UNION Estab. July, 180T. J fonenlldatlld Fob 1899.
GAZETTE Batata. Dee, 1862, j liUUSUUUttlOU TOU. loaa.
CORVALLIS, BENTON COUNTY, OREGON, FRIDAY, ; DECEMBER 8, 1899.
VOL. XXXVI. NO. 50.
Text of President's An
nual Address.
POLICY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Rebellion In Nearly Ended and Hake
Recommendation for Future Govern
ment All Governments Are Friendly
to tbe United State. -Favor Gold. ;
To the Senate and House of Representa
tives: . ' -At
the threshold of your deliberations
you are called to mourn with your coun
trymen the death of Vice-President Ho
bart, whg passed from this life on the
morning of November 21 last. His great
soul now rests in eternal peace. His pri
vate life was pure and elevated, while his
public career was ever distinguished ' by
large capacity, stainless integrity and ex
alted motives. He has been removed from
the high office which he honored and dig
nified, but his lofty character, his devo
tion to duty his honesty of purpose and
noble virtues remain with us as a price
less legacy and example. ..
CONDITION OP THE COUNTRY. 1
Prosperity at Home and Peace With
All Governments.
The 66th congress convenes In its first
regular session with the country in a
condition of unusual prosperity, of uni
versal good-will among the people at
home and relations of peace and friend
ship with every government of the world.
Our foreign commerce has shown great
increase In volume and value. The com'.
V. . 1 . . .. m 1 1
uiueu imports ana expurus iur me yea
are the largest ever shown by a eingle
year In all our history. Our exports for
1899 alone exceeded by more than $1,000,
000,000 our imports and exports combined
In 1870. The imports per capita are 20 per
cent less than in 1870, while the exports
per capita are 68 per cent more than in
1870, showing the enlarged capacity of the
United States to satisfy the wants of its
own increasing population, as well as to
contribute to those of the peoples of other
nations. Exports of agricultural products
were 1784,776.142. Of manufactured prod
ucts wo exported in value (339,592,146, be
ing larger than any previous year. . It is
a noteworthy fact that the only years in
all our history when the products of our
manufactures sold abroad exceeded those
bought abroad were 1898 and 1899. . "
FINANCES OF THE NATIOH. -
Receipts and Disbursements for tbe
. Lut Fiscal Year.
Government receipts from all sources for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, includ
ing $11,798,314 14. part payment of the Cen
tral Pacific indebtedness, aggregated $810,
982,004 S5. Of this sum, customs receipts
were $206,128,481 75, and those, from inter
nal revenue $273,437,161 SL For the fiscal
Jrear the expenditures were $700,093,564 02,
'leaving a deficit of $89,111,559 67. .
The secretary of the treasury estimates
that the receipts for the current - fiscal
year will aggregate $640,958,112. and upon
the basis of present appropriations the ex
penditures will aggregate $600,958,112, leav
ing $40,000,000. For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1899, the Internal revenue receipts
were Increased about $100,000,000.
THE GOLD STANDARD.
A Fitting- Time to Make Provision for
Its Continuance.
I urgently recommend that, to support
the existing gold standard and to main
tain the parity in value of the coins of
the two metals (gold and silver) and the
equal power of every dollar at all times
In the market and In the payment of
debts, the secretary of the treasury be
given additional power and charged wtth
the duty to sell United States bonds and
to employ such other effective means as
may be necessary to these ends. The au
thority should Include the power to sell
bonds on long and short time, as condi
tions may require, and should provide
for a rate of interest lower than that
fixed by the act of January 14, 1875. While
there is now no commercial fright which
withdraws gold from . the government,
but, on ' the contrary, such widespread
confidence that gold seeks the treasury,
demanding paper money in exchange, yet
the very situation points to the present as
the most fitting time to make adequate
provision to insure the continuance of the
gold standard and of public confidence In
the ability and purpose of the govern
ment to meet all Its obligations in the
money, which the civilized world recog
nizes as the best. '
. . OUR MERCHANT MARINE.
Industrial Greatness Should Be Sup
plemented by Sea Progress.
The value of an American merchant ma
rine to the extension of our commerc at
trade and the strengthening of our power
upon the sea Invites the immediate acilon
of congress. Our national development
will be one-sided and unsatisfactory so
long as the remarkable growth of our in
land Industries remains unaccompanied
by progress on the sea. There is no lack
of vconstitutional authority for legisla ion
which shall give to the country maritime
strength commensurate with its Indus
trial achievements and with its rank
among nations of the earth. The past
year has recorded exceptional activity in
our shipyards, and the promises of con
tinual prosperity in shipbuilding are abun
dant. Advanced legislation for the protec
tion of our seamen has been enacted. Our
coast trade, under regulations wisely
framed at the beginning of the govern
ment and since, shows results for the past
fiscal year unequaled in our records or
those of any other power. We shall fail
to realize our opportunities, however, , If
we complacently regard only matters at
bome and blind ourselves to the necessity
of securing our share in the valuable car
rying trade of the world. -
Last year American vessels transported
a smaller share of our exports and imports
than during any former year in all our
history, and the measure of our depend
ence upon foreign shipping was painfully
manifested to our people. Without any
choice of our own, but from necessity, the
.departments of the government charged
-with military and naval operations In the
;Eat and in the West Indies had to ob
tain from foreign flags merchant vessels
essential for these operations.
PROBLEM OF THE TRUSTS.
Heed of Early Amendment of tbe Ex
isting; Law. ,
Combinations of capital, organized Into
trusts to control the - conditions of trade
among our citizens, to stifle competition,
limit production, and determine the prices
of products consumed by the people, are
provoking public discussion and should
' early claim the attention of congress. The
Industrial commission created by the
act of congress of June 18, 1S98,
has been engaged In extended hearings
upon the deputed questions involved In
the subject of combinations in re
straint of trade and competition. They
have not yet completed the Investigation
of this subject, and the conclusions and
recommendations at which they may ar
rive are undetermined. The subject is one
giving rise to many divergent views as to
the nature and variety or cause and ex--.tent
of the injuries to the public which
may arise from large combinations, con
centrating more or less numerous enter
prises and establishments, which previous
'to the formation of the combination were
.carried on. separately. It Is universally
, conceded that combinations which engross
or control the market of any particular
;klnd of merchandise or commodity neces
aarjr to tbe general community by sup
cjwvuing natural and ordinary competi-
tion, whereby prices are unduly enhanced
to the general consumer, are obnoxious
not only to the common law, but also to
the public welfare. There must be a remi
edy for the evils Involved in such organ
izations. If the present law can be ex
tended more certainly to control or check
these monopolies or trusts, it should be
done without delay. Whatever power the
congress possesses over this most Imports
ant subject should be promptly ascer
tained and asserted. ; -
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
No Dispute of Serious Character With
Any Government.
