davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
THE QUESTION OF TRUSTS.
Every Phase of 1t Should BE Carefully
Studied by Congress.

In my last annual message TO the
congress called attention TO the neces-
sity for early action to remedy such
evils as might be found to exist in con-
nection with combinations of capital
organized into trusts, and again invite
attention to my discussion of the SUBJ
ject at that time, which concluded with
these words:
1T is apparent that uniformity of
legislation upon this subject in the sew
eral states is much to be desired 1t is
to be hoped that such uniformity,
founded in a wise and just discrimina-
ton between what is injurious and
what is useful and necessary in bust
ness operations may be obtained, and
that means may be found for the con-
gress. within the limitations Of its con-
stitutional power. so TO supplement an
effective code of state legislation as
TO make a complete system of laws
throughout the United States adequate
to compel a general observance of the
salutary rules 90 which 1 have re-
ferred.'
The whole question is so important
and far-reaching that l am sure no
part of it will be lightly considered,
but every phase of it will have the
studied Ndeliberation of the congress,
resulting in wise and judicious action.
Restraint upon such combinations as
are Injurious and which are within
federal jurisdiction. should be promptly
anpIieG nv
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
Countries with Which Special Agreements
Have been Proclaimed.

Since my last communication to the
congress on this subject special COM
nercial agreements under the third
section of the tariff act have been pro-
claimed with Portugal, with Italy and
Germany. Commercial conventions
under the general limitations CT 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 il 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. 1t 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. shall
communicate with the congress with
the view of advising such legislation as
may be necessary 10 meet the emer-
gency.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
Overtnres for Convention to- Effect It's
BniIdIng by the United Stntes.


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-Cramin 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
ments the Nicaraguan government
shows 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 a canal under the aus
pieces Of the United States are under
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.
/ commend TO the early attention OF
the senate the convention with Great
Britain TO facilitate the construction OF
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
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
NATIONAL DEFENsEs.
Strength of the Army Millions for Forts
and Guns.

The present strength of the army is
100 OGO men-65.OOO regulars and $4,000
volunteers. Under the act of March
., 1899 on the 30th of June next the
present volunteer force will be dis
charged and the regular army will be
reduced to 2,447 officers and 29025 en-
listed men.
In 1888 a board of officers convened by
President Cleveland adopted a compre-
hensive scheme of coast defense forti-
factions, which involved the outlay of
something over 100000, 600. This plan
received the approval of the congress,
and since then regular appropriations
have been made and the work of fOrti-
fication has steadily progressed. More
than 500 900. 0C0 have been invested in
a great number of forts and guns, with
all the complicated and scientific ma
ChineTy 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 fifty-eight or more
military posts in the United States 9TH
er than the coast defense fertilization
The number Of these posts is being
constantly increased by the congress.
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-
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 its stability assured.
In Porto Rico we have reduced the
garrisons to 1896. which include S96 ma
tive troops. There is no reason for
further reduction here. We will he re-
quired to keep a considera Bile force in
the Philippine Islands for some time
to come. From the best information
obtanable we shall need there for the
immediate future from $4,000 to 10000
men. ] am sure the number may be re-
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 600 In
Guided in this number authority should
be given to raise native troops in the
Philippines up to $4,000, which the Taft
fective in detecting and suppressinS
guerrillas. assasinat atoms 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.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03

point to these conclusions are present.
cd in detail in the annual report Of the
postmaster general which. with its rec
Lamentations. is recommended to the
consideration of the congress. The full
development of this special service.
however. requires such an outlay of
money that il should be undertaken
only after a careful study and thor
ough understanding of all that it in
wolves.
Very efficient service has been rem
dered by the navy in connection with
the Instruction in the Philippines and
the recent disturbance in China.
A very satisfactory settlement has
been made of the lonG-pending question
of the manufacture of armor-nlate. A
reasonable price has been secured and
the necessity for government armor
plant avoided.
l approve of the recommendation OF the
secretary of the navy for new vessels
and for additional officers and men
which the required increase of the navy
makes necessary. l commend to the
favorable action Of the congress the
measure now pending for the erection
of a statue to the memory of the late
Admiral David D. Porter. I commend
also the establishment of a national ma
val reserve and of the grade of vice ad-
miral. Provision should be made, as
recommended by the secretary. for suit
able rewards for special merit. Many
officers who rendered the most Gistin-
guished service during the recent war
with Spain have received in return no
recognition from the congress.
The total area Of public lands as
given by the secretary Of the interior
is approximately l.071,sS1. CO. acres. Of
which 911. 925.SS0 acres are undispoSed
Of and 54145.1S2 acre" have been re-
served for various purposes. The pub
lie lands disposed of during the year
amount to 13,453. Ss7.96 acres. including
So 423. 09 acres of Indian lands. an in
crease of 4271.474.S0 over the preceding
year. The total receipts from the sale
of public lands during the fiscal year
were 81. $40. 1910. an increase Of $780,
go. 76 over the preceding year.
The results ObtS ined from our forest
policy have demonstrated it's wisdom
and the necessity in the interest Of the
public for its continuance nd increased
appropriations by the co:.sress for the
carrying on of the work. On June 20,
1900. there were thirty-seven forest re-
ations under section e Of the act Of
March ,, 1891, embr", .g an area Of
&c. 425 529 acres.
reserve, in the state Of Washington.
was reduced 265, 04o acres, leaving its
present area at 1.s23.s4O acres. The
Prescott reserve IN Arizona was in
creased from 1920 acres to 423, $50
acres. and the Big Horn reserve. in
wyoming was increased from 1127 $50
acres TO $50 500 acres. A new reserve,
the Santa Ynez. in California. embrace
ing an area Of 145. 900 acres. was Great
ed during this year. On Oct. 10 1900,
the Crow Creek forest reserve in wy
or1ing. was created, with an area OF
e 400
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
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 n, 1900 a proclamation
of amnesty in generous terms. of which
mary of the Insurgents took advantage
among them a number Of important
leaders.
This commission. composed of emil
net citizens representing the diverse
Eeogra phical and political interests of
the country, and bringing TO their task
the ripe fruits of long and intelligent
service in educ atioral, administrative
and judicial careers, made great prog
ress from the outset. AS early as Aug
2I 1900 il submitted a preliminary re
port which will be laid before the con-
gress, and from which it 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. eco OOO. available for
needed public improvements: that a
stringent civil service law is in prepar-
alton: that railroad communicat lions
are expanding. opening up rich dis
tricts, and that comprehensive
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-supporung, and self-administering
community in those far eastern seas
I would impress Upon the congress that
whatever legislation may he 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 unsouEht trust which should be
uuseifishly discharged. and devoIved
upon this government a moral as well
as material responsibility toward these
millions whom We have freed from an
oppressive yoke
/ have upon another occasion called
the Filipiros the wards of the nation"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
PROPOSALS TO THE POWERS.
Seriousness of the Situation in China APP
pEecinted.

