Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-12-04
PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.
President Processes to See Improved
Conditions Since 1t Went to Ma
nil

President Processes to See Improved
Conditions Since 1t Went to Ma
Mia.
This commission, composed of emf
nent citizens representing the diverse
geographical and political interests of
the country, and bringing to their task
the ripe fruits of long and intelligent
service in educational, administrative,
and judicial careers, made great pro-
gress from the outset. AS early as Au-
gust q, 1900, it submitted a prelimin-
airy report, which will be laid before
the Congress, and from which 1t ap-
pears that already the good effects of
returning order are felt; that business
interrupted by hostilities, is improv-
ing as peace extends; that a larger
area is under sugar. cultivation than
even 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 S6,0OO,-
600. available for needed public i'm
provements; that stringent civil-ser-
vice law is in preparation; that railroad
communications are expanding, open
ing up rich districts, and that a COM
prehensive scheme of education is be-
ing 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-5upporting, and
Self Admin SterinR Community
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 for
tune of war has thrown upon this ma
ton an unsought trust which should
be unselfishly discharged, and devolved
upon this government a moral as well
as material responsibility toward
these millions whom we have freed
from an oppressive yoke.
| have on another occasion called
the Filipinos the wards of the nation"
Cur obligation as guardian was not
lightly assumed; it must not be other
wise than honestly fulfilled, aiming
first of all to benefit those who have
come under our fostering care. 1t is
our duty 80 to treat them that our flag
may be no less beloved in the noun
tains Of Luzon and the fertile zones of
MindanO ana Negros than it is at home,
that there as mere it shall be the revered
symbol of liberty, enlightenment. and
progress in every avenue of develop
ment.
The Fllipinos are a race quick to
learn and to profit by knowledge. He
would be rash who, with the teach
ings Of contemporaneOus history in
view, would fix a limit to the degree of
culture and advancement yet within
the reach of these people if our duty
toward them be faithfully performed.
Tie Civil Government
of Porto Rico provided for by the act
of the Congress approved April 10.
1890, ls in successful operation. The
courts have been established. The
governor and his associates, working
intelligently and tremendously. are
meeting with commendable success.
On the 9th of November a general
election was held in the islands for
members Of the legislature. and the
body elected has been called to con-
vene on the first Monday of December.
l recommend that legislation be en-
acted by the Congress comforting upon
the Secretary Of the Interior superyis-
ion over the public lands in Porto Rico
and that he he directed to ascertain the
location and quantity 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 appropriations necessary for sur
veys be made and that the methods of
the, disposition Of such lands be pre-
scrtbed by law.
On the 25th of July. 1900, directed
that call be issued for an election in
Cuba for members of a constitutional
convention TO frame a 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 assem-
bled on the 5th Of November. 1900. and
is now in session
When the convention concludes its
labors | viii transmit TO the Congress
the constitution as framed by the con-
vention for its consideration and for
such action as il may deem advisable.
Recommends More Submarine Cables
l renew ne recommendation made in
my special message of February 10.
1899. as to the necessity for cable com
munication between the United States
and Hawaii. with extension to Manila.
Since then circumstances have strik-
ingly emphasized this need. Surveys
have shown the entire feasibility OF
chain OF cables which at each stopping
place shall touch on American terri
haS a rL
der our own complete control. Manila
once within telegraphic reach, connec-
ton with the systems Of the Asiatic
coast would open increased and profit
able opportunities for a more direct
cable route from our shores TO the
Orient than Is now afforded by the
transatlantic. continental, and trans