Pike County Democrat, Volume 31, Number 31, Petersburg, Pike County, 7 December 1900 — Page 6

MIINLEY’S MESSAGE The Annual Communication of the President to Congress. KANT IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS Outlines Our Policy la China—Approves of Skip Subsidy—Propose* Legislation for the Philippines, and Aslu Ratification of Hay* Panncefotc Treaty. / Washington, Dec. 4.—The following^ is a comprehensive synopsis of the president’s annual message to congress: The president gives first piece in his message to the troubles in China, and our connection with the allied forces operating there. He reviews the causes leading up to the Boxer outbreak, and the first murders of foreigners in Chinese territories. In this connection he •ays: The increasing gravity of the conditions In China and the imminence of peril to our own diversified interests in the empire, as well as to those ef all the ether treaty governments, were soon appreciated by this fovernment, causing it profound solicitude. he United States from the earliest days of foreign intercourse with China had followed a policy of peace, omitting no occasions to testify good will, to further the extension of lawful trade, to respect the sovereignty of its government, and to Insure by all legitimate and kindly but earnest means the fullest measure of protection for the lives and property of our lawabiding citizens and for the exercise of their beneficent callings among the Chinese people. \ Mindful of this, it was felt to be appropriate that our purposes should be pronounced in favor of such course as would hasten united action of the powers at Peking to promote the administrative reforms so greatly needed for strengthening the Imperial government and maintaining the Integrity of China, in which we believed the whole western world to be alike concerned. To these ends I caused to be addressed to the several powers occupying territory and maintaining spheres of Influence in China the circular proposals of 1899, inviting •from them declarations of their intentions and views as to the desirability of the adoption of measures Insuring the benefits of equality of treatment of all foreign trade throughout China.

Proposal* Well Received. With gratifying unanimity the responses coincide In this common policy, enabling me to see in the successful termination of these negotiations proof of the friendly spirit which animates the various powers interested in the untrammeled development of commerce and Industry in the Chinese empire as a source of vast benefit, to the whole commercial world; y In this conclusion, which I had the gratification to announce as a completed engagement to the interested powers on March 20.1900,1 hope was fully discerned a potential factorfor the abatement of the distrust of foreign purposes which for a year past had appeared to inspire the policy of the imperial ^government, and for the effective exertion by it of power and authority to quell the critical antiforeign movement ?ln ths northern provinces most immediately influenced by the Manchu sentimentf i Seeking to testify confidence w whuuww in the willingness and ability of the Imperial administration to redress the wrongs and " “ *4 4 - - —— — — — . i W i V\Ai VOO Vliv f* * VHq v UilVI prevent the evils we suffered and feared. jpti_ -__ „„ „______ the marine guard, which had been sent to Peking in the autumn of 1899 for the protection of the legation, was withdrawn at the earliest practicable moment, and all pending questions were remitted, as far as we were concerned, to the ordinary resorts of diplomatic intercourse. Vigor of the Siege. The history of the efforts made at relieving the beleaguered legationers in Peking is thoroughly -0..ly covered; no important detail is lacking, and every engagement w>th the Chinese forces is mentioned, whether our forces were engaged or not. To show the vigor with which the siege of the legations was pushed by the Chinese he quotes reports from Minister Conger, as follows: “Fr< torn June 20 until July 17,” writes Minister Conger, “there was scarcely an hour during which there was not firing upon some part of our lines and into some of the legations, varying from a single shot to a general and continuous attack along the whole line.” Artillery was placed around the legations and on the overlooking palace walls, and thousand^ of three-inch shells were fired, destroying some buildings and damaging all. So thicMy .did the balls rain that, when the ammunition of the besieged ran low, five quarts of Chinese bullets were gathered in an hour, in one compound and recast.. Attempts were made to burn the lega-„ tions by setting neighboring houses oif fire, but the flames were successfully fought off, although the Austrian, Belgian, Italian and Dutch legations we're then and subsequently burned. With the aid of the native converts, directed by the missionaries, to whose helpful cooperation Mr. Conger awards unstinted praise, the British legation was made a veritable fortress. The British minister, Sir Claude Macdonald, was chosen general commander of the defense, with the secretary of the American legation, Mr. E. G. Squiers, as chief of staff. Defense of the Legntloner*. To save life and ammunition the besieged sparingly returned the incessant fire of the Chinese soldiery, fighting only to repel attack or make an occasional successful sortie for strategic advantage, such as that of 55 Americans, British and Russian marines led by Capt. Myers, of the United Statee marine corps, which resulted in the capture of a formidable barricade on the wall that gravely menaced the American position. It was held to the last, and proved an invaluable acquisition, because commanding the water gate through which the relief column entered. During the siege the defenders lest 65 killed, 135 wounded and seven by disease— the last all children. TZ On July 14 the besieged had their first communication with the tsung-ii-yamen from whom a message came inviting to a conference, which was declined. Correspondence, however, ensued and a sort of armistice was agreed upon, which stopped the bombardment and lessened the rifle fire for a time. Even then no protection whatever was afforded, nor any aid given, save to send to the legations a small supply of fruit and three sacks of flour.

