Evening star., 1900-12-03
,e people Of the Philippine Islands.

country. in the firm hope that through
their labors all the inhabitants of the Phil
ippine Islands may come to look back with
gratitude to the day when God gave VIC
tory to American arms at Manila and set
their land under the sovereignty and the
protection of the people of the United
States.
Coincidenty with the entrance of the
Commission upon its labors l caused TO be
issued by General Macarthur. the Military
Governor of the Philippines. on JuEe Il.
1900. proclamation of amnesty in generous
terms, of which many of the insurgents
took advantage, among them number of
Important leaders.
This Commission, composed of eminent
citizens representing the diverse geograph-
ical and political interests of the country,
and bringing to their task the ripe fruits
of long and intelligent service in educa-
tional, administrative. and judicial careers
made great progress from the outset. As
early as August 81, 1900. it submitted
preliminary report, which will be laid be-
fore the Congress, and from which 1t ap-
pears that already the good effects of re-
turning order are felt; that business, in
terrupted by hostities. is improving
peace extends; that 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 admnistra-
ton have created a surplus fund of S6OO0.-
600. available for needed public improve
ments: that a stringent civil-service law is
in preparation; that railroad communica-
tions are expanding. opening up rich dis
tricts. and that comprehensive scheme of
education is being organized
Later reports from the Commission show
yet more encouraging advance toward in
suring the benefits of liberty and good gov
erument to the Fipinos. in the interest of
hun anity and with the aim of building up
an enduring, self-supporting. and self-ad-
mInistering community in those far eastern
seas. / would impress 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 devoved upon this Gov
eTnment moral as well as material respon-
sbility toward these millions whom
have freed from oppressive yoke.
l have on another occasion called the Fill
pinos 1.-The wards of the nation Our obli-
cation as guardian was not lign1ly assumed;
it must not be otherwise than honestly
fulfilled, aiming first of all to benefit those
who have come under our fostering care.
II is duty so to treat them that our
flag may be no less beloved in the noun
tains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Min
danao and Negros than 1t is at home, that
there as here 1t shall be the revered SYM
boil of liberty. enlightenment 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 contem-
poraneous history in view, would fix limit
to the degree of culture and advancement
yet within the reach of these people If our
duty toward them be faithfully performed.
PORTO RICO AND CUBA.
The civil government of Porto Rico pro-
vided for by the act of the Congress ap-
proved April IL. 1900. is in successful opera
ton. The courts have been established.
The Governor and his associates, working
intelligently and harmoniously, are meeting
with commendable success.
On the 9th of November a general election
was held in the island for members of the
legislature, and the body elected has been
called to convene the first Monday of
December.
/ recommend that legislation be enacted
by the Congress comforting upon the Secre-
tary of the Interior supervision over the
pub ic lands in Porto Rico, and that he be
directed to ascertain the location and guam
tity 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
appropria tions necessary for surveys be
made. and that the methods of the DISPOSE
ton Of such lands be prescribed by law
On the 10Th of July, 1880 l directed that
Go
for members Of constitutional convention
to frame a constitution as a basis for a
stable and Independent government in the
island In pursuance thereof the Military
Governor issued the following instructions:
Whereas the Congress Of the United
States by its joint resolution of April 20,
1885. declared
That the people of the island of Cuba
are and of right ought to be, free and in
dependent.
THAT the United States hereby disclaims
any disposition or intention to exercise SOW
eIeignty, jurisdiction or control over said
island except for the pacification thereof.
and asserts its determination, when that is
aC CcuEp plished, to leave the government and
control of the Island to its people
And whereas, the people of Cuba have es-
tablished municipal governments, deriving
their authority from the suffrages of the
people given under just and equal laws
and are ready. in like manner, to pro-
coed tc the establishment of a general gov
eminent which shall assume and exercise
sovereignty, Jurisdiction, and control over
the island:
Therefore, it is ordered that a general
election be held in the island of Cuba on
the third Saturday of September. in the
year nineteen hundred, to elect delegates
to convention to meet in the city of Ha-
Vdna at twelve o'clock noon on the first
Monday Of November in the year nineteen
hundred, to frame and adopt a constitution
for the people of Cuba and 4 part there
of to provide for and agree with the Gov
ernn,ent of the United States upon the re-
1ations to exist between that Government
and the government of Cuba and to pro-
vide for the election by the people of Off
GERS under such constitution and the trans
fer of government to the officers elected.
The election will be held in the several
voting precincts Of the island under and
pursuant to, the provisions of the electoral
law OF April Is, 1900, and the amendments
thereof.