A review of our relations with foreign
states is presented, wtth . such recom
mendations as are deemed appropriate. -
In my last annual message I adverted
to the claim of the Austro-.riungar.an
government for indemnity for the killing
of certain Austrian and Hungarian sub
jects by the authorities of the state of
Pennsylvania, at Lattlmer, while sup
pressing an unlawful tumult of miners,
September. 10, 1897. In view of the verdict
of acquittal rendered by the court before
which the sheriff and his deputies were
tried for murder, and following the estab
lished doctrine that the government may
not be held accountable for injuries suf
fered by individuals at the hands of the
public authorities while acting in .the line
of duty in suppressing disturbances of the
public peace, this government, after due
consideration of the claim advanced by
the Austro-Hungar:an government, was
constrained to decline liability to indem
nify the sufferers. "
It is gratifying to be able to announce
that the Belgian government has mitigated
the restrictions on the importation of
cattle from the United States, to which I
referred in my last annual message.
NICARAGUA CANAL.
Status of tbe Negotiations for tbe
Inter-Ocean Waterway.
Tbe contract of the Maritime Canal
Company, of Nicaragua, was ' declared
forfeited by ' the Nicaragua government
on the 10th of October, on .the ground of
nonfulfillment within the 10-year term
stipulated in the contract. The Maritime
Canal Company has lodged a protest
against this action, alleging rights in the
premises which appear worthy of con
sideration. This government expects that
Nicaragua will afford the protestants a
full and fair hearing upon the merits of
the case.
The Nicaragua canal commission,
which has been engaged upon the work
of examination and survey of a ship canal
route across Nicaragua, having completed
its labors and made its report, was dis
solved on May 21, and on June 10 a
new commission, known as the. Isthmian
canal commission, was organized under
the terms of the act approved March
3, -1899, for the -purpose of examining the
American isthmus with a view to deter
mining the most practicable and feasible
route for a ship canal across that isth
mus, with Its probable cost and other
essential details. This commission, un
der the presidency of Rear-Admiral John
G. Walker, United States navy (retired),
entered promptly upon the work intrusted
to It, and is now carrying on examina
tions In Nicaragua along the route of the
Panama canal, and in Darien from tbe
Atlantic in, the neighborhood of the Artric
river to the bay of Panama, on the Pa
cific side. Good progress has been made,
but under the law a comprehensive and
complete investigation Is called for, which
will require much labor and considerable
time for its accomplishment. The work
will be . prosecuted as expeditiously as
possible,' and a report may be expected
at the earliest practicable date.
The great importance of this work can
not be too often or too strongly pressed
upon the attention of the congress. In my
message of a year ago I expressed my
views of the necessity of a canal which
would link the two great oceans, to which
I again invite your consideration. The
reasons then presented for early action
are even stronger now.
GREAT BRITAIN AND CANADA.
Alaska Boundary Contention and
Other Unsettled Questions.
In my last annual message, I referred to
the pending negotiations with Great Brit
ain in respect to the Dominion of Canada.
By means of an executive agreement, a
joint high commission had been created
for the purpose of adjusting all unsettled
questions between the United States and
Canada, embracing 12 subjects, among
which were the questions of the fur seals,
the fisheries of the coast and contiguous
inland waters, the Alaska boundary, the
transit of merchandise in bond, the alien
labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity In
trade, revision of the agreement respect
ing naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a
more complete marking of parts of tbe
boundary, provision for the conveyance of
criminals, and for wrecking and salvage.
Much progress had been made by the
commission toward the adjustment of
many of these questions, when it became
apparent that an irreconcilable difference
of views was entertained respecting the
delimitation of the Alaska boundary. In
the failure of an agreement -to the mean
ing of articles ill and iv of The treaty of
1825 between Russia' and Great Britain,
which defined the boundary between Alas
ka and Canada, the American commission
ers proposed that the subject - of . tbe
boundary be laid aside, and that the' re
maining questions of difference be pro
ceeded with, some of which were so far
advanced as to assure the probability of a
settlement. This being declined by the
British commissioners, an adjournment
was taken until the boundary should be
adjusted by the two governments. The
subject has been receiving the careful at
tention which its Importance demands,
with the result that a modus Vivendi for
provisional demarkatlons in the region
about the head of Lynn canal has been
agreed upon, and It is hoped that the
negotiations now in progress between the
two governments will end in an agree
ment for the establishment and dellmlta-'
tlon of a permanent boundary.
. Attitude in Anglo-Boer War.
Apart from these questions growing out
of our relationshin with our northern
,' neighbor, the most friendly disposition
ana ready agreement have marked the
discussion of the numerous matters aris
ing in the vast and intimate Intercourse
of the United States with Great Britain.
This government has maintained an atti
tude of neutrality In the unfortunate con
test between Great Britain .and the Boer
states of Africa. We have remained
faithful to the precept of : avoiding en
tangling alliances as to affairs not of our
own direct concern. Had circumstances
suggested that the parties to the quarrel
would have welcomed any kind expression
of the hope of the American people that
the war might be averted, good offices
would have been gladly tendered. The
United States representative at Pretoria
was early instructed to see that all neutral
I American Interests be respected by the
1 combatants. This has been an easy task,
j in view of the positive declarations of
both British and Boer authorities that the
personal and property rights of our citi
zens should be observed.
