. The number
of applications now pending and await
ing action nearly equals all those
granted up to the present time. and
by the close of the current fiscal year
about 1000 routes will have been estab-
lished, providing for the daily delivery
of mails at the scattered homes OF
about S,5000O0 Of rural population.
This service ameliorates the isolation
OF farm life, conduces to good roads.
and quickens and extends the dissemina-
ton of general information. Experience
thus far has tended to allay the ap-
prehension that IL would be so ex.
pensive as TO forbid its general adop-
ton or make il a serious burden Its
actual application has shown that II
increases postal receipts. and can be
accompanied by reductions In other
branches of the service, so that the
augmented revenues and the accom-
plished savings together materially re-
duce the net cost. The evidences which
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
COMMERCIAL RELATIoNs.
Countries with Which Special Agreement
Have Been Proclaimed.


Since my last communication to the
congress on this subject special COM
mercial agreements under the third
s.ction of the tariff act have been pro-
claimed with Portugal, with Italy and
Germany. Commercial conventions
under the general limitations of the
fourth section of the same act have
been concluded with Nicaragua with
Ecuador, with the Dominican republic,
with Great Britain on behalf of the
Island Of Trinidad, and with Denmark
on behalf of the Island of ST. Croix.
These will be early communicated to
the senate. Negotiations with other
governments are in progress for the
improvement and security of our COM
mercial relations.
The policy of reciprocity so manifest
ly rests upon the principles of interna-
tional equity and has been so repeated
ly approved by the people of the Unit
ed States, that there ought to be no
hesitation in either branch of the con-
gress in giving to it full effect.
This government desires to preserve
the most just and amicable commercial
relations with all foreign countries, I'M
moved by the Industrial rivalries neces-
sarily developed in the expansion OF
international trade. It Is believed that
the foreign governments generally en-
terrain the same purpose. although in
some instances there are clamorous de-
mands upon them for legislation specifi-
cally hostile to American interests.
Should these demands prevail I shall
communicate with the congress with
the view of advising such legislation as
may be necessary to meet the emer-
gency
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
NATIONAL DEFENSES.
Strength of the Army Millions for Forts
and Guns.

The present strength of the army is
100, 900 men-65,0 900 regulars and $4,000
volunteers Under the act of March
2, 1899, on the Both of June next the
present volunteer force will be dis
charged and the regular army will be
reduced to 2,447 officers and 29,025 en-
listed men.
In 1888 a board of officers convened by
President Cleveland adopted a compre-
hensive scheme of coast defense forth
factions, which involved the outlay of
something over $100,000,0O0. This plan
received the approval of the congress.
and since then regular appropriations
have been made and the work of forth
fication has steadily progressed. More
than SCI, 600, 900 have been invested in
a great number of forts and guns, with
all the complicated and scientific ma
chinery and electrical appliances neces-
sary for their use. The proper care
of this defensive machinery requires
men trained in its use. The number Of
men necessary to perform this duty
alone is ascertained by the war depart
ment at a minimum allowance to be
1920 There are tifty-eight or more
military posts in the United States 9TH
err than the coast defense Notifications
The number of these posts is being
constantly increased by the congress.
More than so, 600. 600 have been eXpend-
ed in building and equipment, and
they can only be cared for by the regu-
lar army. The posts now in existence
and others to be built provide for ac-
commodations for, and if fully gar
risoned, require $4,000 troops. Many
of these posts are along our frontier
or at important strategic points, the
occupation of which is necessary.
We have in Cuba between 5000 and g.
900 troops. For the present our troops
in that island cannot be withdrawn or
materially diminished. and certainly
not until the conclusion of the labors
Of the constitutional convention now
in session and a government provided
by the new constitution shall have been
established and it's stability assured.
In Porto Rico we have reduced the
garrisons to 1886. which include 500 ma
tive troops. There is no reason for
further reduction here. We will be re-
quired to keep considerable force in
the Philippine islands for some time
to come From the best information
obtainable we shall need there for the
immediate future from $4,000 to $4,000
men. I am sure the number may be re-
duced as the insurgents shall come to
acknowledge the authority of the Unit
ed States, of which there are assuring
indications.
1t must be apparent that we will re-
Quire an army of about $4,000 and that
during present conditions in Cuba and
the Philippines the president should
have authority to increase the force TO
the present number of 100000. In
cluded in this number authority should
be given to raise native troops in the
Philippines up to $1,000. which the Taft
commission believe will be more eff
fective in detecting and suppressing
guerrillas, assasinations and ladrones
than our own soldiers. The full dis
cussion of this subject by the secretary
OF war in his annual report is called
to your earnest attention.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY.
1t Was Taken Advantage of by Many of
the Insurgents.

