Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-03-07

equality with other powers on matters funda-
mental and essential to nationality. With
no such purpose was the nation created. In
no such spirit has 1t developed its full aud
independent sovereignty. We adhere TO the
principle OF equality among ourselves, and
by no act OF ours will we assign to our
selves subordinate rank in the family of
nations.
My fellow-citizens, the public events of
the past four years have gone into history.
lhey nre too near to justify recital. Some
OF thein' were unforeseen; many of them
momentous and far reaching in their conse-
quences tu ourselves and our relations with
the rest OF the world. The part which the
Unlteu states bure so hoDorHbly in the
thrilling scenes in China, while new TO
American life, has been in harmony With
It's true spirit and best traditions, and III
dealing with the results its policy will be that
OF moderation and fairness.
we face a. this moment most Important
question that OF the future relations of the
United States and Cuba. With our near
neighbors we must remain close friends.
ihe declaration of the purposes OF this
government In the resolution of April Goth,
1888, must be 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 in the
successive steps necessary to the establish
ment of a free and independent government
prepared to assume and perform the obliga-
tions OF International law which now rests
upon the United States under the treaty of
Paris. The convention elected by the people
to frame constitution is approaching the
completion OF Its labors. The transfer of
American control to the new government is
OF such greut Importance, involving an
obligation resulting from our inter vention
ana the treaty oil peace. that / am glad to
be advised by the recent act of Congress of
the policy which the legislative branch of
the government deans essential to the best
interests of Cuba and the United States.
The principles which led to our intervention
require that the fundamental law upon
which the new goyel nment rests should be
adapted to secure government capable of
performing the duties and discharging the
functions OF separate nation, of observing
its international obligations of protecting
ne and property, insuting order, safety and
liberty, and conforming to the established
and historical policy of the United States in
its relation to Cuba.
The peace which we are pledged to leave
to the Cuban people must carry with 1t the
guarantees of permanence. We become
sponsors for the pacitication of the island,
and we remain accountable to the Cubaus,
no less than to our own country and people,
for the reconstruction of Cuba as free
commonwealth on abiding foundations of
right, Justice, liberty and assured order.
Our enfranchisement of the people will not
be completed until free Cuba shall "be a
reality, not a name; perfect entity. not
a PARTY experiment bearing within itself the
elements Of failure"
When the treaty of peace with Spain was
ratified on the 6th.o February, 1889, and
ratitcations. were exchanged nearly two
years ago, the Congress has indicated no
form of government for the Philippine
Islands. 1t has, however, provided an army
to enable the executive to suppress insur
rection, restore peace. give security to the
inhabitants and establish the authority of
fhs ITfttfa Gtakl -
peago. It has authorized the organization
of native troops as auxiliary 10 the regular
force. IL has been advised from time to
time of the acts OF the military and naval
officers in the island, of my action in ap-
pointing civil commissions, of the in
structions with which they we're charged, of
their duties and powers, of their recon-
lrpendations,. and of their several acts under
executive commission, together with the
very complete general information they
have submitted. These reports fully set
forth the conditions. past and present. in
the Islands. and The Instructions clearly
show the principles which viii guide the
executive until the Congress SHALL as it is
required to do by the treaty, determine "the
civil rights aud political status of the native
Inhabitants" The Congress having added
the sanction of Its authority TO the powers
already possessed and exercised by the
executive under the Constitution, thereby
leaving with the executive the RESPONSE
bility Tor the government of the Philip
pines / shall continue the efforts already
begun until order shall be restored through
out the islands, and as fast as conditions
permit will establish local governments, in
the formation of which the full co-opera-
tion of the people has been already invited,
and when established will encourage the
people to administer them. The settled
purpose, long ago proclaimed, to afford the
Inhabitants of the islands self-government
rs fast as they were ready for 1t will ba
pushed with earuestness and fidelity.
Already somethng has been accomplished
in this direction. The governments repre- \
sentatives, civil and military, are doing
faithful and noble work in their mission OF
emancipation and merit the approval and
support OF their countrynen. The most
liberal terms of amnesty have already beea
communicated to the insurgents. and the
way is still open for those who have raised
their arms against the government for
honorable submission to its authority. Our
countryinen should not be deceived. We
are not waging war against the inhabitants
of the Philippine Islands. portion OF
them are making war against the United
states. BY far the greater part of the in
habtants recognize American sovereignty
and welcome it as guaranty of order and
of security for life, property, liberty free
dom OF, conscience and the pursuit of happi-
@ ness. 10 them tnll protection will be given.
They shall not be abandoned. We will not
leave the destiny of the loyal millions in the
islands to the disloyal thousands who are in
rebellion against the United States. Order
under civil institutions will come as soon
as those who now break the peace shall keen
it. Force will not be needed OF used when
those who make war against US shall make
1t no more. May il end without further
bloodshed ond there be ushered in the reign
of peace to be made permanent by a govern
ment of liberty under law.