Upon the' withdrawal of the British
agent from Pretoria, the United States
consul was authorized, upon the request
of . the British government, and with the
assent of the South African and Orange
Free State governments, to exercise the
customary good offices of a neutral for
the care of British Interests. In the dis
charge of this function I am happy to say
that abundant opportunity has been af
forded to show the impartiality of this
government to both the combatants for
the fourth time in the present decade.
THE WEST INDIES.
Pacification and Government of Cuba
Pronrress Made.
: My annual message of last year was
necessarily devoted in great part to a
consideration of the Spanish war, the re-;
suits it wrought, and the conditions it im
posed for the future. I am gratified to
announce that the treaty of peace has re
stored friendly relations between the two
powers. Effect has been given to its most
important provisions. The evacuation of
Puerto Rico having already been accom
plished on the 18th of October, 1898, noth
ing remained necessary there but to con
tinue the provisional military control of the
island until the congress should enact a
suitable government for the ceded terri
tory. Of the character and scoie of the
I measures to that end I shall treat In an
other part of this message.
The withdrawal of the authority of Spain
from the island of Cuba was effected by
the 1st of January, so that the full re-establishment
of peace found the relinquished
territory, held by us in trust for the in
habitants, maintaining under the direction
of the executive such government and con
trol therein as should conserve public or
der, restore the productive conditions of
peace, long disturbed by the instability and
disorder which prevailed for the greater
part of the preceding three' decades, .and
build up that tranquil development of the
domestic state whereby alone can -be re
alized the high purpose, as proclaimed
in the joint resolution adopted by the
congress on the 19th of April, 1898, by which
the United States disclaimed any disposi
tion or intention to exercise sovereignty,
jurisdiction or control over Cuba, except
for the pacification thereof, and asserted
Its determination when that was accom
plished to leave the government and con
trol of the island to its people. The
pledge contained in this resolution is of
the highest honorable obligation and must
be sacredly kept.
I believe that substantial progress has
been made in this direction. All the ad
ministrative measures adopted in Cuba
have aimed to fit it for a regenerated ex
istence by enforcing the supremacy of law
J I , l 1 1. I n.o,tl t
CLUU JUBUUCi ujr pitting W J1C1 c si w t. v-1-
cable the machinery of administration In
the hands ef the inhabitants; by Institut
ing needed sanitary reforms, by spreading
education, by fostering industry and trade,
by Inculcating public morality, and in
short taking every rational step to old the
Cuban people to attain to that plane of
self-conscious respect and self-reliant
unity which fits an enlightened community
for self-government, within Its own sphere,
while enabling It to fulfill all outward
obligations. ..''',"
Obligations to Cuba. Must Be Kept.
This nation has assumed before the
world a grave responsibility for the fu
ture good government of Cuba. We have
accepted a trust, the fulfillment of which
calls for the sternest Integrity of purpose
and the exercise of the highest wisdom.
The new Cuba yet to arise from the ashes
of the past must needs be bound to us by
ties of singular Intimacy and strength. If
its enduring welfare is to be assured.
Whether these ties shall be organic or con
ventional, - the destinies of Cuba are In
some rightful . form and manner irre
vocably linked with our own, but how and
how far is for the future to determine in
the ripeness of events. Whatever be the
outcome, we must see to it that free Cuba
be a reality, not'a name; a perfect entity,
not a hasty experiment bearing within
Itself the elements of failure. Our mis
sion, to accomplish which we took
up the gage of battle. Is not
to be fulfilled by turning adrift any
loosely framed commonwealth to face the
vicissitudes which too often attend weak
er states;- whose natural wealth and abun
dant resources are offset by, the incongrui
ties of their political organization and the
recurring occasions for Internal rivalries to
sap their strength and dissipate their en
ergies. The greatest blessing which can
come to Cuba Is the restoration of her ag
ricultural and industrial prosperity, which
will give employment to idle men and
re-establish the pursuits of peace. This Is
her chief and immediate need. On the
19th of last August an order was made for
the taking of the census In the island, to
be completed on the 30th of November.
: THE PHILIPPINE! QUESTION.
Acquisition of the Islands The Fili
pino Insurrection.
On the 10th of December, 1898, the treaty
of peace between the United States snd
Spain was signed. It provided, among
other things, that Spain should cede to
tbe United States the archipelago known
as the Philippine Islands, that the United
States should pay to Spain the sum of $20,
000,000, and that the civil rights and podti
cal - status of the native inhabitants of
the' territories thus ceded to the United
States should be determined by the con
gress. The treaty was ratified by the en
at ori:the 6th of February, 1898, and by
the government of Spain on the 19th cf
March following. The ratifications were
exchanged on the 11th of April, and the
treaty publicly proclaimed. On the id of
March, the congress voted the sum con
templated by the treaty, and the amount
was paid over to the Spanish government
on' the 1st of May. In this manner the
Philippines came to the United States. The
Islands were ceded by the government of
Spain, which had "been in undisputed pos
session of them for centuries. They were
accepted not merely by our authorized
commissioners In Paris, under the direction
of the executive, but by the constitutional
and well-considered action of the repre
sentatives of tbe people of the United
States In both bouses of congress. '
I had every reason to believe, and I still
believe, that this transfer of sovereignty
was . In accordance with the wishes and
the aspirations of the great mass of the
Filipino people. From the earliest moment
no opportunity was lost of assuring the
people of the islands of our ardent desire
for their welfare and of the Intention of
this government to do everything' possible
to advance their Interests. In my order of
the 19th of May, 1898, the commander of
the military expedition dispatched to the
Philippines was instructed to declare that
we came not to make war on the people
of the country, "nor upon any part or
faction among them, but to protect them
in their homes, in their employments and
In their personal and religious rights."
That there should be no doubt as to the
paramount authority there, on the l'th
of August, It was directed that "there
must be no joint occupation with the in
surgents"; that the United States must
preserve the peace and protect persons
and property within the territory occu
pied by their military and naval forces;
that the Insurgents and all others must
recognize the military occupation and au
thority of the United States. As early as
December 4, before the cession and in an
ticipation of that event, the commander in
Manila was urged to . restore peace and
tranquility, and to undertake the estab
lishment of a beneficient government,
, which should afford the fullest security
for life and property,
i On the 21st of December, after the treaty
was signed, the commander of the forces
of occupation was Instructed "to announce
and proclaim, In the most public manner,
that we come, not as Invaders and con
querors, but as friends to protect the na
tives in their homes, In their employments
and in their personal and religious
rights." The same day, while ordering
General Otis to see that peace should be
preserved in Ilo Ilo, he was admonished
that: "It is most Important that there
should be no conflict with the insurgents."
