Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-12-03

them that our Dag may be no less beloved
In the mountains OF Luzon and the fertile
zones Of Mindanao and Negros than II Is
at home, that there as here 1t shall he
the revered symbol of liberty, enlighten.
ment and progress In every avenue Of de-
velopment.
The Fillpinos are a race quick to learn
and to profit by knowledge. He would be
rash who, with the teachings of contem-
porneous history In view, would fix limit
to the degree of culture and advancement
yet within the reach OF those people II our
duty toward them be faithfully performed.
Porto Rico.
The civil government of Porto Rico pro-
vided for by the act of congress approved
April IL, 1900 Is In successful operation.
The courts have been established. The
governor and his associates, working INTEL
ligently and tremendously, are meeting
with commendable success.
recommend that legislation be enacted
by the congress comforting upon the secre-
tary Of the interior supervision over the
public 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 ces-
sion 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 prescribed by
law.
Cuba.
On the 25th day of July 1900, directed
that a call be issued for an election in
Cuba for members of constitutional con-
yention 10 frame a constitution on basis
for stable md Independent government
In the island.
foIlo 80
military governor for the election of dele
gates to the convention, which met Nov.
s, and the address Of General Wood to the
convention, without further comment or
recommendation.
Cable to the Orient.
A previous recommendation for cable
to Hawaii is renewed, together with fav-
orabe suggestion of extending the cable
to Manila
The Army.
Referring to the strength of the army
900 regulars and 35,0O0 volunteers, and
the reduction Of the force, June 30, 1901,
to 29,0o5 men and 2,447 officers, under the
act Of March q 1899, and setting out the
state of coast defenses and military posts
with the improvements M Ade thereon, leads
up to the following remaihs upon the army
question:
The posts now in existence and others
to be built provide for accommodations
for, and II fully gnrrsoned, require 26.0o0
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 5000
troops. For the present our troops In that
island can not be withdrawn or materially
diminished, and certainly not until the con-
clusion Of the labors of the constitutional
convention now in session, and govern.
ment provided by the new constitution
shall have been established and its stabil-
ity assured.
In Porto Rico, we have reduced the gar
rlsons to 1895, which include S96 native
troops. There Is no room for further re-
duction here. We will be required to keep
considerable force in the Philippine Is
lands for some time to come. From the
best information obtainabe we shall need
there for the immediate future from $4,000
TO 10000 men. ! am sure the number may
be reduced as the insurgents shall come to
acknowledge the authority of the United
States, Of which there are assuring indl-
cations.
1t must be apparent that we will require
an army of about 60,0O0 and that during
present conditions In Cuba and the Philip
pines the president should have authority
to Increase the force to the present num-
ber of 100000. Included in this number
authority should be given to raise native
troops In the Philippines up to 10000,
which the Taft commission believe will
be more effective In detecting and suppress
Ing guerillas, assassins and ladrones than
our own soldiers
The full discussion of this subject by the
secretary OF war In his annual report Is
called to your earnest attention.
renew the recommendation made In my
last annual message that congress provide
special medal Of honor for the volunteers,
regulars, sailors and marines on duty in
the Philippines. who voluntarily remained
In the service after their terms of enlist
ment had expired.
l favor the recommendation of the sec-
retary of war for the detnil of officers from
the line of the army when vacancies occur
In the ad1utant generals department, In
spector generals department, quartermas-
ter generals department, subsistence de-
partment, pay department, ordnance de.
partment and signal corps. The army can
not be too highly commended for Its faith
ful and effective service in active military
operations in the field. and the difficult
work Of civil administration.
The iostal service.
1t is remarked that the rapid growth of
the postal service Is sure index of the
increasing business activity of the country,
and the extension OF free rural delivery
is favored, with caution against excessive
outlay.
The Navy.
Very efficient service has been rendered
by the navy in connection with the insur-
rectlon in the Philippines and the recent
disturbance In China
very satisfactory settlement has been
made of the long pending question of the
manufacture of armor plate, A reasonable
price has been secured and the necessity
for a government armor plant avoided.
I approve Of the recommendations of the
secretary of the navy for new vessels, and
for additional officers and men, which the
required Increase of the navy makes neces-
ssry. | commend 60 the favorable action
OF the congress the measure now pending
for the erection of a statue 10 the memory
OF the late David d. Porter. l commend
also the establishment OF a national reserve
aud of the grade Of vice admiral. Provl-
sions should be made as recommended by
the secretaIy, for suitable rewards for spe-
c!al merit. Many officers, who rendered
the most distinguished service during the
recent war with Spain have received in
return no recognition from the congress.
Pensions.
After a review OF statistics regarding
public lands and favorable expression re-
garding the extension of forest reserves
the message treats as follows the subject
Of pensions:
At the end of the fiscal year there were
OH the pension rolls 993,225 names, net
Increase OF 2,olo over the nscal year 1890.