Duplicity of Chinese Government. Indeed, the only communication had with the Chinese government related to the occasional delivery or dispatch of a telegram or to the demands of the tsung-li-yamen for the withdrawal of the legation to the coast under escort. Not only are the protestatiohs of the Chinese government that it protected and succored the legations positively contradicted, hut' irresistible proof accumulates that the attacks upon them were made by imperial troops, regularly uniformed, armed and officered, belonging to the command of Jung Lu, the Imperial commander in chief. Decrees encouraging the Boxers, organizing them under prominent imperial officers, provisioning them, and even granting them large sums in the name of the empress dowager, are known to exist. Members of the tsung-li-yamen who counseled protection of the foreigners were beheaded. Even in the distant provinces men suspected of foreign sympathy were put to death, prominent among these being ChangYen-Hoon, formerly Chinese minister in Washington. With the negotiation of the partial armistice of July 14, a proceeding which was doubtless promoted by the representations of the Chinese envoy in Washington, the way was opened for the conveyance to Mr. Conger of a test message sent by the secretary of state through the kind offices of Minister Wu Ting-Fang. Mr. Conger’s reply, dispatched from Peking on July 18 through the same channel, afforded to the outside world the first tidings that the inmates of the legations were still alive and hoping for succor. Preparations far Relief. , All the preparations for relief by the combined powers are gone into, and when that object was finally accomplished on August 14 the conditions met with in Peking are described as follows: 'The Imperial family and the government had fled a few days before. The City was without visible control. The remaining imperial soldiery had made oil the night of the 13th a last attempt to -^terminate the besieeed. which was gal- j

Uintly repelled. It fell to the occupying forces to restore order and organise a provisional administration. Oar Chinese Policy. , J) He recalls the circular note to the powers issued by this government on July S, outlining our policy as one of peace, guaranteeing the integrity of China, and aays: As was then said, "the policy of the government of the United States is to seek a solution which may bring about permanent safety and peace to China, preserve Chinese territorial and administrative entity, protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty and International law, and safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese empire.” Faithful to those professions which, as improved, reflected the views and purposes /Or the other cooperating governments, all our efforts have been directed toward ending the anomalous ^situation in China by negotiations for a settlement at the earliest possible moment. As soon as\the ^sacred duty of relieving our legation and its'dependents was accomplished we withdrew from active hostilities, leaving our legation under an adequate guard in Peking as a channel of negotiation and settlement—a course adopted by others of the interested powers. Overtures of the empowered representatives of the Chinese emperor nave been considerately en^ tertained.

Accepted RomIb’i Proposition. The Russian proposition looking to the restoration of the imperial power in Peking has fcseen accepted as in full consonance with our own desires, for we have held and hold that effective reparation for wrongs suffered and an enduring settlement that will make their recurrence impossible can best be brought about under an authority which the Chinese nation reverences and obeys. W hile so doing we forego no jot of our undoubted right to exact exemplary and deterrent punisnment of the responsible authors and abettors of the criminal acts whereby we and other nations have suffered grievous injury. For the real culprits, the evil counselors who have misled the Imperial judgment and diverted the sovereign authority to their own guilty ends, full expiation becomes Imperative within the rational limits of retributive justice. Regarding this as the initial condition of an acceptable settlement between China and the powers, 1 said in my message of October is to the Chinese emperor: “I trust that negotiations may /begin so soon as we and the other offe;.dl9 governments shall be effectively satisiferi of your majesty's ability and power to treat with just sternness the principal offenders, who are doubly culpable, not alone- toward the foreigners, but toward your majesty, under whose rule_the purpose of China to 1 dwell In concorowith the world had hitherto found expression in the welcome and protection assured to strangers. [’The Peace Negotiations. Taking, as a point of departure, the im- j perial edict appointing Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Chlhg plenipotentiaries to arrange a settlement, and the edict of September 25, whereby certain, high officials were designated for punishment, this government has moved, In concert with the other powers, toward the opening of negotiations, which Mr. Conger, assisted bv Mr. Rockhill, has been, authorised to conduct on behalf of the United Staes. General bases of negotiation formulated by the government of the French republic have been accepted witSi certain reservations as to details, made necessary by our own circumstances, but, like similar reservations by other powers, open to discussion in the progress of the negotiations. The disposition of the emperors government to admit liability for wrongs done to foreign governments and their nationals, and to act upon such additional designation of the guilty persons as the foreign ministers at Peking may be in a position to make, gives hope of a complete settlement of all Questions Involved* assuring foreign rights of residence aiuf intercourse on terms of equality for all the world.

