At the threshold of your deliberations you are called to mourn with your countrymen the death of Vice-President Hobart, who passed from this life on the morning of November 21 last. His great soul now rests in eternal peace. His private life was pure and elevated. while his public career was ever distinguished by large capacity, stainless integrity, and exalted motives. He has been removed from the high office which he honored and dignified, but his lofty character, his devotion to duty, his honesty of purpose, and noble virtues remain with us as a priceless legacy and example. The Fifty-sixth Congress convenes in its first regular session with the country in a condition of unusual prosperity, of universal good will among the people at home, and in relations of peace and friendship with every government of the world. Our foreign commerce has shown great increase in volume and value. The combined imports and exports for the year are the largest ever shown by a single year in all our history. Our exports for 1899 alone exceeded by more than a billion dollars 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 58 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 $784,776,142. Of manufactured products we exported in value $339,592,146, being larger than any previous year. It is a noteworthy fact that the only years in all our history when the products of our manufactories sold abroad exceeded those bought abroad were 1898 and 1899. Government receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, including $11,798,314,14, part payment of the Central Pacific Railroad indebtedness, aggregated $610,982,004.35. Customs receipts were $206,128,481.75, and those from internal revenue $273,437,161.51. For the fiscal year 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 expenditures will aggregate $600,958,112, leaving a surplus of $40,000,000. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, the internal-revenue receipts were increased about $100,000,000. The present gratifying strength of the Treasury is shown by the fact that on December 1, 1899, the available cash balance was $278,004,837.72, Of which $239,744,905.36 was in gold coin and bullion. The conditions of confidence which prevail throughout the country have brought gold into more general use and customs receipts are now almost entirely paid in that coin. The strong position of the Treasury with respect to cash on band and the favorable showing made by the revenues have made it possible for the Secretary of the Treasury to take action under the provisions of section 3694, Revised Statutes, relating to the sinking fund. Receipts exceeded expenditures for the first five months of the current fiscal year by $13,413,389.91, and, as mentioned above, the Secretary of the Treasury estimates that there will be a surplus of approximately $40,000,000 at the end of the year. Under such conditions it was deemed advisable and proper to resume compliance with the provisions of the sinking-fund law, which for eight years has not been done because of deficiencies in the revenues. The Treasury Department therefore offered to purchase during November $25,000,000 of the 5 per cent loan of 1904, or the 4 per cent funded loan of 1907, at the current market price. The amount offered and purchased during November was $18,408,600. The premium paid by the Government on such purchases was $2,263,521 and the net saving in interest was about $2,885,000. The success of this operation was sufficient to induce the Government to continue the offer to purchase bonds to and including the 23d day of December, instant, unless the remainder of the $25,000,000 called for should be presented in the meantime for redemption Increased activity in industry, with its welcome attendant--a larger employment for labor at higher wages--gives to the body of the people a larger power to absorb the circulating medium. It is further true that year by year, with larger areas of land under cultivation, the increasing volume of agricultural products, cotton, corn, and wheat, calls for a larger volume of money supply. This is especially noticeable at the crop-harvesting and crop-moving period. In its earlier history the National Banking Act seemed to prove a reasonable avenue through which needful additions to the circulation could from time to time be made. Changing conditions have apparently rendered it now inoperative to that end. The high margin in bond securities required, resulting from large premiums which Government bonds command in the market, or the tax on note issues, or both operating together, appear to be the influences which impair its public utility. The attention of Congress is respectfully invited to this important matter, with the view of ascertaining whether or not such reasonable modifications can be made in the National Banking Act as will render its service in the particulars here referred to more responsive to the people's needs. I again urge that national banks be authorized to organize with a capital of $25,000. I urgently recommend that to support the existing gold standard, and to maintain "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 with the duty to sell United States bonds and to employ such other effective means as may be necessary to these ends. The authority should include the power to sell bonds on long and short time, as conditions 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 Government to meet all its obligations in the money which the civilized world recognizes as the best. The financial transactions of the Government are conducted upon a gold basis. We receive gold when we sell United States bonds and use gold for their payment. We are maintaining the parity of all the money issued or coined by authority of the Government. We are doing these things with the means at hand. Happily at the present time we are not compelled to resort to loans to supply gold. It has been done in the past, however, and may have to be done in the future. It behooves us, therefore, to provide at once the best means to meet the emergency when it arises, and the best means are those which are the most certain and economical. Those now authorized have the virtue neither of directness nor economy. We have already eliminated one of the causes of our financial plight and embarrassment during the years 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896. Our receipts now equal our expenditures; deficient revenues no longer create alarm Let us remove the only remaining cause by conferring the full and necessary power on the Secretary of the Treasury and impose upon him the duty to uphold the present gold standard and preserve the coins of the two metals on a parity with each other, which is the repeatedly declared policy of the United States. In this connection I repeat my former recommendations that a portion of the gold holdings shall be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks shall be redeemed upon presentation, but when once redeemed shall not thereafter be paid out except for gold. The value of an American merchant marine to the extension of our commercial trade and the strengthening of our power upon the sea invites the immediate action of the Congress. Our national development will be one-sided and unsatisfactory so long as the remarkable growth of our inland industries remains unaccompanied by progress on the seas. There is no lack of constitutional authority for legislation which shall give to the country maritime strength commensurate with its industrial achievements and with its rank among the nations of the earth, The past year has recorded exceptional activity in our shipyards. and the promises of continual prosperity in shipbuilding are abundant. Advanced legislation for the protection of our seamen has been enacted. Our coast trade, under regulations wisely framed at the beginning of the Government 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 home and blind ourselves to the necessity of securing our share in the valuable carrying 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 dependence 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 East and West Indies had to obtain from foreign flags merchant vessels essential for those operations. The other great nations have not hesitated to adopt the required means to develop their shipping as a factor in national defense and as one of the surest and speediest means of obtaining for their producers a share in foreign markets. Like vigilance and effort on our part cannot fail to improve our situation, which is regarded with humiliation at home and with surprise abroad. Even the seeming sacrifices, which at the beginning may be involved, will be offset later by more than equivalent gains. The expense is as nothing compared to the advantage to be achieved. The reestablishment of our merchant marine involves in a large measure our continued industrial progress and the extension of our commercial triumphs. I am satisfied the judgment of the country favors the policy of aid to our merchant marine, which will broaden our commerce and markets and upbuild our sea-carrying capacity for the products of agriculture and manufacture; which, with the increase of our Navy, mean more work and wages to our countrymen, as well as a safeguard to American interests in every part of the world. 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 used and consumed by the people, are justly provoking public discussion, and should early claim the attention of the Congress. The Industrial Commission, created by the act of the Congress of June 18, 1898, has been engaged in extended hearings upon the disputed questions involved in the subject of combinations in restraint of trade and competition. They have not yet completed their investigation of this subject, and the conclusions and recommendations at which they may arrive are undetermined. The subject is one giving rise to many divergent views as to the nature and variety or cause and extent of the 111juries to the public which may result from large combinations concentrating more or less numerous enterprises and establishments, which previously 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 kind of merchandise or commodity necessary to the general community, by suppressing natural and ordinary competition, 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 remedy for the evils involved in such organizations. If the present law can be extended more certainly to control or check these monopolies or trusts, it should be done without delay. Whatever power the Congress possesses over this most important subject should be promptly ascertained and asserted. President Harrison in his annual message of December 3, 1889, says: Earnest attention should be given by Congress to a consideration of the question how far the restraint of those combinations of capital commonly called 11 trusts" is matter of Federal jurisdiction. When organized, as they often are, to crush out all 'healthy competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general necessity they are dangerous conspiracies against the public good, and should be made the subject of prohibitory and even penal legislation. An act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies was passed by Congress on the 2d of July, 1890. The provisions of this statute are comprehensive and stringent. It declares every contract or combination, in the form of a trust or otherwise, or conspiracy in the restraint of trade or commerce among the several States or with foreign nations, to be unlawful. It denominates as a criminal every person who makes any such contract or engages in any such combination or conspiracy, and provides a punishment by fine or imprisonment. It invests the several circuit courts of the United States with jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of the act, and makes it the duty of the several United States district attorneys, under the direction of the Attorney General, to institute proceedings in equity to prevent and restrain such violations. It further confers upon any person who shall be injured in his business or property by any other person or corporation by reason of anything forbidden or declared to be unlawful by the act, the power to sue therefore in any circuit court of the United States without respect to the amount in controversy, and to recover threefold the damages by him sustained and the costs of the suit, including reasonable attorney fees. It will be perceived that the act is aimed at every kind of combination in the nature of a trust or monopoly in restraint of interstate or international commerce. The prosecution by the United States of offenses under the act of 1890 has been frequently resorted to in the Federal courts, and notable efforts in the restraint of interstate commerce, such as the Trans-Missouri Freight Association and the joint Traffic Association, have been successfully opposed and suppressed. President Cleveland in his annual message of December 7, 1896 -- more than six years subsequent to the enactment of this law -- after stating the evils of these trust combinations, says: Though Congress has attempted to deal with this matter by legislation, the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective, not because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them, but simply because the laws themselves as interpreted by the courts do not reach the difficulty. If the insufficiencies of existing laws can be remedied by further legislation, it should be done. The fact must be recognized, however, that all Federal legislation on this subject may fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles, and also because of the complex character of our governmental system, which, while making the Federal authority supreme within its sphere, has carefully limited that sphere by metes and bounds which cannot be transgressed. The decision of our highest court on this precise question renders it quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts and monopolies may be adequately treated through Federal action, unless they seek directly and purposely to include in their objects transportation or intercourse between States or between the United States and foreign countries. It does not follow, however, that this is the limit of the remedy that may be applied. Even though it may be found that Federal authority is not broad enough to fully reach the case, there can be no doubt of the power of the several States to act effectively in the premises, and there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously exercise such power. The State legislation to which President Cleveland looked for relief from the evils of trusts has failed to accomplish fully that object. This is probably due to a great extent to the fact that different States take different views as to the proper way to discriminate between evil and injurious combinations and those associations which are beneficial and necessary to the business prosperity of the country. The great diversity of treatment in different States arising from this cause and the intimate relations of all parts of the country to each other without regarding State lines in the conduct of business have made the enforcement of State laws difficult. 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 of its 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 the Congress, resulting in wise and judicious action. A review of our relations with foreign States is presented with such recommendations as are deemed appropriate. The long-pending boundary dispute between the Argentine Republic and Chile was settled in March last by the award of an arbitral commission, on which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres served as umpire. Progress has been made toward the conclusion of a convention of extradition with the Argentine Republic. Having been advised and consented to by the United States Senate and ratified by Argentina, it only awaits the adjustment of some slight changes in the text before exchange. In my last annual message I adverted to the claim of the Austro-Hungarian Government for indemnity for the killing of certain Austrian and Hungarian subjects by the authorities of the State of Pennsylvania, at Lattimer, while suppressing 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 established doctrine that the Government may not be held accountable for injuries suffered by individuals at the hands of the public authorities while acting in the line of duty in suppressing disturbance of the public peace, this Government, after due consideration of the claim advanced by the Austro-Hungarian Government, was constrained to decline liability to indemnify 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. Having been invited by Belgium to participate in a congress, held at Brussels, to revise the provisions of the general act Of July 2, 1890, for the repression of the African slave trade, to which the United States was a signatory party, this Government preferred not to be represented by a plenipotentiary, but reserved the right of accession to the result. Notable changes were made, those especially concerning this country being in the line of the increased restriction of the deleterious trade in spirituous liquors with the native tribes, which this Government has from the outset urgently advocated. The amended general act will be laid before the Senate, with a view to its advice and consent. Early in the year the peace of Bolivia was disturbed by a successful insurrection. The United States minister remained at his post, attending to the American interests in that quarter, and using besides his good offices for the protection of the interests of British subjects in the absence of their national representative. On the establishment of the new Government, our minister was directed to enter into relations therewith. General Pando was elected President of Bolivia on October 23. Our representative has been instructed to use all permissible friendly endeavors to induce the Government of Bolivia to amend its marriage laws so as to give legal status to the non-Catholic and civil marriages of aliens within its jurisdiction, and strong hopes are entertained that the Bolivian law in this regard will be brought, as was that of Peru some years ago, into harmony with the general practice of modern States. A convention of extradition with Brazil, signed May 14, 1897, has been rati6ed by the Brazilian Legislature. During the past summer two national ships of the United States have visited Brazilian ports on a friendly mission and been cordially received. The voyage of the Wilininglon up the Amazon River gave rise to a passing misunderstanding, owing to confusion in obtaining permission to visit the interior and make surveys in the general interest of navigation, but the incident found a ready adjustment in harmony with the close relations of amity which this Government has always sedulously sought to cultivate with the commonwealths of the Western Continent. The claim growing out of the seizure of the American-owned newspaper "The Panama Star and Herald" by the authorities of Colombia has been settled, after a controversy of several years, by an agreement assessing at $30,000 the indemnity to be paid by the Colombian Government, in three installments of $10,000 each. The good will of Colombia toward our country has been testified anew by the cordial extension of facilities to the Nicaraguan Canal Commission in their approaching investigation of the Panama Canal and other projected routes across the Isthmus of Darien. Toward the end of October an insurrectionary disturbance developed in the Colombian Republic. This movement has thus far not attained any decisive result and is still in progress. Discussion of the questions raised by the action of Denmark in imposing restrictions on the importation of American meats has continued without substantial result in our favor. The neighboring island Republic of Santo Domingo has lately been the scene of revolution, following a long period of tranquility. It began with the killing of President Heureaux in July last, and culminated in the relinquishment by the succeeding Vice-President of the reins of government to the insurgents. The first act of the provisional government was the calling of a presidential and constituent election. Juan Isidro Jimenez, having been elected President, was inaugurated on the 14th of November. Relations have been entered into with the newly established Government. The experimental association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador, tinder the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, when apparently on the threshold of a complete federal organization by the adoption of a constitution and the formation of a national legislature, was disrupted in the last days of November, 1898, by the withdrawal of Salvador. Thereupon Nicaragua and Honduras abandoned the joint compact, each resuming its former independent sovereignty. This was followed by the reception of Minister Merry by the Republics of Nicaragua and Salvador, while Minister Hunter in turn presented his credentials to the Government of Honduras, thus reverting to the old distribution of the diplomatic agencies of the United States in Central America for which our existing statutes provide. A Nicaraguan envoy has been accredited to the United States. An insurrectionary movement, under General Reyes, broke out at Eluefields in February last, and for a time exercised actual control in the Mosquito Territory. The Detroit was promptly sent thither for the protection of American interests. After a few weeks the Reyes government renounced the conflict, giving place to the restored supremacy of Nicaragua. During the interregnum certain public dues accruing under Nicaraguan law were collected from American merchants by the authorities for the time being in effective administrative control. Upon the titular government regaining power, a second payment of these dues was demanded. Controversy arose touching the validity of the original payment of the debt to the de facto regent of the territory. An arrangement was effected in April last by the United States minister and the foreign secretary of Nicaragua whereby the amounts of the duplicate payments were deposited with the British consul pending an adjustment of the matter by direct agreement between the Governments of the United States and Nicaragua. The controversy is still unsettled. The contract of the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua was declared forfeited by the Nicaraguan Government on the Tenth of October, on the ground of nonfulfillment within the ten years' 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 consideration. 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 bad been engaged upon the work of examination and survey for a ship-canal route across Nicaragua, having completed its labors and made its report, was dissolved on May P, and on June To 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 determining the most practicable and feasible route for a ship canal across that Isthmus, with its probable cost, and other essential details. This Commission, under the presidency of Rear-Admiral John G. Walker, U. S. N. (retired), entered promptly upon the work intrusted to it, and is now carrying on examinations in Nicaragua along the route of the Panama Canal, and in Darien from the Atlantic, in the neighborhood of the Atrato River, to the Bay of Panama, on the Pacific 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 made at the earliest practicable date. The great importance of this work cannot 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. A pleasing incident in the relations of this Government with that of Chile occurred in the generous assistance given to the war ship Newark when in distress in Chilean waters. Not alone in this way has the friendly disposition of Chile found expression. That country has acceded to the convention for the establishment of the Bureau of the American Republics, in which organization every independent State of the continent now shares. The exchange of ratifications of a convention for the revival of the United States and Chilean Claims Commission and for the adjudication of claims heretofore presented but not determined during the life of the previous Commission has been delayed by reason of the necessity for fresh action by the Chilean Senate upon the amendments attached to the ratification of the treaty by the United States Senate. This formality is soon to be accomplished. In view of disturbances in the populous provinces of northern China, where are many of our citizens, and of the imminence of disorder near the capital and toward the seaboard, a guard of marines was landed from the Boston and stationed during last winter in the legation compound at Peking. With the restoration of order this protection was withdrawn. The interests of our citizens in that vast Empire have not been neglected during the past year. Adequate protection has been secured for our missionaries and some injuries to their property have been redressed. American capital has sought and found various opportunities of competing to carry out the internal improvements which the Imperial Government is wisely encouraging, and to develop the natural resources of the Empire. Our trade with China has continued to grow, and our commercial rights under existing treaties have been everywhere maintained during the past year, as they will be in the future. The extension of the area open to international foreign settlement at Shanghai and the opening of the ports of Nanking, Tsing-tao (Kiao chao), and Ta-lien-wan to foreign trade and settlement will doubtless afford American enterprise additional facilities and new fields, of which it will not be slow to take advantage. In my message to Congress of December 5, 1898, 1 urged that the recommendation which had been made to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of June, z898, for an appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities for, and obstacles to, the enlargement of markets in China for the raw products and manufactures of the United States, should receive at your hands the consideration which its importance and timeliness merited, but the Congress failed to take action. I now renew this recommendation, as the importance of the subject has steadily grown since it was first submitted to you, and no time should be lost in studying for ourselves the resources of this great field for American trade and enterprise. The death of President Faure in February last called forth those sincere expressions of sympathy which befit the relations of two Republics as closely allied by unbroken historic ties as are the United States and France. Preparations for the representation of the industries, arts, and products of the United States at the World's Exposition to be held in Paris next year continue on an elaborate and comprehensive scale, thanks to the generous appropriation provided by Congress and to the friendly interest the French Government has shown in furthering a typical exhibit of American progress. There has been allotted to the United States a considerable addition of space, which, while placing our country in the first rant among exhibitors, does not suffice to meet the increasingly urgent demands of our manufacturers. The efforts of the Commissioner General are ably directed toward a strictly representative display of all that most characteristically marks American achievement in the inventive arts, and most adequately shows the excellence of our natural productions. In this age of keen rivalry among nations for mastery in commerce, the doctrine of evolution and the rule of the survival of the fittest must be as inexorable in their operation as they are positive in the results they bring about. The place won in the struggle by an industrial people can only be held by unrelaxed endeavor and constant advance in achievement. The present extraordinary impetus in every line of American exportation and the astounding increase in the volume and value of our share in the world's markets may not be attributed to accidental conditions. The reasons are not far to seek. They lie deep in our national character and find expression year by year in every branch of handicraft, in every new device whereby the materials we so abundantly produce are subdued to the artisan's will and made to yield the largest, most practical, and most beneficial return. The American exhibit at Paris should, and I am confident will, be an open volume, whose lessons of skillfully directed endeavor, unfaltering energy, and consummate performance may be read by all on every page, thus spreading abroad a clearer knowledge of the worth of our productions and the justice of our claim to an important place in the marts of the world. To accomplish this by judicious selection, by recognition of paramount merit in whatever walk of trade or manufacture it may appear, and by orderly classification and attractive installation is the task of our Commission. The United States Government building is approaching completion, and no effort will be spared to make it worthy, in beauty of architectural plan and in completeness of display, to represent our nation. It has been suggested that a permanent building of similar or appropriate design be erected on a convenient site, already given by the municipality, near the exposition grounds, to serve in commemoration of the part taken by this country in this great enterprise, as an American National Institute, for our countrymen resorting to Paris for study. I am informed by our Commissioner-General that we shall have in the American sections at Paris over 7,000 exhibitors, from every State ill our country, a number ten times as great as those which were represented at Vienna in 1873, six times as many as those in Paris in 1878, and four times as many as those who exhibited in Paris in 1889. This statement does not include the exhibits from either Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii, for which arrangements have been made. A number of important international congresses on special topics affecting public interests are proposed to be held in Paris next summer in connection with the exposition. Effort will be made to have the several technical branches of our administration efficiently represented at those conferences, each in its special line, and to procure the largest possible concourse of State representatives, particularly at the Congresses of Public Charity and Medicine. Our relations with Germany continue to be most cordial. The increasing intimacy of direct association has been marked during the year by the granting permission in April for the landing on our shores of a cable from Borkum Emden, on the North Sea, by way of the Azores, and also by the conclusion on September 2 of a Parcels Post Convention with the German Empire. In all that promises closer relations of intercourse and commerce and a better understanding between two races having so many traits in common, Germany can be assured of the most cordial cooperation of this Government and people. We may be rivals in many material paths, but our rivalry should be generous and open, ever aiming toward the attainment of larger results and the mutually beneficial advancement of each in the line of its especial adaptabilities. The several governments of the Empire seem reluctant to admit the natural excellence of our food productions and to accept the evidence we constantly tender of the care with which their purity is guarded by rigid inspection from the farm, through the slaughterhouse and the packing establishments, to the port of shipment. Our system of control over exported food staples invites examination from any quarter and challenges respect by its efficient thoroughness. It is to be hoped that in time the two Governments will act in common accord toward the realization of their common purpose to safeguard the public health and to insure the purity and wholesomeness of all food products imported by either country from the other. Were the Congress to authorize an invitation to Germany, in connection with the pending reciprocity negotiations, for the constitution of a joint commission of scientific experts and practical men of affairs to conduct a searching investigation of food production and exportation in both countries and report to their respective legislatures for the adoption of such remedial measures as they might recommend for either, the way might be opened for the desirable result indicated. Efforts to obtain for American life insurance companies a full hearing as to their business operations in Prussia have, after several years of patient representation, happily succeeded, and one of the most important American companies has been granted a concession to continue business in that Kingdom. I am also glad to announce that the German insurance companies have been readmitted by the superintendent of insurance to do business in the State of New York. Subsequent to the exchange of our peace treaty with Spain, Germany acquired the Caroline Islands by purchase, paying therefore $5,000,000. Assurances have been received from the German Government that the rights of American missionaries and traders there will be considerately observed. In my last annual message I referred to the pending negotiations with Great Britain 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 twelve subjects, among which were the questions of the fur seals, the fisheries of the coast and contiguous inland waters, the Alaskan boundary, the transit of merchandise in bond, the alien labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity in trade, revision of the agreement respecting naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a more complete marking of parts of the 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 Alaskan, boundary. In the failure of an agreement as to the meaning of Articles III and IV of the treaty of 1825 between Russia and Great Britain, which defined the boundary between Alaska and Canada, the American Commissioners proposed that the subject of the boundary be laid aside, and that the remaining questions of difference be proceeded 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 attention which its importance demands, with the result that a modus vivendi for provisional demarcations 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 agreement for the establishment and delimitation of a permanent boundary. Apart from these questions growing out of our relationship with our northern neighbor, the most friendly disposition and ready agreement have marked the discussion of numerous matters arising in the vast and intimate intercourse of the United States with Great Britain. This Government has maintained an attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between Great Britain and the Boer States of Africa. We have remained faithful to the precept of avoiding entangling 'alliances as to affairs not of our direct concern. Had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kindly expression of the hope of the American people that 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 American interests be respected by the combatants. This has been an easy task in view of the positive declarations of both British and Boer authorities that the personal and property rights of our citizens 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 discharge of this function, I am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been afforded to show the impartiality of this Government toward both the combatants. For the fourth time in the present decade, question has arisen with the Government of Italy in regard to the lynching of Italian subjects. The latest of these deplorable events occurred at Tallulah, Louisiana, whereby five unfortunates of Italian origin were taken from jail and hanged. The authorities of the State and a representative of the Italian Embassy having separately investigated the occurrence, with discrepant results, particularly as to the alleged citizenship of the victims, and it not appearing that the State had been able to discover and punish the violators of the law, an independent investigation has been set on foot, through the agency of the Department of State, and is still in progress. The result will enable the Executive to treat the question with the Government of Italy it) a spirit of fairness and justice. A satisfactory solution will doubtless be reached. The recurrence of these distressing manifestations of blind mob fury directed at dependents or natives of a foreign country suggests that the contingency has arisen for action by Congress in the direction of conferring upon the Federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the Federal Government may be involved. The suggestion is not new. In his annual message of December 9, 1891, my predecessor, President Harrison, said: It would, I believe, be entirely competent for Congress to make offenses against the treaty rights of foreigners domiciled in the United States cognizable in the Federal courts. This has not, however, been done, and the Federal officers and courts have no power in such cases to intervene either for the protection of a foreign citizen or for the punishment of his slayers. It seems to me to follow, in this state of the law, that the officers of the State charged with police and judicial powers in such cases must, in the consideration of international questions growing out of such incidents, be regarded in such sense as Federal agents as to make this Government answerable for their acts in cases where it would be answerable if the United States had used its constitutional power to define and punish crimes against treaty rights. A bill to provide for the punishment of violations of treaty rights of aliens was introduced in the Senate March 1, 1892, and reported favorably March 30. Having doubtless in view the language of that part of Article III of the treaty of February 26, 1871, between the United States and Italy, which stipulates that " The citizens of each of the high contracting parties shall receive, in the States and Territories of the other, most constant protection and security for their persons and property, and shall enjoy in this respect the same rights and privileges as are or shall be granted to the natives, on their submitting themselves to the conditions imposed upon the natives," the bill so introduced and reported provided that any act committed in any State or Territory of the United States in violation of the rights of a citizen or subject of a foreign country secured to such citizen or subject by treaty between the United States and such foreign country and constituting a crime under the laws of the State or Territory shall constitute a like crime against the United States and be cognizable in the Federal courts. No action was taken by Congress in the matter. I earnestly recommend that the subject be taken tip anew and acted upon during the present session. The necessity for some such provision abundantly appears. Precedent for constituting a Federal jurisdiction in criminal cases where aliens are sufferers is rationally deducible from the existing statute, which gives to the district and circuit courts of the United States jurisdiction of civil suits brought by aliens where the amount involved exceeds a certain sum. If such jealous solicitude be shown for alien rights in cases of merely civil and pecuniary import, how much greater should be the public duty to take cognizance of matters affecting the lives and the rights of aliens tinder the settled principles of international law no less than under treaty stipulation, in cases of such transcendent wrong. doing as mob murder, especially when experience has shown that local justice is too often helpless to punish the offenders. After many years of endeavor on the part of this Government to that end the Italian Government has consented to enter into negotiations for a naturalization convention, having for one of its objects the regulation of the status of Italians (except those of an age for active military service) who, having been naturalized in the United States, may revisit Italy. It is hoped that with the mutually conciliatory spirit displayed a successful conclusion will be reached. The treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and Japan on November 22, 1894, took effect in accordance with the terms of its XIXth Article on the 17th of July last, simultaneously with the enforcement of like treaties with the other powers, except France, whose convention did not go into operation until August 4, the United States being, however, granted up to that date all the privileges and rights accorded to French citizens under the old French treaty. By this notable conventional reform Japan's position as a fully independent sovereign power is assured, control being gained of taxation, customs revenues, judicial administration, coasting trade, and all other domestic functions of government, and foreign extra-territorial rights being renounced. Comprehensive codes of civil and criminal procedure according to western methods, public instruction, patents and copyrights, municipal administration, including jurisdiction over the former foreign settlements, customs tariffs and procedure, public health, and other administrative measures have been proclaimed. The working of the new system has given rise to no material complaints on the part of the American