OA the first day of January, 1899, general
orders reiterated that the kindly inten
tions of this government should In every
possible way, be communicated to the
insurgents.
The Philippine Commission.
On the 21st of January, I announced my
intention of dispatching to Manila a com
mission composed of three gentlemen of
the highest character and distinction,
thoroughly acquainted with the Orient,
whoV in association with Admiral Dewey
and Major-General Otis, were instructed
to "facilitate the nest humane and ef
fective ends and to secure, with the least
possible delay, the benefits of a wise and
generous protection of life and proeprty to
the inhabitants." These gentlemen were
Dr. Jacob Gould Schurmaa, president of
Cornell university: the Hon. Charles Den
by, for many years minister to China,
and Professor Dean C. Worcester, of the
university of Michigan, who had made
a most careful study of life in the Phil
ippines. While the treaty of peace was under
consideration In the senate, these commis
sioners set out on their mission of good
will and liberation. Their character was a
sufficient guaranty of the beneficient pur
with which they went, even if they
had not borne the positive Instructions of
this government which made their errand
pre-eminently one of peace and friendship.
But before their arrival in Manila, the
s'nlster ambition of. a few leaders of the
Filipinos had created a situation full of
embarrassments for us and most grievom
in Its consequences to themselves.
The clear and Impartial preliminary re
port of the convrilssioners, which I trans
mit herewith, gives so lucid and compre
hensive a history of the present Insurrec
tionary movement that the story need
not be here repeated. It is enough to say
that the claim of the rebel leader, that
he was promised Independence by any
officer of the United States In return for
his assistance has no foundation In fact,
and Is categorically denied by the very
witnesses who were called to prove It.
The most the Insurgent leader hoped for
when he came back to Manila was the
liberation of the Islands from the Spanish
control, which they had been laboring for
years, without success, to throw off.
Outbreak of the Insurrection. .
The prompt . accomplishment of this
work by the American army and navy
gave him other ideas and ambitions, and
Insidious suggestions from various quar
ters perverted the purposes and Intentions
with which he had-taken up arms. No
sooner had our army captured Manila than
the Filipino forces' began to assume an
attitude of suspicion and hostility, which
the utmost efforts of our - officers and
troops were unable to disarm or modify.
Their kindness and forbearance was taken
a3 a proof of cowardice. The aggression
of the Filipinos continually Increased, un
til, finally; Just before the time set for the
senate of the United States to vote upon
the treaty, an attack, evidently prepared
in advance, was made all along the
American lines, which resulted in a terri
bly destructive and sanguinary repulse of
the insurgents.
Ten days later an order of the Insurgent
government was issued to its adherents
who had remained in Manila, of which
General Otis Justly observes that "for
barbarous Intent It Is unequaled in mod
ern times." It directs that at 8 o'clock
on the night of the 14th of February, the
territorial militia shall come together In
tbe streets of San Pedro, armed with
their bolos, with guns and ammunition
where convenient: that Filipino families
only shall be (respected; that all other
individuals, of whatever race they may
be. shall bo exterminated without any
eomppfsion. after the extermination of
the army of occupation, and- adds:
"Brothers, we must avenge ourselves on.
the Americans and exterminate them,
that we may take our revenge for the
infamies and treacheries which they have
committed upon us. Have no compassion
upon them: attack with vigor." v
A copy of this fell, by good fortune,
into the hands of our officers, and they
were able to take measures to control, the
rising, which was actually attempted on
the night of February 22. a week later
than was originally contemplated. A con
siderable number of armed insurgents en
tered the city by waterways and swamps,
and. in concert with confederates inside,
attempted to destroy Manila by fire. They
wore kept in check during the night, and
the next day driven out of the city, with
heavy loss. - v
- What the Commission Found.
This was the. unhappy condition of af
fairs which confronted our commissioners
on their arrival In Manila. They had
come with the hope and Intention of co
operation with Admiral Dewey and Major-General
Otis In establishing peace and
order in the archipelago, and the largest
measure of self-government compatible
with the true welfare of the people. What
they actually found can best be set forth
In their own words:
"Deplorable as war is, "the one In which
we are now 'engaged was unavoidable by
us. We were attacked by a bold,, adven
turous and enthusiastic army. No alter
native was left us, except Ignominious
retreat. It Is not to be conceived of that
any American would have sanctioned the
surrender of Manila to the insurgents.
Our obligations to other nations and to
the friendly Filipinos and to ourselves and
our flag demanded that force should be
met with force. i.Whatever the future of
the Philippines may be, there is no course
open to us now except the prosecution of
the war until the insurgents are reduced
to submission. The commission Is of the
opinion that there has been no time since
the destruction of the Spanish squadron
by Admiral Dewey when It was possible
to withdraw our forces' from the islands
either with honor to ourselves or with
safety to the inhabitants."
The course ;.thus clearly Indicated has
been unflinchingly pursued. The rebel
lion must be put, down. Civil government
cannot be thoroughly established until
order is restored. With a devotion and
gallantry worthy of its most brilliant
. history, the army, ably and loyally as
sisted by the navy, has carried on this un
welcome but most righteous campaign
with richly deserved success. . The noble
self-sacrifice with which our soldiers and
sailors, whose terms of service had ex
pired, refused to avail themselves of their
right to return home as long as they were
needed at the front, forms one of the
brightest pages Jn our annals. Although
their operations have been somewhat inl
terrupted and checked by a rainy season
of unusual violence and duration, they
have gained ground steadily in every di
rection, and now look forward confidently
to a speedy completion of their task.
The unfavorable - circumstances con
nected with an active campaign have not
been permitted, to interfere With the
equally important work of reconstruc
tion. Again I Invite your attention to the
report of the commissioners for the Inter
esting and-encouraging details of the
work already accomplished In . the es
tablishment of peace and order , and the
inauguration of self-governing municipal
life in many portions of the archipelago.