Foundation of Durable Peace. I regard as one the essential factors of a durable adjustment the securement of adequate guarantees for liberty of faith since insecurity of those natives who may embrace alien creeds is a scarcely less effectual assault upon the rights of foreign worship and teaching than would be the direct invasion thereof. The matter of Indemnity for our wronged citizens is a question of grave concern. Measured in money alone, a sufficient reparation may prove to be beyond the ability of -China to meet. All the powers concur in emphatic disclaimers of any purpose of aggrandizement through the dismemberment of the empire. I am disposed to think that due compensation may be made in part by increased guarantees of security for foreign rights and immunities, ‘and, most important of all, by the opening of China to the equal commerce of all the world. These views have been and will be earnestly advocated by our representatives. The government of Russia has put forward a suggestion that in the event of protracted divergence of views in regard tQ indemnities the matter may be relegated to the court of arbitration at The Hague. I favorably Incline to this, believing that high tribunal could hot fail to reach a solution no less conducive to the stability and enlarged prosperity of China itself than immediately beneficial to the powers. / First Place at Parts. Our relations with other countries are gone into in detail. The Paris exposition is referred to as offering an opportunity for a display of the good will existing between this country and France. He notes that there were many drawbacks to a proper exhibition of American products, but says: , Despite all these drawbacks the contribution of the United States was not only the largest foreign display, but was among the earliest in place and the most orderly in arrangement Our exhibits were shown in 101 out of 121 classes, and more completely covered the entire classification than those of any other nation. In total number they rank next after those of France, and the attractive form In which they were presented secured general attention. A criterion of the extent and success of our participation and of the thoroughness with which our exhibits were organized is seen in the awards granted to American exhibitors by the international jury, namely, grand prizes, 240; gold medals, 597; silveo medals, 776; bronze medals, 54J7-*»d_h£>«orable mentions, 322—2.476 in 'all, being the greatest total number given to the exhibition of any one exibiting nation, as well as the largest number in each grade. This significant recognition of merit in competition with the chosen exhibits of all other nations and at the hands of juries almost wholly made up of representatives of France and other competing countries is not only most gratifying, but is especially valuable, since it sets us to the - front in international questions of supply and demand, while the large proportion of awards in the classes or art ana artistic manufactures afforded unexpected proof or the stimulation of national culture by the prosperity that flows from national productiveness joined to Industrial excellence. Apart from the exposition several occasions for showing international good will occurred. The inauguration in Paris of the Lafayette monument, presented by the school children of the United States, and the designing of a commemorative coin by our mint and the presentation of the first piece struck to the president of the republic, were marked by appropriate ceremonies. Relations with Germany, Of our relations with Germany th^ president says good will prevails. He advises congress that the question of the admission of our life insurance companies to do business in that country has been reached and the companies admitted. Of the meat inspection law of Germany he

says: An imperial meat inspection law has been enacted for Germany. While it may simplify the inspection, it prohibits certain produces heretofore admitted.' There ,1s still great uncertainty as to whether our well-nigh extinguished German trade in meat products can revive under its new burdens. Much will depend upon regulations not yet promulgated, which we confidently hope win be free from the discriminations which attended the enforcement of the old statutes. The settlement of the Samoan problem, to which 1 adverted in my last message, has accomplished good results. Peace and contentment prevail in the islands, especially in Tutuila, where a convenient administration that has won the confidence and esteem of the kindly disposed natives has been organised under the direction of the commander of the United States naval station at Pago-Pago. The Alaskan Boundary. In connection with our relations with England he refers to the partial settlement of the Alaskan boundary dispute.

and urges such action as shall definitely settle this vexing question by sayIn this relation 1 may refer again to the need of definitely marking the Alaskan boundary where it follows the one hundred and forty-first meridian. A convention to that end has been before the senate for some two years, but as no action has been taken I contemplate negotiating a new convention for h joint determination .of the meridian by telegraphic observations. These, it is believed, will give more accurate and unquestionable results than the sidereal methods heretofore independently followed, which, as is known, proved discrepant at several points cn the line, although not varying at any place more than 700 feet.