citizens or interests, a circumstance which attests the ripe consideration with which the change has been prepared. Valuable assistance was rendered by the Japanese authorities to the United States transport ship Morgan City while stranded at Kobe. Permission has been granted to land and pasture army horses at Japanese ports of call on the way to the Philippine Islands. These kindly evidences of good will are highly appreciated. The Japanese Government has shown a lively interest in the proposition of the Pacific Cable Company to add to its projected cable lines to Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines a branch connection with the coast of Japan. It would be a gratifying consummation were the utility of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bringing Japan and the United States into direct telegraphic relation. Without repeating the observations of my special message of February 10, 1899, concerning the necessity of a cable to Manila. I respectfully invite attention to it. I recommend that, in case the Congress should not take measures to bring about this result by direct action of the Government, the Postmaster General be authorized to invite competitive bids for the establishment of a cable; the company making the best responsible bid to be awarded the contract; the successful company to give ample bonds to insure the completion of the work within a reasonable time. The year has been marked by constant increase in the intimacy of our relations with Mexico and in the magnitude of mutually advantageous interchanges. This Government has omitted no opportunity to show its strong desire to develop and perpetuate the ties of cordiality now so long happily unbroken. Following the termination on January 20, 1899, by Mexico of the convention of extradition of December 11, 1861, a new treaty more in accordance with the ascertained needs of both countries was signed February 22, 1899, and exchanged in the City of Mexico on the 22d of April last. Its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory. A recent case has served to test the application of its IVth Article, which provides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own citizens, but that the executive authority of each shall have the power to deliver them up if in its discretion it be deemed proper to do so. The extradition of Mrs. Mattie Rich, a citizen of the United States, charged with homicide committed in Mexico, was after mature consideration directed by me in the conviction that the ends of justice would be thereby subserved. Similar action, on appropriate occasion, by the Mexican Executive will not only tend to accomplish the desire of both Governments that grave crimes go not unpunished, but also to repress lawlessness along the border of the two countries. The new treaty stipulates that neither Government shall assume jurisdiction in the punishment of crimes committed exclusively within the territory of the other. This will obviate in future the embarrassing controversies which have heretofore arisen through Mexico's assertion of a claim to try and punish an American citizen for an offense committed within the jurisdiction of the United States. The International Water Boundary Commission, organized by the convention of March 1, 1889, for the adjustment of questions affecting the Rio Grande frontier, has not yet completed its labors. A further extension of its term for one year, until December 24, 1899, was effected by a convention signed December z, 1898, and exchanged and proclaimed in February last. An invitation extended to the President of Mexico to visit Chicago in October, on the occasion of laying the corner stone of the United States Government building in that city, was cordially accepted by him, with the necessary consent of the Mexican Congress, but the illness of a member of his family prevented his attendance. The Minister of Foreign Relations, however, came as the personal representative of President Diaz, and in that high character was duly honored. Claims growing out of the seizure of American sealing vessels in Bering Sea have been under discussion with the Government of Russia for several years, with the recent happy result of an agreement to submit them to the decision of a single arbitrator. By this act Russia affords proof of her adherence to the beneficent principle of arbitration which her plenipotentiaries conspicuously favored at The Hague Disarmament Conference when it was advocated by the representatives of the United States. A suggestion for a permanent exposition of our products and manufactures in Russia, although not yet fully shaped, has been so cordially welcomed by the Imperial Government that it may not inaptly take a fitting place in whatever legislation the Congress may adopt looking to enlargement of our commercial opportunities abroad. Important events have occurred in the Samoan Islands. The election, according to the laws and customs of Samoa, of a successor to the late King, Malietoa Laupepa, developed a contest as to the validity of the result, which issue, by the terms of the General Act, was to be decided by the Chief justice. Upon his rendering a judgment in favor of Malietoa Tanu, the rival chief, Mataafa, took up arms. The active intervention of American and British war ships became imperative to restore order, at the cost of sanguinary encounters. In this emergency a joint commission of representatives of the United States, Germany, and Great Britain was sent to Samoa to investigate the situation and provide a temporary remedy. By its active efforts a peaceful solution was reached for the time being, the kingship being abolished and a provisional government established. Recommendations unanimously made by the commission for a permanent adjustment of the Samoan question were taken under consideration by the three powers parties to the General Act. But the more they were examined the more evident it became that a radical change was necessary in the relations of the powers to Samoa. The inconveniences and possible perils of the tripartite scheme of supervision and control in the Samoan group by powers having little interest in common in that quarter beyond commercial rivalry had been once more emphasized by the recent events. The suggested remedy of the joint Commission, like the scheme it aimed to replace amounted to what has been styled a tridominium, being the exercise of the functions of sovereignty by an unanimous agreement of three powers. The situation had become far more intricate and embarrassing from every point of view than it was when my predecessor, in 1894, summed up its perplexities and condemned the participation in it of the United States. The arrangement under which Samoa was administered had proved impracticable and unacceptable to all the powers concerned. To withdraw from the agreement and abandon the islands to Germany and Great Britain would not be compatible with our interests in the archipelago. To relinquish our rights in the harbor of Pago Pago, the best anchorage in the Pacific, the occupancy of which had been leased to the United States in 1878 by the first foreign treaty ever concluded by Samoa, was not to be thought of either as regards the needs of our Navy or the interests of our growing commerce with the East. We could not have considered any proposition for the abrogation of the tripartite control which did not confirm us in all our rights and safeguard all our national interests in the islands. Our views commended themselves to the other powers. A satisfactory arrangement was concluded between the Governments of Germany and of England, by virtue of which England retired from Samoa in view of compensations in other directions, and both powers renounced in favor of the United States all their rights and claims over and in respect to that portion of the group lying to the east of the one hundred and seventy-first degree of west longitude, embracing the islands of Tutuila, Ofoo, Olosenga, and Manua. I transmit to the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a convention, which besides the provisions above mentioned also guarantees us the same privileges and conditions in respect to commerce and commercial vessels in all of the islands of Samoa as those possessed by Germany. Claims have been preferred by white residents of Samoa on account of injuries alleged to have been suffered through the acts of the treaty Governments in putting down the late disturbances. A convention has been made between the three powers for the investigation and settlement of these claims by a neutral arbitrator, to which the attention of the Senate will be invited. My annual message of last year was necessarily devoted, in great part to a consideration of the Spanish War and of the results it wrought and the conditions it imposed for the future. I am gratified to announce that the treaty of peace has restored friendly relations between the two powers. Effect has been given to its most important provisions. The evacuation of Puerto Rico having already been accomplished on the x8th of October, 1898, nothing remained necessary there but to continue the provisional military control of the island until the Congress should enact a suitable government for the ceded territory. Of the character and scope of the measures to that end I shall treat in another 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 inhabitants, maintaining, under the direction of the Executive, such government and control therein as should conserve public order, restore the productive conditions of peace so 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 realized 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 disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over Cuba, except for the pacification thereof, and asserted its determination when that was accomplished to leave the government and control 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 administrative measures adopted in Cuba have aimed to fit it for a regenerated existence by enforcing the supremacy of law and justice; by placing wherever practicable the machinery of administration in the hands of the inhabitants; by instituting needed sanitary reforms; by spreading education; by fostering industry and trade; by inculcating public morality, and, in short, by taking every rational step to aid 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 obligation. This nation has assumed before the world a grave responsibility for the future 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 those ties shall be organic or conventional, the destinies of Cuba are in some rightful form and manner irrevocably 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 mission, to accomplish which we took up the wager of battle, is not to be fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely framed commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which too often attend weaker States whose natural wealth and abundant resources are offset by the incongruities of their political organization and the recurring occasions for internal rivalries to sap their strength and dissipate their energies. The greatest blessing which can come to Cuba is the restoration of her agricultural 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 August last an order was made for the taking of the census in the island, to be completed on the 3oth of November. By the treaty of peace the Spanish people on the island have until April 11, 1900, to elect whether they will remain citizens of Spain or become citizens of Cuba. Until then it cannot be definitely ascertained who shall be entitled to participate in the formation of the government of Cuba. By that time the results of the census will have been tabulated and we shall proceed to provide for elections which will commit the municipal governments of the island to the officers elected by the people. The experience thus acquired will prove of great value in the formation of a representative convention of the people to draft a constitution and establish a general system of independent government for the island. In the meantime and so long as we exercise control over the island the products of Cuba should have a market in the United States on as good terms and with as favorable rates of duty as are given to the West India Islands under treaties of reciprocity which shall be made. For the relief of the distressed in the island of Cuba the War Department has issued supplies to destitute persons through the officers of the Army, which have amounted to 5,493,ooo rations, at a cost Of $1,417,554.07. To promote the disarmament of the Cuban volunteer army, and in the interest of public peace and the welfare of the people, the sum Of $75 was paid to each Cuban soldier borne upon the authenticated rolls, on condition that he should deposit his arms with the authorities designated by the United States. The sum thus disbursed aggregated $2,547,750, which was paid from the emergency fund provided by the act of January 5, 1899, for that purpose. Out of the Cuban island revenues during the six months ending June 30, 1899, $1,712,014.20 was expended for sanitation, $293,881.70 for charities and hospitals, and $88,944.03 for aid to the destitute. Following the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace the two Governments accredited ministers to each other, Spain sending to Washington the Duke of Arcos, an eminent diplomatist, previously stationed in Mexico, while the United States transferred to Madrid Hon. Bellamy Storer, its minister at Brussels. This was followed by the respective appointment of consuls, thereby fully resuming the relations interrupted by the war. In addition to its consular representation in the United States, the Spanish Government has appointed consuls for Cuba, who have been provisionally recognized during the military administration of the affairs of that island. Judicial intercourse between the courts of Cuba and Puerto Rico and of Spain has been established, as provided by the treaty of peace. The Cuban political prisoners in Spanish penal stations have been and are being released and returned to their homes, in accordance with Article VI of the treaty. Negotiations are about to be had for defining the conventional relations between the two countries, which fell into abeyance by reason of the war. I trust that these will include a favorable arrangement for commercial reciprocity under the terms of sections 3 and 4 of the current tariff act. In these, as in all matters of international concern, no effort will be spared to respond to the good disposition of Spain, and to cultivate in all practicable ways the intimacy which should prevail between two nations whose past history has so often and in so many ways been marked by sincere friendship and by community of interests. I would recommend appropriate legislation in order to carry into execution Article VII of the Treaty of Peace with Spain, by which the United States assured the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. The United States minister to Turkey continues, under instructions, to press for a money payment in satisfaction of the just claims for injuries suffered by American citizens in the disorders of several years past and for wrongs done to them by the Ottoman authorities. Some of these claims are of many years' standing. This Government is hopeful of a general agreement in this regard. In the Turkish Empire the situation of our citizens remains unsatisfactory. Our efforts during nearly forty years to bring about a convention of naturalization seem to be on the brink of final failure through the announced policy of the Ottoman Porte to refuse recognition of the alien status of native Turkish subjects naturalized abroad since 1867. Our statutes do not allow this Government to admit any distinction between the treatment of native and naturalized Americans abroad, so that ceaseless controversy arises in cases where persons owing in the eye of international law a dual allegiance are prevented from entering Turkey or are expelled after entrance. Our law in this regard contrasts with that of the European States. The British act, for instance, does not claim effect for the naturalization of an alien in the event of his return to his native country, unless the change be recognized by the law of that country or stipulated by treaty between it and the naturalizing State. The arbitrary treatment, in some instances, of American productions in Turkey has attracted attention of late, notably in regard to our flour. Large shipments by the recently opened direct steamship line to Turkish ports have been denied entrance on the score that, although of standard composition and unquestioned purity, the flour was pernicious to health because of deficient “elasticity” as indicated by antiquated and untrustworthy tests. Upon due protest by the American minister, and it appearing that the act was a virtual discrimination against our product, the shipments in question were admitted. In these, as in all instances, wherever occurring, when American products may be subjected in a foreign country, upon specious pretexts, to discrimination compared with the like products of another country, this Government will use its earnest efforts to secure fair and equal treatment for its citizens and their goods. Failing this, it will not hesitate to apply whatever corrective may be provided by the statutes. The International Commission of Arbitration, appointed under the Anglo-Venezuelan treaty of 1897, rendered an award on October 3 last, whereby the boundary line between Venezuela and British Guiana is determined, thus ending a controversy which has existed for the greater part of the century. The award, as to which the arbitrators were unanimous, while not meeting the extreme contention of either party, gives to Great Britain a large share of the interior territory in dispute and to Venezuela the entire mouth of the Orinoco, including Barima Point and the Caribbean littoral for some distance to the eastward. The decision appears to be equally satisfactory to both parties. Venezuela has once more undergone a revolution. The insurgents, under General Castro, after a sanguinary engagement in which they suffered much loss, rallied in the mountainous interior and advanced toward the capital. The bulk of the army having sided with the movement, President Andrade quitted Caracas, where General Castro set up a provisional government with which our minister and the representatives of other powers entered into diplomatic relations on the 20th of November, 1899. The fourth section of the Tariff Act approved July 24, x897, appears to provide only for commercial treaties which should be entered into by the President and also ratified by the Senate within two years from its passage. Owing to delays inevitable in negotiations of this nature, none of the treaties initiated under that section could be concluded in time for ratification by the Senate prior to its adjournment on the 4th of March last. Some of the pending negotiations, however, were near conclusion at that time, and the resulting conventions have since been signed by the plenipotentiaries. Others, within both the third and fourth sections of the act, are still under consideration. Acting under the constitutional power of the Executive in respect to treaties, I have deemed it my duty, while observing the limitations of concession provided by the fourth section, to bring to a conclusion all pending negotiations, and submit them to the Senate for its advice and consent. Conventions of reciprocity have been signed during the Congressional recess with Great Britain for the respective colonies of British Guiana, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos Islands, and with the Republic of Nicaragua. Important reciprocal conventions have also been concluded with France and with the Argentine Republic. In my last annual message the progress noted in the work of the diplomatic and consular officers in collecting information as to the industries and commerce of other countries, and in the care and promptitude with which their reports are printed and distributed, has continued during the past year, with increasingly valuable results in suggesting new sources of demand for American products and in pointing out the obstacles still to be overcome in facilitating the remarkable expansion of our foreign trade. It will doubtless be gratifying to Congress to learn that the various agencies of the Department of State are co-operating in these endeavors with a zeal and effectiveness which are not only receiving the cordial recognition of our business interests, but are exciting the emulation of other Governments. In any rearrangement of the great and complicated work of obtaining official data of an economic character which Congress may undertake it is most important, in my judgment, that the results already secured by the efforts of the Department of State should be carefully considered with a view to a judicious development and increased utility to our export trade. The interest taken by the various States forming the International Union of American Republics in the work of its organic bureau is evidenced by the fact that for the first time since its creation in i8go all the Republics of South and Central America are now represented in it. The unanimous recommendation of the International American Conference, providing for the International Union of American Republics, stated that it should continue in force during a term of ten years from the date of its organization, and no country becoming a member of the union should cease to be a member until the end of said period of ten years, and unless twelve months before the expiration of said period a majority of the members of the union had given to the Secretary of State of the United States official notice of their wish to terminate the union at the end of its first period, that the union should continue to be maintained for another period of ten years, and thereafter, under the same conditions, for successive periods of ten years each. The period for notification expired on July 14, 1899, without any of the members having given the necessary notice of withdrawal. Its maintenance is therefore assured for the next ten years. In view of this fact and of the numerous questions of general interest and common benefit to all of the Republics of America, some of which were considered by the first International American Conference, but not finally settled, and others which have since then grown to importance, it would seem expedient that the various Republics constituting the Union should be invited to hold at an early date another conference in the capital of one of the countries other than the United States, which has already enjoyed this honor. The purely international character of the work being done by the bureau and the appreciation of its value are further emphasized by the active co-operation which the various Governments of the Latin. American Republics and their diplomatic representatives in this capital are now exhibiting and the zealous endeavors they are making to extend its field of usefulness, to promote through it commercial intercourse, and strengthen the bonds of amity and confidence between its various members and the nations of this continent. The act to encourage the holding of the Pan-Amencan Exposition on the Niagara frontier, within the county of Erie or Niagara, in the State of New York, in the year 1901, was approved on March 3, 1899. This exposition, which will be held in the city of Buffalo, in the near vicinity of the great Niagara cataract, and within a day's journey of which reside 40, 000, 000 Of our people, will be confined entirely to the Western Hemisphere. Satisfactory assurances have already been given by the diplomatic representatives of Great Britain, Mexico, the Central and South American Republics, and most of the States of the United States that these countries and States will make an unique, interesting, and instructive exhibit, peculiarly illustrative of their material progress during the century which is about to close. The law provides an appropriation Of $500,000 for the purpose of making an exhibit at the exposition by the Government of the United States from its Executive Departments and from the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, the Department of Labor, and the Bureau of the American Republics. To secure a complete and harmonious arrangement of this Government exhibit a board of management has already been created, and charged with the selection, purchase, preparation, transportation, arrangement, and safe-keeping of the articles and materials to be exhibited. This board has been organized and has already entered upon the performance of its duties, as provided for by the law I have every reason to hope and believe that this exposition will tend more firmly to cement the cordial relations between the nations on this continent. In accordance with an act of Congress approved December 21, 1898, and under the auspices of the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, a most interesting and valuable exposition of products and manufactures especially adapted to export trade was held in Philadelphia from the 14th of September to the 1st of December, 1899. The representative character of the exhibits and the widespread interest manifested in the special objects of the undertaking afford renewed encouragement to those who look confidently to the steady growth of our enlarged exportation of manufactured goods, which has been the most remarkable fact in the economic development of the United States in recent years. A feature of this exposition which is likely to become of permanent and increasing utility to our industries is the collection of samples of merchandise produced in various countries with special reference to particular markets, providing practical object lessons to United States manufacturers as to qualities, styles, and prices of goods such as meet the special demands of consumers and may be exported with advantage. In connection with the exposition an International Commercial Congress was held, upon the invitation of the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, transmitted by the Department of State to the various foreign Governments, for an exchange of information and opinions with the view to the promotion of international trade. This invitation met with general and cordial acceptance, and the Congress, which began its sessions at the exposition on the 13th of October proved to be of great practical importance, from the fact that it developed a general recognition of the interdependence of nations in trade and a most gratifying spirit of accommodation with reference to the gradual removal of existing impediments to reciprocal relations, without injury to the industrial interests of either party. In response to the invitation of His Majesty, the Emperor of Russia, delegates from twenty-six countries were assembled at The Hague on the 18th of May, as members of a conference in the interest of peace. The commission from the United States consisted of the Hon. Andrew D. White, the Hon. Seth Low, the Hon. Stanford Newel, Captain Alfred T. Mahan, of the United States Navy, Captain William Crozier, of the United States Army, and the Hon. Frederick W. Holls, secretary. The occasion seemed to be opportune for the serious consideration of a plan for the pacific adjustment of international differences, a subject in which the American people have been deeply interested for many years, and a definite project for a permanent international tribunal was included in the instructions to the delegates of the United States. The final act of the conference includes conventions upon the amelioration of the laws and customs of war on land, the adaptation to maritime warfare of the principles of the Geneva Convention of 1864, and the extension of judicial methods to international cases. The Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Conflicts embodies the leading features of the American plan, with such modifications as were rendered 'necessary by the great diversity of views and interests represented by the delegates. The four titles of the convention provide for the maintenance of general peace, the exercise of good offices and mediation, the formation of commissions of inquiry, and international arbitration. The mediation provided for by the convention is purely voluntary and advisory, and is intended to avoid any invasion or limitation of the sovereign rights of the adhering States. The commissions of inquiry proposed consists of delegations to be specifically constituted for particular purposes by means of conventions between the contesting parties, having for their object the clear understanding of international differences before resorting to the use of force. The provision for arbitration contemplates the formation of a permanent tribunal before which disputed cases may be brought for settlement by the mutual consent of the litigants in each separate case. The advantages of such a permanent tribunal over impromptu commissions of arbitration are conceived to be the actual existence of a competent court, prepared to administer justice, the greater economy resulting from a well-devised system, and the accumulated judicial skill and experience which such a tribunal would soon possess. While earnestly promoting the idea of establishing a permanent international tribunal, the delegation of the United States was not unmindful of the inconveniences which might arise from an obtrusive exercise of mediation, and in signing the convention carefully guarded the historic position of the United States by the following declaration: Nothing contained in this convention shall be so construed as to require the United States of America to depart from its traditional policy of not intruding upon, interfering with, or entangling itself in the political questions or policy or internal administration of any foreign state; nor shall anything contained in the said convention be construed to imply a relinquishment by the United. States of America of its traditional attitude toward purely American questions. Thus interpreted, the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Conflicts may be regarded as realizing the earnest desire of great numbers of American citizens, whose deep sense of justice, expressed in numerous resolutions and memorials, has urged them to labor for this noble achievement. The general character of this convention, already signed by the delegates of more than twenty sovereign States, further commends it to the favorable action of the Senate of the United States, whose ratification it still awaits. Since my last annual message, and in obedience to the acts of the Congress of April 22 and 26, 1898, the remaining volunteer force enlisted for the Spanish War, consisting Of 34,834 regulars and 110,202 volunteers, with over 5,000 volunteer officers, has been discharged from the military service. Of the volunteers, 667 officers and 14,831 men were serving in the Philippines, and 1,650 of the regulars, who were entitled to be mustered out after the ratification of the treaty of peace. They voluntarily remained at the front until their places could be filled by new troops. They were returned home in the order in which they went to Manila, and are now all of them out of the service and in the ranks of citizenship. I recommend that the Congress provide a special medal of honor for the volunteers, regulars, sailors, and marines on duty in the Philippines who voluntarily remained in the service after their terms of enlistment had expired. By the act of March 2, 1899, Congress gave authority to increase the Regular Army to a maximum not exceeding 65,000 enlisted men, and to enlist a force of 5,000 volunteers, to be recruited from the country at large. By virtue of this authority the Regular Army has been increased to the number of 61,999 enlisted men and 2,248 officers, and new volunteer regiments have been organized aggregating 33,05o enlisted men and 1,524 officers. Two of these volunteer regiments are madeup of colored men, with colored line officers. The new troops to take the places of those returning from the Philippines have been transported to Manila to the number of 581 officers and 26,322 enlisted men of the Regular Army and 594 officers and 15,388 enlisted men of the new volunteer force, while 504 officers and 14, 119 men of the volunteer force are on the ocean en route to Manila. The force now in Manila consists Of 905 officers and 30,578 regulars, and 594 officers and 15,388 of the volunteers, making an aggregate of 1,499 officers and 45,966 men. When the troops now under orders shall reach Manila the force in the archipelago will comprise 2,051 officers and 63,483 men. The muster out of the great volunteer army organized for the Spanish War and the creation of a new army, the transportation from Manila to San Francisco of those entitled to discharge and the transportation of the new troops to take their places have been a work of great magnitude well and ably done, for which too much credit cannot be given the War Department. During the past year we have reduced our force in Cuba and Puerto Rico, In Cuba we now have 334 officers and 10,796 enlisted men; In Puerto Rico, 87 officers and 2,855 enlisted men and a battalion of 400 men composed of native Puerto Ricans; while stationed throughout the United States are 910 officers and 17,317 men, and in Hawaii 12 officers and 453 enlisted men. The operations of the Army are fully presented in the report of the Secretary of War. I cannot withhold from officers and men the highest commendation for their soldierly conduct in trying situations, their willing sacrifices for their country, and the integrity and ability with which they have performed unusual and difficult duties in our island possessions. In the organization of the volunteer regiments authorized by the act of March 2, 1899, it was found that no provision had been made for chaplains. This omission was doubtless from inadvertence. I recommend the early authorization for the appointment of one chaplain for each of said regiments. These regiments are now in the Philippines, and it is important that immediate action be had. In restoring peaceful conditions, orderly rule, and civic progress in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and, so far as practicable, in the Philippines, the rehabilitation of the postal service has been an essential and important part of the work. It became necessary to provide mail facilities both for our forces of occupation and for the native population. To meet this requirement has involved a substantial reconstruction. The existing systems were so fragmentary, defective, and inadequate that a new and comprehensive organization had to be created. American trained officials have been assigned to the directing and executive positions, while natives have been chiefly employed in making up the body of the force. In working out this plan the merit rule has been rigorously and faithfully applied. The appointment of Director-General of Posts of Cuba was given to an expert who had been Chief Post-Office Inspector and Assistant Postmaster-General, and who united large experience with administrative capacity. For the postmastership at Havana the range of skilled and available men was scanned, and the choice fell upon one who had been twenty years in the service as deputy postmaster and postmaster of a large city. This principle governed and determined the selection of the American officials sent not only to Cuba, but to Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and they were instructed to apply it so far as practicable in the employment of the natives as minor postmasters and clerks. The postal system in Cuba, though remaining under the general guidance of the Postmaster-General, was made essentially independent. It was felt that it should not be a burden upon the postal service of the United States, and provision was made that any deficit in the postal revenue should be a charge upon the general revenues of the island. Though Puerto Rico and the Philippines hold a different relation to the United States, yet, for convenience of administration, the same principle of an autonomous system has been extended to them. The development of the service in all of the islands has been rapid and successful. It has moved forward on American lines, with free delivery, money order, and registry systems, and has given the people mail facilities far greater and more reliable than any they have ever before enjoyed. It is thus not only a vital agency of industrial, social, and business progress, but an important influence in diffusing a just understanding of the true spirit and character of American administration. The domestic postal service continues to grow with extraordinary rapidity. The expenditures and the revenues will each exceed $100,000,000 during the current year. Fortunately, since the revival of prosperous times the revenues have grown much faster than the expenditures, and there is every indication that a short period will witness the obliteration of the annual deficit. In this connection the report of the Postmaster-General embodies a statement of some evils which have grown up outside of the contemplation of law in the treatment of some classes of mail matter which wrongly exercise the privilege of the pound rate, and shows that if this matter had been properly classified and had paid the rate which it should have paid, instead of a postal deficit for the last fiscal year of $6,610,000, there would have been on one basis a surplus of $17,637,570, and on another Of $5,733,836. The reform thus suggested, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, would not only put the postal service at once on a self-sustaining basis, but would permit great and valuable improvements, and I commend the subject to the consideration of the Congress. The Navy has maintained the spirit and high efficiency which have always characterized that service, and has lost none of the gallantry in heroic action which has signalized its brilliant and glorious past. The Nation has equal pride in its early and later achievements. Its habitual readiness for every emergency has won the confidence and admiration of the country. The people are interested in the continued preparation and prestige of the Navy and will justify liberal appropriations for its maintenance and improvement. The officers have shown peculiar adaptation for the performance of new and delicate duties which our recent war has imposed. It cannot be doubted that Congress will at once make necessary provision for the armor plate for the vessels now under contract and building. Its attention is respectfully called to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, in which the subject is fully presented. I unite in his recommendation that the Congress enact such special legislation as may be necessary to enable the Department to make contracts early in the coming year for armor of the best quality that can be obtained in this country for the Maine, Ohio, and Missouri, and that the provision of the act of March 3, 1899, limiting the price of armor to $300 per ton be removed. In the matter of naval construction Italy and Japan, of the great powers, laid down less tonnage in the year 1899 than this country, and Italy alone has less tonnage under construction. I heartily concur in the recommendations for the increase of the Navy, as suggested by the Secretary. Our future progress and prosperity depend upon our ability to equal, if not surpass, other nations in the enlargement and advance of science, industry, and commerce. To invention we must turn as one of the most powerful aids to the accomplishment of such a result. The attention of the Congress is directed to the report of the Commissioner of Patents, in which will be found valuable suggestions and recommendations. On the 30th of June, 1899, the pension roll of the United States numbered 991,519. These include the pensioners of the Army and Navy in all our wars. The number added to the rolls during the year was 40,991. The number dropped by reason of death, remarriage, minors by legal limitation, failure to claim within three years, and other causes, was 43, 186, and the number of claims disallowed was 107,gig. During the year 89,054 pension certificates were issued, of which 37,077 were for new or original pensions. The amount disbursed for army and navy pensions during the year was $138,355,052.95, which was $1,651,461.61 less than the sum of the appropriations. The Grand Army of the Republic at its recent national encampment held in Philadelphia has brought to my attention and to that of the Congress the wisdom and justice of a modification of the third section of the act of June 27, x8go, which provides pensions for the widows of officers and enlisted men who served ninety days or more during the War of the Rebellion and were honorably discharged, provided that such widows are without other means of sup, port than their daily labor and were married to the soldier, sailor, or marine on account of whose service they claim pension prior to the date of the act. The present holding of the Department is that if the widow's income aside from her daily labor does not exceed in amount what her pension would be, to wit, $96 per annum, she would be deemed to be without other means of support than her daily labor, and would be entitled to a pension under this act; while