The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-03-05

made good. Ever since the evacuation
of the island by the army OF Spain the
executive with all practicable speed has
been assisting its people by successiv,
steps necessary to the establishment OF a
free and Independent government pre-
pared 10 assume and perform the OBJ
legations OF International law which now
rest upon the Uaitsd States under the
treaty Of Paris, The convention elected
nv the people to frame a constitution
is appcolching the completion OF its la
bors
THE transfer ~ American control to
the new government is OF such import
ancc. involving an obligation resulting
from our intervention and the treaty of
peace, that am glad to be advised by
the recent act " congress OF the 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 inter-
vention require that the fundamental law
upon which the new government rests
should be adapted 10 secure a govern
ment capable of performing the duties
and discharging the functions OF a sep
arate nation. Of observing its inter
national obligations, Of protecting life
and property. irsuring order, safety and
liberty and conforming to the estab-
lished and historical policy OF the
United States in its relation 10 Cuba.
The peace which We are pledged to
leave to the Cuban people must carry
with il the guarantee OF permanence.
We become sponsors for the pacihcation
Of the island and we remain accounta-
bile to the Cubaus. no less than to our
own country and people. for the recon-
struCtion Of Cuba as free common
wealth on abiding foundations of right.
justice, liberty and assured order. Our
enfranchiSement Of the people win not
be completed until free Cuba shall b.
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 sixth Of Feb
ruary. 1899, and ratifcations were ex-
changed nearly two years ago. the
congress has indicated no form Of gov
ernment for the Philippine islands. It
u, l.I
able the executive to suppress insur-
rections. restore peace, give security to
the inhabitants. and establish the au-
thority Of the United States throughout
the archipelago. 1t has authorized the !
Of native troops as auxl |
iarv to the regular force. II has been |
advised from time to time Of the ats !
Of the military and naval officers ir !
the Islands. Of my action in appoiatus |
civil commissions, Of the instructions |
with which they were charged, of |
their duties and powers. Of their recon-
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 |
ard the Instructions clearly show the
which will guide the exec
utive until congress shall, as it is re-
quired to do by the treaty, determine
the civil rights and political status Of
the native inhabitants.
THE congress having added the san
ction Of its authority to the powers al
ready possessed and exercised by the
executive under the constitution. there
by leaving with the executive the re-
sponsibility for the government of the
| shall continue the eg-
forts already taken until order shall
be restored throughout the islands and
as fast as conditions permit will estab-
ish local governments, in the formation
If which the full cooperation Of the
oeople has been already invited, and
when established encourage the people
o administer them.
THE settled purpose long ago pre-
'ailed, to afford the inhabitants Of the
stands government as fast as they
ire ready for it, will be pursued with
and fidelity. Already some
hing has been accomplished in this d.
'ection. The governments representa-
ives, civil and military, are doing
aithful and noble work in their mis-
lion Of emancipation, and merit the
approval and support of their country