Civil Government - in , Negros.
A notable beginning has been made In
the establishment of a government In
the island of Negros, which is deserving
of special consideration. This was the
first island to accept American sovereign
ty. Its -people unreservedly proclaimed
allegiance to- the United States, and
adopted a constitution looking to the es
tablishment of a popular government. . It
was impossible to guarantee to the peo
ple of Negros. that - the constitution so
adopted should be the - ultimate form of
government. Such a question, under the
treaty with Spain and in accordance with
our own constitution and laws, came ex
clusively under the jurisdiction of con
gress. - The: government actually set up
by the Inhabitants of Negros eventually
proved unsatisfactory to the natives them
selves. A new system Was put Into force
by order of the major-general command
ing the -department, of which . the; tol
lowing are the most Important elements:
It was ordered that the government of
the Island of Negros should consist of a
military governor, appointed by the
United States military governor of the
Philippines, and a civil governor and an
advisory .council elected by the people. The
military governor was authorized to ap
point secretaries of the treasury, interior,
agriculture, public instruction, an attorney-general
and an auditor. The seat of
government was fixed at Bacolor. The
military governor exercises the supreme
executive power. He is. to see that the
laws are executed, appoint to offices and
fill all vacancies In office not otherwise
provided for, and may, with the approval
of the military governor of the Philip
pines, remove any officer from office. The
civil governor advises the military gov
ernor on all public and civil questions,
and presides over the advisory council.
He, in general, performs the duties which
are performed by secretaries of state In
our own system of government. The" ad-:
visory council consists of eight members
elected by the people within territorial
limits, which are defined in the order of
the commanding general.
Agreement With Sultan of Sulus.
The authorities of the Sulu Islands have
accepted the succession of the United
States to the rights Of Spain, and our flag
floats over that territory. On the 10th
of August-, 1899, Brigadier-General Bates,
United States volunteers, negotiated an
agreement with the sultan and his prin
cipal cniels, which I transmit herewith.
Rebellion Nearly Ended.
I communicate these faefs to the con
gress for its Information and action.
Everything indicates that with the speedy
suppression of the Tagal rebellion, life in
the archipelago will soon assume its ordi
nary course under the protection of. our
sovereignty, and the people of those fa
vored islands will enjoy a prosperity and
a freedom which they have never before
known. Already hundreds of schools are
open and filled with children. Religious
freedom is sacredly assured and enjoyed,
and the courts are dispensing justice.
Business Is beginning tq circulate in Its
accustomed channels. Manila, whose In
habitants were fleeing to the country a
few months ago, is now a populous and
thriving mart of commerce. The earnest
and unremitting endeavors of the com
mission and the admh-al and major-general
commanding the department of the
Pacific to assure the people of the benefi
cent intentions of this government, have
had their legitimate effect in convincing
the great mass of them that peace and
safety and prosperity and stable govern
ment can only be found In a loyal accept
ance of the authority of the United States,
- The Duty of Cona-ress.
The future government of the Philip
pines rests with the congress of the Unit
ed States. Few graver . responsibilities
have ever been confided to us. If w e
accept them in a spirit worthy of our race
and traditions, great opportunity comes
with them. The islands lie under the
shelter of our flag. They are ours by
every title of law and equity. They can
not be abandoned. If we desert them we
leave them at once to anarchy and finally
to barbarism. We fling them, a golden
apple of discord, among the rival powers,
no one of which would permit another to
seize them unquestioned. Their rich
plains and valleys would be the scene of
endless strife and bloodshed. The advent
of Dewey's- fleet in Manila bay, Instead
of being, as we hope, the dawn of a new
day of freedom and progress, would have
been the beginning of an era of misery and
violence worse than any which has dark
ened their unhappy past.
It does not seem desirable that I should
recommend at this time a specific final
form of government for these Islands.
When peace shall be restored It will be the
duty of congress to construct a plan of
government which shall . establish and
maintain freedom and order and peace in
the Philippines. The Insurrection is still
existing, and when it terminates, further
information will be required as to the
actual condition of affairs before Inaugu
rating a permanent scheme of civil gov
ernment. The full report of the commission, now
in preparation, will contain information
and suggestions which will be of value to
congress, and which I will transmit as
soon as it is comnleted. As long as the
Insurrection continues, the military arm
must necessarily be supreme.
MWS FOR ALASKA.
Necessity for Immediate Letrlslatlv
' Action.
A necessity for Immediate legislative ac
tion exists In the territory of Alaska
Substantially the only law providing t
civil government for this territory is th
act of May 17, 1884. This is meager in iti
provisions and is fitted only for the ad
ministration of affairs In a country sparse
ly inhabited by civilized people and unim
portant In trade and production, as was
Alaska at the time this act was passed.
The increase in population by immigra
tion during the past few years, consequent
upon the discovery of gold, has produced
such a condition as calls for more ample
facilities for local self-government and
more numerous conveniences of civil and
judicial administration.
THE PUERTO RICANS.
Hardships Worked by the Laws at
Present In Force.
I recommend that legislation " to the
same end be had with reference to Puerto
Rico. The time ' Is ripe for the adoption
of a temporary form of government for
this island, and many suggestions made
with reference to Alaska are applicable
also to Puerto Rico. The system of civil
jurisprudence now adopted by the people
of this island is described by competent
lawyers who are familiar with it, as
thoroughly modern and scientific, so far
as it relates to matters of Internal busi
ness, trade, production and social and
private rights in general. The cities of
tho island are governed under charters
which probably require very little or no
change. So that with relation to matters
of local concern and private rights, it is
not probable that much, If any, legislation
is desirable; but with reference to pub
lic administration and the relations of the
islands to the federal government there
are many matters which are of pressing
urgency.
Her Principal Markets Close.
It must be borne In mind that since the
cession Puerto . Rico has been denied the
principal . market ' she . had long . en
joyed, and our tariff has been continued
against her products as when she was un
der Spanish sovereignty. The marko of
Spain are closed to her products ex
cept upon terms to which the comm.irco
of all nations Is subiected. The island o
Cuba, which used to buy her cattle and
tobacco without customs duties, now im
poses the same duties upon theje products
as from any other country entering her
ports. She has, therefore, lost her free In
tercourse with Spain and Cuba without
any compensating benefits in thU market.