if the widow's income independent of the amount received by her as the result of her daily labor exceeds $96, she would not be pensionable under the act. I am advised by the Commissioner of Pensions that the amount of the income allowed before title to pension would be barred has varied widely under different administrations of the Pension Office, as well as during different periods of the same administration, and has been the cause of just complaint and criticism. With the approval of the Secretary of the Interior the Commissioner of Pensions recommends that, in order to make the practice at all times uniform and to do justice to the dependent widow, the amount of income allowed independent of the proceeds of her daily labor should be not less than $250 per annum, and he urges that the Congress shall so amend the act as to permit the Pension Office to grant pensionable status to widows under the terms of the third section of the act of June 27, 1890, whose income aside from the proceeds of daily labor is not in excess of $250 per annum. I believe this to be a simple act of justice and heartily recommend it. The Dawes Commission reports that gratifying progress has been made in its work during the preceding year. The field-work of enrollment of four of the nations has been completed. I recommend that Congress at an early day make liberal appropriation for educational purposes in the Indian Territory. In accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1899. the preliminary work in connection with the Twelfth Census is now fully under way. The officers required for the proper administration. of the duties imposed have been selected. The provision for securing a proper enumeration of the population, as well as to secure evidence of the industrial growth of the Nation, is broader and more comprehensive than any similar legislation in the past. The Director advises that every needful effort is being made to push this great work to completion in the time limited by the statute. It is believed that the Twelfth Census will emphasize our remarkable advance in all that pertains to national progress. Under the authority of the act of Congress approved July 7, 1898, the commission consisting of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the Secretary of the Interior has made an agreement of settlement, which has had my approval, of the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the issue of bonds to aid in the construction of the Central Pacific and Western Pacific rail. roads. The agreement secures to the Government the principal and interest of said bonds, amounting to $58,812,715.48. There has been paid thereon $11,762,543.12, which has been covered into the Treasury, and the remainder, payable within ten years, with interest at the rate Of 3 per cent per annum, payable semiannually, is secured by the deposit of an equal amount of first-mortgage bonds of the Pacific Railway companies. The amounts paid and secured to be paid to the Government on account of the Pacific Railroad subsidy claims are: The whole indebtedness was about $130,000,000, more than half of which consisted of accrued interest, for which sum the Government has realized the entire amount less about $6,000,000 within a period of two years. On June 30, 1898, there were thirty forest reservations (exclusive of the Afognak Forest and Fish Culture Reserve in Alaska), embracing an estimated area Of 40,719,474 acres. During the past year two of the existing forest reserves, the Trabuco Canyon (California) and Black Hills (South Dakota and Wyoming), have been considerably enlarged, the area of the Mount Rainier Reserve, in the State of Washington, has been somewhat reduced, and six additional reserves have been established, namely, the San Francisco Mountains (Arizona), the Black Mesa (Arizona), Lake Tahoe (California), Gallatin (Montana), Gila River (New Mexico), and Fish Lake (Utah), the total estimated area of which is 5,205,775 acres. This makes at the present time a total of thirty-six forest reservations, embracing an estimated area Of 46,021,899 acres. This estimated area is the aggregated areas within the boundaries of the reserves. The lands actually reserved are, however, only the vacant public lands therein, and these have been set aside and reserved for sale or settlement in order that they may be of the greatest use to the people. Protection of the national forests, inaugurated by the Department of the Interior in 1897, has been continued during the past year and much has been accomplished in the way of preventing forest fires and the protection of the timber. There are now large tracts covered by forests which will eventually be reserved and set apart for forest uses. Until that can be done Congress should increase the appropriations for the work of protecting the forests. The Department of Agriculture is constantly consulting the needs of producers in all the States and Territories. It is introducing seeds and plants of great value and promoting fuller diversification of crops. Grains, grasses, fruits, legumes, and vegetables are imported for all parts of the United States. Under this encouragement the sugar-beet factory multiplies in the North and far West, semitropical plants are sent to the South, and congenial climates are sought for the choice productions of the far East. The hybridizing of fruit trees and grains is conducted in the search for varieties adapted to exacting conditions. The introduction of tea gardens into the Southern States promises to provide employment for idle hands, as well as to supply the home market with tea. The subject of irrigation where it is of vital importance to the people is being carefully studied, steps are being taken to reclaim injured or abandoned lands, and information for the people along these lines is being printed and distributed. Markets are being sought and opened up for surplus farm and factory products in Europe and in Asia. The outlook for the education of the young farmer through agricultural college and experiment station, with opportunity given to specialize in the Department of Agriculture, is very promising. The people of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands should be helped, by the establishment of experiment stations, to a more scientific knowledge of the production of coffee, India rubber, and other tropical products, for which there is demand in the United States. There is widespread interest in the improvement of our public highways at the present time, and the Department of Agriculture is co-operating with the people in each locality in making the best possible roads from local material and in experimenting with steel tracks. A more intelligent system of managing the forests of the country is being put in operation and a careful study of the whole forestry problem is being conducted throughout the United States. A very extensive and complete exhibit of the agricultural and horticultural products of the United States is being prepared for the Paris Exposition. On the 10th of December, 1898, the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain was signed. It provided, among other things, that Spain should cede to the United States the archipelago known as the Philippine Islands, that the United States should pay to Spain the sum of twenty millions of dollars, and that the civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of the territories thus ceded to the United States should be determined by the Congress. The treaty was ratified by the Senate on the 6th of February, 1899, and by the Government of Spain on the 19th of March following. The ratifications were exchanged on the 11th of April and the treaty publicly proclaimed. On the 2d of March the Congress voted the sum contemplated 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 possession 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 representatives of the people of the United States in both Houses 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 upon the people of that country, " nor upon any party 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 I 7th of August it was directed that 11 there must be no joint occupation with the insurgents "; that the United States must preserve the peace and protect persons and property within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces; that the insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the United States. As early as December 4, before the cession, and in anticipation of that event, the commander in Manila was urged to restore peace and tranquility and to undertake the establishment of a beneficent government, which should afford the fullest security for life and property. On the 21st of December, after the treaty was signed, the commander of the forces of occupation was instructed 11 to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as invaders and conquerors, but as friends to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious rights." On the same day, while ordering General Otis to see that the peace should be preserved in Iloilo, he was admonished that: 11 It is most important that there should be no conflict with the insurgents." On the 1st day of January, 1899, urgent orders were reiterated that the kindly intentions of this Government should be in every possible way communicated to the insurgents. On the 21st of January I announced my intention of dispatching to Manila a commission composed of three gentlemen of the highest character and distinction, thoroughly acquainted with the Orient, who, in association with Admiral Dewey and Major-General Otis, were instructed "to facilitate the most humane and effective extension of authority throughout the islands, and to secure with the least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of life and property to the inhabitants." These gentlemen were Dr. Jacob Gould Schurman, president of Cornell University; the Hon. Charles Denby, for many years minister to China, and Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of the University of Michigan, who had made a most careful study of life in the Philippines. While the treaty of peace was under consideration in the Senate, these Commissioners set out on their mission of good will and liberation. Their character was a sufficient guaranty of the beneficent purpose 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 at Manila the sinister ambition of a few leaders of the Filipinos had created a situation full of embarrassment for us and most grievous in its consequences to themselves. The clear and impartial preliminary report of the Commissioners, which I transmit herewith, gives so lucid and comprehensive a history of the present insurrectionary 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 an 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. The prompt accomplishment of this work by the American Army and Navy gave him other ideas and ambitions, and insidious suggestions from various quarters 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 were taken as a proof of cowardice. The aggressions of the Filipinos continually increased until finally, just before the time set by the Senate of the United States for a vote upon the treaty, an attack, evidently prepared in advance, was made all along the American lines, which resulted in a terribly 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 modern times." It directs that at 8 o'clock on the night of the 15th of February the “territorial militia” shall come together in the streets of San Pedro armed with their bolos, with guns and ammunition where convenient; that Filipino families only shall be respected; but that all other individuals, of whatever race they maybe, shall be exterminated without any compassion, 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." 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. Considerable numbers of armed insurgents entered the city by waterways and swamps and in concert with confederates inside attempted to destroy Manila by fire. They were kept in check during the night and the next day driven out of the city with heavy loss. This was the unhappy condition of affairs which confronted our Commissioners on their arrival in Manila. They had come with the hope and intention of co-operating 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, adventurous, and enthusiastic army. No alternative was left to 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 by force. 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 island either with honor to ourselves or with safety to the inhabitants. The course thus clearly indicated has been unflinchingly pursued. The rebellion 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 assisted by the Navy, has carried on this unwelcome but most righteous campaign with richly deserved success. The noble self-sacrifice with which our soldiers and sailors whose terms of service had expired 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 in our annals. Although their operations have been somewhat interrupted and checked by a rainy season of unusual violence and duration, they have gained ground steadily in every direction, and now look forward confidently to a speedy completion of their task. The unfavorable circumstances connected with an active campaign have not been permitted to interfere with the equally important work of reconstruction. Again I invite your attention to the report of the Commissioners for the interesting and encouraging details of the work already accomplished in the establishment of peace and order and the inauguration of self-governing municipal life in many portions of the archipelago. 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 sovereignty. Its people unreservedly proclaimed allegiance to the United States and adopted a constitution looking to the establishment of a popular government. It was impossible to guarantee to the people 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 exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Congress. The government actually set up by the inhabitants of Negros eventually proved unsatisfactory to the natives themselves. A new system was put into force by order of the Major-General Commanding the Department, of which the following 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 appoint secretaries of the treasury, interior, agriculture, public instruction, an attorney-general, and an auditor. The seat of government was fixed at Bacolod. The military governor exercises the supreme executive power. He is to see that the laws are executed, appoint to office, and fill all vacancies in office not otherwise provided for, and may, with the approval of the military governor of the Philippines, remove any officer from office. The civil governor advises the military governor on all public 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 advisory council consists of eight members elected by the people within territorial limits which are defined in the order of the commanding general. The times and places of holding elections are to be fixed by the military governor of the island of Negros. The qualifications or voters are as follows: (i) A voter must be a male citizen of the island of Negros. (q) Of the age Of 21 years. (3) He shall be able to speak, read, and write the English, Spanish. or Visayan language, or he must aw.12 real property worth $500, or pay a rental on real property of the value of $1,000. (4) He must have resided in the island not less than one year preceding, and in the district in which he offers to register as a voter not less than three months immediately preceding the time he offers to register. (5) He must register at a time fixed by law before voting. (6) Prior to such registration he shall have paid all taxes due by him to the Government. Provided, that no insane person shall be allowed to register or vote. The military governor has the right to veto all bills or resolutions adopted by the advisory council, and his veto is final if not disapproved by the military governor of the Philippines. The advisory council discharges all the ordinary duties of a legislature. The usual duties pertaining to said offices are to be per. formed by the secretaries of the treasury, interior, agriculture, public instruction, the attorney-general, and the auditor. The judicial power is vested in three judges, who are to be appointed by the military governor of the island. Inferior courts are to be established. Free public schools are to be established throughout the populous districts of the island, in which the English language shall be taught, and this subject will receive the careful consideration of the advisory council. The burden of government must be distributed equally and equitably among the people. The military authorities will collect and receive the customs revenue, and will control postal matters and Philippine inter-island trade and commerce. The military governor, subject to the approval of the military governor of the Philippines, determines all questions not specifically provided for and which do not come under the jurisdiction of the advisory council. 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, Brig. Gen. J. C. Bates, United States Volunteers, negotiated an agreement with the Sultan and his principal chiefs, which I transmit herewith. By Article I the sovereignty of the United States over the whole archipelago of Jolo and its dependencies is declared and acknowledged. The United States flag will be used in the archipelago and its dependencies, on land and sea. Piracy is to be suppressed, and the Sultan agrees to co-operate heartily with the United States authorities to that end and to make every possible effort to arrest and bring to justice all persons engaged in piracy. All trade in domestic products of the archipelago of Jolo when carried on with any part of the Philippine Islands and under the American flag shall be free, unlimited, and undutiable. The United States will give full protection to the Sultan in case any foreign nation should attempt to impose upon him. The United States will not sell the island of Jolo or any other island of the Jolo archipelago to any foreign nation without the consent of the Sultan. Salaries for the Sultan and his associates in the administration of the islands have been agreed upon to the amount of $760 monthly. Article X provides that any slave in the archipelago of Jolo shall have the right to purchase freedom by paying to the master the usual market value. The agreement by General Bates was made subject to confirmation by the President and to future modifications by the consent of the parties in interest. I have confirmed said agreement, subject to the action of the Congress, and with the reservation, which I have directed shall be communicated to the Sultan of Jolo, that this agreement is not to be deemed in any way to authorize or give the consent of the United States to the existence of slavery in the Sulu archipelago. I communicate these facts to the Congress for its information and action. Everything indicates that with the speedy suppression of the Tagalo rebellion life in the archipelago will soon resume its ordinary course under the protection of our sovereignty, and the people of those favored 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. The courts are dispensing justice. Business is beginning to circulate in its accustomed channels. Manila, whose inhabitants 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 Commission and the Admiral and Major-General Commanding the Department of the Pacific to assure the people of the beneficent intentions of this Government have had their legitimate effect in convincing the great mass of them that peace and safety and prosperity and stable government can only be found in a loyal acceptance of the authority of the United States. The future government of the Philippines rests with the Congress of the United States. Few graver responsibilities have ever been confided to us. If we accept them in a spirit worthy of our race and our traditions, a 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 cannot 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 could 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 tope, the dawn of a new day of freedom and progress, will have been the beginning of an era of misery and violence worse than any which has darkened their unhappy past. The suggestion has been made that we could renounce our authority over the islands and, giving them independence, could retain a protectorate over them. This proposition will not be found, I am sure, worthy of your serious attention. Such an arrangement would involve at the outset a cruel breach of faith. It would place the peaceable and loyal majority, who ask nothing better than to accept our authority, at the mercy of the minority of armed insurgents. It would make us responsible for the acts of the insurgent leaders and give us no power to control them. It would charge us with the task of protecting them against each other and defending them against any foreign power with which they chose to quarrel. In short, it would take from the Congress of the United States the power of declaring war and vest that tremendous prerogative in the Tagal leader of the hour. It does not seem desirable that I should recommend at this time a specific and 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 inaugurating a permanent scheme of civil government. 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 completed. As long as the insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme. But there is no reason why steps should not be taken from time to time to inaugurate governments essentially popular in their form as fast as territory is held and con. trolled by our troops. To this end I am considering the advisability of the return of the Commission, or such of the members thereof as can be secured, to aid the existing authorities and facilitate this work throughout the islands. I have believed that reconstruction should not begin by the establishment of one central civil government for all the islands, with its seat at Manila, but rather that the work should be commenced by building up from the bottom, first establishing municipal governments and then provincial governments, a central government at last to follow. Until Congress shall have made known the formal expression of its will I shall 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. I shall put at the disposal of the Army and Navy all the means which the liberality of Congress and the people have provided to cause this unprovoked and wasteful insurrection to cease. If any orders of mine were required to insure the merciful conduct of military and naval operations, they would not be lacking; but every step of the progress of our troops has been marked by q humanity which has surprised even the misguided insurgents. The truest kindness to them will be a swift and effective defeat of their present leader. The hour of victory will be the hour of clemency and reconstruction. No effort will be spared to build up the waste places desolated by war and by long years of misgovernment. We shall not wait for the end of strife to begin the beneficent work. We shall continue, as we have begun, to open the schools and the churches, to set the courts in operation, to foster industry and trade and agriculture, and in every way in our power to make these people whom Providence has brought within our jurisdiction feel that it is their liberty and not our power, their welfare and not our gain, we are seeking to enhance. Our flag has never waved over any community but in blessing. I believe the Filipinos will soon recognize the fact that it has not lost its gift of benediction in its world-wide journey to their shores. Some embarrassment in administration has occurred by reason of the peculiar status which the Hawaiian Islands at present occupy under the joint resolution of annexation approved July 7, 1898. While by that resolution the Republic of Hawaii as an independent nation was extinguished, its separate sovereignty destroyed, and its property and possessions vested in the United States, yet a complete establishment for its government under our system was not effected. While the municipal laws of the islands not enacted for the fulfillment of treaties and not inconsistent with the joint resolution or contrary to the Constitution of the United. States or any of its treaties, remain in force, yet these laws relate only to the social and internal affairs of the islands, and do not touch many subjects of importance which are of a broader national character. For example, the Hawaiian Republic was divested of all title to the public lands in the islands, and is not only unable to dispose of lands to settlers desiring to take up homestead sites, but is without power to give complete title in cases where lands have been entered upon under lease or other conditions which carry with them the right to the purchaser, lessee, or settler to have a full title granted to him upon compliance with the conditions prescribed by law or by his particular agreement of entry. Questions of doubt and difficulty have also arisen with reference to the collection of tonnage tax on vessels coming from Hawaiian ports , with reference to the status of Chinese in the islands, their entrance and exit there from; as to patents and copyrights; as to the register of vessels under the navigation laws; as to the necessity of holding elections in accordance with the provisions of the Hawaiian statutes for the choice of various officers, and as to several other matters of detail touching the interests both of the island and of the Federal Government. By the resolution of annexation the President was directed to appoint five commissioners to recommend to Congress such legislation concerning the islands as they should deem necessary or proper. These commissioners were duly appointed and after a careful investigation and study of the system of laws and government prevailing in the islands, and of the conditions existing there, they prepared a bill to provide a government under the title of "The Territory of Hawaii." The report of the Commission, with the bill which they prepared, was transmitted by me to Congress on December 6, 1898, but the bill still awaits final action. The people of these islands are entitled to the benefits and privileges of our Constitution, but in the absence of any act of Congress providing for Federal courts in the islands, and for a procedure by which appeals, writs of error, and other judicial proceedings necessary for the enforcement of civil rights may be prosecuted, they are powerless to secure their enforcement by the judgment of the courts of the United States. It is manifestly important, therefore, that an act shall be passed as speedily as possible erecting these islands into a judicial district, providing for the appointment of a judge and other proper officers and methods of procedure in appellate proceedings, and that the government of this newly acquired territory under the Federal Constitution shall be fully defined and provided for. A necessity for immediate legislative relief exists in the Territory of Alaska. Substantially the only law providing a civil government for this Territory is the act of May 17, 1884. This is meager in its provisions, and is fitted only for the administration of affairs in a country sparsely inhabited by civilized people and unimportant in trade and production, as was Alaska at the time this act was passed. The increase in population by immigration 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. Settlements have grown up in various places, constituting in point of population and business cities of thousands of inhabitants, yet there is no provision of law under which a municipality can be organized or maintained. In some localities the inhabitants have met together and voluntarily formed a municipal organization for the purposes of local government. adopting the form of a municipal constitution and charter, under which said officials have been appointed; and ordinance creating and regulating a police force, a fire department, a department of health, and making provision for the care of the insane and indigent poor and sick and for public schools, have been passed. These proceedings and the ordinances passed by such municipalities are without statutory authority and have no sanction, except as they are maintained by the popular sentiment of the community. There is an entire absence of authority to provide the ordinary instruments of local police control and administration, the population consisting of the usual percentage of lawless adventurers of the class that always flock to new fields of enterprise or discovery, and under circumstances which require more than ordinary provision for the maintenance of peace, good order, and lawful conduct. The whole vast area of Alaska comprises but one judicial district, with one judge, one marshal, and one district attorney, yet the civil and criminal business has more than doubled within the past year, and is many times greater both in volume and importance than it was in 1884. The duties of the judge require him to travel thousands of miles to discharge his judicial duties at the various places designated for that purpose. The Territory should be divided into at least two districts, and an additional judge, district attorney, marshal, and other appropriate officers be provided. There is practically no organized form of government in the Territory. There is no authority, except in Congress, to pass any law, no matter how local or trivial, and the difficulty of conveying to the Congress an adequate conception and understanding of the various needs of the people in the different communities is easily understood. I see no reason why a more complete form of Territorial organization should not be provided. Following the precedent established in the year 1805, when a temporary government was provided for the recently acquired territory, then known under the name of Louisiana, it seems to me that it would be advantageous to confer greater executive power upon the governor and to establish, as was done in the case of the Territory of Louisiana, a legislative council having power to adopt ordinances which shall extend to all the rightful subjects of local legislation, such ordinances not to take effect until reported to and approved by the Congress if in session, and if that body is not in session then by the President. In this manner a system of laws providing for the incorporation and government of towns and cities having a certain population, giving them the power to establish and maintain a system of education to be locally supported, and ordinances providing for police, sanitary, and other such purposes, could be speedily provided. I believe a provision of this kind would be satisfactory to the people of the Territory. It is probable that the area is too vast and the population too scattered and transitory to make it wise at the present time to provide for an elective legislative body, but the conditions calling for local self-government will undoubtedly very soon exist, and will be facilitated by the measures which I have recommended. I recommend that legislation to the same end be had with reference to the government of 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 business, trade, production, and social and private right in general. The cities of the island are governed under charters which probably require very little or no change. So that with relation to matters of local concern and private right, it is not probable that much, if any, legislation is desirable; but with reference to public administration and the relations of the island to the Federal Government, there are many matters which are of pressing urgency. The same necessity exists for legislation on the part of Congress to establish Federal courts and Federal jurisdiction in the island as has been previously pointed out by me with reference to Hawaii. Besides the administration of justice, there are the subjects of the public lands; the control and improvement of rivers and harbors; the control of the waters or streams not navigable, which, under the Spanish law, belonged to the Crown of Spain, and have by the treaty of cession passed to the United States; the immigration of people from foreign countries; the importation of contract labor; the imposition and collection of internal revenue; the application of the navigation laws; the regulation of the current money; the establishment of post-offices and post-roads; the regulation of tariff rates on merchandise imported from the island into the United States; the establishment of ports of entry and delivery; the regulation of patents and copyrights; these, with various other subjects which rest entirely within the power of the Congress, call for careful consideration and immediate action. It must be borne in mind that since the cession Puerto Rico has been denied the principal markets she had long enjoyed and our tariffs have been continued against her products as when she was under Spanish sovereignty. The markets of Spain are closed to her products except upon terms to which the commerce of all nations is subjected. The island of Cuba, which used to buy her cattle and tobacco without customs duties, now imposes the same duties upon those products as from any other country entering her ports. She has therefore lost her free intercourse with Spain and Cuba without any compensating benefits in this 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 products. Our plain duty is to abolish all customs tariffs between the United States and Puerto Rico and give her products free access to our markets. As a result of the hurricane which swept over Puerto Rico on the 8th of August, 1899, over 100,000 people were reduced 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 addition 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 transportation. It is desirable that the government of the island under the law of belligerent right, now maintained through the Executive Department, should be superseded by an administration entirely civil in its nature. For present purposes I recommend that Congress pass a law for the organization of a temporary government, which shall provide for the appointment by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate, of a governor and such other officers as the general ad. ministration of the island may require, and that for legislative purposes upon subjects of a local nature not partaking of a Federal character a legislative council, composed partly of Puerto Ricans and partly of citizens of the United States, shall be nominated and appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate, their acts to be subject to the approval of the Congress or the President prior to going into effect. In the municipalities and other local subdivisions I recommend that the principle of local self-government be applied at once, so as to enable the intelligent citizens of the island to participate in their own government and to learn by practical experience the duties and requirements of a self-contained and self-governing people. I have not thought it wise to commit the entire government of the island to officers selected by the people, because I doubt whether in habits, training, and experience they are such as to fit them to exercise at once so large a degree of self-government; but it is my judgment and expectation that they will soon arrive at an attainment of experience and wisdom and self-control that will justify conferring upon them a much larger participation in the choice of their insular officers. The fundamental requirement for these people, as for all people, is education. The free schoolhouse is the best preceptor for citizenship. In the introduction of modern educational methods care, however, must be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history and racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be given due weight. Systems of education in these new possessions founded upon common-sense methods, adapted to existing conditions and looking to the future moral and industrial advancement of the people, will commend to them in a peculiarly effective manner the blessings of free government. The love of law and the sense of obedience and submission to the lawfully constituted judicial tribunals are embedded in the hearts of our people, and any violation of these sentiments and disregard of their obligations justly arouses public condemnation. The guaranties of life, liberty, and of civil rights should be faithfully upheld, the right of trial by jury respected and defended. The rule of the courts should assure the public of the prompt trial of those charged with criminal offenses, and upon conviction the punishment should be commensurate with the enormity of the crime. Those who, in disregard of law and the public peace, unwilling to await the judgment of court and jury, constitute themselves judges and executioners should not escape the severest penalties for their crimes. What I said in my inaugural address of March 4, 1897, I now repeat: The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States. Courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the laws. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. In accordance with the act of Congress providing for an appropriate national celebration in the year 1900 of the establishment of the seat of Government in the District of Columbia, I have appointed a committee, consisting of the governors of all the States and Territories of the United States, who have been invited to assemble in the city of Washington on the 21st of December, 1899, which, with the committees of the Congress and the District of Columbia, are charged with the proper conduct of this celebration. Congress at its last session appropriated five thousand dollars "to enable the Chief of Engineers of the Army to continue the examination of the subject and to make or secure designs, calculations, and estimates for a memorial bridge from the most convenient point of the Naval Observatory grounds, or adjacent thereto, across the Potomac River to the most convenient point of the Arlington estate property." In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Chief of Engineers has selected four eminent bridge engineers to submit competitive designs for a bridge combining the elements of strength and durability and such architectural embellishment and ornamentation as will fitly apply to the dedication, "A memorial to American patriotism." The designs are now being prepared, and as soon as completed will be submitted to the Congress by the Secretary of War. The proposed bridge would be a convenience to all the people from every part of the country who visit the national cemetery, an ornament to the Capital of the Nation, and forever stand as a monument to American patriotism. I do not doubt that Congress will give to the enterprise still further proof of its favor and approval. The executive order of May 6, 1896, extending the limits of the classified service, 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 unsuited 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 careful consideration, it became evident to the heads of the Departments, responsible for their efficiency, that in order to remove these difficulties and promote an efficient and harmonious administration certain amendments were necessary. These amendments were promulgated by me in executive order dated May 29, 1899. The principal purpose of the order was to except from competitive examination certain places involving fiduciary responsibilities or duties of a strictly confidential, scientific, or executive character which it was thought might better be filled either by noncompetitive examination, or in the discretion of the appointing officer, than by open competition. These places were comparatively few in number. The order provides for the filling of a much larger number of places, mainly in the outside service of the War Department, by what is known as the registration system, under regulations to be approved by the President, similar to those which have produced such admirable results in the navy-yard service. All of the amendments had for their main object a more efficiency and satisfactory administration of the system of appointments established by the civil-service law. The results attained show that under their operation the public service has improved and that the civil service system is relieved of many objectionable features which here tofore subjected it to just criticism and the administrative officers to the charge of unbusinesslike methods in the conduct of public affairs. It is believed that the merit system has been greatly strengthened and its permanence assured. It will be my constant aim in the administration of government in our new possessions to make fitness, character, and merit essential to appointment to office, and to give to the capable and deserving inhabitants preference in appointments. The 14th of December will be the One Hundredth Anniversary of the death of Washington. For a hundred years the Republic has had the priceless advantage of the lofty standard of character and conduct which he bequeathed to the American people. It is an inheritance which time, instead of wasting, continually increases and enriches. We may justly hope that in the years to come the benignant influence of the Father of his Country may be even more potent for good than in the century which is drawing to a close. I have been glad to learn that in many parts of the country the people will fittingly observe this historic anniversary, Presented to this Congress are great opportunities. With them come great responsibilities. The power confided to us increases the weight of our obligations to the people, and we must be profoundly sensible 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 for the welfare of the islands which have come under the authority of the United States, and inure to the common interest and lasting honor of our country. Never has this Nation had more abundant cause than during the past year for thankfulness to God for manifold blessings and mercies, for which we make reverent acknowledgment.
