The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-09-22

way in our power to make those people
whom Providence has brought within
our jurisdiction feel that it is their lib
erty and not our power; their welfare,
and not our gain, we are seeking to en-
nance. Our flag mas never waived
over any community but in blessing. /
believe the Filipinos will soon recognize
the fact that it has not lost it's gift of
benediction in it's worldwide journey to
their shores.
President Roosevelt has continued
the work in the same just and gener-
Gus spirit which inspired President Nc
Kinley.
Military rule was quickly succeeded
by the civil authority. The people of
the islands have been invited as fast
as possible to participate in the work
Of government. The judicial system
has been improved, corruption has been
driven out, public schools have been
established, and the people are already
enjoying large measure of self-gov-
eminent.
Congress has authorized a representa-
tive assembly to be chosen in due time
by the people of the islands. The bal
lot box is not the sign of imperialism.
with respect to the future of the achi-
pelago if the United States goes for
ward as heretofore inspired by the
same lofty purpose which has charac-
terized the administrations of Presi-
dent Mckinley and President RooSe-
welt. We may safely trust to the fu-
ture to deal with the Filipinos in a
manner consistent with their highest
and best interest, and with the duty
and honor of the United States.
The people of the islands have had
abundant evidence of the exalted pur-
pose of the United States. The various
the unfamiliarity with civic duties
make it inadvisable to indulge in any
declaration as to the future policies,
which may lead to misunderstanding.
ha of
distrust us. We need not distrust them.
Our opponents say the Philippine pol
icy does not pay They should not for
get that the United States did not war
with Spain for dollars and cents. They
should remember that when it comes
to matter of duty, the United States
does not consider the cost. When the
history of our country is written, it
will be found that there is no brighter
page, or one which will yield more
pleasure and satisfaction in its contem-
plation than the one which tells of our
discharge of the responsibilities grow
ing out of the war with Spain. The
archipelago belongs to the United
States. Its title is vested in this gov
eminent by virtue of the treaty of
peace negotiated and ratified according
to the requirements of the constitution,
and the responsibility of administra-
ton rests upon US, not as q matter OF
sentiment, but as duty imposed by
the obligations of the law.
The application of the proceeds of pub
lie land sales to the reclamation of irri-
gable portions of our arid and semi-artd
public domain meets my cordial approval.
Through the enlightened policy, thus es-
ia blished under the present administra-
ton the long-inferred hopes of the strug-
Cling settlers of the great arid and semi
arid west will be realized in the upbuild-
ing of substantial communities in places
hitherto waste or comparatively unpro-
ductive. At the same time vast area of
the public domain will be opened upon |
which the industrious homeseekers, now |
residing in overcrowded eastern centerS, |
may find homes. The sum of over 20 mil |
lions of = dollars, now available in the |
fund, to which additions are !
constantly being made, guarantees, under |
the wise administration, great progress in |
the work of irrigation, and the settlement |
Of the arid region within a few years.
The development of trade with the ORR |
emit promises to absorb the increased pro- |
1uction of cereals in the far west, SO as
to leave the market conditions on the At
antic sea board undiSturbed. The settle
nent of the present unproductive regions
will open new market for the manufac-
-urers of the east.
Only by unduly extending this letter