The War la South Africa. _A review of the incidents connected with our shipping to South African points is given, and he says that* in this connection vexatious questions arose through Great Britain’s action in respeet to neutral cargoes, not contraband in their own nature, shipped to Portuguese South Africa, on the score of probable or suspected ultimate destination to the Boer states. Of the final settlement of this question he says: ’* Such consignments in British ships, by which alone direct trade is kept up between our ports and Scuthern .Africa, were seized in application of a municipal law prohibiting British vessels from trading with the enemy without regard to any contraband character of the goods, while cargoes shipped to Delagoa Bay in neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground of alleged destination to enemy’s country. Appropriate representations on our part resulted in the British government agreeing to purchase outright all such goods shown to be actual property of American citizens, thus closing the incident to the satisfaction of the immediately Interested parties, although, unfortunately, without a broad settlement of the question of a neutral’s right to send good? not contraband per se to a neutral port adjacent to a belligerent area. t Relations with Italy. The lynching of the Italians in Louisiana is the one question standing between this government and Italy. That country is still waiting for the punishment of the parties guilty of that crime. The president says that successive grand juries have failed to And indictments, and says: Selling the principle at issue high above all consideration of merely pecuniary indemnification, such as this government made in the three previous cases, Italy has solemnly Invoked the pledges of existing treaty'' and asked that tne justice to which she Is entitled shall be meted in regard to her unfortunate countrymen In our territory with the same full meas-' ure she herself would give to any American were his reciprocal treaty rights contemned. I renew the urgent recommendations I made last year that the congress approJirlately confer upon the federal courts urisdlction in this class of International cases where the ultimate responsibility of the federal government may be involved, and I invite action upon the bills to accomplish this which were introduced in the senate and house. It is Incumbent upon us to remedy the statutory omission which has led, and may again lead, to such untoward results. I have pointed out the necessity and tfce precedent for legislation of tnis character. Its enactment is a simple measure of previsory justice toward the nations with which we as a sovereign equal make treaties requiring reciprocal observance. While the Italian gpvernment naturally regards such action as the primary, and, Indeed, the most essential element In the disposaltof the Tallulah incident, I advise that. In accordance with precedent, and in view of the Improbability of that particular case being reached by the bill now pending, congress make gracious provision for Indemnity, to the Italian sufferers in the same form and proportion as heretofore.

Lynching:. In my inaugural address I referred to the general subject of lynching in these words: “Lynching must not be tolerated in a great and civilised country like the United States; courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity oY courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our government securely rests.” ■ This I most urgently reiterate, and again Invite the attention of my countrymen to this reproach upon our civilization. Ratification of Hague Convention. The ratification of The Hague peace convention is referred to as follows: It is with satisfaction that I am able to announce the formal notification at The Hague, on September 4, of the deposit of ratifications of the convention for the pacific settlement of international disputes by 16 powers, namely: the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Persia, Portugal, Roufr mania, Russia, Siam, Spain, Sweden and Norway, anaMhe Netherlands. Japan also has since ratified the convention. The Nicaraaguan Canal, He advocates the speedy building of the Nicaraguan canal, and recommends the ratification of the Hay-Pauncefote treaty. On this subject he says: The all-important matter of an Interoceanic canal has assumed a new phase. Adhering to its refusal to reopen the question of the forfeiture of the contract of the| Maritime Canal company, which was terminated for alleged non-execution in October, 1S99, the government of Nicaragua has since supplemented that action Dy declaring the so-styled Eyre-Cramin option void for nonpayment of its stipulated advance. Protests in relation to these acts have been tiled in the state department and are Under consideration. Deeming itself relieved from existing engagements, the Nicaraguan government shows a disposition to deal freely with the canal question either in the way of negotiations with the United States or by taking measures to promote the waterway. Overtures for a convention to effect the building of a canal under the auspices of the United States are under consideration. In the meantime the views of the congress upon the general subject, in the light of the report of the commission appointed to examine the comparative merits of the various trans-isthmian ship-canal projects, may be awaited* I commend to the early attention of the senate the convention with Great Britain to facilitate the construction of such a canal and to remove any objection which might arise out of the convention commonly called the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. New Treaty with Spain. Of our relations with Spain he says a new convention of extradition is approaching completion and trusts that a commercial convention may follow. Of Spain’s claim to a number of the islands in the Philippine group not covered by the Paris treaty he says: By the terms of the treaty of peace the line bounding the ceded Philippine group.in the southwest failed to include several small Islands lying west of the Sulus, which have always been recognized as under Spanish control. The occupation of Sibutu and Cagayan Sulu by our naval forces elicited a claim on the part of Spain, the essential equity of which could not be gainsaid. In order to cure the defect of the treaty by removing all possible ground of future misunderstanding respecting the interpreta- *« " ' the aty, the and ciaim 10 me islands named, as well as to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine archipelago lying outside the lines ascribed In said third article, and agrees that all such islands shall be comprehended In the cession of the archipelago as fully as If they had been expressly included within those lines. In consideration of this cession the United States is to pay to Spain the sum of $100,000. non oi us miru article, l directec negotiation of a supplementary ti which will be^fqpthwlth laid befor senate, whgfeby Spain quits all titli