At the threshold of your deliberations you are called to mourn with your countrymen the death of Vice-President Hobart, who passed from this life on the morning of November 21 last. His great soul now rests in eternal peace. His private life was pure and elevated. while his public career was ever distinguished by large capacity, stainless integrity, and exalted motives. He has been removed from the high office which he honored and dignified, but his lofty character, his devotion to duty, his honesty of purpose, and noble virtues remain with us as a priceless legacy and example. The Fifty-sixth Congress convenes in its first regular session with the country in a condition of unusual prosperity, of universal good will among the people at home, and in relations of peace and friendship with every government of the world. Our foreign commerce has shown great increase in volume and value. The combined imports and exports for the year are the largest ever shown by a single year in all our history. Our exports for 1899 alone exceeded by more than a billion dollars 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 58 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 $784,776,142. Of manufactured products we exported in value $339,592,146, being larger than any previous year. It is a noteworthy fact that the only years in all our history when the products of our manufactories sold abroad exceeded those bought abroad were 1898 and 1899. Government receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, including $11,798,314,14, part payment of the Central Pacific Railroad indebtedness, aggregated $610,982,004.35. Customs receipts were $206,128,481.75, and those from internal revenue $273,437,161.51. For the fiscal year 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 expenditures will aggregate $600,958,112, leaving a surplus of $40,000,000. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1899, the internal-revenue receipts were increased about $100,000,000. The present gratifying strength of the Treasury is shown by the fact that on December 1, 1899, the available cash balance was $278,004,837.72, Of which $239,744,905.36 was in gold coin and bullion. The conditions of confidence which prevail throughout the country have brought gold into more general use and customs receipts are now almost entirely paid in that coin. The strong position of the Treasury with respect to cash on band and the favorable showing made by the revenues have made it possible for the Secretary of the Treasury to take action under the provisions of section 3694, Revised Statutes, relating to the sinking fund. Receipts exceeded expenditures for the first five months of the current fiscal year by $13,413,389.91, and, as mentioned above, the Secretary of the Treasury estimates that there will be a surplus of approximately $40,000,000 at the end of the year. Under such conditions it was deemed advisable and proper to resume compliance with the provisions of the sinking-fund law, which for eight years has not been done because of deficiencies in the revenues. The Treasury Department therefore offered to purchase during November $25,000,000 of the 5 per cent loan of 1904, or the 4 per cent funded loan of 1907, at the current market price. The amount offered and purchased during November was $18,408,600. The premium paid by the Government on such purchases was $2,263,521 and the net saving in interest was about $2,885,000. The success of this operation was sufficient to induce the Government to continue the offer to purchase bonds to and including the 23d day of December, instant, unless the remainder of the $25,000,000 called for should be presented in the meantime for redemption Increased activity in industry, with its welcome attendant--a larger employment for labor at higher wages--gives to the body of the people a larger power to absorb the circulating medium. It is further true that year by year, with larger areas of land under cultivation, the increasing volume of agricultural products, cotton, corn, and wheat, calls for a larger volume of money supply. This is especially noticeable at the crop-harvesting and crop-moving period. In its earlier history the National Banking Act seemed to prove a reasonable avenue through which needful additions to the circulation could from time to time be made. Changing conditions have apparently rendered it now inoperative to that end. The high margin in bond securities required, resulting from large premiums which Government bonds command in the market, or the tax on note issues, or both operating together, appear to be the influences which impair its public utility. The attention of Congress is respectfully invited to this important matter, with the view of ascertaining whether or not such reasonable modifications can be made in the National Banking Act as will render its service in the particulars here referred to more responsive to the people's needs. I again urge that national banks be authorized to organize with a capital of $25,000. I urgently recommend that to support the existing gold standard, and to maintain "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 with the duty to sell United States bonds and to employ such other effective means as may be necessary to these ends. The authority should include the power to sell bonds on long and short time, as conditions 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 Government to meet all its obligations in the money which the civilized world recognizes as the best. The financial transactions of the Government are conducted upon a gold basis. We receive gold when we sell United States bonds and use gold for their payment. We are maintaining the parity of all the money issued or coined by authority of the Government. We are doing these things with the means at hand. Happily at the present time we are not compelled to resort to loans to supply gold. It has been done in the past, however, and may have to be done in the future. It behooves us, therefore, to provide at once the best means to meet the emergency when it arises, and the best means are those which are the most certain and economical. Those now authorized have the virtue neither of directness nor economy. We have already eliminated one of the causes of our financial plight and embarrassment during the years 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896. Our receipts now equal our expenditures; deficient revenues no longer create alarm Let us remove the only remaining because by conferring the full and necessary power on the Secretary of the Treasury and impose upon him the duty to uphold the present gold standard and preserve the coins of the two metals on a parity with each other, which is the repeatedly declared policy of the United States. In this connection I repeat my former recommendations that a portion of the gold holdings shall be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks shall be redeemed upon presentation, but when once redeemed shall not thereafter be paid out except for gold. The value of an American merchant marine to the extension of our commercial trade and the strengthening of our power upon the sea invites the immediate action of the Congress. Our national development will be one-sided and unsatisfactory so long as the remarkable growth of our inland industries remains unaccompanied by progress on the seas. There is no lack of constitutional authority for legislation which shall give to the country maritime strength commensurate with its industrial achievements and with its rank among the nations of the earth, The past year has recorded exceptional activity in our shipyards. and the promises of continual prosperity in shipbuilding are abundant. Advanced legislation for the protection of our seamen has been enacted. Our coast trade, under regulations wisely framed at the beginning of the Government 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 home and blind ourselves to the necessity of securing our share in the valuable carrying 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 dependence 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 East and West Indies had to obtain from foreign flags merchant vessels essential for those operations. The other great nations have not hesitated to adopt the required means to develop their shipping as a factor in national defense and as one of the surest and speediest means of obtaining for their producers a share in foreign markets. Like vigilance and effort on our part cannot fail to improve our situation, which is regarded with humiliation at home and with surprise abroad. Even the seeming sacrifices, which at the beginning may be involved, will be offset later by more than equivalent gains. The expense is as nothing compared to the advantage to be achieved. The reestablishment of our merchant marine involves in a large measure our continued industrial progress and the extension of our commercial triumphs. I am satisfied the judgment of the country favors the policy of aid to our merchant marine, which will broaden our commerce and markets and upbuild our sea-carrying capacity for the products of agriculture and manufacture; which, with the increase of our Navy, mean more work and wages to our countrymen, as well as a safeguard to American interests in every part of the world. 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 used and consumed by the people, are justly provoking public discussion, and should early claim the attention of the Congress. The Industrial Commission, created by the act of the Congress of June 18, 1898, has been engaged in extended hearings upon the disputed questions involved in the subject of combinations in restraint of trade and competition. They have not yet completed their investigation of this subject, and the conclusions and recommendations at which they may arrive are undetermined. The subject is one giving rise to many divergent views as to the nature and variety or because and extent of the 111juries to the public which may result from large combinations concentrating more or less numerous enterprises and establishments, which previously 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 kind of merchandise or commodity necessary to the general community, by suppressing natural and ordinary competition, 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 remedy for the evils involved in such organizations. If the present law can be extended more certainly to control or check these monopolies or trusts, it should be done without delay. Whatever power the Congress possesses over this most important subject should be promptly ascertained and asserted. President Harrison in his annual message of December 3, 1889, says: Earnest attention should be given by Congress to a consideration of the question how far the restraint of those combinations of capital commonly called 11 trusts" is matter of Federal jurisdiction. When organized, as they often are, to crush out all 'healthy competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general necessity they are dangerous conspiracies against the public good, and should be made the subject of prohibitory and even penal legislation. An act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies was passed by Congress on the 2d of July, 1890. The provisions of this statute are comprehensive and stringent. It declares every contract or combination, in the form of a trust or otherwise, or conspiracy in the restraint of trade or commerce among the several States or with foreign nations, to be unlawful. It denominates as a criminal every person who makes any such contract or engages in any such combination or conspiracy, and provides a punishment by fine or imprisonment. It invests the several circuit courts of the United States with jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of the act, and makes it the duty of the several United States district attorneys, under the direction of the Attorney General, to institute proceedings in equity to prevent and restrain such violations. It further confers upon any person who shall be injured in his business or property by any other person or corporation by reason of anything forbidden or declared to be unlawful by the act, the power to sue therefore in any circuit court of the United States without respect to the amount in controversy, and to recover threefold the damages by him sustained and the costs of the suit, including reasonable attorney fees. It will be perceived that the act is aimed at every kind of combination in the nature of a trust or monopoly in restraint of interstate or international commerce. The prosecution by the United States of offenses under the act of 1890 has been frequently resorted to in the Federal courts, and notable efforts in the restraint of interstate commerce, such as the Trans-Missouri Freight Association and the joint Traffic Association, have been successfully opposed and suppressed. President Cleveland in his annual message of December 7, 1896 -- more than six years subsequent to the enactment of this law -- after stating the evils of these trust combinations, says: Though Congress has attempted to deal with this matter by legislation, the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective, not because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them, but simply because the laws themselves as interpreted by the courts do not reach the difficulty. If the insufficiencies of existing laws can be remedied by further legislation, it should be done. The fact must be recognized, however, that all Federal legislation on this subject may fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles, and also because of the complex character of our governmental system, which, while making the Federal authority supreme within its sphere, has carefully limited that sphere by metes and bounds which cannot be transgressed. The decision of our highest court on this precise question renders it quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts and monopolies may be adequately treated through Federal action, unless they seek directly and purposely to include in their objects transportation or intercourse between States or between the United States and foreign countries. It does not follow, however, that this is the limit of the remedy that may be applied. Even though it may be found that Federal authority is not broad enough to fully reach the case, there can be no doubt of the power of the several States to act effectively in the premises, and there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously exercise such power. The State legislation to which President Cleveland looked for relief from the evils of trusts has failed to accomplish fully that object. This is probably due to a great extent to the fact that different States take different views as to the proper way to discriminate between evil and injurious combinations and those associations which are beneficial and necessary to the business prosperity of the country. The great diversity of treatment in different States arising from this because and the intimate relations of all parts of the country to each other without regarding State lines in the conduct of business have made the enforcement of State laws difficult. 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 of its 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 the Congress, resulting in wise and judicious action. A review of our relations with foreign States is presented with such recommendations as are deemed appropriate. The long-pending boundary dispute between the Argentine Republic and Chile was settled in March last by the award of an arbitral commission, on which the United States minister at Buenos Ayres served as umpire. Progress has been made toward the conclusion of a convention of extradition with the Argentine Republic. Having been advised and consented to by the United States Senate and ratified by Argentina, it only awaits the adjustment of some slight changes in the text before exchange. In my last annual message I adverted to the claim of the Austro-Hungarian Government for indemnity for the killing of certain Austrian and Hungarian subjects by the authorities of the State of Pennsylvania, at Lattimer, while suppressing 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 established doctrine that the Government may not be held accountable for injuries suffered by individuals at the hands of the public authorities while acting in the line of duty in suppressing disturbance of the public peace, this Government, after due consideration of the claim advanced by the Austro-Hungarian Government, was constrained to decline liability to indemnify 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. Having been invited by Belgium to participate in a congress, held at Brussels, to revise the provisions of the general act Of July 2, 1890, for the repression of the African slave trade, to which the United States was a signatory party, this Government preferred not to be represented by a plenipotentiary, but reserved the right of accession to the result. Notable changes were made, those especially concerning this country being in the line of the increased restriction of the deleterious trade in spirituous liquors with the native tribes, which this Government has from the outset urgently advocated. The amended general act will be laid before the Senate, with a view to its advice and consent. Early in the year the peace of Bolivia was disturbed by a successful insurrection. The United States minister remained at his post, attending to the American interests in that quarter, and using besides his good offices for the protection of the interests of British subjects in the absence of their national representative. On the establishment of the new Government, our minister was directed to enter into relations therewith. General Pando was elected President of Bolivia on October 23. Our representative has been instructed to use all permissible friendly endeavors to induce the Government of Bolivia to amend its marriage laws so as to give legal status to the non-Catholic and civil marriages of aliens within its jurisdiction, and strong hopes are entertained that the Bolivian law in this regard will be brought, as was that of Peru some years ago, into harmony with the general practice of modern States. A convention of extradition with Brazil, signed May 14, 1897, has been rati6ed by the Brazilian Legislature. During the past summer two national ships of the United States have visited Brazilian ports on a friendly mission and been cordially received. The voyage of the Wilininglon up the Amazon River gave rise to a passing misunderstanding, owing to confusion in obtaining permission to visit the interior and make surveys in the general interest of navigation, but the incident found a ready adjustment in harmony with the close relations of amity which this Government has always sedulously sought to cultivate with the commonwealths of the Western Continent. The claim growing out of the seizure of the American-owned newspaper "The Panama Star and Herald" by the authorities of Colombia has been settled, after a controversy of several years, by an agreement assessing at $30,000 the indemnity to be paid by the Colombian Government, in three installments of $10,000 each. The good will of Colombia toward our country has been testified anew by the cordial extension of facilities to the Nicaraguan Canal Commission in their approaching investigation of the Panama Canal and other projected routes across the Isthmus of Darien. Toward the end of October an insurrectionary disturbance developed in the Colombian Republic. This movement has thus far not attained any decisive result and is still in progress. Discussion of the questions raised by the action of Denmark in imposing restrictions on the importation of American meats has continued without substantial result in our favor. The neighboring island Republic of Santo Domingo has lately been the scene of revolution, following a long period of tranquility. It began with the killing of President Heureaux in July last, and culminated in the relinquishment by the succeeding Vice-President of the reins of government to the insurgents. The first act of the provisional government was the calling of a presidential and constituent election. Juan Isidro Jimenez, having been elected President, was inaugurated on the 14th of November. Relations have been entered into with the newly established Government. The experimental association of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador, tinder the title of the Greater Republic of Central America, when apparently on the threshold of a complete federal organization by the adoption of a constitution and the formation of a national legislature, was disrupted in the last days of November, 1898, by the withdrawal of Salvador. Thereupon Nicaragua and Honduras abandoned the joint compact, each resuming its former independent sovereignty. This was followed by the reception of Minister Merry by the Republics of Nicaragua and Salvador, while Minister Hunter in turn presented his credentials to the Government of Honduras, thus reverting to the old distribution of the diplomatic agencies of the United States in Central America for which our existing statutes provide. A Nicaraguan envoy has been accredited to the United States. An insurrectionary movement, under General Reyes, broke out at Eluefields in February last, and for a time exercised actual control in the Mosquito Territory. The Detroit was promptly sent thither for the protection of American interests. After a few weeks the Reyes government renounced the conflict, giving place to the restored supremacy of Nicaragua. During the interregnum certain public dues accruing under Nicaraguan law were collected from American merchants by the authorities for the time being in effective administrative control. Upon the titular government regaining power, a second payment of these dues was demanded. Controversy arose touching the validity of the original payment of the debt to the de facto regent of the territory. An arrangement was effected in April last by the United States minister and the foreign secretary of Nicaragua whereby the amounts of the duplicate payments were deposited with the British consul pending an adjustment of the matter by direct agreement between the Governments of the United States and Nicaragua. The controversy is still unsettled. The contract of the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua was declared forfeited by the Nicaraguan Government on the Tenth of October, on the ground of nonfulfillment within the ten years' 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 consideration. 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 bad been engaged upon the work of examination and survey for a ship-canal route across Nicaragua, having completed its labors and made its report, was dissolved on May P, and on June To 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 determining the most practicable and feasible route for a ship canal across that Isthmus, with its probable cost, and other essential details. This Commission, under the presidency of Rear-Admiral John G. Walker, YOU. S. N. (retired), entered promptly upon the work intrusted to it, and is now carrying on examinations in Nicaragua along the route of the Panama Canal, and in Darien from the Atlantic, in the neighborhood of the Atrato River, to the Bay of Panama, on the Pacific 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 made at the earliest practicable date. The great importance of this work cannot 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. A pleasing incident in the relations of this Government with that of Chile occurred in the generous assistance given to the war ship Newark when in distress in Chilean waters. Not alone in this way has the friendly disposition of Chile found expression. That country has acceded to the convention for the establishment of the Bureau of the American Republics, in which organization every independent State of the continent now shares. The exchange of ratifications of a convention for the revival of the United States and Chilean Claims Commission and for the adjudication of claims heretofore presented but not determined during the life of the previous Commission has been delayed by reason of the necessity for fresh action by the Chilean Senate upon the amendments attached to the ratification of the treaty by the United States Senate. This formality is soon to be accomplished. In view of disturbances in the populous provinces of northern China, where are many of our citizens, and of the imminence of disorder near the capital and toward the seaboard, a guard of marines was landed from the Boston and stationed during last winter in the legation compound at Peking. With the restoration of order this protection was withdrawn. The interests of our citizens in that vast Empire have not been neglected during the past year. Adequate protection has been secured for our missionaries and some injuries to their property have been redressed. American capital has sought and found various opportunities of competing to carry out the internal improvements which the Imperial Government is wisely encouraging, and to develop the natural resources of the Empire. Our trade with China has continued to grow, and our commercial rights under existing treaties have been everywhere maintained during the past year, as they will be in the future. The extension of the area open to international foreign settlement at Shanghai and the opening of the ports of Nanking, Tsing-tao (Kiao chao), and Ta-lien-wan to foreign trade and settlement will doubtless afford American enterprise additional facilities and new fields, of which it will not be slow to take advantage. In my message to Congress of December 5, 1898, 1 urged that the recommendation which had been made to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 14th of June, z898, for an appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial conditions in the Chinese Empire and report as to the opportunities for, and obstacles to, the enlargement of markets in China for the raw products and manufactures of the United States, should receive at your hands the consideration which its importance and timeliness merited, but the Congress failed to take action. I now renew this recommendation, as the importance of the subject has steadily grown since it was first submitted to you, and no time should be lost in studying for ourselves the resources of this great field for American trade and enterprise. The death of President Faure in February last called forth those sincere expressions of sympathy which befit the relations of two Republics as closely allied by unbroken historic ties as are the United States and France. Preparations for the representation of the industries, arts, and products of the United States at the World's Exposition to be held in Paris next year continue on an elaborate and comprehensive scale, thanks to the generous appropriation provided by Congress and to the friendly interest the French Government has shown in furthering a typical exhibit of American progress. There has been allotted to the United States a considerable addition of space, which, while placing our country in the first rant among exhibitors, does not suffice to meet the increasingly urgent demands of our manufacturers. The efforts of the Commissioner General are ably directed toward a strictly representative display of all that most characteristically marks American achievement in the inventive arts, and most adequately shows the excellence of our natural productions. In this age of keen rivalry among nations for mastery in commerce, the doctrine of evolution and the rule of the survival of the fittest must be as inexorable in their operation as they are positive in the results they bring about. The place won in the struggle by an industrial people can only be held by unrelaxed endeavor and constant advance in achievement. The present extraordinary impetus in every line of American exportation and the astounding increase in the volume and value of our share in the world's markets may not be attributed to accidental conditions. The reasons are not far to seek. They lie deep in our national character and find expression year by year in every branch of handicraft, in every new device whereby the materials we so abundantly produce are subdued to the artisan's will and made to yield the largest, most practical, and most beneficial return. The American exhibit at Paris should, and I am confident will, be an open volume, whose lessons of skillfully directed endeavor, unfaltering energy, and consummate performance may be read by all on every page, thus spreading abroad a clearer knowledge of the worth of our productions and the justice of our claim to an important place in the marts of the world. To accomplish this by judicious selection, by recognition of paramount merit in whatever walk of trade or manufacture it may appear, and by orderly classification and attractive installation is the task of our Commission. The United States Government building is approaching completion, and no effort will be spared to make it worthy, in beauty of architectural plan and in completeness of display, to represent our nation. It has been suggested that a permanent building of similar or appropriate design be erected on a convenient site, already given by the municipality, near the exposition grounds, to serve in commemoration of the part taken by this country in this great enterprise, as an American National Institute, for our countrymen resorting to Paris for study. I am informed by our Commissioner-General that we shall have in the American sections at Paris over 7,000 exhibitors, from every State ill our country, a number ten times as great as those which were represented at Vienna in 1873, six times as many as those in Paris in 1878, and four times as many as those who exhibited in Paris in 1889. This statement does not include the exhibits from either Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii, for which arrangements have been made. A number of important international congresses on special topics affecting public interests are proposed to be held in Paris next summer in connection with the exposition. Effort will be made to have the several technical branches of our administration efficiently represented at those conferences, each in its special line, and to procure the largest possible concourse of State representatives, particularly at the Congresses of Public Charity and Medicine. Our relations with Germany continue to be most cordial. The increasing intimacy of direct association has been marked during the year by the granting permission in April for the landing on our shores of a cable from Borkum Emden, on the North Sea, by way of the Azores, and also by the conclusion on September 2 of a Parcels Post Convention with the German Empire. In all that promises closer relations of intercourse and commerce and a better understanding between two races having so many traits in common, Germany can be assured of the most cordial cooperation of this Government and people. We may be rivals in many material paths, but our rivalry should be generous and open, ever aiming toward the attainment of larger results and the mutually beneficial advancement of each in the line of its especial adaptabilities. The several governments of the Empire seem reluctant to admit the natural excellence of our food productions and to accept the evidence we constantly tender of the care with which their purity is guarded by rigid inspection from the farm, through the slaughterhouse and the packing establishments, to the port of shipment. Our system of control over exported food staples invites examination from any quarter and challenges respect by its efficient thoroughness. It is to be hoped that in time the two Governments will act in common accord toward the realization of their common purpose to safeguard the public health and to insure the purity and wholesomeness of all food products imported by either country from the other. Were the Congress to authorize an invitation to Germany, in connection with the pending reciprocity negotiations, for the constitution of a joint commission of scientific experts and practical men of affairs to conduct a searching investigation of food production and exportation in both countries and report to their respective legislatures for the adoption of such remedial measures as they might recommend for either, the way might be opened for the desirable result indicated. Efforts to obtain for American life insurance companies a full hearing as to their business operations in Prussia have, after several years of patient representation, happily succeeded, and one of the most important American companies has been granted a concession to continue business in that Kingdom. I am also glad to announce that the German insurance companies have been readmitted by the superintendent of insurance to do business in the State of New York. Subsequent to the exchange of our peace treaty with Spain, Germany acquired the Caroline Islands by purchase, paying therefore $5,000,000. Assurances have been received from the German Government that the rights of American missionaries and traders there will be considerately observed. In my last annual message I referred to the pending negotiations with Great Britain 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 twelve subjects, among which were the questions of the fur seals, the fisheries of the coast and contiguous inland waters, the Alaskan boundary, the transit of merchandise in bond, the alien labor laws, mining rights, reciprocity in trade, revision of the agreement respecting naval vessels in the Great Lakes, a more complete marking of parts of the 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 Alaskan, boundary. In the failure of an agreement as to the meaning of Articles III and IV of the treaty of 1825 between Russia and Great Britain, which defined the boundary between Alaska and Canada, the American Commissioners proposed that the subject of the boundary be laid aside, and that the remaining questions of difference be proceeded 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 attention which its importance demands, with the result that a modus vivendi for provisional demarcations 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 agreement for the establishment and delimitation of a permanent boundary. Apart from these questions growing out of our relationship with our northern neighbor, the most friendly disposition and ready agreement have marked the discussion of numerous matters arising in the vast and intimate intercourse of the United States with Great Britain. This Government has maintained an attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between Great Britain and the Boer States of Africa. We have remained faithful to the precept of avoiding entangling 'alliances as to affairs not of our direct concern. Had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kindly expression of the hope of the American people that 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 American interests be respected by the combatants. This has been an easy task in view of the positive declarations of both British and Boer authorities that the personal and property rights of our citizens 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 discharge of this function, I am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been afforded to show the impartiality of this Government toward both the combatants. For the fourth time in the present decade, question has arisen with the Government of Italy in regard to the lynching of Italian subjects. The latest of these deplorable events occurred at Tallulah, Louisiana, whereby five unfortunates of Italian origin were taken from jail and hanged. The authorities of the State and a representative of the Italian Embassy having separately investigated the occurrence, with discrepant results, particularly as to the alleged citizenship of the victims, and it not appearing that the State had been able to discover and punish the violators of the law, an independent investigation has been set on foot, through the agency of the Department of State, and is still in progress. The result will enable the Executive to treat the question with the Government of Italy it) a spirit of fairness and justice. A satisfactory solution will doubtless be reached. The recurrence of these distressing manifestations of blind mob fury directed at dependents or natives of a foreign country suggests that the contingency has arisen for action by Congress in the direction of conferring upon the Federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the Federal Government may be involved. The suggestion is not new. In his annual message of December 9, 1891, my predecessor, President Harrison, said: It would, I believe, be entirely competent for Congress to make offenses against the treaty rights of foreigners domiciled in the United States cognizable in the Federal courts. This has not, however, been done, and the Federal officers and courts have no power in such cases to intervene either for the protection of a foreign citizen or for the punishment of his slayers. It seems to me to follow, in this state of the law, that the officers of the State charged with police and judicial powers in such cases must, in the consideration of international questions growing out of such incidents, be regarded in such sense as Federal agents as to make this Government answerable for their acts in cases where it would be answerable if the United States had used its constitutional power to define and punish crimes against treaty rights. A bill to provide for the punishment of violations of treaty rights of aliens was introduced in the Senate March 1, 1892, and reported favorably March 30. Having doubtless in view the language of that part of Article III of the treaty of February 26, 1871, between the United States and Italy, which stipulates that " The citizens of each of the high contracting parties shall receive, in the States and Territories of the other, most constant protection and security for their persons and property, and shall enjoy in this respect the same rights and privileges as are or shall be granted to the natives, on their submitting themselves to the conditions imposed upon the natives," the bill so introduced and reported provided that any act committed in any State or Territory of the United States in violation of the rights of a citizen or subject of a foreign country secured to such citizen or subject by treaty between the United States and such foreign country and constituting a crime under the laws of the State or Territory shall constitute a like crime against the United States and be cognizable in the Federal courts. No action was taken by Congress in the matter. I earnestly recommend that the subject be taken tip anew and acted upon during the present session. The necessity for some such provision abundantly appears. Precedent for constituting a Federal jurisdiction in criminal cases where aliens are sufferers is rationally deducible from the existing statute, which gives to the district and circuit courts of the United States jurisdiction of civil suits brought by aliens where the amount involved exceeds a certain sum. If such jealous solicitude be shown for alien rights in cases of merely civil and pecuniary import, how much greater should be the public duty to take cognizance of matters affecting the lives and the rights of aliens tinder the settled principles of international law no less than under treaty stipulation, in cases of such transcendent wrong. doing as mob murder, especially when experience has shown that local justice is too often helpless to punish the offenders. After many years of endeavor on the part of this Government to that end the Italian Government has consented to enter into negotiations for a naturalization convention, having for one of its objects the regulation of the status of Italians (except those of an age for active military service) who, having been naturalized in the United States, may revisit Italy. It is hoped that with the mutually conciliatory spirit displayed a successful conclusion will be reached. The treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and Japan on November 22, 1894, took effect in accordance with the terms of its XIXth Article on the 17th of July last, simultaneously with the enforcement of like treaties with the other powers, except France, whose convention did not go into operation until August 4, the United