2 TILE SCRANTON TRIBUNE-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1900. President McKinley's Letter of Acceptance. r.xceutlve Mansion, VhlnRtnn, I). C, Sept. 8. 1000. Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, Chairman, Notltka- tlon C'ommlttte. My Dear Sirs Tlie nomination of the Re publican national convention ot June It, 1900, tor the olllee of president of the United State which a the otrlclal representatives of the convention jou lue convened to me, is ac cepted, I have carefully examined the pi it form adopted and give to It my hearty op piov.il. Upon the groat Iwuc of the last na tional election It Is clear. It uphold the j;old standard and endorses the legislation of the prevent corgrcsa by which that standard lias been effectively strengthened. The stability of our national mrreney Is therefore secure so low; in thoe who adhere to this platform are Kept in control ot the government. In the tint lnttle, tint of lS'W, the friend ol the gold Mandanl and of sound currency were tri umphant and the lountry li cnjnjlng the fruits cf that victory. Our antagonists, however, are not satisfied. Tliey compel ns to a second lut tle, upon the same line on which the tlrt wan fought and won. While regretting the re opening of (hi question, which can only dis turh the present satisfactory llnanclal condition of the government and visit unccrtalnt) upon our groat business enterprises, we accept the Issue and again Invite the sound money foiccs to Join in winning another and wc hope a permanent triumph for an honest, financial cistern which will continue Inviolable the public faith. As In ISM Ilic tliree silver parties arc united, under the siuio leader who immedhtely after t lie election of that jrai, In an address to the bimetallism, ald: "The friends of bimetallism have not hem vanquished; the luve slniplv been overcome. They believe that tlie gold standard Is a con spiracy of the mono) -change r against tlie wel fare of tlie human race and THEY WILL CON TINUE Tlir, WARFARE AGAINST IT." The policy tlms proclaimed lias been accepted ami ifirmed bj these parties. The Siller rcinrn.i Ic platform of 1000 continues the war fare agilnt the so called gold conpiMcj when It oxprcssl) sajs: "Wi: REITERATE THE DE MAND of that (Tin; chicago; platform OF LviO rOI! AN AMERICAN FINANCIAL MM KM MADE R HIE AMERICAN PEOPLE lOIt THEMSELVES, WHICH SHALL RESTORE AMI MAINTAIN V BIMETALLIC PRICE LEV 1 L. AM) AS PART OF SUCH SYSTEM THE IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF THE TREE AM) l.NLlMin:i) COINAGE OF SUA Ell AM) GOLD AT Till: PRESENT RATIO OF 10 TO 1, M1THOIT WAITING FOR THE II) OR CON SENT OF ANY OTHER NATION." So the issue is presenteil. It will be noted tint the demand is for the immediate restora tion of the Iree coinage of silver at 10 to 1. If anotner issue is paramount, this is immediate. It will admit of no delay uud will suffer no postponement. Turning In the other associated parties we find in the Populist intlonil platform, adopted (it Sioux Falls. South Dakota, May 10, l'mO, the following declaration: "Wc pledge anew the People's partv never to ecac tlie agitation until this financial con spiracy Is blotted from Hie statute books, the Lincoln greenback restored, the bonds all paid and all corporition money forever retired. We rialllrm tlie demand for the re-opening of the mints of the I niteil States for the free and unlimited enlmgo of silvir and gold at tlie prevent legal uno of 10 n 1, the immediate increase in tiie volume of silver coins and cer tificates tlms cieateil to be substituted, dollar for dollar, for the bulk notes Issued In- pri vate corpoiations under special privilege, granted bj law of March 14, 1900, and prior to nation il huiklng laws." The plitfonu of the Silver parly, adopted at Kinsas Clij, Jul) fi, UKW, nukes the following aniiounccnient: "We declire it to be our intention to lend our efforts to tlie repeal of this currency law, which not only repudiates tlie ancient and time honored principles of tlie American people be fnre the (institution was adopted, but is vio lative of tlr principles of tlie Constitution it self; and wc shall not lease our cdorts until there has lieen establish! 1 ill its place a mone tary s.vstcm bised upon the free and unlim ited mlinge of iliei and gold into monej at tlie present legil .latlo of 10 to 1 hv the inde pendent aitlon of tlie I'nitcd State-, under whlcli sjstcin all paper inonev shall be Issued by tlie government and all such money coined or Issurd shill be a full legu tender in piy ment of all debts, public and private, without iception." In all thiee platforms these pirlles announce that Iheir elTorts shall be unceasing until tlie gold net shall be blotted from the statute books and the fice and unlimited coinage ot silver ai 10 to 1 shall take. ..s plaee. The relithe importance of tlie Issues 1 do not stop to elisctiss. All of them are important. Which ever put- Is successful will be bound In conscience to carrv into administration and legislulnn its several declarations and doc trines. One declaration will be as obligatory as another, but all are not immediate. It is not possible that these parties would treat tlie doctrine of sixteen to one, the Immediate reill ration of which is dennniled by their several phtfoims, ns vo... and Inopeiativc in the event that they should bo clothed with power. Other wise their piolession of faith is insincere. It Is therefore tlie imperitlve business of those opjHiscd to tills fitnuciil heresy to prevent tlie tiiumph of Hie parties whose union is only as u?eM by adherence to the silver issue. Will the Aineilcaii people, thron-h indifference or fancied seeuritj, harnrd the overthrow of the wise flnincial legislation of the past year and revive the dangei of tlie silver standard with all of the inevitable evils of shattered eonfl dence and general diister which Justly alarmed and aroused tlum In IsOO' Tlie Chicago platform of 1 e;HJ is reaffirmed In its entire!) by the Kansas City convention. Nothing has been emitted or tciallcd; so that nil the perils then threatened are presented anew- with the added force of a deliberate re aliimiatlon. Four )cars ago the people refused to pine the seal of their approval upon these dangerous ami revoliitlonny policies, and this jear they will not fail to record again their earnest ihssent. The Republican Record. The Republican party remains faithful fo Its principle of n tarltf which supplies sufficient icvciiues for the government anil adenufto pro lection to our enterprises and producers; and of reciprocll) which opens foreign markets to the fruits of American labor, and furnishes new chinuels through which to market the surplus of Ameriian farms. The time-honored princi ple! of protection and reciprocity were the first pledges of Republican victory to be writs ten into public law. The ptcsent congress has given to Alaska a territorial government for which It had waited more thin a quarter of a century; has estab lished a representative government in Hawaii; has enacted bills (or . .e most liberal treatment of the J.einlonrrs and their widows; has re vived the, free hoine-tead policy. In its great financial law It provided for the establishment of 'banks ot issue with a capital of $23,000 for the'Ctneflt of villages and rural communities, nd bringing the opportunity for profitable business In hanking within the reach of mod erate capital. Many are alreaely availing them selves of this privilege. During the put )car more than nineteen