The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-03-05

49,
sulting from our inter vention and the
treaty of peace that I am glad to be
advised by the contract Of congress of
policy which the legislative branch Of
the government deems essential to the
best interests of Cuba and the United
States.
The principles which led to our in
%tervention require that the funda-
mental law upon which the new gov
eminent rests should be adapted to Sc
cure a government capable of perform
ing the duties and discharging the
functions of a separate nation, of OBJ
serving it's international obligations of
protecting life and property, insuring
order, safety and liberty and conform
ing to the established and historical
policy of the United States in it's rela-
tion to Cuba. The peace which we
are pledged to leave to the Cuban
people must carry with it the guaran-
tees of permanance, we became
sponsors for the pacification of the
island and we remain accountable to
the Cubans, no less than to our own
country and people, for the reconstruct
ton of Cuba as a free commonwealth
Oh abiding foundations of right, JUS
tice, liberty and assured order. Our
enfranchisement of the people will not
be completed until free Cuba shall "be
a reality, not a name; a perfect entity,
not a hasty experiment bearing within
itself the elements of failure"
While the treaty of peace with Spain
was ratified on the 9th of February,
1899, and notifications were existing
nearly two years ago, the congress
has indicated no form of government
for the Philippine islands, it has, how
ever, prepared an army to enable the
executive to suppress insurrec-
tions, restore peace, give Sc
curity to the Inhabitants, and estab-
lish the authority Of the United States
throughout the archipelago. 1t has
authorized the organization of native
troops as auxiliary to the regular
force. 1t has been advised from time
to time of the acts of military and
naval officers in the islands, of my &C.
ton in appointing civil commissions,
of the instruction with which they
were charged, of their duties and
powers, of their recommendations and
Of the several acts under executive
commission, together with the very
complete information they have
submitted. These reports fully set
forth the conditions in the islands and
the instructions clearly show the prln-
ciples which will guide the executive
until the congress shall, as it is requir-
ed to do by the treaty, determine the
"civil rights and political status Of
the native Inhabitants The congress
having added the sanction of it's au-
thority to the powers already possess
ed and exerted by the executive under
the constitution, thereby leaving with
the executive the responsibility for the
government of the Philippines, I shall
continue the efforts taken until order
shall be restored throughout the is
lands, and as fast as conditions permit
will establish local governments, in
the formation Of which the full COOP
GRAFTON of the people has been already
invited and when established will en-
courage the people to administer them.
The settled purpose, long ago pre-
vailed, to afford thee inhabitants of
the islands self government as fast as
they are ready for it, will be pursued
with earnestness and fidelity. Already
something has been accomplished in
this direction. The governments rep
1~esentatives, civil and military, are do
ing faithful and noble work in their
mission of emancipation and merit the
approval and support Of their country
men. The most liberal terms of am
nesty have been communicated to the
insurgents and the way is still open
for those who have raised their arms
against the government for honorable
SUBMISSION to it's authority. Our coun-
trymen should not be deceived. We
are not waging war against the inhab.
itants Of the Philippine islands. A
portion of them are making wal
against the United States. By far the
greater part Of the inhabitants recog
nize American sovereignty and wei.
come it as a guaranty of good order
and security for life. property, liberty,
freedom of conscience and pursuit OF
happiness. To them full protection
will be given. They shall not be
abandoned. We will not leave the
destiny Of the loyal in the islands te
the disloyal thousands who are in re
bellion against the United States
Order under civil institutions viii
come as soon as those who now breat
the peace shall keep it. Force viii
not be needed or used when those
who make war against us shall make
it no more. May it end without
further bloodshed, and there b
ushered in the reign Of peace tt
be made permanent by a govern
ment of liberty under the law. .
INAUGURAL BALL.