States being, however, granted up to that date all the privileges and rights accorded to French citizens under the old French treaty. By this notable conventional reform Japan's position as a fully independent sovereign power is assured, control being gained of taxation, customs revenues, judicial administration, coasting trade, and all other domestic functions of government, and foreign extra-territorial rights being renounced. Comprehensive codes of civil and criminal procedure according to western methods, public instruction, patents and copyrights, municipal administration, including jurisdiction over the former foreign settlements, customs tariffs and procedure, public health, and other administrative measures have been proclaimed. The working of the new system has given rise to no material complaints on the part of the American citizens or interests, a circumstance which attests the ripe consideration with which the change has been prepared. Valuable assistance was rendered by the Japanese authorities to the United States transport ship Morgan City while stranded at Kobe. Permission has been granted to land and pasture army horses at Japanese ports of call on the way to the Philippine Islands. These kindly evidences of good will are highly appreciated. The Japanese Government has shown a lively interest in the proposition of the Pacific Cable Company to add to its projected cable lines to Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines a branch connection with the coast of Japan. It would be a gratifying consummation were the utility of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bringing Japan and the United States into direct telegraphic relation. Without repeating the observations of my special message of February 10, 1899, concerning the necessity of a cable to Manila. I respectfully invite attention to it. I recommend that, in case the Congress should not take measures to bring about this result by direct action of the Government, the Postmaster General be authorized to invite competitive bids for the establishment of a cable; the company making the best responsible bid to be awarded the contract; the successful company to give ample bonds to insure the completion of the work within a reasonable time. The year has been marked by constant increase in the intimacy of our relations with Mexico and in the magnitude of mutually advantageous interchanges. This Government has omitted no opportunity to show its strong desire to develop and perpetuate the ties of cordiality now so long happily unbroken. Following the termination on January 20, 1899, by Mexico of the convention of extradition of December 11, 1861, a new treaty more in accordance with the ascertained needs of both countries was signed February 22, 1899, and exchanged in the City of Mexico on the 22d of April last. Its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory. A recent case has served to test the application of its IVth Article, which provides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own citizens, but that the executive authority of each shall have the power to deliver them up if in its discretion it be deemed proper to do so. The extradition of Mrs. Mattie Rich, a citizen of the United States, charged with homicide committed in Mexico, was after mature consideration directed by me in the conviction that the ends of justice would be thereby subserved. Similar action, on appropriate occasion, by the Mexican Executive will not only tend to accomplish the desire of both Governments that grave crimes go not unpunished, but also to repress lawlessness along the border of the two countries. The new treaty stipulates that neither Government shall assume jurisdiction in the punishment of crimes committed exclusively within the territory of the other. This will obviate in future the embarrassing controversies which have heretofore arisen through Mexico's assertion of a claim to try and punish an American citizen for an offense committed within the jurisdiction of the United States. The International Water Boundary Commission, organized by the convention of March 1, 1889, for the adjustment of questions affecting the Rio Grande frontier, has not yet completed its labors. A further extension of its term for one year, until December 24, 1899, was effected by a convention signed December z, 1898, and exchanged and proclaimed in February last. An invitation extended to the President of Mexico to visit Chicago in October, on the occasion of laying the corner stone of the United States Government building in that city, was cordially accepted by him, with the necessary consent of the Mexican Congress, but the illness of a member of his family prevented his attendance. The Minister of Foreign Relations, however, came as the personal representative of President Diaz, and in that high character was duly honored. Claims growing out of the seizure of American sealing vessels in Bering Sea have been under discussion with the Government of Russia for several years, with the recent happy result of an agreement to submit them to the decision of a single arbitrator. By this act Russia affords proof of her adherence to the beneficent principle of arbitration which her plenipotentiaries conspicuously favored at The Hague Disarmament Conference when it was advocated by the representatives of the United States. A suggestion for a permanent exposition of our products and manufactures in Russia, although not yet fully shaped, has been so cordially welcomed by the Imperial Government that it may not inaptly take a fitting place in whatever legislation the Congress may adopt looking to enlargement of our commercial opportunities abroad. Important events have occurred in the Samoan Islands. The election, according to the laws and customs of Samoa, of a successor to the late King, Malietoa Laupepa, developed a contest as to the validity of the result, which issue, by the terms of the General Act, was to be decided by the Chief justice. Upon his rendering a judgment in favor of Malietoa Tanu, the rival chief, Mataafa, took up arms. The active intervention of American and British war ships became imperative to restore order, at the cost of sanguinary encounters. In this emergency a joint commission of representatives of the United States, Germany, and Great Britain was sent to Samoa to investigate the situation and provide a temporary remedy. By its active efforts a peaceful solution was reached for the time being, the kingship being abolished and a provisional government established. Recommendations unanimously made by the commission for a permanent adjustment of the Samoan question were taken under consideration by the three powers parties to the General Act. But the more they were examined the more evident it became that a radical change was necessary in the relations of the powers to Samoa. The inconveniences and possible perils of the tripartite scheme of supervision and control in the Samoan group by powers having little interest in common in that quarter beyond commercial rivalry had been once more emphasized by the recent events. The suggested remedy of the joint Commission, like the scheme it aimed to replace amounted to what has been styled a tridominium, being the exercise of the functions of sovereignty by an unanimous agreement of three powers. The situation had become far more intricate and embarrassing from every point of view than it was when my predecessor, in 1894, summed up its perplexities and condemned the participation in it of the United States. The arrangement under which Samoa was administered had proved impracticable and unacceptable to all the powers concerned. To withdraw from the agreement and abandon the islands to Germany and Great Britain would not be compatible with our interests in the archipelago. To relinquish our rights in the harbor of Pago Pago, the best anchorage in the Pacific, the occupancy of which had been leased to the United States in 1878 by the first foreign treaty ever concluded by Samoa, was not to be thought of either as regards the needs of our Navy or the interests of our growing commerce with the East. We could not have considered any proposition for the abrogation of the tripartite control which did not confirm us in all our rights and safeguard all our national interests in the islands. Our views commended themselves to the other powers. A satisfactory arrangement was concluded between the Governments of Germany and of England, by virtue of which England retired from Samoa in view of compensations in other directions, and both powers renounced in favor of the United States all their rights and claims over and in respect to that portion of the group lying to the east of the one hundred and seventy-first degree of west longitude, embracing the islands of Tutuila, Ofoo, Olosenga, and Manua. I transmit to the Senate, for its constitutional action thereon, a convention, which besides the provisions above mentioned also guarantees us the same privileges and conditions in respect to commerce and commercial vessels in all of the islands of Samoa as those possessed by Germany. Claims have been preferred by white residents of Samoa on account of injuries alleged to have been suffered through the acts of the treaty Governments in putting down the late disturbances. A convention has been made between the three powers for the investigation and settlement of these claims by a neutral arbitrator, to which the attention of the Senate will be invited. My annual message of last year was necessarily devoted, in great part to a consideration of the Spanish War and of the results it wrought and the conditions it imposed for the future. I am gratified to announce that the treaty of peace has restored friendly relations between the two powers. Effect has been given to its most important provisions. The evacuation of Puerto Rico having already been accomplished on the x8th of October, 1898, nothing remained necessary there but to continue the provisional military control of the island until the Congress should enact a suitable government for the ceded territory. Of the character and scope of the measures to that end I shall treat in another 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 inhabitants, maintaining, under the direction of the Executive, such government and control therein as should conserve public order, restore the productive conditions of peace so 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 realized 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 disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over Cuba, except for the pacification thereof, and asserted its determination when that was accomplished to leave the government and control 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 administrative measures adopted in Cuba have aimed to fit it for a regenerated existence by enforcing the supremacy of law and justice; by placing wherever practicable the machinery of administration in the hands of the inhabitants; by instituting needed sanitary reforms; by spreading education; by fostering industry and trade; by inculcating public morality, and, in short, by taking every rational step to aid 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 obligation. This nation has assumed before the world a grave responsibility for the future 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 those ties shall be organic or conventional, the destinies of Cuba are in some rightful form and manner irrevocably 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 mission, to accomplish which we took up the wager of battle, is not to be fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely framed commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which too often attend weaker States whose natural wealth and abundant resources are offset by the incongruities of their political organization and the recurring occasions for internal rivalries to sap their strength and dissipate their energies. The greatest blessing which can come to Cuba is the restoration of her agricultural 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 August last an order was made for the taking of the census in the island, to be completed on the 3oth of November. By the treaty of peace the Spanish people on the island have until April 11, 1900, to elect whether they will remain citizens of Spain or become citizens of Cuba. Until then it cannot be definitely ascertained who shall be entitled to participate in the formation of the government of Cuba. By that time the results of the census will have been tabulated and we shall proceed to provide for elections which will commit the municipal governments of the island to the officers elected by the people. The experience thus acquired will prove of great value in the formation of a representative convention of the people to draft a constitution and establish a general system of independent government for the island. In the meantime and so long as we exercise control over the island the products of Cuba should have a market in the United States on as good terms and with as favorable rates of duty as are given to the West India Islands under treaties of reciprocity which shall be made. For the relief of the distressed in the island of Cuba the War Department has issued supplies to destitute persons through the officers of the Army, which have amounted to 5,493,ooo rations, at a cost Of $1,417,554.07. To promote the disarmament of the Cuban volunteer army, and in the interest of public peace and the welfare of the people, the sum Of $75 was paid to each Cuban soldier borne upon the authenticated rolls, on condition that he should deposit his arms with the authorities designated by the United States. The sum thus disbursed aggregated $2,547,750, which was paid from the emergency fund provided by the act of January 5, 1899, for that purpose. Out of the Cuban island revenues during the six months ending June 30, 1899, $1,712,014.20 was expended for sanitation, $293,881.70 for charities and hospitals, and $88,944.03 for aid to the destitute. Following the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace the two Governments accredited ministers to each other, Spain sending to Washington the Duke of Arcos, an eminent diplomatist, previously stationed in Mexico, while the United States transferred to Madrid Hon. Bellamy Storer, its minister at Brussels. This was followed by the respective appointment of consuls, thereby fully resuming the relations interrupted by the war. In addition to its consular representation in the United States, the Spanish Government has appointed consuls for Cuba, who have been provisionally recognized during the military administration of the affairs of that island. Judicial intercourse between the courts of Cuba and Puerto Rico and of Spain has been established, as provided by the treaty of peace. The Cuban political prisoners in Spanish penal stations have been and are being released and returned to their homes, in accordance with Article VI of the treaty. Negotiations are about to be had for defining the conventional relations between the two countries, which fell into abeyance by reason of the war. I trust that these will include a favorable arrangement for commercial reciprocity under the terms of sections 3 and 4 of the current tariff act. In these, as in all matters of international concern, no effort will be spared to respond to the good disposition of Spain, and to cultivate in all practicable ways the intimacy which should prevail between two nations whose past history has so often and in so many ways been marked by sincere friendship and by community of interests. I would recommend appropriate legislation in order to carry into execution Article VII of the Treaty of Peace with Spain, by which the United States assured the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. The United States minister to Turkey continues, under instructions, to press for a money payment in satisfaction of the just claims for injuries suffered by American citizens in the disorders of several years past and for wrongs done to them by the Ottoman authorities. Some of these claims are of many years' standing. This Government is hopeful of a general agreement in this regard. In the Turkish Empire the situation of our citizens remains unsatisfactory. Our efforts during nearly forty years to bring about a convention of naturalization seem to be on the brink of final failure through the announced policy of the Ottoman Porte to refuse recognition of the alien status of native Turkish subjects naturalized abroad since 1867. Our statutes do not allow this Government to admit any distinction between the treatment of native and naturalized Americans abroad, so that ceaseless controversy arises in cases where persons owing in the eye of international law a dual allegiance are prevented from entering Turkey or are expelled after entrance. Our law in this regard contrasts with that of the European States. The British act, for instance, does not claim effect for the naturalization of an alien in the event of his return to his native country, unless the change be recognized by the law of that country or stipulated by treaty between it and the naturalizing State. The arbitrary treatment, in some instances, of American productions in Turkey has attracted attention of late, notably in regard to our flour. Large shipments by the recently opened direct steamship line to Turkish ports have been denied entrance on the score that, although of standard composition and unquestioned purity, the flour was pernicious to health because of deficient “elasticity” as indicated by antiquated and untrustworthy tests. Upon due protest by the American minister, and it appearing that the act was a virtual discrimination against our product, the shipments in question were admitted. In these, as in all instances, wherever occurring, when American products may be subjected in a foreign country, upon specious pretexts, to discrimination compared with the like products of another country, this Government will use its earnest efforts to secure fair and equal treatment for its citizens and their goods. Failing this, it will not hesitate to apply whatever corrective may be provided by the statutes. The International Commission of Arbitration, appointed under the Anglo-Venezuelan treaty of 1897, rendered an award on October 3 last, whereby the boundary line between Venezuela and British Guiana is determined, thus ending a controversy which has existed for the greater part of the century. The award, as to which the arbitrators were unanimous, while not meeting the extreme contention of either party, gives to Great Britain a large share of the interior territory in dispute and to Venezuela the entire mouth of the Orinoco, including Barima Point and the Caribbean littoral for some distance to the eastward. The decision appears to be equally satisfactory to both parties. Venezuela has once more undergone a revolution. The insurgents, under General Castro, after a sanguinary engagement in which they suffered much loss, rallied in the mountainous interior and advanced toward the capital. The bulk of the army having sided with the movement, President Andrade quitted Caracas, where General Castro set up a provisional government with which our minister and the representatives of other powers entered into diplomatic relations on the 20th of November, 1899. The fourth section of the Tariff Act approved July 24, x897, appears to provide only for commercial treaties which should be entered into by the President and also ratified by the Senate within two years from its passage. Owing to delays inevitable in negotiations of this nature, none of the treaties initiated under that section could be concluded in time for ratification by the Senate prior to its adjournment on the 4th of March last. Some of the pending negotiations, however, were near conclusion at that time, and the resulting conventions have since been signed by the plenipotentiaries. Others, within both the third and fourth sections of the act, are still under consideration. Acting under the constitutional power of the Executive in respect to treaties, I have deemed it my duty, while observing the limitations of concession provided by the fourth section, to bring to a conclusion all pending negotiations, and submit them to the Senate for its advice and consent. Conventions of reciprocity have been signed during the Congressional recess with Great Britain for the respective colonies of British Guiana, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos Islands, and with the Republic of Nicaragua. Important reciprocal conventions have also been concluded with France and with the Argentine Republic. In my last annual message the progress noted in the work of the diplomatic and consular officers in collecting information as to the industries and commerce of other countries, and in the care and promptitude with which their reports are printed and distributed, has continued during the past year, with increasingly valuable results in suggesting new sources of demand for American products and in pointing out the obstacles still to be overcome in facilitating the remarkable expansion of our foreign trade. It will doubtless be gratifying to Congress to learn that the various agencies of the Department of State are co-operating in these endeavors with a zeal and effectiveness which are not only receiving the cordial recognition of our business interests, but are exciting the emulation of other Governments. In any rearrangement of the great and complicated work of obtaining official data of an economic character which Congress may undertake it is most important, in my judgment, that the results already secured by the efforts of the Department of State should be carefully considered with a view to a judicious development and increased utility to our export trade. The interest taken by the various States forming the International Union of American Republics in the work of its organic bureau is evidenced by the fact that for the first time since its creation in i8go all the Republics of South and Central America are now represented in it. The unanimous recommendation of the International American Conference, providing for the International Union of American Republics, stated that it should continue in force during a term of ten years from the date of its organization, and no country becoming a member of the union should cease to be a member until the end of said period of ten years, and unless twelve months before the expiration of said period a majority of the members of the union had given to the Secretary of State of the United States official notice of their wish to terminate the union at the end of its first period, that the union should continue to be maintained for another period of ten years, and thereafter, under the same conditions, for successive periods of ten years each. The period for notification expired on July 14, 1899, without any of the members having given the necessary notice of withdrawal. Its maintenance is therefore assured for the next ten years. In view of this fact and of the numerous questions of general interest and common benefit to all of the Republics of America, some of which were considered by the first International American Conference, but not finally settled, and others which have since then grown to importance, it would seem expedient that the various Republics constituting the Union should be invited to hold at an early date another conference in the capital of one of the countries other than the United States, which has already enjoyed this honor. The purely international character of the work being done by the bureau and the appreciation of its value are further emphasized by the active co-operation which the various Governments of the Latin. American Republics and their diplomatic representatives in this capital are now exhibiting and the zealous endeavors they are making to extend its field of usefulness, to promote through it commercial intercourse, and strengthen the bonds of amity and confidence between its various members and the nations of this continent. The act to encourage the holding of the Pan-Amencan Exposition on the Niagara frontier, within the county of Erie or Niagara, in the State of New York, in the year 1901, was approved on March 3, 1899. This exposition, which will be held in the city of Buffalo, in the near vicinity of the great Niagara cataract, and within a day's journey of which reside 40, 000, 000 Of our people, will be confined entirely to the Western Hemisphere. Satisfactory assurances have already been given by the diplomatic representatives of Great Britain, Mexico, the Central and South American Republics, and most of the States of the United States that these countries and States will make an unique, interesting, and instructive exhibit, peculiarly illustrative of their material progress during the century which is about to close. The law provides an appropriation Of $500,000 for the purpose of making an exhibit at the exposition by the Government of the United States from its Executive Departments and from the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, the Department of Labor, and the Bureau of the American Republics. To secure a complete and harmonious arrangement of this Government exhibit a board of management has already been created, and charged with the selection, purchase, preparation, transportation, arrangement, and safe-keeping of the articles and materials to be exhibited. This board has been organized and has already entered upon the performance of its duties, as provided for by the law I have every reason to hope and believe that this exposition will tend more firmly to cement the cordial relations between the nations on this continent. In accordance with an act of Congress approved December 21, 1898, and under the auspices of the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, a most interesting and valuable exposition of products and manufactures especially adapted to export trade was held in Philadelphia from the 14th of September to the 1st of December, 1899. The representative character of the exhibits and the widespread interest manifested in the special objects of the undertaking afford renewed encouragement to those who look confidently to the steady growth of our enlarged exportation of manufactured goods, which has been the most remarkable fact in the economic development of the United States in recent years. A feature of this exposition which is likely to become of permanent and increasing utility to our industries is the collection of samples of merchandise produced in various countries with special reference to particular markets, providing practical object lessons to United States manufacturers as to qualities, styles, and prices of goods such as meet the special demands of consumers and may be exported with advantage. In connection with the exposition an International Commercial Congress was held, upon the invitation of the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, transmitted by the Department of State to the various foreign Governments, for an exchange of information and opinions with the view to the promotion of international trade. This invitation met with general and cordial acceptance, and the Congress, which began its sessions at the exposition on the 13th of October proved to be of great practical importance, from the fact that it developed a general recognition of the interdependence of nations in trade and a most gratifying spirit of accommodation with reference to the gradual removal of existing impediments to reciprocal relations, without injury to the industrial interests of either party. In response to the invitation of His Majesty, the Emperor of Russia, delegates from twenty-six countries were assembled at The Hague on the 18th of May, as members of a conference in the interest of peace. The commission from the United States consisted of the Hon. Andrew D. White, the Hon. Seth Low, the Hon. Stanford Newel, Captain Alfred T. Mahan, of the United States Navy, Captain William Crozier, of the United States Army, and the Hon. Frederick W. Holls, secretary. The occasion seemed to be opportune for the serious consideration of a plan for the pacific adjustment of international differences, a subject in which the American people have been deeply interested for many years, and a definite project for a permanent international tribunal was included in the instructions to the delegates of the United States. The final act of the conference includes conventions upon the amelioration of the laws and customs of war on land, the adaptation to maritime warfare of the principles of the Geneva Convention of 1864, and the extension of judicial methods to international cases. The Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Conflicts embodies the leading features of the American plan, with such modifications as were rendered 'necessary by the great diversity of views and interests represented by the delegates. The four titles of the convention provide for the maintenance of general peace, the exercise of good offices and mediation, the formation of commissions of inquiry, and international arbitration. The mediation provided for by the convention is purely voluntary and advisory, and is intended to avoid any invasion or limitation of the sovereign rights of the adhering States. The commissions of inquiry proposed consists of delegations to be specifically constituted for particular purposes by means of conventions between the contesting parties, having for their object the clear understanding of international differences before resorting to the use of force. The provision for arbitration contemplates the formation of a permanent tribunal before which disputed cases may be brought for settlement by the mutual consent of the litigants in each separate case. The advantages of such a permanent tribunal over impromptu commissions of arbitration are conceived to be the actual existence of a competent court, prepared to administer justice, the greater economy resulting from a well-devised system, and the accumulated judicial skill and experience which such a tribunal would soon possess. While earnestly promoting the idea of establishing a permanent international tribunal, the delegation of the United States was not unmindful of the inconveniences which might arise from an obtrusive exercise of mediation, and in signing the convention carefully guarded the historic position of the United States by the following declaration: Nothing contained in this convention shall be so construed as to require the United States of America to depart from its traditional policy of not intruding upon, interfering with, or entangling itself in the political questions or policy or internal administration of any foreign state; nor shall anything contained in the said convention be construed to imply a relinquishment by the United. States of America of its traditional attitude toward purely American questions. Thus interpreted, the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Conflicts may be regarded as realizing the earnest desire of great numbers of American citizens, whose deep sense of justice, expressed in numerous resolutions and memorials, has urged them to labor for this noble achievement. The general character of this convention, already signed by the delegates of more than twenty sovereign States, further commends it to the favorable action of the Senate of the United States, whose ratification it still awaits. Since my last annual message, and in obedience to the acts of the Congress of April 22 and 26, 1898, the remaining volunteer force enlisted for the Spanish War, consisting Of 34,834 regulars and 110,202 volunteers, with over 5,000 volunteer officers, has been discharged from the military service. Of the volunteers, 667 officers and 14,831 men were serving in the Philippines, and 1,650 of the regulars, who were entitled to be mustered out after the ratification of the treaty of peace. They voluntarily remained at the front until their places could be filled by new troops. They were returned home in the order in which they went to Manila, and are now all of them out of the service and in the ranks of citizenship. I recommend that the Congress provide a special medal of honor for the volunteers, regulars, sailors, and marines on duty in the Philippines who voluntarily remained in the service after their terms of enlistment had expired. By the act of March 2, 1899, Congress gave authority to increase the Regular Army to a maximum not exceeding 65,000 enlisted men, and to enlist a force of 5,000 volunteers, to be recruited from the country at large. By virtue of this authority the Regular Army has been increased to the number of 61,999 enlisted men and 2,248 officers, and new volunteer regiments have been organized aggregating 33,05o enlisted men and 1,524 officers. Two of these volunteer regiments are madeup of colored men, with colored line officers. The new troops to take the places of those returning from the Philippines have been transported to Manila to the number of 581 officers and 26,322 enlisted men of the Regular Army and 594 officers and 15,388 enlisted men of the new volunteer force, while 504 officers and 14, 119 men of the volunteer force are on the ocean en route to Manila. The force now in Manila consists Of 905 officers and 30,578 regulars, and 594 officers and 15,388 of the volunteers, making an aggregate of 1,499 officers and 45,966 men. When the troops now under orders shall reach Manila the force in the archipelago will comprise 2,051 officers and 63,483 men. The muster out of the great volunteer army organized for the Spanish War and the creation of a new army, the transportation from Manila to San Francisco of those entitled to discharge and the transportation of the new troops to take their places have been a work of great magnitude well and ably done, for which too much credit cannot be given the War Department. During the past year we have reduced our force in Cuba and Puerto Rico, In Cuba we now have 334 officers and 10,796 enlisted men; In Puerto Rico, 87 officers and 2,855 enlisted men and a battalion of 400 men composed of native Puerto Ricans; while stationed throughout the United States are 910 officers and 17,317 men, and in Hawaii 12 officers and 453 enlisted men. The operations of the Army are fully presented in the report of the Secretary of War. I cannot withhold from officers and men the highest commendation for their soldierly conduct in trying situations, their willing sacrifices for their country, and the integrity and ability with which they have performed unusual and difficult duties in our island possessions. In the organization of the volunteer regiments authorized by the act of March 2, 1899, it was found that no provision had been made for chaplains. This omission was doubtless from inadvertence. I recommend the early authorization for the appointment of one chaplain for each of said regiments. These regiments are now in the Philippines, and it is important that immediate action be had. In restoring peaceful conditions, orderly rule, and civic progress in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and, so far as practicable, in the Philippines, the rehabilitation of the postal service has been an essential and important part of the work. It became necessary to provide mail facilities both for our forces of occupation and for the native population. To meet this requirement has involved a substantial reconstruction. The existing systems were so fragmentary, defective, and inadequate that a new and comprehensive organization had to be created. American trained officials have been assigned to the directing and executive positions, while natives have been chiefly employed in making up the body of the force. In working out this plan the merit rule has been rigorously and faithfully applied. The appointment of Director-General of Posts of Cuba was given to an expert who had been Chief Post-Office Inspector and Assistant Postmaster-General, and who united large experience with administrative capacity. For the postmastership at Havana the range of skilled and available men was scanned, and the choice fell upon one who had been twenty years in the service as deputy postmaster and postmaster of a large city. This principle governed and determined the selection of the American officials sent not only to Cuba, but to Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and they were instructed to apply it so far as practicable in the employment of the natives as minor postmasters and clerks. The postal system in Cuba, though remaining under the general guidance of the Postmaster-General, was made essentially independent. It was felt that it should not be a burden upon the postal service of the United States, and provision was made that any deficit in the postal revenue should be a charge upon the general revenues of the island. Though Puerto Rico and the Philippines hold a different relation to the United States, yet, for convenience of administration, the same principle of an autonomous system has been extended to them. The development of the service in all of the islands has been rapid and successful. It has moved forward on American lines, with free delivery, money order, and registry systems, and has given the people mail facilities far greater and more reliable than any they have ever before enjoyed. It is thus not only a vital agency of industrial, social, and business progress, but an important influence in diffusing a just understanding of the true spirit and character of American administration. The domestic postal service continues to grow with extraordinary rapidity. The expenditures and the revenues will each exceed $100,000,000 during the current year. Fortunately, since the revival of prosperous times the revenues have grown much faster than the expenditures, and there is every indication that a short period will witness the obliteration of the annual deficit. In this connection the report of the Postmaster-General embodies a statement of some evils which have grown up outside of the contemplation of law in the treatment of some classes of mail matter which wrongly exercise the privilege of the pound rate, and shows that if this matter had been properly classified and had paid the rate which it should have paid, instead of a postal deficit for the last fiscal year of $6,610,000, there would have been on one basis a surplus of $17,637,570, and on another Of $5,733,836. The reform thus suggested, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, would not only put the postal service at once on a self-sustaining basis, but would permit great and valuable improvements, and I commend the subject to the consideration of the Congress. The Navy has maintained the spirit and high efficiency which have always characterized that service, and has lost none of the gallantry in heroic action which has signalized its brilliant and glorious past. The Nation has equal pride in its early and later achievements. Its habitual readiness for every emergency has won the confidence and admiration of the country. The people are interested in the continued preparation and prestige of the Navy and will justify liberal appropriations for its maintenance and improvement. The officers have shown peculiar adaptation for the performance of new and delicate duties which our recent war has imposed. It cannot be doubted that Congress will at once make necessary provision for the armor plate for the vessels now under contract and building. Its attention is respectfully called to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, in which the subject is fully presented. I unite in his recommendation that the Congress enact such special legislation as may be necessary to enable the Department to make contracts early in the coming year for armor of the best quality that can be obtained in this country for the Maine, Ohio, and Missouri, and that the provision of the act of March 3, 1899, limiting the price of armor to $300 per ton be removed. In the matter of naval construction Italy and Japan, of the great powers, laid down less tonnage in the year 1899 than this country, and Italy alone has less tonnage under construction. I heartily concur in the recommendations for the increase of the Navy, as suggested by the Secretary. Our future progress and prosperity depend upon our ability to equal, if not surpass, other nations in the enlargement and advance of science, industry, and commerce. To invention we must turn as one of the most powerful aids to the accomplishment of such a result. The attention of the Congress is directed to the report of the Commissioner of Patents, in which will be found valuable suggestions and recommendations. On the 30th of June, 1899, the pension roll of the United States numbered 991,519. These include the pensioners of the Army and Navy in all our wars. The number added to the rolls during the year was 40,991. The number dropped by reason of death, remarriage, minors by legal limitation, failure to claim within three years, and other causes, was 43, 186, and the number of claims disallowed was 107,gig. During the year 89,054 pension certificates were issued, of which 37,077 were for new or original pensions. The amount disbursed for army and navy pensions during the year was $138,355,052.95, which was $1,651,461.61 less than the sum of the appropriations. The Grand Army of the Republic at its recent national encampment held