millions cf United States bonds have been paid from the surplus rev enues of the treasury and In addition twenty, five millions of two per cents, matured, called by the government, are In process of pa) ment. Pacific railroad bonds Issued by the government In aid of the roads in the sum of nearl) forty four million dollars have Wen paid since Dee. II, 1SJ7. The treasury balance is In satisfac tory condition, showing on Sept. 1, $133,419, 000. in addition to the sUW.OOO.OOO gold reserve held In the treasury. The government's tela tlons vritli the Pacific railroads have 'iee;i substantially closed, $124,421,000 being received from these roads, the greater portion cash and the remainder with ampl securities for payments deferred. .Instead of diminlnWiiing, as was predicted four jriirs tgo, the volume of our currency Is gicsU'r per capita than it has ever been. It vs Ul.lO in ISM. H had Increased to sjSfl.Vl on July 1, 1000, and J20.'3 on September 1, INOO. Our to ttl money or July 1, 1500, was Jl,JOu,.H,060; on July 1, 1000, It was $2,unJ,25,4W; and , 090,CE3,Wi' on (September 1, lIXXi. Our indintrlvl and agricultural condition! are snore promising thsn they have been for many ytars) probably more so than they have ever been. Prosperity abounds everywhere throughout the republic. I reiolco that the southern as well as the northern states are enjoying a full share -( these improved national conditions and that l nil are contributing so largely to our remark able Industrlil development. The money lenelr receives lower rewards for his capital than it It were invested in active, business. The rates! ot Interest arc lower than the) have ever been In this country while those things which arc pio. duccd on Hie farm and in the workshop, and the labor producing them, have advanced In value. Our fouUn trade shows a sallsfactor) and In creasing glow Hi. 'Iho amount ot our exports for the year PjOO over those of the exceptional!) pi ewperous jear of 'MKi, was about half u mill ion dollars for every diy ot Hie )ear, and those sums have gene into the homes and enterprises of the people. 'Ihele has been an increase of over s50,000,000 In the exports of agricultural products; tl,')M,2iO In manufactures and in Ihe products of the mines of ovrr 10,ooo,(si0. Our trade balances canot fall to give satisfaction to the people of the country In 1S0S we sold abroad ;15,4!J,OTO of products more than wc we bought abroad, in lfr $."i2',ST4,83, nnd In I'lOO, lf'4l, 471,701, making during the three jenrs a total balance In our favor of I,(kSO,770,1hO nearly five time the balance of trade In our favor for the whole period of 109 )cars from 1700 to June 30, 1R07, inclusive. Four hundred nnd thirty sit million dollars of gold have been added to Hie gold slock of Hie I'tiltcd Statei alucc July 1, 1S',ki. Tlie law of March 14, ltOO, nuthoiizcd the refunding Into two per cent, bonds of that part of the public debt represented by the llirre n.r cents due in loos, the tour per cents due in 1007, nnd the live per cents due in 1001, acgrgatlng $310,000,000. Moie than one-third of the sum of these hoiuls was refunded In the first three months after the piss age of the act, nnd on September 1 the sum hid iK-en increased more than M.l.0un,nt1ft, making in all $ajo,578,0Vl, resulting in a net saving of over $8,870,520. The ordinary receipts of the government for the fiscal jear 190O were isT'V 627,000 In exccs cf Its expenditures. While our receipts both from customs and Inlernil revenue have been greatly Incroisrd, our expenditures hive been dcreaing. Civil and miscellaneous expenses for Ihe llscil jear ending June SO, I'iOO. vvelc nearly $14,000,000 less than in ISOft, while on the war account there Is a decrease of more than ?95,000,0(i0. Thrre were required $8,000,000 less to support the nav) this )car than last, and the expenditures on nci-ount of Indians were nenrlv two nnd threc-ipniters million dollars less thin in 1RW. The only two items of increase In the public expenses of ltsM over 1S90 are for pensions and interest on the public debt. For I1") we expended for pensions ?130,39l,92'), and for tlie fiscal .voar INK) our pa.v merits on this account umountcd to S1IO,S77,310, The net Increase of Interest on the public debt if 190t) over 1800 required by the war loan, was $203,403.2.1. While congress authorired the gov- eminent to isakc a war loan of .ion,0ii,ooo at the bcginliig of the war with Spain, onlv- s.-jOi,. 000,0000 of bonds weie Issued, bearing three per cent. Inteiest, which were promptly and pa triotically taken by our citl7ens t'nless some thing unforseen occurs to reduce our leveiiuea or increase our expenditures, the congress at Its next session should reduce taxation very ma terially. Five vcjrs ago we were selling government bonds bearing as high as 5 pi r cent, interest. Now- we arc redeeming them with a bond at par bearing 2 per cent, inteie-st. We are selling our surplus products and lending our surplus mom1) to Europe. One result of our selling to other n.itlom so much more than we have bought from them during the past tliree veats is a radical Improvement of our lluamlal iclatlons. Tlie gleat amounts ot capital which Iijvi been bor rowed of Europe for our rapid, niateiWl elevel opiient have remained a constant drain upon our resources for interest and dividend uud made our money markets liable to constant ills turhinccM by calls for pi.Mnent or heav.v sales of our securities whenever mone.ved strlngenc) or ranlc oecuned abroad. We have now- been pi)ing these debts and bringing home man) of our securities and establishing countervailing credits abroad by our loins and placing our selves upon a sure foundation of financial inde pendence. South African War. In the unfortunate eonti'st between Orc.it Ilrlt ain und the Ilocr states of South Africa, the United States has maintained an uttltiide of neu trality in accordance with its well known tri ditonal pollc). It did not hesitate. However, when requested by the governments of the South African republics, to exercise its good offices for a cessation of hostilities It is to be observed 1 lint while the South African republics made like request of otliei powers, the t'nited States is Hie only one which complied Tlie Itritisli government declined to accept tlie intervention of any owcr. Merchant Marine. Ninety-one per cent, of our cvpoits and im ports are now- earned by foreign shiisi. lor ocean tranportation we pay annually tu foreign shipowners over $103,000,000. We ought to own the ships for our carr.ving trade with the world and we ought to build them in merican ship jards and man them with American sail ors. Our own citizens should icccivc the tnns- portatlon charge 'now paid to foreigners. I have called the attention of congress to this subject in my several annual messages. In that of De cember 6, 1W7, I said: "Most desirable fiom every standpoint ot national Interest and patriotism is the effort to extend our foreign commerce. To this end our merchant marine should be improved and en lugcil. We should do our full share of the car r)ing trade of the world. We elo not do it now. We should he the lagaril no longer." In my message of ItKcmbir 5, 1S'0, I slid: "Our national elevelojiment will be one-sided nnd unsatisfactory so long as Ihe remarkable growth of our inland industries remains unic luiiipiniccl by proxies on the seas. Tlieie I no lick of constitutional authority for legislation which shall give to the country maritime strength commensurate with its