Her coffee was little known and not In
use by our people, and therefore, there
was no demand here for this, one of her
chief products. The markets of the United
States should be opened up to her prod
ucts. Our plain duty Is to abolish all
customs tariffs between the United States
and Puerto Rico and give her products
free ac.ess to our markets. '
As a result of the hurricane which
swept over Puerto Rico on the 18th of
August, 1899, over 100,000 people were re
duced to absolute destitution, . without
homes, and deprived of the necessaries of
life. To the appeal of the war department
the people of the United States made
prompt and generous response. In addi
tion to the private charity of our people,
the war department has expended for the
relief of the distressed $392,342 63, which
does not include the cost of transporta
tion. OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED.
Mob Law Denounced Lynching;
Must Not Be Tolerated.
The love of law and sense of obedience
and submission to tbe- lawfully . consti
tuted tribunals are Imbedded ' In the
hearts of our people, and any viola
tion of these sentiments and disregard of
their obligations Jwtly arouses publla
condemnation. The guaranties of life, lib
erty and of civil rights should be faithfully
upheld; the right of trial by Jury re
spected and defended. The rule of the
courts should assure the public of the
prompt trial of those charged with crim
inal offense, and upon conviction the pun
ishment should be commensurate with
the enormity of the crime. Those who
In disregard of law and public peace,
unwilling to await the judgment of court
and jury, constitute themselves judges
and executioners should not escape the
severest penalties of their crimes.
Extending; the Classified Service.
The executive order of May 6, 1896, ex
tending the limits of the classified serv
ice, brought within the operation of the
civil service law and rules nearly all of
the executive civil service not previously
classified. Some of the Inclusions were
found wholly illogical and unsulted to
the work of the several departments. The
application of the rules to many of the
places so included was found - to result
in friction and embarrassment. After long
and very thorough consideration, it be
came evident to the heads of the depart
ments responsible for their efficiency that
in order to remove these difficulties and
promote an efficient and harmonious ad
ministration, certain amendments were
necessary. These amendments were pro
mulgated by me in executive order dated
May 29, 1899.
Anniversary of Washington's Death.
The 14th of December will be the one
hundredth anniversary of the death of
Washington. For a hundred years the re
public has had the priceless advantage
of the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he bequeathed to tbe
American people. It is an inheritance
which time, instead of wasting, "continu
ally Increases and enriches. We may
justly hope that in the years to come the
benignant influence of the father of bis
country may be even more potent for
good than in the century which is draw
ing to a close. I have been glad to learn
that in many parts of the country the
people will fittingly observe this historic
anniversary.
Responsibilities of Congress.
Presented to this congress are great op
portunities. With them come ereat re-
sponsibilitles. The power confided to us
increases the weight of our obligations to
the people, and we must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which confront
us. Aiming only at the public good, we
cannot err. A right Interpretation of the
people's will and of duty cannot fail to
Insure wise measures (or the welfare of
the islands which have come under the
authority of the United States, and lnurs
to the common Interest and lasting honor
of our country.
Never has this nation had more abun
dant cause than during the past year for
thankfulness to God for manifold bless
ing and mercies, for which wa make
reverent acknowledgment.
' , WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
I MS OF IItK
From All Parts of the New
World and the Old.
OF INTEREST TO OUR READERS
Comprehensive Review of the Import
ant Happenings of the Past Week
CnUed From the Telegraph Columns,
Lawton has reached Bayombong.
. The battle of Graspan was . the first
battle fought on Free State territory.
The internal revenue collected in
Oregon the last fiscal year amounted
to 1413,775.
Troops in Cuba are to be removed.
General Wood has given his approva!
of such action. . .
Secretary Gage will probably con
tinue the purchase of government bondt
for another month or more.
Ex-Collector of Customs Thomas J.
Black, died suddenly of heart troubl.
and asthma at Portland, Or.
: Four blocks of business houses were
laid in ashes in Philadelphia. The
total loss is estimated at $3,000,000.
. The iron and steel trade is rathei
quiet in some linos, but prices are
holding up, and scarcity is predicted.
President McKinley is considering a
plan for dividing Cuba into two parts
and placing Geanels W. Wood and Lud
low in charge.
The Oregon, Samara and Callao,
with 160 bluejackets and marines cap
tured the port of Vigan, province of
south Slicos, uotrh of Manila,
American manufacturers are selling
to the outside world over $100,000,000
worth of iron and steel in excess of any
earlier year in their history.
General Methuen, in command ol
the British forces, was slightly wound
ed at Modder river. Colonel Northcoti
and Lieutenant-Colonel Stopford were
killed.
The great Thanksgiving football
game at Portland between the Mult
nomahs and the Olympics, of San Fran
cisco, . resulted in a tie, neither side
scoring. -
Eight thousand Boers were defeated
by General Methruen in the hottest
battle of the war. The fight took
place at Modder river and lasted 10
hours. v
Great Britain has protested vigorous
ly to this government against the or
ganization of . expeditions here, in
tended, presumably, for the assistance
oi the Boers, v .. . ' -
The Vanderbilts now have the B. &
O. They have also acquired Morgan
holdings in the Big Four and Cheas
peake & Ohko. : This is a combination
not contemplated. :. :J
Lightship No. 50, whose station is at
the mouth of the Columbia, after vicis
situdes probably never experienced be
fore by a' lightship, , is ashore on Mc
Kenzie head, between Cape Disappoint
ment and North head light) and will
probably be a total loss. - Her ciew of
eight men were rescued by the breeches
buoy.. ; . :.:
Richard Croker says Tammany will
support Bryan.
Chicago ' is after the Republican na
tional convention.
Admiral Dewey believes war in the
Philippines is practically over.
New Zealand's government is stock
ing up the island with . American game
birds. . :-' ' .''";" t . ,
Great Britain now realizes that the
war is real and seeks expression of neu
trality. - ,
Bert Bepineff, of Nashville, Term.,
won the six-day wheel race at St.
Louis.- i'.. .
