Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-12-04

our action IN the Philippines has been
abundantlI justified, not mainly and
indeed not primarily because of the
added dig1sty it has given us as q
nation by proving that we are capable
honorably end efficiently to bear the
international burdens which 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-
moning fhe first Filipino legislative as
sembly, and the way in which they
/
whether the self government thus
granted will be increased or decreased.
for if We have erred at all in the Phil
| ippines Il 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
| immeasIlrable good of the people. ar
ranged Cor the building of railroads.
Il OF To-, 70 hot .rix,
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-'1o as to
make x evident that it is in every way
to Their advantage that the flag should |
fly over them.
Porto Rican Affairs.
American citizenship should Sc con- |
ferred on the citizens of Porto Rico. |
The hartor 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 iusular 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
IL oil % 1
munity of small freeholders. not of
great planters with cody titled es-
tates. Situated. as this territory is, in
the middle of the Pacific. there are
duties imposed upon this small com
munity which do not fall in like degree
or manner upon any other American
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 Il portion of our revenues to
be expended for educational and in
ternal 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 |
and whenever the leaders
in the varions Industries of those is
lands finally adopt our ideals and ..
heartily join our administration in en-
deavoring To develop a middle class
Of substantial citizens a way will then
be found 10 deal with the commercial
and industrial problems which now APP s
pear to them so serious. The best 6
is that which aims for I
and permanency of prosper I
BUS citizenship rather than immediate q
returns on large masses of capital. c
Alaska.
Alaska's needs have been partially
net, but there must be a complete re-
of the governmental sys-
em. as have before indicated to you !
ask your especial attention to this. :
OUR fellow citizens who dwell on the
shores Of Puget sound with character !,
site energy are arranging to hold in
seattle the Alaska Yukon Pacific expo :"
ition. It's special aims include the up
building of Alaska and the develop
nent of American commerce on the
Pacific ocean. This exposition in its d
purposes and scope should appeal not y
My to the people of the Pacific slope, u
nut to the people of the United States q
t large. Alaska since it was bought q
as yielded to the government $11,000. u
90 Of revenue and has produced near
Y S300,O00,0OO in gold. furs and fish. Il
When properly developed it will become
4 large degree a land of homes. The c.
ountries bordering the Pacific ocean al
ave a population more numerous than b
hat of all the countries of Europe. ID
|
mounts to over $4,000, 100000. of re
hitch the share of the United States is 81
pine $T0oOOO,OOO. If this trade were CT
understood and pushed by lie
III manufacturers and producers, the In
ldustries not only of the Pacific slope, bt
ut of all our country, and particular 81
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