Still Walt*** on the Saltan. Of the claims against Turkey he says: We await the fulfillment of the promise of the sultan to make reparation for. the injuries suffered by American citizens in Armenia and elsewhere in the Turkish empire. His majesty's good disposition in this regard has been evinced by the issuance of an trade for rebuilding the American college at Harpoot. Woald Extend Reciprocity. He urges the approval of the commercial conventions entered into between this government and other powers as soon as possible that the agricultural and other industries of the country may profit thereby. Continuing on this subject he ^he policy of reciprocity so manifestly rests upon the principles of international equity and has been so repeatedly approved by the people of the Uxfited States,

that there ought to bo no hesitation In either branch of the congress In giving to It full effect. One Financial Showing. The president points with much pride to the showing made by the treasury department and quotes exhaustively from the report of Secretary Gage. He shows the surplus for the year to be $79,627,060.18, and estimates the surplus of the coming year ah$80,0CO,000. Hesaysthepresent condition of the treasury is one of undoubted strength. The available cash balance November 30 was $139,303,794.60. Under the form of statement prior to the financial law of March 14 last this would have been included in the statement of available cash gold coin and bullion held for the redemption of United States notes. Farther Financial Legislation. He recommends further financial legislation in the following words: It will be the duty as I am sure it will be the disposition of the congress to provide whatever further legislation is needed to insure the continued parity under all conditions between our two forms of metallic money, .silver and gold. Our surplus revenues have permitted the secretary of the treasury since the close the fiscal year to call in the funded loan of 1891 continued at two per cent, in the sum of $25,364,600. To and including November 30, $23,458,100 of these bonds have been paid. This sum, together with the amount which may accrue from further redemptions under the call, will be applied to the sinking fund. The law of March 14, 1900, provided for refunding into two per cent. 30-year bonds, payable, principal and interest, in gold coin of the present standard value, that portion of the public debt represented by the three-per-cent, bonds of 1908,' the four-Per-cents of 1907 and the five-per-cents of 1900, of which there was outstanding Si tile date of said law $839,149,930. The holders of the old bonds presented them for exchange March 14 and November 30 to the amount of $364,943,750. The net saving to the government on these transactions aggregates $9,106,166. Banking Facilities Extended. The beneficial effect of the financial aot of I960, so far as It relates to the modification of the national banking act, is already apparent. The prevision fer the incorporation of national banks with a capital of not less than $25,060 in places n®t exceeding 3,000 inhabitants has resulted in the extension of banking facilities to many small communities hitherto unable to provide themselves with banking institutions under the national system. Thera were organised from the enactment of the law up to and including November 80, 869 national banks, of which 266 were with capital less than $50,000 and 103 with capital of $56,000 or more. It to worthy of mention that the greater number of banks being organized under the new law are in sections where the need of banking facilities has been most pronounced. Iowa stands first, with 30 banks of the smaller class, while Texas, Oklahoma, Indian territory and the middle and western sections of the country have also availed themselves largely of the privileges under the new law.

Our Foreign Trade. Our foreign trade Bhows a remarkable record of commercial and industrial progress. The total of imports and exports for the first time in the history of the country exceeds $2,000,000,000. The exports are greater than they have ever been before, the total for the fiscal year 19C0 being $1,394,483,082, an Increase over 1899 of $167,459,780, an increase over 1898 of $163,000,752, over 1897 of $343,489,526, and greater than 1896 by $611,876,144. The growth of manufactures in the United States is evidenced by the fact that exports of manufactured products largely exceed those of any previous year, their value for 1900 being $433,851,756, against $339,592,146 in 1899, an increase of 28 per cent. Agricultural products were also exported during 1900 in greater volume than in 1899, the total for the year being $835,858,123, against $784,776,142 in 1899. The Imports for. the year amounted to $849,941,184, an increase over 1899 bf $152,792,695. This increase is largely in materials for manufacture, and is in response to the rapid development of manufacturing in the United States. While there was imported for use in manufacture in 1900 material to the value of $79,768,972 in excess of 1899, it is reassuring^ to observe that there is a tendency toward decrease In the importation of articles manufactured ready for consumption, which in 1900 formed 15.17 per cent, of the total import, against 15.54 per cent, in 1899 and 21.09 per cent, in 1896. The Internal Revenue Tax. I recommend that the congress at its present session reduce the internal revenue taxes imposed to meet the expenses of the war with Spain in the sum of $30,000,000. This reduction should be secured by the remission of those taxes which experience has shown to be the most burdensome to the industries of the people. I specially urge that there be included in whatever reduction is made the legacy tax, bequests for public uses of a literary, educational or charitable character. Recommend* hdp Subsidy. American vessels during the past three years have carried about nine per cent, of our exports and imports. Foreign ships should carry the least, not the greatest, part of American trade. The remarkable growth of our steel industries, the progress of shipbuilding for the domestic trade, and our steadily maintained expenditures for the navy have created an opportunity to place the United States in the first rank of commercial maritime powers. Besides realizing a proper national aspiration this will mean the establishment and healthy growth along all our coasts of a distinctive national industry, expanding the field for profitable employment of labor and capital. It will Increase the transportation facilities and reduce freight charges on the vast volume of products brought from the interior to the seaboard fpr export, and will strengthen an arm of the national defense upon which the founders of the government and their successors have relied. The Trust Question. The trust question receives the attention of the president, and he says: “It is apparent that uniformity of legislation upon this subject in the several states is much to be desired. It is to be hoped that such uniformity, founded in a wise and just discrimination between what is injurious and what is useful and necessary in business operations, may be obtained, and that means may be found for the congress, within the limitations oTits constitutional power, so to supplement an effective code of state legislation as to make a complete system of laws throughout the United States adequate to compel a general observance of the salutary rules to which I have referred. “The whole question Is so Important and far-reaching that I am sure no part of it will be lightly considered, but every phase of It will have the studied deliberation of congress, resulting in wise and judicious action. “Restraint upon such combinations as are injurious, and which are within federal jurisdiction, should be promptly applied by the congress.”