The transports Elder and Belgian
King are now out of the government
service.
It is expected to have an all-trolley
line from Portland, Me., to Boston opes
by spring.
. If Goebel is given a certificate of
election martial law will be declared
in Kentucky.
Whalers are preparing to go out
again. Expense of the business has
increased 40 per cent over last year.
General Methuen's second battle' in
the advance to relief of Kimberley re
sulted in the loss of nearly 200 British
soldiers.
The Pacific Mail Company is charter
ing tramp steamers to replace these
chartered by the government for trans
port service.
The Knights of Labor will depart
from their time-honored custom and
take a hand in politics. It also' con
templates establishing schools for itt
members.
A manufacturer of wine asserted be
fore a senate committee that 50 per
cent of the imported wines are Ameri
can wines sent abroad, doctored and
sent back. .
The Puget Sound Can Company ha
incorporated under the laws of New
Jersey, capital $200,000; Oregon Can
Company, $200,000, and California Can
Company, $200,000.
The descendants of Queen Victoria
now number 71. She has seven sons
and daughters living, 33 grandchildren
and 3 great-grandchildren.
Fritz Eloff, one of President Kruger's
50 grandchildren, bears the honorary
title of lieutenant, despite the fact
that he is only 4 years old.
Mrs. Roger Wolcott, of Boston, haif
given an imposing monument to Pep
perell, Mass., in memory of the men
of that town who fought . at Bunker
Hill.
Rev. Dr. Henry S. Stimson, of Man
hattan Congregational church, New
York, at a gathering of churcenhm
raised a missonary collectiion of $-'99
000 in 66 minutes.
General Baez, who was exiled 23
years ago, has arrived in San Domingo.
The partisans of the present government
who want Baez as the head of a power
ful party, summoned him to return. " '
George H. Daniels, general passenger,
agent of the New York Central rail
road, is reported to be at the head of a
movement to abolish the practice of:
"tipping" the porters on sleeping cars.
LATER NEWS.
The British transport Iemore was
driven ashore near Cape Town. .
Private Merritt, of Battery B, com
mitted suicide at San Francisco.
Archbishop Chapelle will sail for
Manila on the transport Sherman.
Thirty-eight wheelmen started in a
six-days' bicycle race in New York.
General Methuen is believed to have
resumed the advance to Kimbereley.
Four vessels from Brazil are quaran
tined in New York for fear of plague..
The schooner Eureka, on the beach
near Coquille river, will be a total loss.
After 32 days the Glory of the Seas
has arrived at 'Frisco from Puget
Sound.
Five persons at a Thanksgiving party
in Medford, Or., had a combined ago
of 376 years.
The postmaster at Cape Nome reports
to Washington that the district is as
rich as is represented.
Mr. Taylor, of Ohio, objected to the
swearing in of Roberts, of Utah, as
soon as congress opened.
A big log boom gave away at Che
halis and 2,000,000 feet of logs are
afloat in Gray's harbor.
' Appropriations for the three state
scohols in Oregon are running short
and the schools may have to quit.
The United States supreme court has
declared that a combination of pipe
manufacturers is unconstitutional.
Owing to the death of Vice-President
Hobart, the president's message
was not sent to congress on Monday.
Section men on the Southern Pacific
near Milwaukie, Or., struck because
they could not go home , to meals and
lodging. ;'' "'.''' "'
Eastern woolen mills have bought
1,250,000 pounds of wool in St. Louis
at one sale. It is the biggest sale ever
made in the West. ,
The latest report from the Modder
river ; camp says the Boers were not
driven to retreat, but marched away in
the night after the battle.
Among the river and harbor improve
ments eestimatd for under 'continuous
contracts on which the sum asked for
is $100,000 or more are the following:
Oakland, Cal., harbor, $180,000; San
Francisco harbor, $170,000; San Pedro
habor, $200,000; Everett, Wash., har
bor, $150,000; Gray's harbor, Wash.,
$345,000. Also the following river
and harobr improvements: Mouth of
Brazos river, Tex.,; $220,000; lower
Willamette river below Portland, Or.,
$200,000; Columbia river at the cas
cades, . Oregon, ; $125,000; waterway
connecting Lakes Union and Washing
ton, $100,000. , s .
The Samoan " treaty . was signed at
Washington. ' ' 1 "
' This year's hop product of Washing
ton amounts to 33,083 bales. . .
The new Austrian budget provides
for a consul-general in Chicago.
The tone of the Japanese press on the
war in the Transvaal is decidedly pro
British. ; " '. '
Genreal Joe Wheeler writes that the
Filipino, war is being prolonged by the
antis in this country. .
.The British railway - companies have
agreed to convey free to the port of em
barkation, all. books, papers and peri
odicals intended for use of the troops
engaged in South Africa.
At the caucuses held in Washington
the democrats chose James D. Richard
son, of Tennessee, as their candidate
tor the speakership. The republicans
nominated David B. Henderson, of
Iowa.
General Leonard Wood will be the
master of all Cuba under the direction
of the president until, the time comes
when congress takes action by provid
ing a new , civil government for the
island. . - , . - .
The Hernandez revolution is gaining
ground in Venezuela from day to day,
and is supported by leading members
of the financial and commercial worlds,
who supply the revolutionists with all
the arms and money they need.
The British dead and wounded at the
hard-.foueht battle of Modder river
numbered hundreds. The war depart
ment has given out the information
that the total ' number of causualties
was 452, and the- number killed, 73.
The Boer loss was slight.
Bubonic plague has made its entry
into Japan, five undoubted cases having
been reported at Kobe, three already
proving fatal. The pest is traced to
cotton .imported from China. Much
dismay prevails in the infected city
and the most drastic measures are be
ing taken by the authorities.
: According to late advices the great
drought in.. Australia was broken in
October. Terrific storms followed) do
ing great damage, epecially to build
ings. The Adamstown Roman Catholio
school, in which 40 children were as
sembled, collapsed. : One scholar was
killed and two others seriously injured.
It has been definitely settled that the
auditing department of the Oregon
Short Line is to be brought ' under the
supervision of Auditor Erastus Young,
of the Union Pacific, and all accounts
for both lines audited at Omaha. It
is also rumored that the O. R. & N.
auditing department . is soon to follow
in the wake of the Short Line.