in Philadelphia has brought to my attention and to that of the Congress the wisdom and justice of a modification of the third section of the act of June 27, x8go, which provides pensions for the widows of officers and enlisted men who served ninety days or more during the War of the Rebellion and were honorably discharged, provided that such widows are without other means of sup, port than their daily labor and were married to the soldier, sailor, or marine on account of whose service they claim pension prior to the date of the act. The present holding of the Department is that if the widow's income aside from her daily labor does not exceed in amount what her pension would be, to wit, $96 per annum, she would be deemed to be without other means of support than her daily labor, and would be entitled to a pension under this act; while if the widow's income independent of the amount received by her as the result of her daily labor exceeds $96, she would not be pensionable under the act. I am advised by the Commissioner of Pensions that the amount of the income allowed before title to pension would be barred has varied widely under different administrations of the Pension Office, as well as during different periods of the same administration, and has been the because of just complaint and criticism. With the approval of the Secretary of the Interior the Commissioner of Pensions recommends that, in order to make the practice at all times uniform and to do justice to the dependent widow, the amount of income allowed independent of the proceeds of her daily labor should be not less than $250 per annum, and he urges that the Congress shall so amend the act as to permit the Pension Office to grant pensionable status to widows under the terms of the third section of the act of June 27, 1890, whose income aside from the proceeds of daily labor is not in excess of $250 per annum. I believe this to be a simple act of justice and heartily recommend it. The Dawes Commission reports that gratifying progress has been made in its work during the preceding year. The field-work of enrollment of four of the nations has been completed. I recommend that Congress at an early day make liberal appropriation for educational purposes in the Indian Territory. In accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1899. the preliminary work in connection with the Twelfth Census is now fully under way. The officers required for the proper administration. of the duties imposed have been selected. The provision for securing a proper enumeration of the population, as well as to secure evidence of the industrial growth of the Nation, is broader and more comprehensive than any similar legislation in the past. The Director advises that every needful effort is being made to push this great work to completion in the time limited by the statute. It is believed that the Twelfth Census will emphasize our remarkable advance in all that pertains to national progress. Under the authority of the act of Congress approved July 7, 1898, the commission consisting of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney-General, and the Secretary of the Interior has made an agreement of settlement, which has had my approval, of the indebtedness to the Government growing out of the issue of bonds to aid in the construction of the Central Pacific and Western Pacific rail. roads. The agreement secures to the Government the principal and interest of said bonds, amounting to $58,812,715.48. There has been paid thereon $11,762,543.12, which has been covered into the Treasury, and the remainder, payable within ten years, with interest at the rate Of 3 per cent per annum, payable semiannually, is secured by the deposit of an equal amount of first-mortgage bonds of the Pacific Railway companies. The amounts paid and secured to be paid to the Government on account of the Pacific Railroad subsidy claims are: The whole indebtedness was about $130,000,000, more than half of which consisted of accrued interest, for which sum the Government has realized the entire amount less about $6,000,000 within a period of two years. On June 30, 1898, there were thirty forest reservations (exclusive of the Afognak Forest and Fish Culture Reserve in Alaska), embracing an estimated area Of 40,719,474 acres. During the past year two of the existing forest reserves, the Trabuco Canyon (California) and Black Hills (South Dakota and Wyoming), have been considerably enlarged, the area of the Mount Rainier Reserve, in the State of Washington, has been somewhat reduced, and six additional reserves have been established, namely, the San Francisco Mountains (Arizona), the Black Mesa (Arizona), Lake Tahoe (California), Gallatin (Montana), Gila River (New Mexico), and Fish Lake (Utah), the total estimated area of which is 5,205,775 acres. This makes at the present time a total of thirty-six forest reservations, embracing an estimated area Of 46,021,899 acres. This estimated area is the aggregated areas within the boundaries of the reserves. The lands actually reserved are, however, only the vacant public lands therein, and these have been set aside and reserved for sale or settlement in order that they may be of the greatest use to the people. Protection of the national forests, inaugurated by the Department of the Interior in 1897, has been continued during the past year and much has been accomplished in the way of preventing forest fires and the protection of the timber. There are now large tracts covered by forests which will eventually be reserved and set apart for forest uses. Until that can be done Congress should increase the appropriations for the work of protecting the forests. The Department of Agriculture is constantly consulting the needs of producers in all the States and Territories. It is introducing seeds and plants of great value and promoting fuller diversification of crops. Grains, grasses, fruits, legumes, and vegetables are imported for all parts of the United States. Under this encouragement the sugar-beet factory multiplies in the North and far West, semitropical plants are sent to the South, and congenial climates are sought for the choice productions of the far East. The hybridizing of fruit trees and grains is conducted in the search for varieties adapted to exacting conditions. The introduction of tea gardens into the Southern States promises to provide employment for idle hands, as well as to supply the home market with tea. The subject of irrigation where it is of vital importance to the people is being carefully studied, steps are being taken to reclaim injured or abandoned lands, and information for the people along these lines is being printed and distributed. Markets are being sought and opened up for surplus farm and factory products in Europe and in Asia. The outlook for the education of the young farmer through agricultural college and experiment station, with opportunity given to specialize in the Department of Agriculture, is very promising. The people of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands should be helped, by the establishment of experiment stations, to a more scientific knowledge of the production of coffee, India rubber, and other tropical products, for which there is demand in the United States. There is widespread interest in the improvement of our public highways at the present time, and the Department of Agriculture is co-operating with the people in each locality in making the best possible roads from local material and in experimenting with steel tracks. A more intelligent system of managing the forests of the country is being put in operation and a careful study of the whole forestry problem is being conducted throughout the United States. A very extensive and complete exhibit of the agricultural and horticultural products of the United States is being prepared for the Paris Exposition. On the 10th of December, 1898, the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain was signed. It provided, among other things, that Spain should cede to the United States the archipelago known as the Philippine Islands, that the United States should pay to Spain the sum of twenty millions of dollars, and that the civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of the territories thus ceded to the United States should be determined by the Congress. The treaty was ratified by the Senate on the 6th of February, 1899, and by the Government of Spain on the 19th of March following. The ratifications were exchanged on the 11th of April and the treaty publicly proclaimed. On the 2d of March the Congress voted the sum contemplated 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 possession 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 representatives of the people of the United States in both Houses 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 upon the people of that country, " nor upon any party 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 I 7th of August it was directed that 11 there must be no joint occupation with the insurgents "; that the United States must preserve the peace and protect persons and property within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces; that the insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the United States. As early as December 4, before the cession, and in anticipation of that event, the commander in Manila was urged to restore peace and tranquility and to undertake the establishment of a beneficent government, which should afford the fullest security for life and property. On the 21st of December, after the treaty was signed, the commander of the forces of occupation was instructed 11 to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come, not as invaders and conquerors, but as friends to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious rights." On the same day, while ordering General Otis to see that the peace should be preserved in Iloilo, he was admonished that: 11 It is most important that there should be no conflict with the insurgents." On the 1st day of January, 1899, urgent orders were reiterated that the kindly intentions of this Government should be in every possible way communicated to the insurgents. On the 21st of January I announced my intention of dispatching to Manila a commission composed of three gentlemen of the highest character and distinction, thoroughly acquainted with the Orient, who, in association with Admiral Dewey and Major-General Otis, were instructed "to facilitate the most humane and effective extension of authority throughout the islands, and to secure with the least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of life and property to the inhabitants." These gentlemen were Dr. Jacob Gould Schurman, president of Cornell University; the Hon. Charles Denby, for many years minister to China, and Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of the University of Michigan, who had made a most careful study of life in the Philippines. While the treaty of peace was under consideration in the Senate, these Commissioners set out on their mission of good will and liberation. Their character was a sufficient guaranty of the beneficent purpose 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 at Manila the sinister ambition of a few leaders of the Filipinos had created a situation full of embarrassment for us and most grievous in its consequences to themselves. The clear and impartial preliminary report of the Commissioners, which I transmit herewith, gives so lucid and comprehensive a history of the present insurrectionary 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 an 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. The prompt accomplishment of this work by the American Army and Navy gave him other ideas and ambitions, and insidious suggestions from various quarters 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 were taken as a proof of cowardice. The aggressions of the Filipinos continually increased until finally, just before the time set by the Senate of the United States for a vote upon the treaty, an attack, evidently prepared in advance, was made all along the American lines, which resulted in a terribly 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 modern times." It directs that at 8 of the clock on the night of the 15th of February the “territorial militia” shall come together in the streets of San Pedro armed with their bolos, with guns and ammunition where convenient; that Filipino families only shall be respected; but that all other individuals, of whatever race they maybe, shall be exterminated without any compassion, 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." 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. Considerable numbers of armed insurgents entered the city by waterways and swamps and in concert with confederates inside attempted to destroy Manila by fire. They were kept in check during the night and the next day driven out of the city with heavy loss. This was the unhappy condition of affairs which confronted our Commissioners on their arrival in Manila. They had come with the hope and intention of co-operating 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, adventurous, and enthusiastic army. No alternative was left to 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 by force. 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 island either with honor to ourselves or with safety to the inhabitants. The course thus clearly indicated has been unflinchingly pursued. The rebellion 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 assisted by the Navy, has carried on this unwelcome but most righteous campaign with richly deserved success. The noble self-sacrifice with which our soldiers and sailors whose terms of service had expired 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 in our annals. Although their operations have been somewhat interrupted and checked by a rainy season of unusual violence and duration, they have gained ground steadily in every direction, and now look forward confidently to a speedy completion of their task. The unfavorable circumstances connected with an active campaign have not been permitted to interfere with the equally important work of reconstruction. Again I invite your attention to the report of the Commissioners for the interesting and encouraging details of the work already accomplished in the establishment of peace and order and the inauguration of self-governing municipal life in many portions of the archipelago. 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 sovereignty. Its people unreservedly proclaimed allegiance to the United States and adopted a constitution looking to the establishment of a popular government. It was impossible to guarantee to the people 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 exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Congress. The government actually set up by the inhabitants of Negros eventually proved unsatisfactory to the natives themselves. A new system was put into force by order of the Major-General Commanding the Department, of which the following 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 appoint secretaries of the treasury, interior, agriculture, public instruction, an attorney-general, and an auditor. The seat of government was fixed at Bacolod. The military governor exercises the supreme executive power. He is to see that the laws are executed, appoint to office, and fill all vacancies in office not otherwise provided for, and may, with the approval of the military governor of the Philippines, remove any officer from office. The civil governor advises the military governor on all public 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 advisory council consists of eight members elected by the people within territorial limits which are defined in the order of the commanding general. The times and places of holding elections are to be fixed by the military governor of the island of Negros. The qualifications or voters are as follows: (i) A voter must be a male citizen of the island of Negros. (q) Of the age Of 21 years. (3) He shall be able to speak, read, and write the English, Spanish. or Visayan language, or he must aw.12 real property worth $500, or pay a rental on real property of the value of $1,000. (4) He must have resided in the island not less than one year preceding, and in the district in which he offers to register as a voter not less than three months immediately preceding the time he offers to register. (5) He must register at a time fixed by law before voting. (6) Prior to such registration he shall have paid all taxes due by him to the Government. Provided, that no insane person shall be allowed to register or vote. The military governor has the right to veto all bills or resolutions adopted by the advisory council, and his veto is final if not disapproved by the military governor of the Philippines. The advisory council discharges all the ordinary duties of a legislature. The usual duties pertaining to said offices are to be per. formed by the secretaries of the treasury, interior, agriculture, public instruction, the attorney-general, and the auditor. The judicial power is vested in three judges, who are to be appointed by the military governor of the island. Inferior courts are to be established. Free public schools are to be established throughout the populous districts of the island, in which the English language shall be taught, and this subject will receive the careful consideration of the advisory council. The burden of government must be distributed equally and equitably among the people. The military authorities will collect and receive the customs revenue, and will control postal matters and Philippine inter-island trade and commerce. The military governor, subject to the approval of the military governor of the Philippines, determines all questions not specifically provided for and which do not come under the jurisdiction of the advisory council. 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, Brig. Gen. J. C. Bates, United States Volunteers, negotiated an agreement with the Sultan and his principal chiefs, which I transmit herewith. By Article I the sovereignty of the United States over the whole archipelago of Jolo and its dependencies is declared and acknowledged. The United States flag will be used in the archipelago and its dependencies, on land and sea. Piracy is to be suppressed, and the Sultan agrees to co-operate heartily with the United States authorities to that end and to make every possible effort to arrest and bring to justice all persons engaged in piracy. All trade in domestic products of the archipelago of Jolo when carried on with any part of the Philippine Islands and under the American flag shall be free, unlimited, and undutiable. The United States will give full protection to the Sultan in case any foreign nation should attempt to impose upon him. The United States will not sell the island of Jolo or any other island of the Jolo archipelago to any foreign nation without the consent of the Sultan. Salaries for the Sultan and his associates in the administration of the islands have been agreed upon to the amount of $760 monthly. Article X provides that any slave in the archipelago of Jolo shall have the right to purchase freedom by paying to the master the usual market value. The agreement by General Bates was made subject to confirmation by the President and to future modifications by the consent of the parties in interest. I have confirmed said agreement, subject to the action of the Congress, and with the reservation, which I have directed shall be communicated to the Sultan of Jolo, that this agreement is not to be deemed in any way to authorize or give the consent of the United States to the existence of slavery in the Sulu archipelago. I communicate these facts to the Congress for its information and action. Everything indicates that with the speedy suppression of the Tagalo rebellion life in the archipelago will soon resume its ordinary course under the protection of our sovereignty, and the people of those favored 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. The courts are dispensing justice. Business is beginning to circulate in its accustomed channels. Manila, whose inhabitants 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 Commission and the Admiral and Major-General Commanding the Department of the Pacific to assure the people of the beneficent intentions of this Government have had their legitimate effect in convincing the great mass of them that peace and safety and prosperity and stable government can only be found in a loyal acceptance of the authority of the United States. The future government of the Philippines rests with the Congress of the United States. Few graver responsibilities have ever been confided to us. If we accept them in a spirit worthy of our race and our traditions, a 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 cannot 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 could 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 tope, the dawn of a new day of freedom and progress, will have been the beginning of an era of misery and violence worse than any which has darkened their unhappy past. The suggestion has been made that we could renounce our authority over the islands and, giving them independence, could retain a protectorate over them. This proposition will not be found, I am sure, worthy of your serious attention. Such an arrangement would involve at the outset a cruel breach of faith. It would place the peaceable and loyal majority, who ask nothing better than to accept our authority, at the mercy of the minority of armed insurgents. It would make us responsible for the acts of the insurgent leaders and give us no power to control them. It would charge us with the task of protecting them against each other and defending them against any foreign power with which they chose to quarrel. In short, it would take from the Congress of the United States the power of declaring war and vest that tremendous prerogative in the Tagal leader of the hour. It does not seem desirable that I should recommend at this time a specific and 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 inaugurating a permanent scheme of civil government. 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 completed. As long as the insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme. But there is no reason why steps should not be taken from time to time to inaugurate governments essentially popular in their form as fast as territory is held and con. trolled by our troops. To this end I am considering the advisability of the return of the Commission, or such of the members thereof as can be secured, to aid the existing authorities and facilitate this work throughout the islands. I have believed that reconstruction should not begin by the establishment of one central civil government for all the islands, with its seat at Manila, but rather that the work should be commenced by building up from the bottom, first establishing municipal governments and then provincial governments, a central government at last to follow. Until Congress shall have made known the formal expression of its will I shall 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. I shall put at the disposal of the Army and Navy all the means which the liberality of Congress and the people have provided to because this unprovoked and wasteful insurrection to cease. If any orders of mine were required to insure the merciful conduct of military and naval operations, they would not be lacking; but every step of the progress of our troops has been marked by q humanity which has surprised even the misguided insurgents. The truest kindness to them will be a swift and effective defeat of their present leader. The hour of victory will be the hour of clemency and reconstruction. No effort will be spared to build up the waste places desolated by war and by long years of misgovernment. We shall not wait for the end of strife to begin the beneficent work. We shall continue, as we have begun, to open the schools and the churches, to set the courts in operation, to foster industry and trade and agriculture, and in every way in our power to make these people whom Providence has brought within our jurisdiction feel that it is their liberty and not our power, their welfare and not our gain, we are seeking to enhance. Our flag has never waved over any community but in blessing. I believe the Filipinos will soon recognize the fact that it has not lost its gift of benediction in its world-wide journey to their shores. Some embarrassment in administration has occurred by reason of the peculiar status which the Hawaiian Islands at present occupy under the joint resolution of annexation approved July 7, 1898. While by that resolution the Republic of Hawaii as an independent nation was extinguished, its separate sovereignty destroyed, and its property and possessions vested in the United States, yet a complete establishment for its government under our system was not effected. While the municipal laws of the islands not enacted for the fulfillment of treaties and not inconsistent with the joint resolution or contrary to the Constitution of the United. States or any of its treaties, remain in force, yet these laws relate only to the social and internal affairs of the islands, and do not touch many subjects of importance which are of a broader national character. For example, the Hawaiian Republic was divested of all title to the public lands in the islands, and is not only unable to dispose of lands to settlers desiring to take up homestead sites, but is without power to give complete title in cases where lands have been entered upon under lease or other conditions which carry with them the right to the purchaser, lessee, or settler to have a full title granted to him upon compliance with the conditions prescribed by law or by his particular agreement of entry. Questions of doubt and difficulty have also arisen with reference to the collection of tonnage tax on vessels coming from Hawaiian ports , with reference to the status of Chinese in the islands, their entrance and exit there from; as to patents and copyrights; as to the register of vessels under the navigation laws; as to the necessity of holding elections in accordance with the provisions of the Hawaiian statutes for the choice of various officers, and as to several other matters of detail touching the interests both of the island and of the Federal Government. By the resolution of annexation the President was directed to appoint five commissioners to recommend to Congress such legislation concerning the islands as they should deem necessary or proper. These commissioners were duly appointed and after a careful investigation and study of the system of laws and government prevailing in the islands, and of the conditions existing there, they prepared a bill to provide a government under the title of "The Territory of Hawaii." The report of the Commission, with the bill which they prepared, was transmitted by me to Congress on December 6, 1898, but the bill still awaits final action. The people of these islands are entitled to the benefits and privileges of our Constitution, but in the absence of any act of Congress providing for Federal courts in the islands, and for a procedure by which appeals, writs of error, and other judicial proceedings necessary for the enforcement of civil rights may be prosecuted, they are powerless to secure their enforcement by the judgment of the courts of the United States. It is manifestly important, therefore, that an act shall be passed as speedily as possible erecting these islands into a judicial district, providing for the appointment of a judge and other proper officers and methods of procedure in appellate proceedings, and that the government of this newly acquired territory under the Federal Constitution shall be fully defined and provided for. A necessity for immediate legislative relief exists in the Territory of Alaska. Substantially the only law providing a civil government for this Territory is the act of May 17, 1884. This is meager in its provisions, and is fitted only for the administration of affairs in a country sparsely inhabited by civilized people and unimportant in trade and production, as was Alaska at the time this act was passed. The increase in population by immigration 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. Settlements have grown up in various places, constituting in point of population and business cities of thousands of inhabitants, yet there is no provision of law under which a municipality can be organized or maintained. In some localities the inhabitants have met together and voluntarily formed a municipal organization for the purposes of local government. adopting the form of a municipal constitution and charter, under which said officials have been appointed; and ordinance creating and regulating a police force, a fire department, a department of health, and making provision for the care of the insane and indigent poor and sick and for public schools, have been passed. These proceedings and the ordinances passed by such municipalities are without statutory authority and have no sanction, except as they are maintained by the popular sentiment of the community. There is an entire absence of authority to provide the ordinary instruments of local police control and administration, the population consisting of the usual percentage of lawless adventurers of the class that always flock to new fields of enterprise or discovery, and under circumstances which require more than ordinary provision for the maintenance of peace, good order, and lawful conduct. The whole vast area of Alaska comprises but one judicial district, with one judge, one marshal, and one district attorney, yet the civil and criminal business has more than doubled within the past year, and is many times greater both in volume and importance than it was in 1884. The duties of the judge require him to travel thousands of miles to discharge his judicial duties at the various places designated for that purpose. The Territory should be divided into at least two districts, and an additional judge, district attorney, marshal, and other appropriate officers be provided. There is practically no organized form of government in the Territory. There is no authority, except in Congress, to pass any law, no matter how local or trivial, and the difficulty of conveying to the Congress an adequate conception and understanding of the various needs of the people in the different communities is easily understood. I see no reason why a more complete form of Territorial organization should not be provided. Following the precedent established in the year 1805, when a temporary government was provided for the recently acquired territory, then known under the name of Louisiana, it seems to me that it would be advantageous to confer greater executive power upon the governor and to establish, as was done in the case of the Territory of Louisiana, a legislative council having power to adopt ordinances which shall extend to all the rightful subjects of local legislation, such ordinances not to take effect until reported to and approved by the Congress if in session, and if that body is not in session then by the President. In this manner a system of laws providing for the incorporation and government of towns and cities having a certain population, giving them the power to establish and maintain a system of education to be locally supported, and ordinances providing for police, sanitary, and other such purposes, could be speedily provided. I believe a provision of this kind would be satisfactory to the people of the Territory. It is probable that the area is too vast and the population too scattered and transitory to make it wise at the present time to provide for an elective legislative body, but the conditions calling for local self-government will undoubtedly very soon exist, and will be facilitated by the measures which I have recommended. I recommend that legislation to the same end be had with reference to the government of 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 business, trade, production, and social and private right in general. The cities of the island are governed under charters which probably require very little or no change. So that with relation to matters of local concern and private right, it is not probable that much, if any, legislation is desirable; but with reference to public administration and the relations of the island to the Federal Government, there are many matters which are of pressing urgency. The same necessity exists for legislation on the part of Congress to establish Federal courts and Federal jurisdiction in the island as has been previously pointed out by me with reference to Hawaii. Besides the administration of justice, there are the subjects of the public lands; the control and improvement of rivers and harbors; the control of the waters or streams not navigable, which, under the Spanish law, belonged to the Crown of Spain, and have by the treaty of cession passed to the United States; the immigration of people from foreign countries; the importation of contract labor; the imposition and collection of internal revenue; the application of the navigation laws; the regulation of the current money; the establishment of post-offices and post-roads; the regulation of tariff rates on merchandise imported from the island into the United States; the establishment of ports of entry and delivery; the regulation of patents and copyrights; these, with various other subjects which rest entirely within the power of the Congress, call for careful consideration and immediate action. It must be borne in mind that since the cession Puerto Rico has been denied the principal markets she had long enjoyed and our tariffs have been continued against her products as when she was under Spanish sovereignty. The markets of Spain are closed to her products except upon terms to which the commerce of all nations is subjected. The island of Cuba, which used to buy her cattle and tobacco without customs duties, now imposes the same duties upon those products as from any other country entering her ports. She has therefore lost her free intercourse with Spain and Cuba without any compensating benefits in this 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 products. Our plain duty is to abolish all customs tariffs between the United States and Puerto Rico and give her products free access to our markets. As a result of the hurricane which swept over Puerto Rico on the 8th of August, 1899, over 100,000 people were reduced 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 addition 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 transportation. It is desirable that the government of the island under the law of belligerent right, now maintained through the Executive Department, should be superseded by an administration entirely civil in its nature. For present purposes I recommend that Congress pass a law for the organization of a temporary government, which shall provide for the appointment by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate, of a governor and such other officers as the general ad. ministration of the island may require, and that for legislative purposes upon subjects of a local nature not partaking of a Federal character a legislative council, composed partly of Puerto Ricans and partly of citizens of the United States, shall be nominated and appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate, their acts to be subject to the approval of the Congress or the President prior to going into effect. In the municipalities and other local subdivisions I recommend that the principle of local self-government be applied at once, so as to enable the intelligent citizens of the island to participate in their own government and to learn by practical experience the duties and requirements of a self-contained and self-governing people. I have not thought it wise to commit the entire government of the island to officers selected by the people, because I doubt whether in habits, training, and experience they are such as to fit them to exercise at once so large a degree of self-government; but it is my judgment and expectation that they will soon arrive at an attainment of experience and wisdom and self-control that will justify conferring upon them a much larger participation in the choice of their insular officers. The fundamental requirement for these people, as for all people, is education. The free schoolhouse is the best preceptor for citizenship. In the introduction of modern educational methods care, however, must be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history and racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be given due weight. Systems of education in these new possessions founded upon common-sense methods, adapted to existing conditions and looking to the future moral and industrial advancement of the people, will commend to them in a peculiarly effective manner the blessings of free government. The love of law and the sense of obedience and submission to the lawfully constituted judicial tribunals are embedded in the hearts of our people, and any violation of these sentiments and disregard of their obligations justly arouses public condemnation. The guaranties of life, liberty, and of civil rights should be faithfully upheld, the right of trial by jury respected and defended. The rule of the courts should assure the public of the prompt trial of those charged with criminal offenses, and upon conviction the punishment should be commensurate with the enormity of the crime. Those who, in disregard of law and the public peace, unwilling to await the judgment of court and jury, constitute themselves judges and executioners should not escape the severest penalties for their crimes. What I said in my inaugural address of March 4, 1897, I now repeat: The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States. Courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the laws. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. In accordance with the act of Congress providing for an appropriate national celebration in the year 1900 of the establishment of the seat of Government in the District of Columbia, I have appointed a committee, consisting of the governors of all the States and Territories of the United States, who have been invited to assemble in the city of Washington on the 21st of December, 1899, which, with the committees of the Congress and the District of Columbia, are charged with the proper conduct of this celebration. Congress at its last session appropriated five thousand dollars "to enable the Chief of Engineers of the Army to continue the examination of the subject and to make or secure designs, calculations, and estimates for a memorial bridge from the most convenient point of the Naval Observatory grounds, or adjacent thereto, across the Potomac River to the most convenient point of the Arlington estate property." In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Chief of Engineers has selected four eminent bridge engineers to submit competitive designs for a bridge combining the elements of strength and durability and such architectural embellishment and ornamentation as will fitly apply to the dedication, "A memorial to American patriotism." The designs are now being prepared, and as soon as completed will be submitted to the Congress by the Secretary of War. The proposed bridge would be a convenience to all the people from every part of the country who visit the national cemetery, an ornament to the Capital of the Nation, and forever stand as a monument to American patriotism. I do not doubt that Congress will give to the enterprise still further proof of its favor and approval. The executive order of May 6, 1896, extending the limits of the classified service, 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 unsuited 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 careful consideration, it became evident to the heads of the Departments, responsible for their efficiency, that in order to remove these difficulties and promote an efficient and harmonious administration certain amendments were necessary. These amendments were promulgated by me in executive order dated May 29, 1899. The principal purpose of the order was to except from competitive examination certain places involving fiduciary responsibilities or duties of a strictly confidential, scientific, or executive character which it was thought might better be filled either by noncompetitive examination, or in the discretion of the appointing officer, than by open competition. These places were comparatively few in number. The order provides for the filling of a much larger number of places, mainly in the outside service of the War Department, by what is known as the registration system, under regulations to be approved by the President, similar to those which have produced such admirable results in the navy-yard service. All of the amendments had for their main object a more efficiency and satisfactory administration of the system of appointments established by the civil-service law. The results attained show that under their operation the public service has improved and that the civil service system is relieved of many objectionable features which here tofore subjected it to just criticism and the administrative officers to the charge of unbusinesslike methods in the conduct of public affairs. It is believed that the merit system has been greatly strengthened and its permanence assured. It will be my constant aim in the administration of government in our new possessions to make fitness, character, and merit essential to appointment to office, and to give to the capable and deserving inhabitants preference in appointments. The 14th of December will be the One Hundredth Anniversary of the death of Washington. For a hundred years the Republic has had the priceless advantage of the lofty standard of character and conduct which he bequeathed to the American people. It is an inheritance which time, instead of wasting, continually increases and enriches. We may justly hope that in the years to come the benignant influence of the Father of his Country may be even more potent for good than in the century which is drawing to a close. I have been glad to learn that in many parts of the country the people will fittingly observe this historic anniversary, Presented to this Congress are great opportunities. With them come great responsibilities. The power confided to us increases the weight of our obligations to the people, and we must be profoundly sensible 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 for the welfare of the islands which have come under the authority of the United States, and inure to the common interest and lasting honor of our country. Never has this Nation had more abundant because than during the past year for thankfulness to God for manifold blessings and mercies, for which we make reverent acknowledgment.