Industiial achievements and with its rank nmnng Hio na tions of the earth. "The past )ear lias lecorded exceptional ae tlvlt) in our ship jarels, and the promts, of centlnual prosperity in ship building are abund ant. Advanced legislation for the protection of our seamen ha been enacted. Our coast tiadc under regulation wise!) framed at Hie be ginning of Hie government and since, shows results for the past fiscal ve.ir iineqiialeel in our ic cords or those of any other power. We shall fall to realize our opportunities, huwp.er, if we complacently regard only matters at Iwm and blind oursrlvis to the necesslt) nf , i .m; our share In the valuable carrjin- Imlo of the world." I now reiterate these views. The Nicaragua Canal. A subject of immediate importance to our eountr) is tin completion of a great waterway ef commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific The construction of a maritime canal is now- noic than ever in lipcnalo to that intimate and ready communication between our eastern and western seaports deminded by th annex ation of the Hawaiian Islands and the expansion of our Influence and trade in the Pacific. Our national policy more imperatively than ever calls for its completion nnd control by this government; and it is believed that the next session of congress, alter lecelving the full re port of the commission appointed under the act approved March ,1, 1S0O, will make provls lous for the sure accomplishment ot this great work. Trusts. Combinations of capital which eontiol the mar ket in commodities neeessar) to the general use of Iho people, by suppiessing natural and rinll uar) competition, thus enhancing prices, to the general consumer are obnoxious to the common law and the public welfare. They are danger ous conspiracies against the public good and should bo made the subject of prohibitory or penal legislation. Public It) will bo a helpful luttuence to check Hits evil. ( niformity of leg islation in thu wveral states should be secured. Discrimination between b-t Is Injurious und what I useful and iieccsaar) in busiuesis opera tions is essential to the wise and effective treat ment cf tills subject. Honest cu operation of capital is necessary to meet new business condl. Hens and extend our rapidly Increasing foreign trade, but conspiracies and combinations in tended to restrict business, create monoioltes and control prices should b eDcctively re strained. The Cause of Labor. Ihe best service which can bo rendered to labor Is to afford It an opportunity for steady and remunerative employment, and give it every encouragement for advancement. The policy that subserve this end Is tnc true American policy. The past three )eat have been more satlsfartory to Atneriean vvorklngmen than man) preceding jcars. Any change of the present industrial or financial policy of the gov em inent would be disastrous to their highest In terest. With properlty at home and an In creasing foreign market for American pro ducts, employment shouicl continue to wait upon labor, and wltn the present gold standard Hie workingman Is secured against payment for his labor In a depreciated currency. For labor, a short day I better lhan a short dollar; one will llghtin the burdens; the other lessen the rewards c toil. The one will promote contentment and independence; the other penury nnd want. The wages of labor should lie adequate eo keep the home in comfort, educate the children and, with thrift and economy, lav something by for tne da)s of Infirmity and old age. Civil Service Reform. Practical civil service reform ha always had the support and encouragement ot the Re publican part). The future of the merit sys tem I safe In its bind. During the present administration as occasion have arisen for mod ification or amendment in the existing civil seivlee law and rule the) hive been made. Important amendment vvero piomulgated by executive order, under elate of May 29, 189U, having for Iheir principal purpose the exception from competitive examination of certain places Involving fiduciary responsibilities or duties of a strictly confidential, scientific or executive cuaracter, which It was thought migu. better be filled elthe-r b) noii-eoiupetltive examination or by other tests or fitness in the discretion of the appointing officers. It Is gratif.vlng tint tlie experience of moic than a jear ha vindi cates these changes, m Hie marked Improvement of tiie public service. lice merit s.vstcm, as far a practicable. Is nude the basis for appointments lo office in our new tenltory. Pensions. Tlie American people ate profoundly grateful to the soldiers, sailors and mirlne who have in every time of conflict fought their country's battles and defended its honor. The survivor and the widow and orphans of tnose who have fallen are Justly entitled to receive the generous and considerate 'care of the nation Few are now left of those who fought In the Mexican war, nnd while man) of the veteran of the Civil war arc still spared lo us, their number are rapidly diminishing and age and infirmity are increasing their dependence. These, with the (jobbers of the Spanish war will not be neglected by their grateful countrymen. The pension laws have been liberal. They should be Jusllv administered and will be. Preference should be given to the soldieis, sallois and marines, their widow and orphin. with re spect to cmplovment in the public service. Relations' with Cuba. We have been in possession of Cuba since Hie first of Januiry, 18ll. We have restored order and established domestic tranquility. We have fed the starving, clothed the naked, and ad ministered to the sick. We have improved the sanitary condition of the island. We have stimulated industry, introduced public education, and taken a full and comprehensive enumera tion of the inlnbitants. Tlie qualification of elector lias been settled and under It officer have been cliocn for all the municipalities of Cuba. These local governments arc now In op eration, administered by the people. Our mili tary establishment has been reduced from forty three thousand soldiers to less than six thous and. An election has been ordered to be held on the 15lh of September under a fair election law aire id) tried in the municipal elections, to choose member of a constitutional conven tion, and the convention by the same order is to assemble on the first Monday of Novem ber to frame a constitution, upon which an In dependent government for the Island will rest. All till I a long step in the fulfillment of our sacred guarantees to the people of Cuba. Porto Rico. We hold Porto Rico by the same title as the Philippine. The treat) of peace which reeled us the one convejcd to us the other. Congress has given to this island .i government in which Hie inhabitants participate, elect their own leg islature, enact their own local laws, provide their own s)stem of taxation, and in thee respects hive the same power and privileges enjo)ed hv other territories belonging to the I'nlted States, and a much larger measure of self government Hun was given to the Inhabit ants of Louisiana under JrfTorson. A district court of the t'liited States for Porto Rico has been established and local courts have been Inaugurated, all of which are In operation. The generous tieatment of the l'orto Rlcans accords with the most liberal thought of our own coun try and encourages the best aspirations nf the people of the Island. While they do not have Instant free commercial Intercourse with the I'nitcd States, congress