Coincidentally with the entrance Of
the commission upon its labors l caused
to be issued by General Macarthur,
the military governor of the Philip
pines. on June q, 1900 a proclamation
of amnesty in generous terms, of which
many of the insurgents took advantage
among them a number of important
leaders.
This commission. composed Of emf
net citizens representing the diverse
geographical 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
81, 1900. IL submitted a preliminary re-
port, which will be laid before the con-
gress, and from which IL appears that
already the good effects of returning
order are felt; that business. interrupt
ed by hostilities, is improving as peace
extends; that a larger area is under
sugar cultivation than ever before;
that the customs revenues are greater
than at any time during the Spanish
rule; that economy and efficiency in the
military administration have created a
surplus fund of Sc. 600 900, available for
needed public improvements: that a
stringent civil service law is in prepar-
alton; that railroad communications
are expanding. opening up rich dis
tflCtS, anu lHdN
scheme Of education Is being organized.
Later reports from the commission
show vet more encouraging advance to-
ward insuring the benefits of liberty
and good government TO the Filipinos,
in the interest of humanity and with
the aim of building up an enduring,
self-supporting, and self-administering
community in those far eastern seas,
I would impress upon the congress that
whatever legislation may be enacted in
respect To the Philippine islands should
| be along these generous lines. The fort
une OF war has thrown upon this ma
| ton an unsought trust which should be
unselfshly discharged, and devolved
! upon this government a moral as well
| as material responsibility toward these
millions whom we have freed from an
| oppressive yoke.
| L have upon another occasion called
| the F'ilipinos "the wards OF the nation"
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12

recommendations on the subject in
previous messages, and particularly to
the opinion expressed in the message of
1895
I ais, satisfied the judgment of the
country favors the policy of aid to our
merchant marine. which will broaden
our commerce and markets and up
build our sea-carrying capacity for the
products of agriculture and manufact-
ure, which, with the increase of our
navy, mean more work and wages to
our countrymen, as well as a safeguard
TO American interests in every part OF
the world.
The attention of congress is invited
20 the recommendation of the secretary
Of the treasury in his annual report
for legislation in behalf of the revenue
service, and favorable action is urged.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
Overtnres for Convention to Effect Its
Building by the United States.


The all-important matter of an inter-
oceanic canal has assumed a new phase.
Adhering to its refusal to reopen the
question of the forfeiture of the con-
tract of the Maritime Canal company
which was terminated for alleged nom
execution in October, 1899. the govern
ment of Nicaragua has since supple
mented that action by declaring the So
styled Eyre Cramln option void for
non payment of the stipulated advance
Protests in relations to these acts have
been filed in the state department and
are under consideration. Deeming it,
self relieved from existing engage
ments the Nicaraguan government
shows a disposition to deal freely with
the canal question either in the way of
negotiations with the United States or
by taking measures to promote the wa
terway.
Overtures for a convention to effect
the building of canal under the aus
pices of the United States are under
consideration. In the meantime the
views of the congress upon the general
subject, in the light of the report of
the commission appointed to examine
the comparative merits of the various
trans-isthmian ship canal projects may
be awaited
i commend to the early attention of
the senate the convention with Great
Britain to facilitate the construction Of
such canal and TO remove any Objec-
tion which might arise out of the con-
vention commonly called the Clayton
Bulwer treaty.
The long standing contention with
Portugal, growing out of the seizure of
the Delagoa Bay railway, has been at
last determined by a favorable award
of the tribunal of arbitration at Berne,
to which il was submitted. The amount
of the award which was deposited in
London awaiting arrangements by the
governments of the United States and
Great Britain for its disposal, has re-
gently been paid over to the two gov
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12

lightly assumed; it must not be other
wise than honestly fulfilled, aiming
first of all to benefit those who have
come under our fostering care. It is
our duty so to treat them that our flag
may be no less beloved in the noun
tains of Luzon and the fertile zones Of
Mindanao and Negros than it is at
home that there as here it shall be the
reyered symbol of liberty, enlighten-
men, and progress in every avenue OF
development.
The Filipinos are a race quick to
learn and to profit by knowledge. He
would be rash who, with the teachings
would fix a limit to the degree of Gull
ture and advancement yet within the
reach Of those people if our duty to-
ward them be faithfully performed.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
AFFAIRS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Our Forces Successfully Control the Great
er Part of the Islands.

