The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-06

nave steadfastlY pursued the purpose 20
declared. employing the civil arm as well
toward the accomplishment Of pacifca-
ton and the institution Of local govern
ments within the lines Of authority and
law.
Progress in the hoped for direction has
been favorable. Our forces have success
fully controlled the greater part Of the
Islands, overcoming the organized forces
Of insurgents and carrying order and adj
ministratire regularity to all quarters
What opposition remains il for the mo-
part scattered. obrying no concerted plan
Of strategic action, operatinet only Is
methods common TO the traditions ~
guerrilla warfare. which, while ineffcct
I've to alter the general control now -.
tablished, are still sufficient 10 bceet in.
security among The populations that have
felt the good results Of our control an1
thus delay the conferncnt upon them II
the fuller measures Of local self govern
ment. Of education and Of Industrial AMI
agricultural development which we stand
ready TO give to them.
BY the spring IF this year the effective
opposition of the dissatisfied Tagals to
the authority Of the United States Wa
virtually ended. thus opening the door
for the extension Of stable adminstfa-
ton over much Of the territory Of the
archipelago.
The president then speaks Of the APP
pointment OF the Philippine commission
and his instructions to that body IL
continues:
Concidently with the entrance Of the
commission upon its labors / caused 10
be issued by General Macarthur, the
military governor of the Philippines. on
June q, 1900. a proclamation 81 amnesty
in generous terms. Of which many Of the
insurgents took advantage, among them
number Of important leaders.
The CommIssion's Reports.
This commission, composed Of eminent
citizens representing the diverse geo
graphical and political interests OF the
country and bringing to their task thu
ripe fruits Of long and intelligent service
in educational. administrative and judi
cial careers. made great progress from
the outset As early as Aug q. 1900 il
submitted preliminary report, which
will be laid before the congress and from
which it appears that already the good
effects of returning order are felt: that
business interrupted by hostiites. is i'm
proving as peace extends: that larger
area is under sugar cultivation than ever
before. that the customs revenues are
greater than at any time during the Span
ish rule. that economy and efficiency in
the military administration have created
surplus fund Of $1,000 900 available
for needed public improvements, that a
stringent civil service law is in prepara-
ton, that railroad communication are
expanding. opening up rich districts. and
that a comprehensive scheme of educa-
ton is being organized.
Later reports from the commission
show yet more encouraging adva q to-
ward insuring the benefits Of liberty and
good government 10 the Filpinos 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 legisla-
ton may be 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 be unselhshly dis
charged and devoved upon this govern
ment moral as well as material respon-
sibility toward these millions whom We
have freed from an oppressive yoke.
have on another occasion called the
Fiipinos the wards of the nation" Our
obligation as guardian was not lightly as
sumed. Ii must not be otherwise thar
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 beloved
in the mountains of Luzon and the fertile
zones of Mindanao and Negros than it is
at home; that there, as here, il shall b.,
the revered symbol of liberty, enghten-
ment 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 Of con-
temporaneous history in view. would FIX
a limit to the degree of culture and ad-
vancement yet within the reach of these
people il our duty toward them be faith
fully performed.
Porto Rico and Cuba.
The civil government Of Porto Rico
provided for by the act of the congress
approved April II. 1900 is in successful
operation. The courts have been estab-
lished. The governor and his associates,
working inteligently and harmoniously.
are meeting with commendab bic success.
On the 9Th of November a general cleo
ton was held in the island for members
Of the legislature, and the body elected
has been called to convene on the first
Monday of December.
recommend that legislation be enact
ed by the congress comforting upon the
secretary of the interior supervision over
the public lands in Porto Rico. and that
he be directed to ascertain the location
and quantity of lands the title to which
remained in the crown of Spain at the
date of cesson of Porto Rico TO the Unit
ed States. and that appropriations neces
sary for surveys be made, and that the
methods of the disposition of such lands
be prescribed by law.
On the 18th of July, 1900. l directed
that a call be issued for an election in
Cuba for members of constitutional
convention TO frame constitution as a
basis for stable and independent gov
eminent in the island The election was
held on the 18th of September, and the
convention assembled on the 9th OF No
vember. 1900. and is now in session.
When the convention concludes its la
bors. | will transmit to the congress the
constitution as framed by the convention
for its consideration and for such action
as it may deem advisable.
| renew the recommendation made in
my special message of Feb. 10, 1899. as
to the necessity for cable communication
between the United States and Hawaii,
with extension to Manila.
The Army.
The present strength Of the army is
100 900 men-61. 300 regulars and 35.ON