The age-herald., 1900-12-04
PRESIDENT WILLIAM M'KIHLETS
 MESSAGE TO THE 6OFH CONGRESS-
Continued on Seventh Page).

same course followed by Congress in per- hitting the tribes of our North American Indians to maintain their tribal organiza- tion and government under which many of those tribes are now living in peace and contentment surrounded by a ciViliza- ton to which they are unable or unwlll- ing to conform. Such tribal governments should, however, be subjected to wise and firm regulation, and without undue or pet ty influence, constant and active, and shoud be exercised to prevent barbarious practices and introduce civilized customs.
 Upon all officers and employees Of the United States, both civil and military, should be impressed a sense of duty to op- serve not merely the material, but the personal and social rights of the people or 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.
 Capitulation of Manila.
 The articles of equalization of the city of Manila on the 18th of August, 1888, con cluded with these words:
 "This city, it's inhabitants, its churches and religious worship of all, it's education al establishment and it's private property of all descriptions, are placed under the special safeguard of the faith and honor of the American army"
 believe that this pledge has been faith fully kept. As high and sacred an obli- gation rests upon the government to give protection for property and life civil ana religious freedom, and wise, firm and un- selfish guidance in the path of peace and prosperity to all the people of the Philip pine islands. I charge this commission to labor for the full performance of this obll- gation which concerns the honor and con- science of their country, in the firm hope that through their labors all the inhabi- tants of the Philippine islands may come to look back with gratitude to the day when God gave victory to American arms at Manila and sat their lands under the sovereignty and protection of the United States
 Coincidently with the entrance of the commission upon it's labor I caused to be issued by General Macarthur, the military governor of the Philippine islands, on June 2l, 1900, proclamation of amnesty in gen. erous terms, of which many of the insur- gents took advantage, among them a num- Der of important leaders
 This commission, composed of eminent citizens representing the divers geographt- cal interests of the country and bringing to their task the ripe fruits of long and intelligent service in educational, admin istrative and judicial careers, made great progress from the outset. As early as Au- gust 21, 1900, 1t submitted a preliminary report which will be laid before the Con- gross, and from which 1t appears already the good effect of returning order Is felt; that business, interrupted by hosthtles, IS improving peace extends; that a larger area is under sugar cultivation than ever before; that the customs and 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 $6,00O,0O0 available for need ed public Improvements; that stringent civil service law is in preparation; that railroad communications expanding, opening up rich districts; and that com prehensive scheme of education Is being organized.
 "Wards of the Nation"
 Later reports from the commission show yet more encouraging advice towards ln- suring 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 supporting and selt administering community in those for East ern seas. I would impress upon the Con gress that whatever legislation may be en- acted in respect to the Philippine IsIanus should be along these generous lines. The fortunes of war has thrown upon this na- tion an unsought trust which should be uriselfishly discharged and devolved upon this government a moral, as well as ma terial responsibility toward these millions whom we have freed from an oppressive yoke.
 have upon another occasion called the Filipinos The wards of the nation Our obligation as guardian was not lightly as- sumed; it must not be otherwise than hon- estly fulfilled aiming first of all to bene- fit those who have come under our fostering care It Is our duty to so treat them that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros than 1t is at home that there as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty, enlightenment and progress in every evenue Of develop ment.
 f,i, and to profit by knowledge. He would be rash who, with the teachings of contem- poraneous history in view, would fix limit to the degrees of culture and adVan- cement yet within the reach of those peo- pie 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 Congress approved April F, 1900, is in successful operation. The courts have been established. The governor and his associates working in- telligently and harmoniously, are meeting with commendable success.
 On the sixth of November FH~, elec- tion was held in the islana' members of the legislatu-e ana the body elected has been ca1~l to convene on the first Monday ,e Jeeember.
 recommend that legislation be enacted by the Congress conferring upon the Sec Tetary Of the Interior SupefNfSloH over une public lands in Porto Rico. and that he be directed to ascertain the location and quantity of lands the title to which remain ed in the Crown of Spain at the date of cession of Porto Rico to the United States, and that appropriations necessary for sur yeys be made and the methods of the dis position of such lands be prescribed by law.
 On the fifth of July, 1900, directed that a call be issued for an election in Cuba for members of constitutional convention to frame a constitution on basis for 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 reslution of April 2o, 1898 declared:
 "That the people of the Island of Cuba are, and of a right ought to be free and independent:
 That the United States thereby disclaims any disposition, or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over