Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-12-10
parture when compared with anything

which has happened among Asiatlc
powers which are their own masters.
We have given the Filipinos constitu-
tional government. a government based
upon Justice. and we have shown that
we have governed them for their good
and not for our aggrandizement.
At the present time, as during the
past ten years. the memorable logic OF
facts shows that this government
must be supplied 10y us and not by
them We must be wise and gener-
Gus. We must help the Filipinos to
master the difficult art Of self con
troll, which is simply another name for
self government But we cannot give
them self government save in The
sense OF governing them so that grad
ually they may. if they are able. learn
to govern themselves 80 one can
prophcSy the exact date when il W..l
be wise 10 consider independence az
a fixed and definite policy
Porto Rico.
| again recommend that Americas
citizenship be conferred upon the peo-
pie of Porto Rico
Cuba.
In Cuba our occupancy will cease ia
about two months time. The Cubans
have in orderly manner elected theil
own governmental authorities, and the
island viii be turned over TO them.
Our occupation on this occasion has
llffln IN, oafl
Cuba has thriven and prospered under
IT, Our earnest hope and one desire
is that the people Of the island shall
now govern themselves with justice,
so that peace and order may be Sc
cure
The Fleets Reception.
l take this opportunity publicly TO
state my appreciation Of the way in
which In Japan, In Australia, in New
Zealand and in all the states of South
America the battle feet has been re-
ceived on it's practice voyage around
the world The American government
cannot TOO strongly express its appre-
citation Of the Astounding and generous
hospitality shown our ships In every
port they visited.
The Army.
As regards the army, / call attention
10 the fact that, while our junior Off
GERS aud enlisted men stand very high,
the present system of promotion by
seniority results In bringing into the
higher grades many men of mediocre
capacity who have but short time to
serve No man should regard IL as
his vested right TO rise 20 the highest
rank in the army any more than IN
any other profession.
The scope of retiring boards should
be extended SO that they could con
slider general unfitness TO command
for any cause IN order to secure Il fal
more rigid enforcement than at pres
ent In the elimination of officers fOI
mental. physical OF temperamenta
disabilities. But this plan is recon
mended only il the congress does moi
see fit TO provide what ia my judg
ment Is far better-that is, for selec
ton In promotion and for elimination
for age.
Now that the organized militia, tn,
nationa guard. has been incorporated
with the army as a part OF the natlona
forces il behooves the government tC
do every reasonable thing in its pow
er TO perfect its cfficienc~
A bill Is now pending before thu
congress creating a number of extr,
officers in the army, which. II passed
as 1t ought to be. will enable more OF
ficers TO be trained as instructors Of
national guard and assigned to tha
duty.
There should be legislation to pro
vide complete plan for organic
ing the great body of volunteers be
hind the regular army and nationa
guard when war has come. While
teams representing the United States
won the ride and revolver champion
ships OF the world against all corners
In England this year. it is unfortunate
~ true that the great body of our citi
zens shoot less and less as time goe.
on.
To meet this we should encourag ?,
rife practice among schooIboys and
Indeed among all classes, as well n.
In the military services. by every
means in our power
The Navy.
| approve the recommendations OF
the general board for the increase OF
the navy, calling especial attention e
the need Of additional destroyers and
GOLFERS and, above all. OF the four bat
tleships. II is desirable TO complete
as soon as possible squadron of eight
battleships OF the best existing type
The North Dakota, Delaware. Florida
and Utah will form the first division
Of this squadron.