The Philippine*. Considerable attention is given the subject of the Philippines, and in this connection the scope and work of the Philippine commission as outlined to the commissioners /is fully outlined for the benefit of congress. Of the present conditions in the islands the president says: In my last annual message I dwelt at some length upon the condition of affairs in the Philippines. While seeking to impress upon you that the grave responsibility of the future government of those islands rests with the congress of the United States, I abstained from recommending at that time a specific and final form of government for the territory actually held by the United States forces and in which, as long as insurrection continues, the military arm must necessarily bfe supreme, r stated my purpose, until the congress shall have made known the formal expression of its will, to use the authority vested in me by the constitution and the statutes to* uphold the sovereignty of the United States in those distant islands as in all other places where our flag rightfully floats, placing, to that end, at the disposal of the army and navy all the means which the liberality of the congress and the people have provided. No contrary expression of the will of the congress having been made, I have steadfastly pursued the purpose so declared, employing the civil arm as well toward the accomplishment of pacification and the institution of local governments within the lines of authority and law. We Are Making ProsreM. Progress in the hoped-for direction has been favorable. Our forces have successfully controlled the greater part of the islands, overcoming the organized forces of the Insurgents and carrying order and administrative regularity to all auarters. What opposition remains is for the most part scattered, obeying no con

certed plan of strategic action, operating only by the methods common to the traditions of guerrilla warfare, which, while ineffective to alter the general control now established, are still sufficient to beget Insecurity aniOhg the populations that have felt the good results of our control, and thus delay the conferment upon them of the fullest measures of local self-government, of education, and of Industrial and agricultural development which we stand ready to give to them. By the spring of this year the effective opposition of the dissatisfied Tagals to authority of the United States was virtually ended, thus opening the door ior the extension of a stable administration over much of the territory of the archipelago. Desiring to bring this about, I appointed in March last a civil commission composed of Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; Hon. Duke E. Wright, of Tennessee; Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont, and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California. The alms of their mission and the scope of their authority are clearly set forth in my instructions of April 7, 1900, addressed to the secretary of war to be transmitted to them. Principle* Sire Appreciated. Referring to the manner<in which the work of the commission upon the lines laid down in his instructions to them has been received by the people of the Philippines, the president says: It is evident that the most enlightened thought of the Philippine islands fully appreciates the importance of these principles and rules, and thejr will Inevitably within a short time command universal assent. Upon every division and branch of the government of the Philippines, therefore, must be imposed three inviolable rules: That no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation; that in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense; that excessive ball shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted; that no per^ son shall be put twice in jeopardy for the same offense, or be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; that the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; that neither slavery nor Involuntary servitude shall exist except as a punishment for crime; that no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed; that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech or of the pre$s, or the .assemble rights of the people to peaceat and petition the government for/a redress of grievances; that no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed.