complied with my rec ommendation by removing, on the first day nf May last, K5 per cent, of the duties and pro viding for the removal of the remaining 15 per cent, on tne 1st of March, 1902, or earlier if the legislature of Porto Rico shall provide local revenues for .lie expense of conducting the government. During this intermediate per iod Porto lllean products coming Into the Uni ted States pay a tariff of , per cent, of the rates under the Dinglev act, and our goods going to Porto Rico pay a like rate. The duties thus paid and collected both In Porto Rico and the I'nitcd Mates are paid to the gov ernment of Porto Rico and no part thereof I, taken by the national government All of the duties from Nov. 1, 1S08, to. June 30, 1000, ag gregating the sum of "s2,2-,u,523 21, pnld at the custom houses in the United State upon Porto Riean products, under the laws existing prior to thu above mentioned act of congress, have gone into the treasury of Porto Rico to relieve Hie destitute and for schools and other public put poses. In addition to this we have expended for relief, education and Improvement of loads the sum of ?I,513,0S4.')S. The UnitecU States military force in the Island has been reduced from 11,000 to 1,500, and native Porto Hicans constitute for the most part the local con stabulary. Under the new law and the Inauguration of civil government there has been a gratifying re'vlval of business The manufactures of Porto Itico arc developing; her Imports are increas ing; her tariff is )ielding increased returns; her fields are being cultivated; free schools are being established. Notwithstanding the many embarrassments Incident to a change of national conditions she 1 rapidly showing the good effects of her new relations to this nation. The Philippines. For the sake of full and Intelligent under standing of the Philippine question, and to give the people authentic information of the acts and alms of the administration, I present at some length the events of importance leading up to the present situation. The purposes of the cxcciitlvo aic best revealed and can Lest be Judged by what he ha done and is doin;. It will be teen that the power of the govern ment has been used foi the liberty, the peace and prosperity of the Philippine peoples, and that force hss been employed only against force which stood In the way of the realization of these ends. On the -!3lh day of April, ISO.', Congress de clared that a state of war existed between Spain and the United States. On May 1, 1S98, Admiral Devvc) drstro)cd the Spanish fleet In Manila Hay. On May 19, 189S, Major (leneral Mcriltt, U. S. A., was placed In command of the military expedition to Manila, and directed among other things to Immediately "publish a proclamation declaring that we come not to make war upon the people of the Philippines nor upon any part or faction among them, but to protect them In their homes, In their em plo)ments, and in their personal and religious, rights. All persons who, cither by active aid or b) honest submission, cooperate with the United States In its etforts to give effect to this bcncticlcnt purpose, will lecelve the re ward of its support and protection. On Jul) 3, 1VJS, the Spanish fleet in attempt ing to escape fiom Santiago Harbor, vrai de strojed by the American licet, and on July 17, IStm, the Spanish garrison In tlie city of San tiago surrendered to the commander of the American forces. Following these brilliant victories, on the 12th day ot August, 1S93, upon the initiative of Spain, hostilities were suspended, and a proto rol was signed with a view to arranging terms of peace between the two governments, In pur suance thereof I appointed a commissioners the following distinguished cltlten to conduct tnc negotiations on the part of the United States: Hon. William It. Day, of Ohio; Hon. William P. Frye, of Maine; Hon. Cushman K. Davis, of Minnesota; Hon. George Oray, of Delaware, and Hon. Whltclaw Reld, ot New York. In ad dressing the peace commission before Its de parture for Paris, I said: "It Is my wish that throughout the negotia tions entrusted to i.ie commission .he purpose and spirit with which the United Mate ac cepted the unwelcome necessity of war should be kept constantly In view, vv'e took up arms only In obedience to the dictates ot humanity and in the fulfillment of high public and moral obligations. We had no design of aggrandise ment and no ambition of conquest. Through the long course of repealed representations which preceded and aimed to avert the struggle and In the final arbitrament of force this country was impelled soiely by tne purpose of relieving grievous wrongs and removing long existing conditions which disturbed Its tranquility, hlch shocked the moral sense of mankind and which could no longer do endured, "It I my earnest wish that the United States in making peace should follow the same high rule of conduct vthlch guided u In facing war. It should tie as scrupulous and magnani mous in the concluding settlement ns it was Just and humane in Its original action. "Our aim in the adjustment of peace should be directed to lasting result nnd to the achieve ment of the common good under the demands of civilization, rather than to ambition de sign, "Without any original thought of complete or even partial acquisition, tho presence and success of our arms In Manila Imposes upon us obligation which we cannot disregard. The march of events rules and overrule human ac tion. Avowing unreservedly the purpose which ha nnlmited nil our effort, and still s-ollcltou to adhere to It, wc cannot be unmindful that without any elesire or design on our part the war lias brought u new clutles and responsi bilities which we must meet and discharge a becomes a great nation em whose growth and career from the beginning the Ruler of Na tions has plainly written the high command and pledge of civ Dilation." Additional Instructions. On Oct. 28, 1893, while the peace commission was continuing it negotiations in Paris, the following additional instruction was sent: "It is imperative upon us that as victor we should be governed only by motive which will exalt our nation. Territorial expansion should be our least concern; that we shall not shirk the moral obligations of our victory is of the greatest. It is undisputed that Spain's author ity I permanently destroyed in ever)- part of the Philippines. To leave any part in her feeble control now- would Increase our difficulties and be opposed to the Interest of humanity. Nor can wc permit Spain to transfer any of the islands to another power. Nor can we in vite another power or powers to Join the Uni ted State in sovereignty over them. Wo must clthei hold them or turn them back to Spain. "Consequently, grave a are the responsibili ties and unforeseen as arc the difficulties which are before us, Hie president can eee but one plain path of dui), the acceptance of the archipelago, fiicator difficulties an- more seii ou complications administrative and interna tional would follow an) other course. The president has given to the views of the cenn misdoners Hie fullest consideration, and in reaching the conclusion above announced in tlie light of information communicated to the commission and to the president since your de parture, he has been influenced by me single consideration of duty and humanity. The presi dent i not unmindful of the distressed finan cial condition of Spiin, and whatever consid eration the United States nny show must come from its sense of generosity and