at the threshold of your deliberations you are called to mourn with your countrymen the death of hobart who passed from this life on the morning of november 21 last his great soul now rests in eternal peace his private life was pure and elevated while his public career was ever distinguished by large capacity stainless integrity and exalted motives he has been removed from the high office which he honored and dignified but his lofty character his devotion to duty his honesty of purpose and noble virtues remain with us as a priceless legacy and example the congress convenes in its first regular session with the country in a condition of unusual prosperity of universal good will among the people at home and in relations of peace and friendship with every government of the world our foreign commerce has shown great increase in volume and value the combined imports and exports for the year are the largest ever shown by a single year in all our history our exports for 1899 alone exceeded by more than a billion dollars 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 58 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 of manufactured products we exported in value being larger than any previous year it is a noteworthy fact that the only years in all our history when the products of our manufactories sold abroad exceeded those bought abroad were 1898 and 1899 government receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended june 30 1899 including part payment of the central pacific railroad indebtedness aggregated customs receipts were and those from internal revenue for the fiscal year the expenditures were leaving a deficit of the secretary of the treasury estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will aggregate and upon the basis of present appropriations the expenditures will aggregate leaving a surplus of for the fiscal year ended june 30 1899 the receipts were increased about the present gratifying strength of the treasury is shown by the fact that on december 1 1899 the available cash balance was of which was in gold coin and bullion the conditions of confidence which prevail throughout the country have brought gold into more general use and customs receipts are now almost entirely paid in that coin the strong position of the treasury with respect to cash on band and the favorable showing made by the revenues have made it possible for the secretary of the treasury to take action under the provisions of section 3694 revised statutes relating to the sinking fund receipts exceeded expenditures for the first five months of the current fiscal year by and as mentioned above the secretary of the treasury estimates that there will be a surplus of approximately at the end of the year under such conditions it was deemed advisable and proper to resume compliance with the provisions of the law which for eight years has not been done because of deficiencies in the revenues the treasury department therefore offered to purchase during november of the 5 per cent loan of 1904 or the 4 per cent funded loan of 1907 at the current market price the amount offered and purchased during november was the premium paid by the government on such purchases was and the net saving in interest was about the success of this operation was sufficient to induce the government to continue the offer to purchase bonds to and including the 23d day of december instant unless the remainder of the called for should be presented in the meantime for redemption increased activity in industry with its welcome attendant a larger employment for labor at higher wages gives to the body of the people a larger power to absorb the circulating medium it is further true that year by year with larger areas of land under cultivation the increasing volume of agricultural products cotton corn and wheat calls for a larger volume of money supply this is especially noticeable at the and period in its earlier history the national banking act seemed to prove a reasonable avenue through which needful additions to the circulation could from time to time be made changing conditions have apparently rendered it now inoperative to that end the high margin in bond securities required resulting from large premiums which government bonds command in the market or the tax on note issues or both operating together appear to be the influences which impair its public utility the attention of congress is respectfully invited to this important matter with the view of ascertaining whether or not such reasonable modifications can be made in the national banking act as will render its service in the particulars here referred to more responsive to the people needs i again urge that national banks be authorized to organize with a capital of i urgently recommend that to support the existing gold standard and to maintain 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 with the duty to sell united states bonds and to employ such other effective means as may be necessary to these ends the authority should include the power to sell bonds on long and short time as conditions 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 government to meet all its obligations in the money which the civilized world recognizes as the best the financial transactions of the government are conducted upon a gold basis we receive gold when we sell united states bonds and use gold for their payment we are maintaining the parity of all the money issued or coined by authority of the government we are doing these things with the means at hand happily at the present time we are not compelled to resort to loans to supply gold it has been done in the past however and may have to be done in the future it behooves us therefore to provide at once the best means to meet the emergency when it arises and the best means are those which are the most certain and economical those now authorized have the virtue neither of directness nor economy we have already eliminated one of the causes of our financial plight and embarrassment during the years 1893 1894 1895 and 1896 our receipts now equal our expenditures deficient revenues no longer create alarm let us remove the only remaining because by conferring the full and necessary power on the secretary of the treasury and impose upon him the duty to uphold the present gold standard and preserve the coins of the two metals on a parity with each other which is the repeatedly declared policy of the united states in this connection i repeat my former recommendations that a portion of the gold holdings shall be placed in a trust fund from which greenbacks shall be redeemed upon presentation but when once redeemed shall not thereafter be paid out except for gold the value of an american merchant marine to the extension of our commercial trade and the strengthening of our power upon the sea invites the immediate action of the congress our national development will be and unsatisfactory so long as the remarkable growth of our inland industries remains unaccompanied by progress on the seas there is no lack of constitutional authority for legislation which shall give to the country maritime strength commensurate with its industrial achievements and with its rank among the nations of the earth the past year has recorded exceptional activity in our shipyards and the promises of continual prosperity in shipbuilding are abundant advanced legislation for the protection of our seamen has been enacted our coast trade under regulations wisely framed at the beginning of the government 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 home and blind ourselves to the necessity of securing our share in the valuable carrying 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 dependence 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 east and west indies had to obtain from foreign flags merchant vessels essential for those operations the other great nations have not hesitated to adopt the required means to develop their shipping as a factor in national defense and as one of the surest and speediest means of obtaining for their producers a share in foreign markets like vigilance and effort on our part can not fail to improve our situation which is regarded with humiliation at home and with surprise abroad even the seeming sacrifices which at the beginning may be involved will be offset later by more than equivalent gains the expense is as nothing compared to the advantage to be achieved the reestablishment of our merchant marine involves in a large measure our continued industrial progress and the extension of our commercial triumphs i am satisfied the judgment of the country favors the policy of aid to our merchant marine which will broaden our commerce and markets and upbuild our capacity for the products of agriculture and manufacture which with the increase of our navy mean more work and wages to our countrymen as well as a safeguard to american interests in every part of the world 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 used and consumed by the people are justly provoking public discussion and should early claim the attention of the congress the industrial commission created by the act of the congress of june 18 1898 has been engaged in extended hearings upon the disputed questions involved in the subject of combinations in restraint of trade and competition they have not yet completed their investigation of this subject and the conclusions and recommendations at which they may arrive are undetermined the subject is one giving rise to many divergent views as to the nature and variety or because and extent of the 111juries to the public which may result from large combinations concentrating more or less numerous enterprises and establishments which previously 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 kind of merchandise or commodity necessary to the general community by suppressing natural and ordinary competition 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 remedy for the evils involved in such organizations if the present law can be extended more certainly to control or check these monopolies or trusts it should be done without delay whatever power the congress possesses over this most important subject should be promptly ascertained and asserted president harrison in his annual message of december 3 1889 says earnest attention should be given by congress to a consideration of the question how far the restraint of those combinations of capital commonly called 11 trusts is matter of federal jurisdiction when organized as they often are to crush out all competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general necessity they are dangerous conspiracies against the public good and should be made the subject of prohibitory and even penal legislation an act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies was passed by congress on the 2d of july 1890 the provisions of this statute are comprehensive and stringent it declares every contract or combination in the form of a trust or otherwise or conspiracy in the restraint of trade or commerce among the several states or with foreign nations to be unlawful it denominates as a criminal every person who makes any such contract or engages in any such combination or conspiracy and provides a punishment by fine or imprisonment it invests the several circuit courts of the united states with jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of the act and makes it the duty of the several united states district attorneys under the direction of the attorney general to institute proceedings in equity to prevent and restrain such violations it further confers upon any person who shall be injured in his business or property by any other person or corporation by reason of anything forbidden or declared to be unlawful by the act the power to sue therefore in any circuit court of the united states without respect to the amount in controversy and to recover threefold the damages by him sustained and the costs of the suit including reasonable attorney fees it will be perceived that the act is aimed at every kind of combination in the nature of a trust or monopoly in restraint of interstate or international commerce the prosecution by the united states of offenses under the act of 1890 has been frequently resorted to in the federal courts and notable efforts in the restraint of interstate commerce such as the freight association and the joint traffic association have been successfully opposed and suppressed president cleveland in his annual message of december 7 1896 more than six years subsequent to the enactment of this law after stating the evils of these trust combinations says though congress has attempted to deal with this matter by legislation the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective not because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them but simply because the laws themselves as interpreted by the courts do not reach the difficulty if the insufficiencies of existing laws can be remedied by further legislation it should be done the fact must be recognized however that all federal legislation on this subject may fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles and also because of the complex character of our governmental system which while making the federal authority supreme within its sphere has carefully limited that sphere by metes and bounds which can not be transgressed the decision of our highest court on this precise question renders it quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts and monopolies may be adequately treated through federal action unless they seek directly and purposely to include in their objects transportation or intercourse between states or between the united states and foreign countries it does not follow however that this is the limit of the remedy that may be applied even though it may be found that federal authority is not broad enough to fully reach the case there can be no doubt of the power of the several states to act effectively in the premises and there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously exercise such power the state legislation to which president cleveland looked for relief from the evils of trusts has failed to accomplish fully that object this is probably due to a great extent to the fact that different states take different views as to the proper way to discriminate between evil and injurious combinations and those associations which are beneficial and necessary to the business prosperity of the country the great diversity of treatment in different states arising from this because and the intimate relations of all parts of the country to each other without regarding state lines in the conduct of business have made the enforcement of state laws difficult 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 of its 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 that i am sure no part of it will be lightly considered but every phase of it will have the studied deliberation of the congress resulting in wise and judicious action a review of our relations with foreign states is presented with such recommendations as are deemed appropriate the boundary dispute between the argentine republic and chile was settled in march last by the award of an arbitral commission on which the united states minister at buenos ayres served as umpire progress has been made toward the conclusion of a convention of extradition with the argentine republic having been advised and consented to by the united states senate and ratified by argentina it only awaits the adjustment of some slight changes in the text before exchange in my last annual message i adverted to the claim of the government for indemnity for the killing of certain austrian and hungarian subjects by the authorities of the state of pennsylvania at lattimer while suppressing 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 established doctrine that the government may not be held accountable for injuries suffered by individuals at the hands of the public authorities while acting in the line of duty in suppressing disturbance of the public peace this government after due consideration of the claim advanced by the government was constrained to decline liability to indemnify 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 having been invited by belgium to participate in a congress held at brussels to revise the provisions of the general act of july 2 1890 for the repression of the african slave trade to which the united states was a signatory party this government preferred not to be represented by a plenipotentiary but reserved the right of accession to the result notable changes were made those especially concerning this country being in the line of the increased restriction of the deleterious trade in spirituous liquors with the native tribes which this government has from the outset urgently advocated the amended general act will be laid before the senate with a view to its advice and consent early in the year the peace of bolivia was disturbed by a successful insurrection the united states minister remained at his post attending to the american interests in that quarter and using besides his good offices for the protection of the interests of british subjects in the absence of their national representative on the establishment of the new government our minister was directed to enter into relations therewith general pando was elected president of bolivia on october 23 our representative has been instructed to use all permissible friendly endeavors to induce the government of bolivia to amend its marriage laws so as to give legal status to the and civil marriages of aliens within its jurisdiction and strong hopes are entertained that the bolivian law in this regard will be brought as was that of peru some years ago into harmony with the general practice of modern states a convention of extradition with brazil signed may 14 1897 has been rati6ed by the brazilian legislature during the past summer two national ships of the united states have visited brazilian ports on a friendly mission and been cordially received the voyage of the wilininglon up the amazon river gave rise to a passing misunderstanding owing to confusion in obtaining permission to visit the interior and make surveys in the general interest of navigation but the incident found a ready adjustment in harmony with the close relations of amity which this government has always sedulously sought to cultivate with the commonwealths of the western continent the claim growing out of the seizure of the newspaper the panama star and herald by the authorities of colombia has been settled after a controversy of several years by an agreement assessing at the indemnity to be paid by the colombian government in three installments of each the good will of colombia toward our country has been testified anew by the cordial extension of facilities to the nicaraguan canal commission in their approaching investigation of the panama canal and other projected routes across the isthmus of darien toward the end of october an insurrectionary disturbance developed in the colombian republic this movement has thus far not attained any decisive result and is still in progress discussion of the questions raised by the action of denmark in imposing restrictions on the importation of american meats has continued without substantial result in our favor the neighboring island republic of santo domingo has lately been the scene of revolution following a long period of tranquility it began with the killing of president heureaux in july last and culminated in the relinquishment by the succeeding of the reins of government to the insurgents the first act of the provisional government was the calling of a presidential and constituent election juan isidro jimenez having been elected president was inaugurated on the 14th of november relations have been entered into with the newly established government the experimental association of nicaragua honduras and salvador tinder the title of the greater republic of central america when apparently on the threshold of a complete federal organization by the adoption of a constitution and the formation of a national legislature was disrupted in the last days of november 1898 by the withdrawal of salvador thereupon nicaragua and honduras abandoned the joint compact each resuming its former independent sovereignty this was followed by the reception of minister merry by the republics of nicaragua and salvador while minister hunter in turn presented his credentials to the government of honduras thus reverting to the old distribution of the diplomatic agencies of the united states in central america for which our existing statutes provide a nicaraguan envoy has been accredited to the united states an insurrectionary movement under general reyes broke out at eluefields in february last and for a time exercised actual control in the mosquito territory the detroit was promptly sent thither for the protection of american interests after a few weeks the reyes government renounced the conflict giving place to the restored supremacy of nicaragua during the interregnum certain public dues accruing under nicaraguan law were collected from american merchants by the authorities for the time being in effective administrative control upon the titular government regaining power a second payment of these dues was demanded controversy arose touching the validity of the original payment of the debt to the de facto regent of the territory an arrangement was effected in april last by the united states minister and the foreign secretary of nicaragua whereby the amounts of the duplicate payments were deposited with the british consul pending an adjustment of the matter by direct agreement between the governments of the united states and nicaragua the controversy is still unsettled the contract of the maritime canal company of nicaragua was declared forfeited by the nicaraguan government on the tenth of october on the ground of nonfulfillment within the ten years 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 consideration 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 bad been engaged upon the work of examination and survey for a route across nicaragua having completed its labors and made its report was dissolved on may p and on june to 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 determining the most practicable and feasible route for a ship canal across that isthmus with its probable cost and other essential details this commission under the presidency of john walker you retired entered promptly upon the work intrusted to it and is now carrying on examinations in nicaragua along the route of the panama canal and in darien from the atlantic in the neighborhood of the atrato river to the bay of panama on the pacific 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 made 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 a pleasing incident in the relations of this government with that of chile occurred in the generous assistance given to the war ship newark when in distress in chilean waters not alone in this way has the friendly disposition of chile found expression that country has acceded to the convention for the establishment of the bureau of the american republics in which organization every independent state of the continent now shares the exchange of ratifications of a convention for the revival of the united states and chilean claims commission and for the adjudication of claims heretofore presented but not determined during the life of the previous commission has been delayed by reason of the necessity for fresh action by the chilean senate upon the amendments attached to the ratification of the treaty by the united states senate this formality is soon to be accomplished in view of disturbances in the populous provinces of northern china where are many of our citizens and of the imminence of disorder near the capital and toward the seaboard a guard of marines was landed from the boston and stationed during last winter in the legation compound at peking with the restoration of order this protection was withdrawn the interests of our citizens in that vast empire have not been neglected during the past year adequate protection has been secured for our missionaries and some injuries to their property have been redressed american capital has sought and found various opportunities of competing to carry out the internal improvements which the imperial government is wisely encouraging and to develop the natural resources of the empire our trade with china has continued to grow and our commercial rights under existing treaties have been everywhere maintained during the past year as they will be in the future the extension of the area open to international foreign settlement at shanghai and the opening of the ports of nanking kiao chao and to foreign trade and settlement will doubtless afford american enterprise additional facilities and new fields of which it will not be slow to take advantage in my message to congress of december 5 1898 1 urged that the recommendation which had been made to the speaker of the house of representatives by the secretary of the treasury on the 14th of june z898 for an appropriation for a commission to study the commercial and industrial conditions in the chinese empire and report as to the opportunities for and obstacles to the enlargement of markets in china for the raw products and manufactures of the united states should receive at your hands the consideration which its importance and timeliness merited but the congress failed to take action i now renew this recommendation as the importance of the subject has steadily grown since it was first submitted to you and no time should be lost in studying for ourselves the resources of this great field for american trade and enterprise the death of president faure in february last called forth those sincere expressions of sympathy which befit the relations of two republics as closely allied by unbroken historic ties as are the united states and france preparations for the representation of the industries arts and products of the united states at the world exposition to be held in paris next year continue on an elaborate and comprehensive scale thanks to the generous appropriation provided by congress and to the friendly interest the french government has shown in furthering a typical exhibit of american progress there has been allotted to the united states a considerable addition of space which while placing our country in the first rant among exhibitors does not suffice to meet the increasingly urgent demands of our manufacturers the efforts of the commissioner general are ably directed toward a strictly representative display of all that most characteristically marks american achievement in the inventive arts and most adequately shows the excellence of our natural productions in this age of keen rivalry among nations for mastery in commerce the doctrine of evolution and the rule of the survival of the fittest must be as inexorable in their operation as they are positive in the results they bring about the place won in the struggle by an industrial people can only be held by unrelaxed endeavor and constant advance in achievement the present extraordinary impetus in every line of american exportation and the astounding increase in the volume and value of our share in the world markets may not be attributed to accidental conditions the reasons are not far to seek they lie deep in our national character and find expression year by year in every branch of handicraft in every new device whereby the materials we so abundantly produce are subdued to the artisan will and made to yield the largest most practical and most beneficial return the american exhibit at paris should and i am confident will be an open volume whose lessons of skillfully directed endeavor unfaltering energy and consummate performance may be read by all on every page thus spreading abroad a clearer knowledge of the worth of our productions and the justice of our claim to an important place in the marts of the world to accomplish this by judicious selection by recognition of paramount merit in whatever walk of trade or manufacture it may appear and by orderly classification and attractive installation is the task of our commission the united states government building is approaching completion and no effort will be spared to make it worthy in beauty of architectural plan and in completeness of display to represent our nation it has been suggested that a permanent building of similar or appropriate design be erected on a convenient site already given by the municipality near the exposition grounds to serve in commemoration of the part taken by this country in this great enterprise as an american national institute for our countrymen resorting to paris for study i am informed by our that we shall have in the american sections at paris over exhibitors from every state ill our country a number ten times as great as those which were represented at vienna in 1873 six times as many as those in paris in 1878 and four times as many as those who exhibited in paris in 1889 this statement does not include the exhibits from either cuba puerto rico or hawaii for which arrangements have been made a number of important international congresses on special topics affecting public interests are proposed to be held in paris next summer in connection with the exposition effort will be made to have the several technical branches of our administration efficiently represented at those conferences each in its special line and to procure the largest possible concourse of state representatives particularly at the congresses of public charity and medicine our relations with germany continue to be most cordial the increasing intimacy of direct association has been marked during the year by the granting permission in april for the landing on our shores of a cable from borkum emden on the north sea by way of the azores and also by the conclusion on september 2 of a parcels post convention with the german empire in all that promises closer relations of intercourse and commerce and a better understanding between two races having so many traits in common germany can be assured of the most cordial cooperation of this government and people we may be rivals in many material paths but our rivalry should be generous and open ever aiming toward the attainment of larger results and the mutually beneficial advancement of each in the line of its especial adaptabilities the several governments of the empire seem reluctant to admit the natural excellence of our food productions and to accept the evidence we constantly tender of the care with which their purity is guarded by rigid inspection from the farm through the slaughterhouse and the packing establishments to the port of shipment our system of control over exported food staples invites examination from any quarter and challenges respect by its efficient thoroughness it is to be hoped that in time the two governments will act in common accord toward the realization of their common purpose to safeguard the public health and to insure the purity and wholesomeness of all food products imported by either country from the other were the congress to authorize an invitation to germany in connection with the pending reciprocity negotiations for the constitution of a joint commission of scientific experts and practical men of affairs to conduct a searching investigation of food production and exportation in both countries and report to their respective legislatures for the adoption of such remedial measures as they might recommend for either the way might be opened for the desirable result indicated efforts to obtain for american life insurance companies a full hearing as to their business operations in prussia have after several years of patient representation happily succeeded and one of the most important american companies has been granted a concession to continue business in that kingdom i am also glad to announce that the german insurance companies have been readmitted by the superintendent of insurance to do business in the state of new york subsequent to the exchange of our peace treaty with spain germany acquired the caroline islands by purchase paying therefore assurances have been received from the german government that the rights of american missionaries and traders there will be considerately observed in my last annual message i referred to the pending negotiations with great britain 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 twelve subjects among which were the questions of the fur seals the fisheries of the coast and contiguous inland waters the alaskan boundary the transit of merchandise in bond the alien labor laws mining rights reciprocity in trade revision of the agreement respecting naval vessels in the great lakes a more complete marking of parts of the 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 alaskan boundary in the failure of an agreement as to the meaning of articles iii and iv of the treaty of 1825 between russia and great britain which defined the boundary between alaska and canada the american commissioners proposed that the subject of the boundary be laid aside and that the remaining questions of difference be proceeded 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 attention which its importance demands with the result that a modus vivendi for provisional demarcations 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 agreement for the establishment and delimitation of a permanent boundary apart from these questions growing out of our relationship with our northern neighbor the most friendly disposition and ready agreement have marked the discussion of numerous matters arising in the vast and intimate intercourse of the united states with great britain this government has maintained an attitude of neutrality in the unfortunate contest between great britain and the boer states of africa we have remained faithful to the precept of avoiding entangling as to affairs not of our direct concern had circumstances suggested that the parties to the quarrel would have welcomed any kindly expression of the hope of the american people that 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 american interests be respected by the combatants this has been an easy task in view of the positive declarations of both british and boer authorities that the personal and property rights of our citizens 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 discharge of this function i am happy to say that abundant opportunity has been afforded to show the impartiality of this government toward both the combatants for the fourth time in the present decade question has arisen with the government of italy in regard to the lynching of italian subjects the latest of these deplorable events occurred at tallulah louisiana whereby five unfortunates of italian origin were taken from jail and hanged the authorities of the state and a representative of the italian embassy having separately investigated the occurrence with discrepant results particularly as to the alleged citizenship of the victims and it not appearing that the state had been able to discover and punish the violators of the law an independent investigation has been set on foot through the agency of the department of state and is still in progress the result will enable the executive to treat the question with the government of italy it a spirit of fairness and justice a satisfactory solution will doubtless be reached the recurrence of these distressing manifestations of blind mob fury directed at dependents or natives of a foreign country suggests that the contingency has arisen for action by congress in the direction of conferring upon the federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the federal government may be involved the suggestion is not new in his annual message of december 9 1891 my predecessor president harrison said it would i believe be entirely competent for congress to make offenses against the treaty rights of foreigners domiciled in the united states cognizable in the federal courts this has not however been done and the federal officers and courts have no power in such cases to intervene either for the protection of a foreign citizen or for the punishment of his slayers it seems to me to follow in this state of the law that the officers of the state charged with police and judicial powers in such cases must in the consideration of international questions growing out of such incidents be regarded in such sense as federal agents as to make this government answerable for their acts in cases where it would be answerable if the united states had used its constitutional power to define and punish crimes against treaty rights a bill to provide for the punishment of violations of treaty rights of aliens was introduced in the senate march 1 1892 and reported favorably march 30 having doubtless in view the language of that part of article iii of the treaty of february 26 1871 between the united states and italy which stipulates that the citizens of each of the high contracting parties shall receive in the states and territories of the other most constant protection and security for their persons and property and shall enjoy in this respect the same rights and privileges as are or shall be granted to the natives on their submitting themselves to the conditions imposed upon the natives the bill so introduced and reported provided that any act committed in any state or territory of the united states in violation of the rights of a citizen or subject of a foreign country secured to such citizen or subject by treaty between the united states and such foreign country and constituting a crime under the laws of the state or territory shall constitute a like crime against the united states and be cognizable in the federal courts no action was taken by congress in the matter i earnestly recommend that the subject be taken tip anew and acted upon during the present session the necessity for some such provision abundantly appears precedent for constituting a federal jurisdiction in criminal cases where aliens are sufferers is rationally deducible from the existing statute which gives to the district and circuit courts of the united states jurisdiction of civil suits brought by aliens where the amount involved exceeds a certain sum if such jealous solicitude be shown for alien rights in cases of merely civil and pecuniary import how much greater should be the public duty to take cognizance of matters affecting the lives and the rights of aliens tinder the settled principles of international law no less than under treaty stipulation in cases of such transcendent wrong doing as mob murder especially when experience has shown that local justice is too often helpless to punish the offenders after many years of endeavor on the part of this government to that end the italian government has consented to enter into negotiations for a naturalization convention having for one of its objects the regulation of the status of italians except those of an age for active military service who having been naturalized in the united states may revisit italy it is hoped that with the mutually conciliatory spirit displayed a successful conclusion will be reached the treaty of commerce and navigation between the united states and japan on november 22 1894 took effect in accordance with the terms of its xixth article on the 17th of july last simultaneously with the enforcement of like treaties with the other powers except france whose convention did not go into operation until august 4 the united states being however granted up to that date all the privileges and rights accorded to french citizens under the old french