The increasing gravity OF the condi-
lions in China and the immnence OF
peril To our own diversified interests
sn the empire as well as to those OF all
The other treaty governments. were
soon appreciated by this government
causing II profound solicitude. The
limited States from the earliest DAYS of
foreign intercourse with China had fol-
lowed = policy OF peace. emitting no oC-
CasiOns 10 testify good will. to further
6he extension Of lawful trade. to respect
The sovereignty Of its government. and
10 insure by all legitimate and kindly
but earnest means the fullest measure
Of protection for the lives and property
pf our law-abidinG citizens and for the
exercise of their benefCert Callings
among the Chinese people.
Mindful of this. il was felt TO be APP
pronounced in favor Of such course as
would hasten united action OF the pow
ers at Pekin TO promote the administra-
we reforms so greatly needed for
strengthening the imperial government
md maintaining the integrity of China
In which we believe the whole western
world TO be alike concerned. To these
ENDS caused to be addressed to the sew
Rral powers occupying territory and
maintaining spheres of influence in
China the circular proposals of 1892
enviting from them declarations Of their
Intentions and views az 10 the desira-
biuty OF the adoption of measures in
Buring the benefits Of equality of treat
ment OF all foreign trade throughout
China.
With gratifying unanimity the re-
Eponses COincided in this common pol
acy. enabling me to see in the successful
Termination of these negotiations proof
of the friendly spirit which animates
she various powers interested in the
Nntrammeled development of commerce
md industry in the Chinese empire as
source of vast benefit to the whole
commercial world.
In this conclusion. which / had the
qualification 10 announce as a COmplet-
ed engagement 70 the interested powers
on March 20. 1900. I hopefully discerned
a potential factor for the abatement OF
the distrust Of foreign purposes which
for year past had appeared to in
Spire the policy Of the imperial gov
eminent in the northern provinces
most Immediately influenced by the
ManChu sentiment
Seeking to testify confidence in the
Willingness ard stability OF the impe-
rial administration 10 redress the wrongs
ard prevent the evils we suffered and
feared. the marine guard. which had
been sent TO Pekin in the summer Of
1889 for the protection Of the legation.
was withdrawn at the earliest praCtiCa-
BILE moment, and all pending questions
were RENTED. as far as we were con-
ceTned- to the ordinary resorts Of dip
aomatiC intercourse
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03

lightly assumed: IL must rot be other
wise than honestly fulfilled. aiming
first of all to benefit those who have
come uTder our fostering care. 1t is
our duty SO 10 treat them that our nag
may be no less beloved in the noun
tains of LuZon and the fertile zones OF
MiGdanao and Negros than il is at
home. that there as here il shall be the
revered symbol of liberty, enliEhten-
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 vet within the
reach Of those people if our duty to-
ward them be faithfully performed
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
American Vessels Garry Per Cent. of
Our Exports aud Imports.