benevolence, rather than from any real or technical obliga tion." Again, on Nov. 11, I instructed the commis sion: "From the standpoint of Indemnity both the archipelagoes (Porto Rico and tlie Philippines) are insufficient to pay our war expenses, but aside from this do we not owe any obligation to the people of the Philippines which will not permit us to return them to Hie sovereignty of Spain? Could we justify ourselves in such a course or could we permit their barter to some other power? Willing or not we have the re sponsibility of duty which we cannot es cape. The president cannot believe any division of the archipelago can bring us anv thing but embarrassment In the future. The trade and commercial side, as well as the in demnity for the cost of the war, are question we might yield. They might bo waived or compromised, but the question of duty and humanity appeal to the president so strongly that he can find no appropriate answer but the one he has here marked out." Peace Treaty Concluded. The treaty of peaie was concluded on Dee. 10, 1598. lly its term the archipelago, known as the Philippine Island, was ceded by Spain to the United States. It was also provided that "the civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of the territories hereby ceded to the United States shall be determined by the congress." Eleven da)s thereafter, on Dec 21, the following direction was given to the commander of our forces in the Philip pines: " The military commander of the United States Is enjoined to make known to the Inhabitants of the Philippine Islands that In .succeeding to the sovereignty ot Spain, In sev ering the former political relations of the in habitants and in establishing a new political power. Hie authority of the United States is to be exerted for the securing the peisons and propert) of the people of tlie Islands and for the confirmation of all their private rights and relations. It will be the duty ot the comman der of tlie forces of occupation to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not as imaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, In their employments and in their personal and religious rights " In order lo facilitate the most humane, pa cific and effective extension of authority throughout these Islands, and to secure, with the least possible delay, the benefits of a wise and generous protection of life and property to the inhabitants, I appointed In January, 1899, commission consisting of Hon. Jacob (Jould Schurman, of New York; Admiral George Dewc), V. S. N.; Hon. Charles Denby. of In diana; Prof, Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan, and Major Onrial LMwell S. Otis, U. S. A. Their instructions contained the following: "In the performance of this duty the com missioners are enjoined to meet at the earliest possible day in the city of Manila and to an nounce by public proclamation their presence and the mission Intrusted to them, carefully setting forth that, while the military govern ment already proclaimed is to be maintained and continued so long as necessity may icquire, etforts will be made to alleviate the burden ol taxation, to establish industrial and com mercial prosperity, and to provide for the safety ol persons and of property by such means as may be found conducive to these ends. The commisslouFis will endeavor, without in terference with the military authorities of the United State now in control of the Philippines, to ascertain what amelioration In the condition of the Inhabitants and what Improvements in public order ins) be practicable, and for this purpose they will study attentively the existlns social and wilt lea! state cf the various popu lations, paitli'iilarly as regards the forms of local government, and other taxes, the means of trans portation, nnd the need of public Improvement. They will report the results of their observations and reflection!, and will ircommend such ex ecutive action as may from time to time seem to hem wise and useful. "Ihe commlrsloiers are hereby authorized to eonfer authoritatively with any persons resident In the Islands from whom they may believe thrmelvca able to derive Information or sug gestions valuable for the purposes of their com. mission, cr whom thfy msy choose to employ as agents, as iray be necessary for this purpose. ' it is my desire that in all their relations with tho li habitants of the Islands tho commis sioners exercise due respect for all the Ideals, custom and Institutions of the tribes which compose the population, emphasizing upon all occasions the Just and beneficent Intentions of the government of Hie United States. It is also my wish and expectation that the commissioners msy bo received in a manner due to the hon ored and authorized representatives of ihe Amer lean republic, duly commissioned on account of their knowledge, skill, and integrity as brareit of the good will, the lirolcctlon, and the richest blessings of a liberating rather than a con quering nation." Peace Treaty Ratified. On tho 6th of February, li309, the treaty was ratified by the senate ot the United States, (ltd the congress immediately appropriated $20,000, 000 to carry nut Ita provisions. The ratifications were exchanged by ths United States and Spain on the 11th of April,' 1SP9. As early as April, ISO!), the Philippine commis sion, of which Dr. Schurman was president, en deavored to bring about peace in the Islands by repeated conferences with leading Tagalog rep resenting the so-called insurgent government, to the end that some general plsn of government might be offered them which they would ac cept. So great vva the satisfaction of tht in surgent commissioner with the form of govern ment proposed by the American commissioners that the latter submitted the proposed scheme to me for approval, and my action thereon la shown by the cable menage following: "May S, 1B9V. "Schurman, Manila: "Your 4th received. You are authorized to propose that under the military power of the president, pending action of congress, govern ment of the Philippine islands shall consist of a governor general appointed by the president; cab Inet appointed by the governor general; a gen eral advisory council elected by the people; the qualifications of electors to be carefully consid ered and determined nnd the governor gencrsl to have absolute veto. Judiciary strong and independent; principal Judges appointed by the president. The cabinet nnd Judge to be chessen from natives or Americans, or both, having re gard to fitness. The president earnestly desires the cessation of bloodshed, and that the people of the Philippine Island at an early elate shall have tho larcest measure cf local self-government consistent with peace and good order." Peace Overtures. In the latter part of May another group ot representatives came from the insurgent leader. The whole matter was fully discussed with them and promise of aceptance aeemed near at hand. They assured our commislsoners they would return after consulting with their leader but they never did. As a result of the vews expressed by the first Tagalog representative favorable to the plan of the commission it appear that he was, by military order of the insurgent leader, stripped of his shoulder stiaps, dismissed from the army and sentenced to twelve jears' Imprisonment. The view of the commission arc best set fur'h in their own words: "Deplorable as war 1. the one in which we are now engaged wa unavoidable by us. We were attacked by a bold, adventurous and en