Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-07

their laborS all the inhabitants OF the
Philippine islands may come to look back
with gratitude to the day when God gave
victory to American arms at Manila and
set their lands under the sovereignty and
the protection of the people OF the
United States.
This commission, composed of eminent
citizens representing diverse geograph-
zeal and political interests OF the count
try, and bringing to their task the ripe
fruits of long and intelligent service in
educational administrative and judicial
careers. has made great progress from
the outset. As early as August q. 1900,
II submitted a preliminary report, which
will be laid before the congress and from
which 1t appears that already the good
effects of returning order are felt; that
business. interrupted by hostilities. Is
improving as peace extends that lar
ger 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 Gre
ated a surplus fund of Sc, 900 900, available
for needed public improvements; that a
stringent civil service law is in prepara-
ton; that railroad communications are
expanding, opening up rich districts and
that comprehensive scheme of educa-
tion is being organized.
Later reports from the commission
show yet more encouraging advance
toward 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-sup-
porting and notwithstanding commune
ty In those far eastern seas. | would i'm
press upon the congress that whatever
legislation 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 un-
sought trust which should be unselfishly
discharged and devolved upon this gov
eminent a moral as well as material re-
sponsibility toward these millions whom
we have freed from an oppressive yoke.
IT may be well that the main changes
which Should be made in the system Of
taxation and in the body of the laws I'M
der which the people are governed. ex-
cept such changes as have already been
made by the military government should
be relegated to the civil government
which is to be established under the aus
pices of the commission 1t will, how
ever, be the duty of the commission to
inquire diligently as to whether there are
any further changes which ought not to
be delayed. and II so. they are authorized
make changes, subject to approval. In do
ing so they are to bear in mind that taxes
which tend to penaliZe or repress indus
that provisions for taxation should be
simple. so that they may be understood
by the people; that they should affect the
fewest practicable subjects of taxation
which will serve for the general distri-
ubtion of the burden. The main body of
the laws which regulate the rights and
obligations of the people should be main
tained with as little interference as pos
sible. Changes made should be mainly in
procedure, and In the criminal laws to
secure speedy and impartial trials. and
at the same time effective adminstra-
ton and respect for individual rights.
of the islands the commission should
adopt the same course followed by con-
cross in permitting the tribes of our
North American Indians to maintain their
n nrtPu m a nd or NFnr N m q n IL
under which many of those tribes are
now living in peace and contentment, sur
rounded by a civilization to which they
governments should. however, be sub
jected to wise and firm regulation, and,
without undue or petty interference con-
slant and active effort should he exer-
cised to prevent barbarous practices and
introduce civilized customs.
Upon all officers and employees or the
United States. both civil and military.
observe not merely. the material, but the
personal and social rights of the people
of the islands and to treat them with the
same courtesy and respect for their per-
sonal dignity which the people of the
United States are accustomed TO require
from each other.
OUR OBLIGATION AS GUARDIAN.
| have upon another occasion called
the Filipnos "the wards of the nation
Our obligation as guardian was not light
honestly fulfilled. aiming first of all to
benefit those who have come under our
care. 1t is our duty to so treat
them that our flag may be no less be-
loved in the mountains OF Luzon and the
fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros
than 1t is at home, that there as here 1t
shall be the symbol of liberty, enlight-
ment and progress in every avenue of
development. The Filipinos are a race
quick to learn and to profit by knowl-
edge. He would be rash who. with the
of contempuraneous history IN
view. would fix limit to the degree of
culture and advancement yet within the
reach of those people If our duty toward
them be faithfully performed.
LEGISLATION FOR PORTO RICO.
The civil government of Porto Rico
provided for by the act of the congress
approved April r. 1900 is in successful
rhe n and h een
,iates, working intellIgently and harmo-
niously, are meeting with commendable
success. On the 9th of November gen
members of the Legislature, and the body
elected has been called to convene on the
first Monday of December RECON-
mend that legislation be enacted by con.
he interior supervision over the public
ands in Porto Rico. and that he be di-
'ected to ascertain the location and
quantity of lands the title to which re- |
named IN the crown OF SPAIN AT tIe udte |
If cession of Porto Rico to the United |
States. and that appropriations necessary
'or surveys be made, and that the |
methods of the disposition of such lands
De prescribed by law.
FOR THE CUBANS.
On the 25th of July, 1900. | directed |
hat call be issued for an election in |
Cuba for members of a constitutional |
convention to frame a constitution on |
L basis for a stable and Independent
vas held on the 18th of September and |
he convention assembled on the 5th of |
November 1900 and Is now In session. In |
Ealing the convention to order. the mill |
airy governor of Cuba made the following |
statement:
"As military governor of the island,
the president of the United |
states, | call this convention to order. 1t |
will be your duty, first. to frame and |
ldopt constitution for Cuba and when |
hat has been done to formulate what in |
,our opinion ought to be the relations |
Cuba and the United States. The |
must be adequate to secure
stable orderly and free government.
When you have formulated the relations
which in your opinion ought to exist be-
ween Cuba and the United States, the
government of the United States will |
doubtless take such action on its part as
hall lead to a final and authoritative
lgreement between the people of the two
to the promotion of their COM
non interests. All friends of Cuba will
ollow your deliberations with the deep
st interest. earnestly desiring that you
hall reach just conclusions and that by
he dignity. individual self-restraint and
Il t,1~ I'LL