Mrs. McKinley has made over 4,000
pairs of knit slippers for charitable in
stitutions.' . '
: Former Senator Davis, of West Vir
ginia, is to present the state with an
orphan asylum.
Hiram Cronk, of Ogdensburg, N. Y.,
is 99 years old and the last survivor of
the Mexican war.
Harry J. MacDonald, - who died Li
New York recently, was the son of . a
native African king.
" The gifts of John D. Rockefeller to
the city of Cleveland, now amount to
the surprising sum of $1,000,500.
Admiral Dewey's wife has many
friends among Washington's poor peo
ple because of her liberal charity. '.
A Paris journal estimates the public
debt of France at 82,757,000,000
francs, or about $6,550,000,000, the
largest national debt in the world.
Because tbe supreme lodge has de
cided to rerate old members, thereby
increasing the assessments, the Knights
and Ladies of Honor in New Jersey are
talking of secession,
THE FIFTY-SIXTH CONGRESS
Senate Adjourned Early as a
Mark of Respect.
HENDERSON ELECTED SPEAKER
Objection Bailed to Roberts Taking the
Oath and Action Postponrd Fending
Report of Special Committee,
Washington, Dec. 5. Appropriate
tribute to the memory of the late Vice
President Hobart was paid by the sen
ate today at its first session of the 56th
congress Monday. Tho session lasted
only 83 minutes, and only the most
formal and necessary business was tran
sacted. After the adoption of the usual
routine resolutions and the administra
tion to the new members of the oath of
office, Sewell (Rep. N. J.) presented
fitting resolutions upon the death of
the vice-president, the resolutions were
ordered to be communicated to the
house oi representatives, and the ses
sion, on motion of Kean (Rep. N. J.)
was suspended.
Ab usual on the opening days of con
gress, the senate chamber was a verita
ble conservatory. Pending the actual
convention of the senate, the chamber
presented a most animated and pictur
esque scene. The galleries were filled
with a brilliant and distinguished aud
ience. Two protests were filed, one against
the seating of Quay and the other
against Clark, of Montana. .
In the Home.
Washington, Dec. 6. Enormous
crowds witnessed the opening scenes in
the house yesterday. The principal
interest centered in the disposition of
Roberts,' the Mormon representative
from Utah. Those who anticipated a
sensational denoument were disappoints
ed. The programme outlined by the
nepu oilcan leaaers ' ixieir comerence
Friday night was partially carried out. ,
The objection to the administration of
the oath to Roberts was entered by
Tayler, of Ohio, as predicted, and he
stepped aside without protest except to
ask if by doing so he waived any of his
rights. To this the speaker responded
in t.h neirative. There was not a mo-
test from any quarter against the objec
tion to the administration of the oath
to Roberts, but on the contrary the only
voice raised, except that of Tayler, was
that of McRae. a Demcorat of Arkan-
tin a nrlin lninoil xiti t"Vi Tavlflr in Ilia rrm-
test. Tayler offered his resolution to
refer the case to a special committee,
and by mutual arrangement the consid
eration of the resolution was postponed
until tomorrow, in order that the rou
tine business in connection with the
organization might be transacted today.
' Although Roberts was not sworn in
today, he secured a seat. This was by
an accident, pure and simple. In the
seat-drawing lottery, no provision had
been made for Roberts, but when the
drawing was completed two others, as
well as himself, had not been provided
with seats, and the speaker asked and
seoured from the house permission for
thnaa mAmhersi who had not drawn
seats to make such selections as they
could. Under this authority, Roberts
got a seat in an obscure portion of the
hall. His daughter sat in the gallery
and watched the proceedings from be
ginning to end. .
: After the election of Speaker Hen
derson and his induction into office,
the appointment of the usual commit
tees to wait upon the president, the
seat-drawing contest, with the usual
amusing features, went off . without a
hitch. The only feature out of the or
dinary was the reception of the Reed
rules as the rules for the present con
gress. They were adopted by a strict
party vote.
Seldom, if ever, have such enormous
crowds swarmed around the house- to
witness the opening scenes of the ses
sion as besieged the doors today. -
Very early in the day a monster peti
tion, said to consist of 7,000,000
names, protesting against the seating
of Roberts, was brought into the hall.
It had been collected by the New York
Journal. It consisted of 28 rolls of
names, each about two feet in diam
eter, encased in the American flag.
These rolls were stacked up in the area
in front of the clerk's desk and were
viewed with great curiosity.
COAL MINERS STRIKE.
Women .Use Gnns and Knives to Drive
Men From 'Work.
Cheyenee, Wyo., Deo. 6. A week
ago 600 miners employed in the mines
of the Diamondville Coal & Coke Com
pany, at Diamondville, Wyo., struck
for an increase in wages. Their de
mands were refused, and a small force
of non-union men went to work. At
an early hour this morning a mob of
300 women and girls, armed with guns,
knives, clubs and stones, marched to
the mines and compelled the operators
to flee.
The miners at work were dragged
from the mines and also driven away. .
Several were injured by being struck
with clubs, and one man was shot at,
presumably by one of the "number of
strikers concealed near the mines. The
small force of deputies guarding the
company's property was powerless.
The miners have been importing
arms and ammunition and more trou
ble is looked for. ,
Caught In a Cave-In.
Denver, Dec. 4. By a cave-in at the
excavation for a sewer at Thirty-fourth
and Downing avenues this evening,
several laborers were buried. . The bod
ies of George Holts, O. A. Carlson and
Henry Nelson, have been taken out.
It is not known how many were in the
trench, but the foreman believes all
are accounted for.
. Masons will Celebrate.
Washington, Deo. 6. Arrangements
are about completed for the Masonio
celebration of the centennial of the
death of "Worshipful Master George
Washington, on December 14. Large
numbers of Masons from all over the
United States and from Canada are ex
pected to attend.
1; Peruvian Cabinet Crisis. ,
Lama. .Peru. Dec. 5.. via (ralvanfavn.
Owing to the attitude of the chamber
01 deputies, tne members of the cabinet
have tendered their' resignations to the
president.