thusiastic uriny. No alternative was left to us except ignominous retreat. "It Is not to be conceived of that any Amer ican would have sanctioned the eurrendei of Manila to the insurgents. Our obligations to other nations and to the friendly Filipinos and to ourselves nnd our flag demanded that force should be met by force. Whatever Hie future ot the Philippines may be, there is no course open to u now except the prosecution of the war until the ia'urgenta are reduced to sub mission. Tlie commission is ot the opinion that there ha been no time since the destruction of the Spanish nquadinn bv Admiral Dewey when it wa possible to withdraw our force from the islands with honor to ourselves or with safety to the inhabitants." After the most thorough study of Ihe people of the archipelago the commission reported, among other things: "Their lack of educition and political experi ence, combined with their radical and linguistic diversities, disqualify them, In spite of their mental gifts and domestic virtues, to under take the task ol governing the archipelago at the present time. The most that can be ex pected of them I to co-operate with the Amer icans in the administration of general affairs, from Manila as a center, and to undertake, sub ject to American control or guidance (as may be, found necessary) the administration of prov incial nnd municipal affairs. "Should our power by any fatality be with drawn, the commission believes that Hie govern ment of the Philippine would spcedtly lapse Into anarch), which would excuse, if it did not ne cessitate the intervention of oilier powers, and tlie eventual division of the Island among them. Only through American occupation, therefore, is the Idea of a free, self-governing and United Philippine commonwealth at all conceiv able. "Thus the welfare of the Filipinos coincides wtlh the dictate of nathual honor in forbidding our abandonment of the archipelago. We ean not from any point of view escape th- ri'spon sIHIItlc of government which our sovereignty entail; and the commbtsion i strongly pel suaded that the performance of our national duty will prov-s the greatest blessings to the people of the Philippine Islands." 'atlsfled that nothing further could be ac complished In pursuance of their mission until ihe rebellion was suppressed, and desiring to place before the congress the result of their ob servations, I requested the commission to return to the United States. Their most Intelligent and comprehensive report was submitted to con gress. Civil Commission Named. In March, 1000, believing that the insurrection was practically ended and earnestly desiring to promote the establishment ol a stable govern ment In the archipelago, I appointed the follow, lug commission: Hon, William II. Taft, of Ohio; Prof Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; Hon. Luke 1 Wright, of Tennessee: Hon Henry C. Ide, cf Vermont, and Hon. Ilernard Moses, of California. My instructions to them contained the following: "You (the secretary of war) will Instruct the commission to devote their attention In the first Instance to the establishment of municipal governments in which the natives of the islands, both in cities and In the rural com munities, shall be afforded the opportunity to manage their own local affairs to the 'utlcst ex tent of which the) arc capable, and subject to the least degree of supervision and control which a careful study of their capacities and obser vation of the working of native control show to be consistent with the maintenance of law, order and lo.valty. Whenever the ecm mission is of the opinion that the condition of alTaira in the Islands Is such that the adminis tration may safely be transferred from mltlfiry to civil control they will report that conclusion to jou (the secretary of war), with their iccoi. mendallons as to Ihe form of central government to be established for the purpose of taking over the control. "Regliinlng with the first day of Septembei, 11)00, the iiutliority to exercise, subject to my approval, through the secretaiy of war, that part of the power of government in the Philip pine Islands which is cf a legislative naturo is In be transferred from the military govtinor of tlie Islands to this commission, to be thereafter exercised by them in the place and stead of the military governor, under ouch rules and regula tions as ou (the secretary of war) shall pre scribe, until the establishment of the civil cen tral government for the Islands contemplated in the last foregoing paragraph or until congress shall otherwise provide. Exercise ol this lcals latlve authority will Include the making of lule and orders hailnt; the effect of law tor the rais ing of revenue by taxes, customs duties and im posts; the appropriation and expcndituic of the public funds of the island-, the establishment of an educational rystem throughout the islands; the establishment of a system to secure i,ii ef ficient civil service; the organization and es tablishment of courts, the organlzatlm and es tablishment ol municipal and dopnrtiiunt.il iov ernments; and all other mattris of a civil nature for which the military governor I now com petent to provide by mica cr omen of a legis lative chaiactrr. Tho commission will also have power during the same period ta tppoliit to office such oflleeis under Hie Judicial, edu cational and civil service sj stems ant in the municipal and departmental governments as chill bo provided for." Inviolable Rules. Until congress shall take action I directed that- Upon every division and brsneli of the gov ernment of the Philippines must be Imposed these inviolable rules: "THAT NO PERSON SHALL RE DEPRIVED OF LIFE. LIBERTY OR PROPERTY WITHOUT DUE PROCESS OF LAW; THAT PRIVATE PROPERTY SHALL NOT UK TAKEN FOR PUII. LIO USF. WITHOUT JUST COMPENSATION; THAT IN ALL CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS THE ACCUSED SHALL ENJOY THE RIC.1IT "W A SPEEDY AND PUDLIO TRIAL, TO UB IN. FORMED OF TUB NATURE AND SOURCE OF THE ACCUSATION, TO HE CONFRONTED WITH THE WITNESSES AOAINST HIM, TO HAVE CO.MPUL.SORr PROCESS FOR OtlTALN. ISO WITNESSES IN HIS FAVOR, AND TO HAVE THE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL FOR HIS DEFENSE; THAT EXCESSIVE HAIL SHALL NOT HE REQUIRED, NOR EACESSIVK FINES IMPOSED, NOR CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUN ISHMENT INFLICTED; THAT NO PERSON SHALL I1E PUT TWICE IN JEOPARDY FOR THE SME OFFENSE. OR RE COMPELLED IN ANY CRIMINAL CASE TO HE A WITNESS AOxl.NST HIMSELF; THAT THE RKJHT TO UK SECURE AH1NST UNREASONAHLE SEARCH ES AND SEIZURES SHALL NOT RE VIOLATED; THAT NEITHER SLAVERY NOIl INVOLUN TARY SERVITUDE SHALL EXIST EXCEPT AS A PUNISHMENT TOR CRIME; THAT NO DILL OF ATT UNDER, OU EX-POST FACTO LAW SHALL f" PASSED; THAT NO LAW SHALL HE PA ,D ARHIDOINC. THE FREE DOM OF SPEECH OR OF THE PRESS, OR THE RinilTS OF THE PEOPLE TO PEACE AllLY ASSEMI1LK AND PETITION TIIE GOV ERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF URIKVANCES; THAT NO LAW SHALL RE MADE RESPECT ISO THE ESTARLISIIMENT OF RELIfllOX, OR PROHiniTINO HIE FREE EXERCISE THElti: OF, AND TIIVT TIIE FREE EXERCISE AND ENJOYMENT OF REI.IOIOUS PROFESSHW AND WORSHIP WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION OR PREFERENCE SHALL FOREVER HE AL LOWED. "IT WILL RE TIIE DUTY OF TIIE COMMIS SION TO PROMOTE AND FATENI), xND, AS TREY FIND OCt SIO, TO IMPROVE TUP SYSTEM OF EDUCATION LREADV 1NAI (1 UHVTED HV HIE MILITARY AUTHORITIES. IN DOING THIS TREY SHOULD RF HARD S OF FIRST IMPORTANCE TIIE EXTENSION OF x SYSTEM IOF PRIMARY EDUCATION WHICH SHALL RK I'KF.E TO ALL, AND WHICH SHALL 1KM) TO FIT THE PEOPLE FOR TIIE DUTIES OF CI 1 1 VKNSHIP, AND FOR HIE ORDINARY AVOCA TIONS OF A CIVILIZP.D COMMUNITY. I SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD RF AT ONCE fllVKN TO AFFOHDIM! 