Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-12-05

indeed not primarily because OF the
added dignity it has given US as
nation by proving that we are capable
honorably and efficiently to bear the
international burdens which a mighty
people should bear. but even more be-
cause of the immense benefit that has
come to the people OF the Philippine
Islands. In these islands We are stead
lily introducing both liberty and order
to greater degree than their people
have ever before known. We have Sc
cured justice. We have provided an
efficient police force and have put
down ladronism. Only in the islands
Of Leyte and Samar is the authority
of our government resisted, and this by
wild mountain tribes under the super
stitious Inspiration Of fakirS and pSeu-
do religious leaders. We are constant
ly increasing the measure OF liberty
accorded the islanders, and next spring,
If conditions warrant, we shall take a
great stride forward in testing their
capacity for SELF government by sum
morning the first Filipino legislative as
sembly, and the way in which they
stand this test will largely determine
whether the self government thus
granted will be increased or decreased,
for If we have erred at all in the Phil
lppines it has been in proceeding too
rapidly In the direction of granting a
large measure of self government. We
are building roads. We have for the
Unreasonable good OF the people. ar
ranged for the building Of railroads.
Let us also see to it that they are Civ
en- free access to our markets. This
nation owes no more imperative duty
to itself and mankind than the duty Of
managing the affairs of all the Islands
under the American fiag-the Philip
pines, Porto Rico and Hawaii-so as to
make it evident that it is in every way
to their advantage that the flag should
fly over them.
Porto Rican Affairs.
American citizenship should be con-
ferred on the citizens of Porto Rico.
The barbor of San Juan in Porto Rico
should be dredged and improved. The
expenses of the federal court Of Porto
Rico should be met from the federal
treasury The administration of the
affairs Of Porto Rico, together with
those of the Philippines. Hawaii and
our other insular possessions, should
be directed under one executive de
partment, by preference the depart
ment of state or the department of
war.
Hawaii.
The needs of Hawaii are peculiar.
Every aid should be given the islands,
| and our efforts should be unceasing to
develop them along the lines of q com
-munity of small freehoiders. not OF
great planters with cody titled es-
tates. Situated, as this territory is, in
the middle Of the Pacific. there arc
! duties imposed upon this small com
, muni;y which do not fall in like degree
! or manner upon any other American
community. This warrants our treat
ing it differently from the way in
which we treat territories contiguous
to or surrounded by sister territories
or other states and justifies the setting
aside of i portion Of our revenues IL
be expended for educational and in
ternIl Improvements therein. Hawaii
is now making an effort to secure i'm
migration fit in the end to assume the
duties and burdens Of full American
citizenship. and whcncyer the leaders
| IN N in nj. . J.,
lands finally adopt our ideals and
! heartily join our administration in ell
dcavoring to develop middle class
! Of substantial citizens way will then
be found to deal with the commercial
and Industrial problems which now ap
pear to them 50 serious. The best
Americanism is that which aims fol-
stability and permanency of prosper
| Gus citizenship rather than immediate
returns on large masses Of capital.
Alaska.
Alaska's needs have been partially
met. but there must be complete re
organization of the governmental sys
TEN. rs have before indicated to you
dSh NolII tSIlttiil attention 10 1nlS
Our fellow citizens who dwell on the
shores Of Puget sound with character
iStic energy are arranging to hold il
Seattle the Alaska Yukon-pacific expo
sition. Its special aims include the up
building of Alaska and the develop
ment of American commerce on the
Pacific ocean. This exposition in its
purposes ana scope should appeal mo-
only to the people Of the Pacific slope
but to the people CT The United State:
at large. Alaska since it was bought
has yielded to the government $11 900,
600 of revenue and has produced near
~ S3O0.G00.000 in gold. furs and fish
When properly developed it will becom,
in large degree a land Of homes. TIL,
countries bordering the Pacific ocear
have Il population more numerous thar
that of all the countries of Europe
Their annual foreign commerce,
amounts to over $3,000000, 900, o.
which the share of the United States il
some $100.O0n.000 If this trade wer.
thoroughly understood and pushed by
our manufacturers and producers, tn,
iniuSt rios NOT only Of tho pa pifi,, SIOno