In my last annual message dwelt at
some length upon the condition of af-
fairs in the Philippines. While seek
ing to impress upon you that the grave
responsibility Of the future govern
ment of those islands rests with the
congress of the United States, l alb
stained from recommending at that
time a specific and final form of gov
eminent for the territory actually held
by the United States forces and in
which as long as insurrection contin-
ues the military arm must necessarily
be supreme. l stated my purpose, un-
til the congress shall have made known
the Formal expression of its will, to use
the authority vested in me by the con-
stitution and the statutes to uphold the
sovereignty of the United States in
those distant islands as in all other
places where our flag rightfully floats,
placing, to that end, at the disposal of
the army and navy all the means
which the liberality Of the congress
and the people have provided No con-
trary expression of the will of the con-
gress having been made, l have stead
tasty pursued the purpose so declared.
employing the civil arm as well toward
the Accomplishment of pacification and
the institution of local governments
within the lines of authority and law.
Progress in the hoped-for direction
has been favorable. Our forces have
successfully controlled the greater part
of the islands, overcoming the organ
lied forces of the insurgents and car
rying order and administrative regular
ity to all quarters. What opposition
remains is for the most part scattered,
obeying no concerted plan of strategic
action, operating only by the methods
common to the traditions of guerrilla
warfare, which, while ineffective to al
ter the general control now established
are still sufficient to beget insecurity
among the populations that have felt
the good results of our control and
thus delay the conferment upon them
of the fuller measures of local self-gov-
eminent, of education, and of industrial
and agricultural development which we
stand ready to give them.
BY the spring of this year the etfec-
tive opposition of the dissatisfied Ia
gals to the authority of the United
States was virtually ended, thus open
ing the door for the extension Of sta
the administration over much of the
territory of the archipelago Desiring
to bring this about, / appointed in
March last civil commission COM
posed of the Hon. William II. Taft of
Ohio Professor Dean C. Worcester of
Michigan the Hon. Luke f. Wright of
Tennessee; the Hon. Henry c. Ide of
Vermont. and Professor Bernard Moses
of California. The aims of their mis-
sion and the scope of their authority
are clearly set forth in my instructions
of April Z. 1900, addressed to the Sec
rotary of war to be transmitted to
them.
1.-THE president then quotes what he
said in regard to the Philippines and
the duties of the commission in his mes
sage to congress of December, 1891
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-12-12
NATIONAL FINANCES.
Large Surplus Revenues for the Fiscal
Year Ending June 80, 1900.

Large Surplus Revenues for the Fiscal
Year Ending June 80, 1900.
1t is gratifying to be able to state
that the surplus revenues for the fiscal
year ended June 80, 1900, were $751;
7,0601S. For the six preceding
years we had only deficits, the ag-
gregate of which from 1894 to 1899, in
elusive, amounted to $2S3, 022, 991.14. The
receipts for the year from all sources.
exclusive Of postal revenues, aggregated
1851, 240, S51.S9, and expenditures for all
purposes, except for the administration
of the postal department, aggregated
$4S7, 713,791.71. The receipts from GUS
toms were 1926, 164, S71.16, an increase
over the preceding year of $27,O36, SS9.41.
The receipts from internal revenue were
1926, 1921, 92676. an increase of $21, $780,
765.25 over 1899. The receipts from mis-
cellaneous sources were $3S, I4S. O53.9l,
as against $685. 1884 1852 for the previ-
Gus year
1t is gratifying to note that during
the year a considerable reduction is
shown in the expenditures of the gov
eminent. The war department ex-
penditures for the fiscal year 1900 were
s134. IA 1918, a reduction of $95,066.-
4S6.69 over those of 1899. In the navy
department the expenditures were S55,-
$50. 07772 for the year 1900 as against
500, 942, 104.25 for the preceding yea-. a
decrease of 1888, 026.53. In the ex-
penditures on account of Indians there
was decrease in 1900 over 1899 of ST.
$50, 6043S and in the civil and miscel-
laneous expenses for 1900 there was a
reduction of S13, AIS, 065.74.
1t will be the duty as / am sure ii
will be the disposition of the congress
to provide whatever further legisla-
ton is needed to insure the continued
parity under all conditions between our
two forms of metallic money, silver and
cold