1 DLL OPPORTUNITY TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF TIIE ISLAVDS TO ACQUIRE HIE USE OF Till: F.N(5LIII LAN (HlAOE. "UPON ALL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYES OF TIIE UNITED STATES, ROTH CIVIL AND MILI TARY. SHOULD RE IMPRF.SSED A SENSE OF THE DUTY TO 0I1SERVE, NOT MERELY THE MATERIAL HUT THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL mams or the people oi the islands. AND TO TREAT THEM Willi THE SAME COURTKS AND RESPECT FOR TllEIP. PER S0NAL DION1TY WHICH THE PEOPI.F OF TIIE UNITED STATES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO REQUIRE FROM EACH OTHER. "The article ot capitulation of the city ot Manila on thcllth of August, 1808, concluded with these words: "'This city. It inhabitants. Us churches, and religious worship, Ita educational establishments nnd its private property of all descriptions, are placed under Ihe special safeguard of the faith nnd honor of the American arm),' "I believe that this pledge ha been faith fully kept. As high and sacred an obligation rests upon Ihe government of the United States to give protection for property and life, civil and religions freedom, and wise, firm and unselfish guidance in the paths of peace and prosperity, t all tl e people of the Philippine Islaels. I charge this commUsion to lahor for the full peiforminee ol this obligation, which concern the honor and conscience ol their country, In Ihe firm hope that through their labor all Hie Inhabitants of tlie Philippine Islands may come to look back with gratitude to the day when Rod gave victory to American arm at Manila and set their land under the sovereignty and the? protection of the people ot the United Siatcs." Amnesty Declared. That all might share in the regeneration of the islands and participate in their .govern ment, I diiectcd General MacArthur, tlie mili tary governor of the Philippines, to Issue a proclamation of amnesty, which contained among other statements the following: "Manila, P. I., June 21, I'iOO. "Ry direction of tiie president of the United States, the nuclei signed announce amnesty with complete Immunity for the past and ab solute liberty of action for the future, to all persons who arc now, or at any time since Feb. 4, 1509, have been In Insurrection against the United States In either a military or civil capacity, and who shall, within a peiiocl of ninety clj.is from the date hereof, formally" renounce all connection with such Insurrection and subscribe to a declaration acknowledging and accepting the sovereignty and authority of the United States in and over the Philippine Islands. The privilege herewith published Is extended to all concerned without any reservation whatever, ex cepting that persons who have violated tho laws of war during Hie period of active hostili ties arc not embraced within the scope of this amnesty, "in order to mitigate as much as possible consequences resulting from the various dis turbance which since 18 have succeeded each other so rapidly, and to provide in some meas ure for destitute Filipino soldiers during the transitory period which must inevitably succeed a general peace, the military authorities of the United States will piy thlrtv jiesos to each man who presents a rifle in good condition." Under their instructions the commission, composed of representative American of differ ent sections of the country and from different polltieul parties, whose character and ability guarantee the most faithful Intelligence ami patriotic service, are now laboring to establish stablo government under civil control, In which the inhabitants shall participate, giving them opportunity to demonstrate how far they are prepared for self-government. New Commission's Report. This commission, under date of Aug. HI, 1000, makes an Interesting report Irom which I quote the following extracts: "Hostility against Americans originally aroused by absurd falsehoods of unscrupulous leadeis. The distribution of troops In three hundred posts has by contact largely dispelled hostility, and steadily Improved the temper of people. This improvement is furthered by abuses of Insurgents. Large numbers of people long for peace and willing to accept government under the United States. Insurgents not sur rendering after defeat divided into small guer. ilia bands under general officers or become rob belt. Nearly all of the prominent generals and politicians of the insurrection except Agulnaldo have since been captured or have surrendered and taken the oath of allegiance. All Northern Luzon except two provinces sulrstan tially free from Insurgents. People busy plant ing, and asking for municipal organization. Railway and telegraph line from Manila to Dagupan, pi! miles, not molested, for five months. . yigi0lt alone active in lead ing guciilla warfare. Is Nrgros, Ccbu, Romb Ion, Masbate, Sibuyan, Tablas, Rohol, and other i ...ilppine islands little disturbance exists and tlvll government eagerly awaited. Four )cars of wsr and lawlessness in parts of islands have created unsettled conditions. a. tlv-r constabu try and militia, wide should be orgauied at once, will end this aad the ter rorism to which defenseless people are subjected, Tlie natives elesire to enlist in these organiza tions. If Judiciously selected and officered, will be rfheient fortes (or maintenance of order nnd will permit early material reduction of United States troop.s TUHNINO ISLANDS OVER TO COTERIE OF TACJALOS POLITICIANS WILL RLIOIIT TAIR PROS PECTS OF ENORMOUS IMPROVEMENT; DRIVE OUT CAPITAL, MAKE LIFF AND PROPERTY. SECULAR AND RELIOIOUS, MOST .. .ECURE; DANISH HV FEAR OF CRUEL PROiCRIPTION CONSIDERARLE BODY OF CONSERVATIVE FILII1NOS WHO HAVE AID ED AMERICANS IN WELL-FOUNDED BELIEF THAT 1IIE1R PEOPLE ARE NOT NOW FIT FOR SELF-fiOVEIINMENT. AND REINTRO DUCK SAME OPPRESSION AND CORRUP TION WHICH KMSTED IV ALL PROVINCES UNDER MALOLOh' INSUROENT HOVERN MENT ni'HIKt. TIIE EIOIIT MONTHS OK ITS CONTROL. HIE RESULT WILL DE FAC TIONAL STRIFE BETWEEN JEALOUS LEAD ERS, CHAOS AND VNMICHY, AND WILL RE QUIRE AND JUSTIFY AITIVE INTERVEN TION OF OUR C.OVERSMENT OR SOME OTH ER. Hiulne-M interrupted by war mucTi Improv'ed as peace extends. In Negros more sugar in cultivation than ever before. New forestry regulations give Impetus to tim ber trade and reduce high price ot lumber. The customs collections for last quarter, fifty per cent, greater than ever In Spanish his tory, and August e-ol!ctlons show further in crease. The total revenue for ssme period otae third greater than In any quarter under Spain, though cedula tax, chief source of Spanish revenue, practically abolished. Economy and efficiency of military government have created surplus (und of six million dollars, whlcli should be expended in much needed public works, no tably Improvement of Manila harbor. Willi proper tariff and facilities Manila will become the great port of Orient." Tho commission is confident that "by a Judi-" clou customs law, reasonable land tax and proper corporation franchise tax, Imposition of no greater rate than that In average American state will give less anno)anee and with peace will produce revenues sufficient to psy expenses of efficient government Including militia and constabulary. They