The Savannah morning news., 1901-12-04

! justifies the opinion that there is any
purpose on the part of the Republican
party to give the Filipinos independ-
| ence. He says that it would be a crime
against humanity to leave the islands
because they would fall into condi-
tion of anarchy. He intimates, however,
that the Filipinos will be given liberty
as fast as they show themselves fitted
for it, and is anxious that they shall
develop ability to govern themselves.
He points out that the government has
gone to the edge of safety in giving
them "A chance to show their fitness for
self government, and expresses appre-
hension that in some localities there has
been too great haste in giving the ma
tives local self government. There is
no expression, anywhere, however, that
the ultimate purpose is to give the Fill
ipinos independence. The thought is
thrown out that there is need for leg
islation for the islands-legislation
that will remove limitations to trade
and the establishment of industries.
With business hourishing and indus
tries springing up all over the islands
the natives would have employment,
and with employment there would be
satisfaction with American rule.
The President thinks that there ought
not to be no delay in legislating in
the direction of an isthmian canal. He
points out that the Bulwer- Clayton
treaty has been abrogated, and that
there is now nothing to prevent the
United States from building and con-
trolling such a canal-from alone as
Stunning the responsibility of safeguard
ing it and regulating it's neutral use.
Doubtless there will be a strong effort
at the present session of Congress to
pass the Nicaragua canal bill.
Having at one time been connected
with the navy departm the Presi-
dent naturally feels deep interest in
the navy. He is an enthusiastic advo-
cate of a greater navy. We intend,
he says, that American commerce
shall be carried in American ships,
and we must have a navy to protect
them; besides, if we intend to uphold
the Monroe doctrine we must have a
navy big enough to enable us to do so.
The President adopts the recon-
mendations of the Secretary of War in
| regard to the militia, and it is safe to
say that these recommendations will
| be generally approved by the' coun-
try. There is now a lack of cohesion
| of the militia forces of the different
states. There is no need, the Presi-
dent thinks, of a larger army at pres
| ent, but the army we have should be
brought up to the highest point OF
| efficiency and kept there.
1t is doubtful if Congress will ap-
| prove the Presidents idea that the
| government should undertake the re-
clamation of the arid lands of the
West by building immense reservoirs
for storing water. That scheme means
the expenditure of hundreds of mill
lions of dollars, but it may approve
| his views with respect to the indians
who are now kept on reservations. He
thinks the time has come when the
lands of the Indians should be allotted
and the Indians made to earn thei
own living on their lands. At presen
they are kept upon reservations, ant
are making no progress whatever to
wards civilization. If the Indians wer
compelled to work like white men TO
their bread, the chances are that il
the course of a generation or two the7
would become pretty respectabl,
citizens.
Those who read the message will fine
that the President has no hesitation il
expressing his opinions, and that h
expresses them clearly and fOrciblv