American vessels during the past
three years have carried about per
cent. OF our exports and imports. For
eign ships should carry the least. not
the greatest. part of American trade
The remarkable Efowth OF our steel in
dustries. the progress CT shipbuilding
for the domestic trade. and our stead
lily maintained expenditures for the
navy have created an opportunity TO
place the United States in the first
rank Of commercial maritime powers
Besides realizing proper national
aspiration this will mean the esta blish-
meut and healthy growth along all our
coasts of a distinctive national inGus-
try. expanding the field for profitable
employment Of labor ard capital. Il
viii increase the transportation facili-
ties ard reduce freight charges on the
vast volume of products brought from
the interior 10 the seabOard for export
and Will strengthen an arm Of the ma
tional defense upon which the founders
Of the government ard their successors
have relied In again urging fnmedi-
ate action by the congress on measures
10 promote American shipping and for
eign trade. I direct attention TO the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
SPAIN AND UNITED STATES.
Progress Toward Treaty of 6 eneraI Friend
ship aud Intercourse.

Satisfactory progress has been made
toward the conclusion OF general
treaty of friendship and intercourse
with Spain, in replacement of the old
treaty. which passed into allegiance by
reason of the late war. y new Conven-
ton Of eNtradition is approach COM
pletion. and l should be much pleased
low. l feel that we should not suffer TO
pass any opportunity to reaffirm the
Cordia. ties that existed between us and
Spain from the time Of our earliest in
dependence. and TO enhance the mutual
benefits of that commercial intercourse
which is natural between the two Coun-
tries.
BY the terms Of the treaty Of peace
the line bounding the coded Philippine
group in the southwest failed to in
CIu6e several small Islands lying west
of the Sulus. which have always beer
recognized as under Spanish control
The occupation CT Sibutu and Cagayan
Sulu by our naval forces elected A
claim OF the part Of Spain. the essen
tial equity of which could not be gain
sa id In order to cure the defect Of the
treaty by removing all possible ground
of future MISUNDERSTANDING respecting
the Interpretation Of its third article
! directed the negotiation OF a supple
with laid before the senate. whereby
Spain quits all title and claim Of title
10 the islands named as Well as TO any
and all islands belonging TO the Philip
pine nrChipelaS go lying outside the lines
described in said third article. and
agrees that all such islands shall be
CompreherdeG in the Cession Of the
archipelago as fully as IL they had been
expressly included within those lines.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
GROWTH OF POSTAL SERVICE.
Extension OF Rural Free DeIivery-In-
crease of the Navy.

The continued ard 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 1s99-19OO the
number of routes in operation was only
391. ard most of these had been run
ming less thar twelve months. On the
18th of November. 1900. the number had
increased to 2,614, reaching into forty
four states and territories, and serving
a populate 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 900 routes viii have teen estab-
lished. providing for the daily delivery
of mails at the scattered homes OF
about $500 OC0 Of rural population
This service ameliorates the isolation
Of farm life. conduces to good roads.
and o1ickens and extends the dissemfrs-
tior Of general iuforma ton. Experience
thus far has tended TO sIlay the az
prehension that II would be so ex-
peusive as 10 forbid its general adop-
ton or make il serious burden. It's
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
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
NATIOSAL FINANCES.
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 so. 1900. were 49,
527. 060.1S. For the six preceding
years we had only deficits, the ag-
elusive, amounted to $3.50, OF, 991.14. The
receipts for the year from all sources.
exclusive OF postal revenues. aggregated
1867 ,24O. S51.S9. and expenditures for all
purposes, except for the administration
Of the postal department. aggregated
$4S1, 7I3. 791.71. The receipts from GUS
toms We're 1925. 1854 ,S71.l6, an increase
The receipts from internal revenue were
1926, 32T. 1866 an increase of S21, $780,
1925 over 1899. The receipts from mis-
Cellaneous sources were S3S,f4S, O039I,
as against s36. 1894. 1852 for the previ-
Gus year.
1t is gratifying to note that during
the year a considerable reduction Is
eminent. The war department ex
penditures for the fiscal year 1900 were
1874. ga T61.IS. a reduction of $50,
1860 over those of 1899. In the navy
department the expenditures were S55,-
953, 077.72 for the year 1900. as against
S63. 942. 104.25 for the preceding yeaT,
decrease of 1855, 026.53. In the ex-
was a decrease in 1900 over 1899 of ST.
$40, 6043S; and in the civil and miscel-
laneous expenses for 1900 there was
reduction of Sl3 AIS. 065.74.
1t will be the duty as / am sure it
will be the disposition Of the congress
to provide whatever further legisla-
ton is needed to insure the continued
two forms of metallic money. silver and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1900-12-03
PRINCE TUAN THE LEADER.
Foreign Influences Held Sway Under
His Power.

4 The Chinese government proved. how
ever, unable To check the rising
strength OF the Boxers and appeared
10 be d prey to internal dissensiCns
In the unequal contest the anti-fureisn
e.fiuenCes soon gained the asCeudancy
under the leadership OF Prince Tuan.
Organized armies of Boxers with
which the imperial forces affiliated.
held the country between Pekin and
the coast. penetrated into MarChuria
up 90 the Russian border. and through
their eTuissaries threatened a like rising
throughout northern China.
Attacks upon foreigners. destruction
Of their property, ana slaughter OF ma
five converts were reported from all
siaek The tsunE-N-yan1eC. already
Verireated with hostile syTpathieS,
could make no effective response to the
appeals Of the legations. At this crit
teal junCture. in the early spring Of
this year. n proposal MAS made by the
other powers that combined fleet