Enconraslng Report!. Later reports from the commission show yet more encouraging advance toward insuring the beneiits of liberty and good government to the Filipinos, fn the interest of humanity and with the aim of building up an enduring, self-supporting and 6elf-a4ministering community in those far eastern seas. I would Impress upon the congress that whatever legislation may be enacted in respect to the Philippine islands should be along these generous lines. The fortune of war has thrown upon this nation an unsought trust which should be unselfishly discharged, and devolved upon this government a moral as well a>s material responsibility toward these millions whopa we have freed from an oppressive yoke^' “Wards of the Nation.” I have upon another occasion called the Filipinos “the wards \of the nation." Our obligation as guardian was not lightly assumed; it must not be otherwise than honestly fulfilled, aiming first of all to benefit those who have come under our fostering care. It is our-duty so to treat theip that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros than it is at home, that there as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty, enlightenment and progress in every avenue of development. The Filipinos are a race quicl^to learn and to profit by knowledge. He would be rash who, with the teachings of contemporaneous history in view, would fix a limit to the degree of culture and advancement yet within the reach of those people if our duty toward them be faithfully performed. Porto Rico. The civil government of Porto Rico provided for by the act of the congress, approved April 12, 1900, is in successful operation. The courts have been established. The governor and his associates, working intelligently and harmoniously, are meeting with commendable success. On the 6th of November a general election was held in the island for members of the legislature, and the body elected has been called to convene on the first Monday of December. I recommend that legislation be enacted by the congress conferring upon the secretary of the interior supervision over the public lands in Porto Rico, and that he be directed to ascertain the location and quantity of lands the title to which remained in the crown of Soain at the date of cession of Porto Rico to the United States, and that appropriations necessary for surveys be made, and that the methods of the disposition of such lands be prescribed by law. Dealing! with Cuba. The present conditions in Cuba are referred to, citing the call for the election of delegates to a constitutional convention and the meeting of the convention which is now in session, and closes this part of his message with the following: When the convention concludes its labor I will transmit to the congress the constitution as framed by the convention for its consideration and for such action as it may deem advisable.

The Army. An increase in the regular army la recommended, and the need of soldiers shown. After saying that we need at least 26,000 troops at home to care for our expensive fortifications and ordnance, he continues: We have in Cuba between 5,000 and 6,000 troops. For the present our troops in that island cannot be withdrawn or materially diminished, and certainly not until the conclusion of the labors of the constitutional convention now in session an<TA government provided by the new constitution shall have been established and its stability assured. - In Porto Rico we have reduced the garrisons to 1,636, which include S96 native troops. There is no room for further reduction here. We will be required to keep: a considerable force in the Philippine islands for some time to come. From the best information obtainable we shall need there for the immediate future from 50,000 to 60,000 men. I am sure the number may be reduced as the insurgents shall come to acknowledge the authority of the United States, of which there are assuring indications. It may be apparent that we will require an army of about 60,000, and that during present conditions in Cuba and the Philippines the president should have authority to increase the force to the present number of 100,000. Included in this number authority should be given to raise native troops in the Philippines up to 15,000, which the Taft commission believe will be more effective in detecting and suppressing guerrillas, assassins and Ladrones than our own soldiers. The full discussion of this subject by the secretary of war in his annual report is called to your earnest attention. The Postal Service.^ -Under a discussion of the postal service he urges an extension of the rural free delivery system and says: This service ameliorates the isolation of farm life, conduces to good roads, and quickens and extends the dissemination of general information. Experience thus far has tended to allay the apprehension that it would be so expensive as to forbid its general adoption or make it a serious burden. Its actual application hat shown that it increases postal receipts, and can be accompanied by reductions in other branches of the service, so that the augmented revenues and the accomplished savings together materially reduce the not cost. The evidences which point to these conclusions are presented in detail in the annual report of the postmaster general which with its recommendations is recommended to the consideration of the congress. The full development of this special service, however, requires such a large outUy of money that it should be undertaken only after a careful study and thorough understanding of all that it involves.

Tie Kiry, The recommendations of the secretary of the navy for more ships and an increase in the personnel of the navy are approved, as well as those of the establishment of a national naval reserve and » suitable recognition for all officers who rendered distinguished service during the war with Spain. Progress la Hawaii. The progress and development of Hawaii is noted and attention called to tha needs of the Islands as follows: In the territorial act of April 30, 199& section 7 of said act repeals chapter 34 of the civil laws of Hawaii, whereby the government was to assist in encouraging and developing the agricultural resources of the republic, especially irrigation. Tho governor of Hawaii recommends legislation looking to the development of such water supply as may exist on the public lands* with a view pf promoting land settlement. The earnestjjonsideration of the congres* is invited w> this important recommendation and dthers, as embodied in the report of the secretary of the Interior. The Twelfth Census. The work of taking the twelfth census is referred to as follows: The director of the census stiles that the work In connection with the twelfth , census is progressing favorably. This" national undertaking, ordered by the congress each decade,,hs^s finally resulted in the collection of an aggregation of statistical facts to determine the industrial growth of the country, Its manufacturing and mechanical resources, its richness in mines and forests, the number Qf its agriculturists. their farms and products, its educational and religious opportunities, as well as questions pertaining to sociological conditions. - The labors of the officials In charge of tha bureau indicate that the law of March 3, 1899, requiring the completion of the four important and most desired subjects*-name-ly, population, agricultural, manufacturing and vital statistics, will be completed within the prescribed limit. Oar Public Lands. The total area of public lands as given by the secretary of the Interior is approximately 1,071,881,662 acres, of which 917,933,880 acres are undisposed of, and 154,746,782 acres have been reserved for various purposes. The public lands disposed of during the year amount to 13,453,887.96 acres, including 62,423.09 acres of Indian vlanda, > an increase of 4,271,474.80 over the preceding year. The total receipts from the sale of public lands during the fiscal year were 34,379.758.10. an Increase of 31,309,620.76 over the preceding year. The results obtained from our forest policy have demonstrated Its wisdom and the necessity^ In jthe interest of the public for its continuance and increased appropriations by the congress for the carrying on of the work. On June 30, 1900, there were 37 forest reserves, created by presidential proclanpitions under-lection 24 of the act of March 3, 1891, embracing an area of 46,425,529 acres.