aie preparing a stringent civil service law giving equal opportunity to Filipino and Americans with preference for for mer, where qualifications are equal, to enter at lowest rank and by promotion reach head of department. Forty-five mile of rail road extension under negotiation will give sc ccs to a large province rich In valuable miner als, a mile high, with strictly temperate cli mate. Railroad construction will give employment to many and communication will furnish market lo vast stretches of rich agricul tural lands." They report that Ihcre are "calls from all parts nf the Islands (or public schools, school supplies and English teachers, greater tha'n the commission can provide until a comprehensive school system Is organized. Night schools tor teaching English to ndults are bclug established In response to popular demand. Native chil dren show aptitude In learning English. Spanish I spoken by a small fraction ot people, ahd. In a few year the medium of communication In the court, public office ami lietween different tribes will be Englib; creation of central gov ernment within eighteen months, under which substantially all rights described In the bill of right in Ihe federal constitution are to be se cured to the people of the Philippines, will bring to them contentment, prosperity, vdiua Hon and political enlightenment." Humanity and Civilization. This shows to my countrymen what ha been and i being done to bring the benefits ot liberty and good government fo thee wards of the nation. Every effort ha been directed to their peace and properiy, their advancement and well-being, not for our aggrandizement nor for pride of might, not for trade or commerce, not for exploitation, but for humanity and civili zation, nnd for the protection of the vast ma jority of the population who welcome our sov ereignty against tlie designing minority whoso first demand after the surrender oi Manila by the Spanish army was to enter the city that they might loot it and destroy those not in s.vmpathy with their selfish and treacherous designs. Nobody, who will avail himself of the fact, will longer hold that there vva any alliance; between our soldier and the Insurgents, or that any promise of Independence vva made to them. Long before their leader had reached Manila they had resolved If the commander of the American navy would give them arms with which to fight the Spanish army, they would later turn upon us, whicli they end murderously and without the shadow of cause or Justifica tion. There may be those without the means of full information, who believe that we were In alliance with the insurgents and that we assured them tli.it they should have indepeud enee. To such let me repeat the facts. On the 20th of Ma), 189S, Admiral Dewey was in strutted by me to make no alliance with any party or faction In the Philippine that would incur liability to maintain their cause in the future, and he replied under date of June 0, 1808: "Have acted according to spirit of de partment's instmetions from the beginning, and I have entered Into no alliance wltlr insurgents or with any faction. This serusdron ean reduce Ihe defenses of Manila at any moment, but It I considered useless until the arrival of suf ficient United States force to retain posses sion." In tne report of the nrst Phllipplre commission, submitted on Nov. 2, 1899, Admiral Dewey, one of u members, said: "No alliance of any kind was entered Into with Agulnaldo nor was any promise of Inde pendence made to him at any time," Oeneral Merrltt arrived in the Philippines on July 23, 1898, and a dispatch from Admiral Dewey to the government at Washington, said. "Merritt arrived jrstenlay. Situation is most critical at Manila. Tlie Spanish may surrender at any moment. Merrill's most difficult prob lem will be how to deal with the insurgents under Agulnaldo who hare become aggressive and even threatening toward our army." Here is revealed the spirit of tho insurgents as early as July, 1898, before Ihe protocol was signed, while we were still engaged In active war with Spain. Even then the Insurgents were threat ening our army. On Aug. 11 Manila wa captured and of this and subsequent events the Philippine commission says: "When the city of Manila was taken Aug. 13, the Filipinos took no psrt in the at tack, but came following In with a view ta looting the city and were only prevented from doing so by our force preventing them from entering. Agmnaldo claimed that he had ths right to occupy the city; he demanded of Gn eral Merritt Hie palace af Malaeanan for him self and the cession of all the churches of Ma nila, also that a part of the money taken from tho Spaniards as spoils of war should be given up, and above all that be should be given the arms of the Spanish prisoners. All these de mands were refused." Oenerals Merritt, Greene and Anderson, who were in command at the beginning of our occu pation, and until tne surrender of Manila, state that there was no alliance vith the Insurgents, and no pi online to them of independence. On Aug. 17, 1898, Oeneral Merritt was instructed that there must be no Joint occupation of Ma nila with the Insurgents. General Anderson, under date of Feb. 10, 1900, sajs that he was present at the Interview between Admiral Dewey and the Insurgent leader and that In this Interview Admiral Dewey made no promises whatever. He adds: "He (Agulnaldo) asked me If my government was going to recognize hi! government." I answered that "I wss thers simply In a military rapacity; that I could n6i acknowledge his government because I had ne authority to do so. Pertinent Questions. WOULD NOT OUR ADVERSARIES HAVE SENT DEWEY'S FLEET TO MANILA TO CAP TURE AND DESTROY THE SPANISH SEA POWER THERE, OR, DISPATCHING IT THERE. WOULD THEY HAVE WITHDRAWN IT AFTER TIIE DF.STRUCTION OF THE SPAN. ISH FLEET; AND IF TIIE LATTER, WIDTH. ER WOULD THEY HAVE DIRECTED IT TO SAIL? AVIIERE COULD IT HAVE GONE? WHAT PORT IN TIIE ORIENT WAS OPENED TO IT? DO OUR ADVERSARIES CONDEMN TIIE EXPEDITION UNDER TIIE COMMAND OF OENERAL MERRITT TO STRENGTHEN DEWEY IN TIIE DISTANT OCEAN AND AS SIST IN OUR TRIUMPH OVER SPA.... WITH WHICH NATION WE WERE AT WAR? WAS IT NOT OUR IIIOIHST DUTY 10 STRIKE SPAIN AT EVERY VULNERABLE POINT, HI AT THE WAR MIGHT RE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED AT TIIE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT? AND W AS IT NOT OUR DUTY TO PROTECT TIIE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF THOSE WHO CAME WITHIN OUR CONTROL BY THE TOR TUNES OF WAR? COULD WE HAVE COMB AWAY AT ANY TIME BETWEEN MAY 1. 1803. AND THE CONCLUSION OF PEACE WITHOUT A STAIN UPON OUR GOOD NAME? COULD WE HAVh COME AWAY WITHOUT DISHONOR AT ANY TIME AFTER TIIE RATI FICATION OF TIIE PEACE TREATY UY THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES? There has been no time since tht dtstructlqn of the enemy's fleet when we ceuhl or should have left the Philippine archipelago. Aftfr the treaty of peace was ratified ao powtr but congress could surrender our sovereignty or alienate a foot of tno territory thus acquired, The congress has not seen fit to do ths ono or the other, and the president had no author ity to do either, if he nad been to inclined, which he was not. So long as fhe sovereignty remains In ua It Is the duty of Ihe executive, I Continued on Page 4.) Stops the Cough and works off the Cold, T.nxotlvo riromo-Qulnlno Tablets cure a cold In one day. No Cure, No Pay. Price 25 cents. X
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