Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1901-03-05
THE PHILIPPINES.

while the treaty of peace with
Spain was ratified on the sixth of Feb
ruary, 1898. and ratiflcations were ex-
changed nearly two years ago. the
Congress has indicated no form of gov
ernment for the Philippine islands. It
has, however, provided an army to en-
able the executive to suppress the insur.
rection, restore peace, give security to
the inhabitants, and establish the an
thority of the United States through
out 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 th3
acts of the military and naval officers
in the Islands. of my action in appoint
ing civil committees, of instructions
with which they were charged, of their
duties and powers, of their recommen-
dations, and of the several acts under
executive commission, together with
the very complete general information
they have submitted. These reports
fully set forth conditions past and
present, in the islands, and the instruc-
tions clearly show the principles
which will guide the executive until
the Congess shall as it is required to
do by treaty, determine the civil
rights and political status of the ma
tive inhabitants. The Congress hav-
ing added the sanction of it's authority
to the powers already possessed and
exercised by the executive under the
constitution. thereby leaving with the
executive the responsibility of the
government of the Philippines shall
continue the efforts already begun un-
til order shall be restored throughouy
the islands and as fast as conditions
Will permit will establish local govern
mentS, in the formation of which the
full cooperation of the people has been
already invited, and when established
still encourage the people to admins
ter them, The settled purpose, long ago
prevailed, to afford the inhabitants of
the island self government as fast as
they were ready for it, will be pursued
with earnestness and fidelity. Already
something has been accomplished in
this direction. The governments rep
resentatives, civil and military, are
doing 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 already been communicated
to the insurgents, and the way is still
open for those who have raised their
arms against the government for honor
able submission to it's authority. Our
countrymen should not be deceived.
We are not waging war aginst the in
habitants of the Philippine islands. A
portion of them are making war
against the United States. BY far the
greater part of the inhabitants recog-
nize American sovereignty and well
come 1t as a guaranty of order and of
security for life, property, freedom of
conscience and the pursuit of happi
ness. To them full protection will be
given. They shall not be abandoned.
We will not leave the destiny of the
loyal millions in the islands to the dis
| loyal thousands who are in rebellion
against the United States. Order un-
der civil institutions will come as soon
as those who now break the peace
shall keep it. Force will not be need
ed or used when those who make war
against us shall make it no more. May
1t end without further bloodshed. and
there be ushered in the reign of peace
TO be made permanent by. a govern
ment of liberty under the law.