Pention. At the end of the fiscal year there were on the pension roll 993,225 names, a net increase of 2,010 over the fiscal year 1899. The number added to the rolls during the year was 45,344. ' The amount disbursed for army pensions during the year was 3134,700,697.24, and for navy pensions 33,761,533.41, a total of 3138,462,130.65, leaving an unexpended balance of 35,642,768.28 to be covered into the treasury, which shows an increase over the previous year’s expenditure of 5107,077.70. There were 684 names added to the rolls during the year by special acts passed at. the first session of the Fifty-sixth congress. The act of May, 1900, among other things provided for an extension of income to widows pensioned under said act to 3250 per annum. The secretary of the interior believes that by the operations of this act the number of persons pensioned under it will increase and the increased annual payment for pensions will be between 33,000,000 and 34,000,000. The government justly appreciates ths services of its soldiers and sailors by making pension payments liberal beyond precedent to them, their widows and or* phans. y Agriculture. I The department of agriculture has beeg extending its work during the past year, reaching farther for new varieties of seeds and plants: cooperating more fully with the states and territories in research along useful lines; making progress In meteorological work relating to lines of wireless telegraphy and forecasts for ocean-going vessels; continuing inquiry as to animal disease; looking Into the extent and character of food adulteration; outlining plans for the care, preservation and intelligent harvesting of our woodlands; studying soils that producers may cultivate with better knowledge of conditions, and helping to clothe desert places with grasses suitable to our arid regions. Our island possessions are being considered that their peoples may be helped to produce the tropical products now so extensively brought into the United States.. Inquiry into methods of Improving our roads has been active during the year; help has been/given to many localities, and scientific investigation of® material In the states and territories has been inaugurated. Irrigation problems In our semi-arld regions are receiving careful and increased consideration. Civil Service for Philippines. That there may be secured the best service possible in the Philippine islands, I have - issued, under date of November 10, 1900, the following order: The United States civil service commission is directed to render such assistance as may be practicable to the civil service board, created under the act of the United States Philippine commission, for the establishment and maintenance of an honest and efficient civil service In the Philippine islands, and for that purpose to conduct examinations for the civil service of the Philippine islands, upon the request of the civil service board of said islands, under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the said board and the said United States civil service commission. The civil service commission is greatly embarrassed in its work for want of an adequate permanent force for clerical and other assistance. Its needs are fully set forth in its report. I invite attention to the report, and especially urge upon the congress that this important bureau of the public service, which passes upon the qualifications and character of so iarge a number of the officers and employes of the government, should be supported by all needed appropriations to secure promptness and efficiency.

Washington Celebration. The transfer of the government to thit city Is a fact of great historical interest. Among the people^ there is a feeling of genuine pride in the capital of the republic. It is a matter of interest in this connection that in 1800 the population of the District of Columbia was 14,093; to-day it is 278,718. The-rpopulation of the city of Washington was then 3,210; to-day it is 218,196. The congress having provided for “an appropriate national celebration of the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the seat of government in the District of Columbia,” tho committees authorized by it have prepared a.program me for the 12th of December, 1900b which date has been selected as the anniversary day. Deep interest has been shown in the arrangements for the celebration by the members of the committees of the senate and house of representatives, the committee of governor* appointed by the president, and the committees appointed by the citizens and inhabitants of the District of Columbia generally. The programme, in addition to a reception and other exercises at tho executive mansion, provides commemorative exercises to be held jointly by the senate and house of representatives in the >n»ii of the house of representatives, and a reception in the evening at the Corcoran Gallery- of Art in honor of thw governors of the states and territories. Conclusion. In our great prosperity we must guard, against the danger it invites of an extravagance in government expenditure* and appropriations; and the chosen representatives of the people will, I doubt not, furnish an example in their legislation of that wise economy which in a season of plenty husbands for the future. In this era of great business activity and opportunity caution is not untimely. It will not abate, but strengthen, confidence. It will not retard, but promote, legitimate, industrial and commercial expansion. Our growing power brings with it temptations and perils requiring constant vigilance to avoid. It must not be used to invite conflicts, nor for oppression, but for the more effective maintenance of= those principles of equality and justice upon which our institutions and happiness depend. Diet us keep always in mind that the foundation of our government is liberty; its superstructure, peace. WILLIAM M* KIN LET. Executive Mansion, Dec. 4,