The Elk Mountain pilot., 1900-12-11

community in these far eastern sees.
l would impress upon the Congress
that whatever legislation may be en-
acted in respect to the Philippine Is
lands should be along these generous
lines. The fortune of war has thrown
upon this nation an unsought trust,
which should be unselfishly dis
charged, and devolved upon this gov
ernment a moral as well as material
responsibility toward these millions
whom we have freed from an oppres-
sive yoke.
"I have on another occasion called
the Filipinos ''the wards of the ma
tion.'' Our obligation as guardian was
not lightly assumed. 1t must not be
otherwise than honestly fulfilled, aim
ing 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 beloved in the
mountains of Luzon and by the sons
of Minlanao and Negros than it is at
home, that there, as here, it shall be
revered as the symbol of liberty, en-
lightenment and progress in every ave
nue. of development
1.-THE Filipinos are a race quick 10
learn and to profit by knowledge. He
would be rash who, with the teachings
of contemporaneous history in view,
would fix limit to- the degree of cul-
ture and advancement yet within reach
of these people. If our duty toward
them be faithfully performed.
"It must be apparent that we Will
require an army of about 6o,0OO, and
that during present conditions in Cuba
and the Philippines the President
should have authority to Increase the
force to the present number of loo,-
nj Nla.ars h.1T
ity should be given to raise native
troops in the Philippines up to $4,000,
which the Taft Commission believes
will be more effective in detecting and
suppressing guerrillas, assasslns ana
ladrones than our own soldiers.
II renew the recommendation made
in my last annual message that Con
gress provide n special medal of honor
for the volunteers, regulars. sailors and
marines on duty in the Philippines who
voluntarily remained in the service af-
ter their terms of enlistment had eN-
pired.
Il renew the recommendation made
in my special message of February 10,
1899, as to the necessity of cable com
munication between the United States
| and Hawaii, with extension to Manila.
| Since then circumstances have strik-
| ingly emphasized this need. Surveys
| have shown the entire feasibility of
chain of cables which at each stopping
place shall touch on American terri
tory, so that the system shall be un-
der our own control. Manila, once
within telegraphic reach. connection
with the systems of the ASiatic coast
would open increased and profitable
opportunities for a more direct cable
route from our shores to the Orient
than is now afforded by the trans
Atlantic, continental and trans-Asia
lines. l urge attention to this impor
tant matter.
In our great prosperity we must
guard against the danger it invites of
extravaganza in government expendi-
lures and appropriations and the chos-
en- representatives of the people will,
doubt not, furnish an example in
their legislation of that wise economy
| which in season of plenty husbands
| for the future. In this era of great
| business activity and opportunity eau
| ton is not untimely. 1t will not abate.
but strengthen, our confidence. 1t will
not retard, but promote. legitimate in
dustrial and commercial expansion.
Our growing power brings with it
temptations and perils requiring con-
stant vigilance to avoid. 1t must not
be used to invite conflicts, not for OPP
preston. but for the more effective
maintenance OF those principles of
equality and Justice upon which our
institutions and happiness depend. Let
us keep always in mind that the foun-
dation of our government is liberty, it's
superstructure peace.
'WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 3, 1900"