treaty by this notable conventional reform japan position as a fully independent sovereign power is assured control being gained of taxation customs revenues judicial administration coasting trade and all other domestic functions of government and foreign rights being renounced comprehensive codes of civil and criminal procedure according to western methods public instruction patents and copyrights municipal administration including jurisdiction over the former foreign settlements customs tariffs and procedure public health and other administrative measures have been proclaimed the working of the new system has given rise to no material complaints on the part of the american citizens or interests a circumstance which attests the ripe consideration with which the change has been prepared valuable assistance was rendered by the japanese authorities to the united states transport ship morgan city while stranded at kobe permission has been granted to land and pasture army horses at japanese ports of call on the way to the philippine islands these kindly evidences of good will are highly appreciated the japanese government has shown a lively interest in the proposition of the pacific cable company to add to its projected cable lines to hawaii guam and the philippines a branch connection with the coast of japan it would be a gratifying consummation were the utility of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bringing japan and the united states into direct telegraphic relation without repeating the observations of my special message of february 10 1899 concerning the necessity of a cable to manila i respectfully invite attention to it i recommend that in case the congress should not take measures to bring about this result by direct action of the government the postmaster general be authorized to invite competitive bids for the establishment of a cable the company making the best responsible bid to be awarded the contract the successful company to give ample bonds to insure the completion of the work within a reasonable time the year has been marked by constant increase in the intimacy of our relations with mexico and in the magnitude of mutually advantageous interchanges this government has omitted no opportunity to show its strong desire to develop and perpetuate the ties of cordiality now so long happily unbroken following the termination on january 20 1899 by mexico of the convention of extradition of december 11 1861 a new treaty more in accordance with the ascertained needs of both countries was signed february 22 1899 and exchanged in the city of mexico on the 22d of april last its operation thus far has been effective and satisfactory a recent case has served to test the application of its ivth article which provides that neither party shall be bound to deliver up its own citizens but that the executive authority of each shall have the power to deliver them up if in its discretion it be deemed proper to do so the extradition of mattie rich a citizen of the united states charged with homicide committed in mexico was after mature consideration directed by me in the conviction that the ends of justice would be thereby subserved similar action on appropriate occasion by the mexican executive will not only tend to accomplish the desire of both governments that grave crimes go not unpunished but also to repress lawlessness along the border of the two countries the new treaty stipulates that neither government shall assume jurisdiction in the punishment of crimes committed exclusively within the territory of the other this will obviate in future the embarrassing controversies which have heretofore arisen through mexico assertion of a claim to try and punish an american citizen for an offense committed within the jurisdiction of the united states the international water boundary commission organized by the convention of march 1 1889 for the adjustment of questions affecting the rio grande frontier has not yet completed its labors a further extension of its term for one year until december 24 1899 was effected by a convention signed december z 1898 and exchanged and proclaimed in february last an invitation extended to the president of mexico to visit chicago in october on the occasion of laying the corner stone of the united states government building in that city was cordially accepted by him with the necessary consent of the mexican congress but the illness of a member of his family prevented his attendance the minister of foreign relations however came as the personal representative of president diaz and in that high character was duly honored claims growing out of the seizure of american sealing vessels in bering sea have been under discussion with the government of russia for several years with the recent happy result of an agreement to submit them to the decision of a single arbitrator by this act russia affords proof of her adherence to the beneficent principle of arbitration which her plenipotentiaries conspicuously favored at the hague disarmament conference when it was advocated by the representatives of the united states a suggestion for a permanent exposition of our products and manufactures in russia although not yet fully shaped has been so cordially welcomed by the imperial government that it may not inaptly take a fitting place in whatever legislation the congress may adopt looking to enlargement of our commercial opportunities abroad important events have occurred in the samoan islands the election according to the laws and customs of samoa of a successor to the late king malietoa laupepa developed a contest as to the validity of the result which issue by the terms of the general act was to be decided by the chief justice upon his rendering a judgment in favor of malietoa tanu the rival chief mataafa took up arms the active intervention of american and british war ships became imperative to restore order at the cost of sanguinary encounters in this emergency a joint commission of representatives of the united states germany and great britain was sent to samoa to investigate the situation and provide a temporary remedy by its active efforts a peaceful solution was reached for the time being the kingship being abolished and a provisional government established recommendations unanimously made by the commission for a permanent adjustment of the samoan question were taken under consideration by the three powers parties to the general act but the more they were examined the more evident it became that a radical change was necessary in the relations of the powers to samoa the inconveniences and possible perils of the tripartite scheme of supervision and control in the samoan group by powers having little interest in common in that quarter beyond commercial rivalry had been once more emphasized by the recent events the suggested remedy of the joint commission like the scheme it aimed to replace amounted to what has been styled a tridominium being the exercise of the functions of sovereignty by an unanimous agreement of three powers the situation had become far more intricate and embarrassing from every point of view than it was when my predecessor in 1894 summed up its perplexities and condemned the participation in it of the united states the arrangement under which samoa was administered had proved impracticable and unacceptable to all the powers concerned to withdraw from the agreement and abandon the islands to germany and great britain would not be compatible with our interests in the archipelago to relinquish our rights in the harbor of pago pago the best anchorage in the pacific the occupancy of which had been leased to the united states in 1878 by the first foreign treaty ever concluded by samoa was not to be thought of either as regards the needs of our navy or the interests of our growing commerce with the east we could not have considered any proposition for the abrogation of the tripartite control which did not confirm us in all our rights and safeguard all our national interests in the islands our views commended themselves to the other powers a satisfactory arrangement was concluded between the governments of germany and of england by virtue of which england retired from samoa in view of compensations in other directions and both powers renounced in favor of the united states all their rights and claims over and in respect to that portion of the group lying to the east of the one hundred and degree of west longitude embracing the islands of tutuila ofoo olosenga and manua i transmit to the senate for its constitutional action thereon a convention which besides the provisions above mentioned also guarantees us the same privileges and conditions in respect to commerce and commercial vessels in all of the islands of samoa as those possessed by germany claims have been preferred by white residents of samoa on account of injuries alleged to have been suffered through the acts of the treaty governments in putting down the late disturbances a convention has been made between the three powers for the investigation and settlement of these claims by a neutral arbitrator to which the attention of the senate will be invited my annual message of last year was necessarily devoted in great part to a consideration of the spanish war and of the results it wrought and the conditions it imposed for the future i am gratified to announce that the treaty of peace has restored friendly relations between the two powers effect has been given to its most important provisions the evacuation of puerto rico having already been accomplished on the x8th of october 1898 nothing remained necessary there but to continue the provisional military control of the island until the congress should enact a suitable government for the ceded territory of the character and scope of the measures to that end i shall treat in another 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 of peace found the relinquished territory held by us in trust for the inhabitants maintaining under the direction of the executive such government and control therein as should conserve public order restore the productive conditions of peace so 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 realized 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 disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty jurisdiction or control over cuba except for the pacification thereof and asserted its determination when that was accomplished to leave the government and control 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 administrative measures adopted in cuba have aimed to fit it for a regenerated existence by enforcing the supremacy of law and justice by placing wherever practicable the machinery of administration in the hands of the inhabitants by instituting needed sanitary reforms by spreading education by fostering industry and trade by inculcating public morality and in short by taking every rational step to aid the cuban people to attain to that plane of respect and unity which fits an enlightened community for within its own sphere while enabling it to fulfill all outward obligation this nation has assumed before the world a grave responsibility for the future 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 those ties shall be organic or conventional the destinies of cuba are in some rightful form and manner irrevocably 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 mission to accomplish which we took up the wager of battle is not to be fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely framed commonwealth to face the vicissitudes which too often attend weaker states whose natural wealth and abundant resources are offset by the incongruities of their political organization and the recurring occasions for internal rivalries to sap their strength and dissipate their energies the greatest blessing which can come to cuba is the restoration of her agricultural and industrial prosperity which will give employment to idle men and the pursuits of peace this is her chief and immediate need on the 19th of august last an order was made for the taking of the census in the island to be completed on the 3oth of november by the treaty of peace the spanish people on the island have until april 11 1900 to elect whether they will remain citizens of spain or become citizens of cuba until then it can not be definitely ascertained who shall be entitled to participate in the formation of the government of cuba by that time the results of the census will have been tabulated and we shall proceed to provide for elections which will commit the municipal governments of the island to the officers elected by the people the experience thus acquired will prove of great value in the formation of a representative convention of the people to draft a constitution and establish a general system of independent government for the island in the meantime and so long as we exercise control over the island the products of cuba should have a market in the united states on as good terms and with as favorable rates of duty as are given to the west india islands under treaties of reciprocity which shall be made for the relief of the distressed in the island of cuba the war department has issued supplies to destitute persons through the officers of the army which have amounted to ooo rations at a cost of to promote the disarmament of the cuban volunteer army and in the interest of public peace and the welfare of the people the sum of 75 was paid to each cuban soldier borne upon the authenticated rolls on condition that he should deposit his arms with the authorities designated by the united states the sum thus disbursed aggregated which was paid from the emergency fund provided by the act of january 5 1899 for that purpose out of the cuban island revenues during the six months ending june 30 1899 was expended for sanitation for charities and hospitals and for aid to the destitute following the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace the two governments accredited ministers to each other spain sending to washington the duke of arcos an eminent diplomatist previously stationed in mexico while the united states transferred to madrid hon bellamy storer its minister at brussels this was followed by the respective appointment of consuls thereby fully resuming the relations interrupted by the war in addition to its consular representation in the united states the spanish government has appointed consuls for cuba who have been provisionally recognized during the military administration of the affairs of that island judicial intercourse between the courts of cuba and puerto rico and of spain has been established as provided by the treaty of peace the cuban political prisoners in spanish penal stations have been and are being released and returned to their homes in accordance with article vi of the treaty negotiations are about to be had for defining the conventional relations between the two countries which fell into abeyance by reason of the war i trust that these will include a favorable arrangement for commercial reciprocity under the terms of sections 3 and 4 of the current tariff act in these as in all matters of international concern no effort will be spared to respond to the good disposition of spain and to cultivate in all practicable ways the intimacy which should prevail between two nations whose past history has so often and in so many ways been marked by sincere friendship and by community of interests i would recommend appropriate legislation in order to carry into execution article vii of the treaty of peace with spain by which the united states assured the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against spain the united states minister to turkey continues under instructions to press for a money payment in satisfaction of the just claims for injuries suffered by american citizens in the disorders of several years past and for wrongs done to them by the ottoman authorities some of these claims are of many years standing this government is hopeful of a general agreement in this regard in the turkish empire the situation of our citizens remains unsatisfactory our efforts during nearly forty years to bring about a convention of naturalization seem to be on the brink of final failure through the announced policy of the ottoman porte to refuse recognition of the alien status of native turkish subjects naturalized abroad since 1867 our statutes do not allow this government to admit any distinction between the treatment of native and naturalized americans abroad so that ceaseless controversy arises in cases where persons owing in the eye of international law a dual allegiance are prevented from entering turkey or are expelled after entrance our law in this regard contrasts with that of the european states the british act for instance does not claim effect for the naturalization of an alien in the event of his return to his native country unless the change be recognized by the law of that country or stipulated by treaty between it and the naturalizing state the arbitrary treatment in some instances of american productions in turkey has attracted attention of late notably in regard to our flour large shipments by the recently opened direct steamship line to turkish ports have been denied entrance on the score that although of standard composition and unquestioned purity the flour was pernicious to health because of deficient elasticity as indicated by antiquated and untrustworthy tests upon due protest by the american minister and it appearing that the act was a virtual discrimination against our product the shipments in question were admitted in these as in all instances wherever occurring when american products may be subjected in a foreign country upon specious pretexts to discrimination compared with the like products of another country this government will use its earnest efforts to secure fair and equal treatment for its citizens and their goods failing this it will not hesitate to apply whatever corrective may be provided by the statutes the international commission of arbitration appointed under the treaty of 1897 rendered an award on october 3 last whereby the boundary line between venezuela and british guiana is determined thus ending a controversy which has existed for the greater part of the century the award as to which the arbitrators were unanimous while not meeting the extreme contention of either party gives to great britain a large share of the interior territory in dispute and to venezuela the entire mouth of the orinoco including barima point and the caribbean littoral for some distance to the eastward the decision appears to be equally satisfactory to both parties venezuela has once more undergone a revolution the insurgents under general castro after a sanguinary engagement in which they suffered much loss rallied in the mountainous interior and advanced toward the capital the bulk of the army having sided with the movement president andrade quitted caracas where general castro set up a provisional government with which our minister and the representatives of other powers entered into diplomatic relations on the 20th of november 1899 the fourth section of the tariff act approved july 24 x897 appears to provide only for commercial treaties which should be entered into by the president and also ratified by the senate within two years from its passage owing to delays inevitable in negotiations of this nature none of the treaties initiated under that section could be concluded in time for ratification by the senate prior to its adjournment on the 4th of march last some of the pending negotiations however were near conclusion at that time and the resulting conventions have since been signed by the plenipotentiaries others within both the third and fourth sections of the act are still under consideration acting under the constitutional power of the executive in respect to treaties i have deemed it my duty while observing the limitations of concession provided by the fourth section to bring to a conclusion all pending negotiations and submit them to the senate for its advice and consent conventions of reciprocity have been signed during the congressional recess with great britain for the respective colonies of british guiana barbados bermuda jamaica and turks and caicos islands and with the republic of nicaragua important reciprocal conventions have also been concluded with france and with the argentine republic in my last annual message the progress noted in the work of the diplomatic and consular officers in collecting information as to the industries and commerce of other countries and in the care and promptitude with which their reports are printed and distributed has continued during the past year with increasingly valuable results in suggesting new sources of demand for american products and in pointing out the obstacles still to be overcome in facilitating the remarkable expansion of our foreign trade it will doubtless be gratifying to congress to learn that the various agencies of the department of state are in these endeavors with a zeal and effectiveness which are not only receiving the cordial recognition of our business interests but are exciting the emulation of other governments in any rearrangement of the great and complicated work of obtaining official data of an economic character which congress may undertake it is most important in my judgment that the results already secured by the efforts of the department of state should be carefully considered with a view to a judicious development and increased utility to our export trade the interest taken by the various states forming the international union of american republics in the work of its organic bureau is evidenced by the fact that for the first time since its creation in i8go all the republics of south and central america are now represented in it the unanimous recommendation of the international american conference providing for the international union of american republics stated that it should continue in force during a term of ten years from the date of its organization and no country becoming a member of the union should cease to be a member until the end of said period of ten years and unless twelve months before the expiration of said period a majority of the members of the union had given to the secretary of state of the united states official notice of their wish to terminate the union at the end of its first period that the union should continue to be maintained for another period of ten years and thereafter under the same conditions for successive periods of ten years each the period for notification expired on july 14 1899 without any of the members having given the necessary notice of withdrawal its maintenance is therefore assured for the next ten years in view of this fact and of the numerous questions of general interest and common benefit to all of the republics of america some of which were considered by the first international american conference but not finally settled and others which have since then grown to importance it would seem expedient that the various republics constituting the union should be invited to hold at an early date another conference in the capital of one of the countries other than the united states which has already enjoyed this honor the purely international character of the work being done by the bureau and the appreciation of its value are further emphasized by the active which the various governments of the latin american republics and their diplomatic representatives in this capital are now exhibiting and the zealous endeavors they are making to extend its field of usefulness to promote through it commercial intercourse and strengthen the bonds of amity and confidence between its various members and the nations of this continent the act to encourage the holding of the exposition on the niagara frontier within the county of erie or niagara in the state of new york in the year 1901 was approved on march 3 1899 this exposition which will be held in the city of buffalo in the near vicinity of the great niagara cataract and within a day journey of which reside 40 000 000 of our people will be confined entirely to the western hemisphere satisfactory assurances have already been given by the diplomatic representatives of great britain mexico the central and south american republics and most of the states of the united states that these countries and states will make an unique interesting and instructive exhibit peculiarly illustrative of their material progress during the century which is about to close the law provides an appropriation of for the purpose of making an exhibit at the exposition by the government of the united states from its executive departments and from the smithsonian institution and national museum the united states commission of fish and fisheries the department of labor and the bureau of the american republics to secure a complete and harmonious arrangement of this government exhibit a board of management has already been created and charged with the selection purchase preparation transportation arrangement and of the articles and materials to be exhibited this board has been organized and has already entered upon the performance of its duties as provided for by the law i have every reason to hope and believe that this exposition will tend more firmly to cement the cordial relations between the nations on this continent in accordance with an act of congress approved december 21 1898 and under the auspices of the philadelphia commercial museum a most interesting and valuable exposition of products and manufactures especially adapted to export trade was held in philadelphia from the 14th of september to the 1st of december 1899 the representative character of the exhibits and the widespread interest manifested in the special objects of the undertaking afford renewed encouragement to those who look confidently to the steady growth of our enlarged exportation of manufactured goods which has been the most remarkable fact in the economic development of the united states in recent years a feature of this exposition which is likely to become of permanent and increasing utility to our industries is the collection of samples of merchandise produced in various countries with special reference to particular markets providing practical object lessons to united states manufacturers as to qualities styles and prices of goods such as meet the special demands of consumers and may be exported with advantage in connection with the exposition an international commercial congress was held upon the invitation of the philadelphia commercial museum transmitted by the department of state to the various foreign governments for an exchange of information and opinions with the view to the promotion of international trade this invitation met with general and cordial acceptance and the congress which began its sessions at the exposition on the 13th of october proved to be of great practical importance from the fact that it developed a general recognition of the interdependence of nations in trade and a most gratifying spirit of accommodation with reference to the gradual removal of existing impediments to reciprocal relations without injury to the industrial interests of either party in response to the invitation of his majesty the emperor of russia delegates from countries were assembled at the hague on the 18th of may as members of a conference in the interest of peace the commission from the united states consisted of the hon andrew white the hon seth low the hon stanford newel captain alfred mahan of the united states navy captain william crozier of the united states army and the hon frederick holls secretary the occasion seemed to be opportune for the serious consideration of a plan for the pacific adjustment of international differences a subject in which the american people have been deeply interested for many years and a definite project for a permanent international tribunal was included in the instructions to the delegates of the united states the final act of the conference includes conventions upon the amelioration of the laws and customs of war on land the adaptation to maritime warfare of the principles of the geneva convention of 1864 and the extension of judicial methods to international cases the convention for the pacific settlement of international conflicts embodies the leading features of the american plan with such modifications as were rendered by the great diversity of views and interests represented by the delegates the four titles of the convention provide for the maintenance of general peace the exercise of good offices and mediation the formation of commissions of inquiry and international arbitration the mediation provided for by the convention is purely voluntary and advisory and is intended to avoid any invasion or limitation of the sovereign rights of the adhering states the commissions of inquiry proposed consists of delegations to be specifically constituted for particular purposes by means of conventions between the contesting parties having for their object the clear understanding of international differences before resorting to the use of force the provision for arbitration contemplates the formation of a permanent tribunal before which disputed cases may be brought for settlement by the mutual consent of the litigants in each separate case the advantages of such a permanent tribunal over impromptu commissions of arbitration are conceived to be the actual existence of a competent court prepared to administer justice the greater economy resulting from a system and the accumulated judicial skill and experience which such a tribunal would soon possess while earnestly promoting the idea of establishing a permanent international tribunal the delegation of the united states was not unmindful of the inconveniences which might arise from an obtrusive exercise of mediation and in signing the convention carefully guarded the historic position of the united states by the following declaration nothing contained in this convention shall be so construed as to require the united states of america to depart from its traditional policy of not intruding upon interfering with or entangling itself in the political questions or policy or internal administration of any foreign state nor shall anything contained in the said convention be construed to imply a relinquishment by the united states of america of its traditional attitude toward purely american questions thus interpreted the convention for the pacific settlement of international conflicts may be regarded as realizing the earnest desire of great numbers of american citizens whose deep sense of justice expressed in numerous resolutions and memorials has urged them to labor for this noble achievement the general character of this convention already signed by the delegates of more than twenty sovereign states further commends it to the favorable action of the senate of the united states whose ratification it still awaits since my last annual message and in obedience to the acts of the congress of april 22 and 26 1898 the remaining volunteer force enlisted for the spanish war consisting of regulars and volunteers with over volunteer officers has been discharged from the military service of the volunteers 667 officers and men were serving in the philippines and of the regulars who were entitled to be mustered out after the ratification of the treaty of peace they voluntarily remained at the front until their places could be filled by new troops they were returned home in the order in which they went to manila and are now all of them out of the service and in the ranks of citizenship i recommend that the congress provide a special medal of honor for the volunteers regulars sailors and marines on duty in the philippines who voluntarily remained in the service after their terms of enlistment had expired by the act of march 2 1899 congress gave authority to increase the regular army to a maximum not exceeding enlisted men and to enlist a force of volunteers to be recruited from the country at large by virtue of this authority the regular army has been increased to the number of enlisted men and officers and new volunteer regiments have been organized aggregating enlisted men and officers two of these volunteer regiments are madeup of colored men with colored line officers the new troops to take the places of those returning from the philippines have been transported to manila to the number of 581 officers and enlisted men of the regular army and 594 officers and enlisted men of the new volunteer force while 504 officers and 14 119 men of the volunteer force are on the ocean en route to manila the force now in manila consists of 905 officers and regulars and 594 officers and of the volunteers making an aggregate of officers and men when the troops now under orders shall reach manila the force in the archipelago will comprise officers and men the muster out of the great volunteer army organized for the spanish war and the creation of a new army the transportation from manila to san francisco of those entitled to discharge and the transportation of the new troops to take their places have been a work of great magnitude well and ably done for which too much credit can not be given the war department during the past year we have reduced our force in cuba and puerto rico in cuba we now have 334 officers and enlisted men in puerto rico 87 officers and enlisted men and a battalion of 400 men composed of native puerto ricans while stationed throughout the united states are 910 officers and men and in hawaii 12 officers and 453 enlisted men the operations of the army are fully presented in the report of the secretary of war i can not withhold from officers and men the highest commendation for their soldierly conduct in trying situations their willing sacrifices for their country and the integrity and ability with which they have performed unusual and difficult duties in our island possessions in the organization of the volunteer regiments authorized by the act of march 2 1899 it was found that no provision had been made for chaplains this omission was doubtless from inadvertence i recommend the early authorization for the appointment of one chaplain for each of said regiments these regiments are now in the philippines and it is important that immediate action be had in restoring peaceful conditions orderly rule and civic progress in cuba puerto rico and so far as practicable in the philippines the rehabilitation of the postal service has been an essential and important part of the work it became necessary to provide mail facilities both for our forces of occupation and for the native population to meet this requirement has involved a substantial reconstruction the existing systems were so fragmentary defective and inadequate that a new and comprehensive organization had to be created american trained officials have been assigned to the directing and executive positions while natives have been chiefly employed in making up the body of the force in working out this plan the merit rule has been rigorously and faithfully applied the appointment of of posts of cuba was given to an expert who had been chief inspector and assistant and who united large experience with administrative capacity for the postmastership at havana the range of skilled and available men was scanned and the choice fell upon one who had been twenty years in the service as deputy postmaster and postmaster of a large city this principle governed and determined the selection of the american officials sent not only to cuba but to puerto rico and the philippines and they were instructed to apply it so far as practicable in the employment of the natives as minor postmasters and clerks the postal system in cuba though remaining under the general guidance of the was made essentially independent it was felt that it should not be a burden upon the postal service of the united states and provision was made that any deficit in the postal revenue should be a charge upon the general revenues of the island though puerto rico and the philippines hold a different relation to the united states yet for convenience of administration the same principle of an autonomous system has been extended to them the development of the service in all of the islands has been rapid and successful it has moved forward on american lines with free delivery money order and registry systems and has given the people mail facilities far greater and more reliable than any they have ever before enjoyed it is thus not only a vital agency of industrial social and business progress but an important influence in diffusing a just understanding of the true spirit and character of american administration the domestic postal service continues to grow with extraordinary rapidity the expenditures and the revenues will each exceed during the current year fortunately since the revival of prosperous times the revenues have grown much faster than the expenditures and there is every indication that a short period will witness the obliteration of the annual deficit in this connection the report of the embodies a statement of some evils which have grown up outside of the contemplation of law in the treatment of some classes of mail matter which wrongly exercise the privilege of the pound rate and shows that if this matter had been properly classified and had paid the rate which it should have paid instead of a postal deficit for the last fiscal year of there would have been on one basis a surplus of and on another of the reform thus suggested in the opinion of the would not only put the postal service at once on a basis but would permit great and valuable improvements and i commend the subject to the consideration of the congress the navy has maintained the spirit and high efficiency which have always characterized that service and has lost none of the gallantry in heroic action which has signalized its brilliant and glorious past the nation has equal pride in its early and later achievements its habitual readiness for every emergency has won the confidence and admiration of the country the people are interested in the continued preparation and prestige of the navy and will justify liberal appropriations for its maintenance and improvement the officers have shown peculiar adaptation for the performance of new and delicate duties which our recent war has imposed it can not be doubted that congress will at once make necessary provision for the armor plate for the vessels now under contract and building its attention is respectfully called to the report of the secretary of the navy in which the subject is fully presented i unite in his recommendation that the congress enact such special legislation as may be necessary to enable the department to make contracts early in the coming year for armor of the best quality that can be obtained in this country for the maine ohio and missouri and that the provision of the act of march 3 1899 limiting the price of armor to 300 per ton be removed in the matter of naval construction italy and japan of the great powers laid down less tonnage in the year 1899 than this country and italy alone has less tonnage under construction i heartily concur in the recommendations for the increase of the navy as suggested by the secretary our future progress and prosperity depend upon our ability to equal if not surpass other nations in the enlargement and advance of science industry and commerce to invention we must turn as one of the most powerful aids to the accomplishment of such a result the attention of the congress is directed to the report of the commissioner of patents in which will be found valuable suggestions and recommendations on the 30th of june 1899 the pension roll of the united states numbered these include the pensioners of the army and navy in all our wars the number added to the rolls during the year was the number dropped by reason of death remarriage minors by legal limitation failure to claim within three years and other causes was 43 186 and the number of claims disallowed was 107 gig during the year pension certificates were issued of which were for new or original pensions the amount disbursed for army and navy pensions during the year was which was less than the sum of the appropriations the grand army of the republic at its recent national encampment held in philadelphia has brought to my attention and to that of the congress the wisdom and justice of a modification of the third section of the act of june 27 x8go which provides pensions for the widows of officers and enlisted men who served ninety days or more during the war of the rebellion and were honorably discharged provided that such widows are without other means of sup port than their daily labor and were married to the soldier sailor or marine on account of whose service they claim pension prior to the date of the act the present holding of the department is that if the widow income aside from her daily labor does not exceed in amount what her pension would be to wit 96 per annum she would be deemed to be without other means of support than her daily labor and would be entitled to a pension under this act while if the widow income independent of the amount received by her as the result of her daily labor exceeds 96 she would not be pensionable under the act i am advised by the commissioner of pensions that the amount of the income allowed before title to pension would be barred has varied widely under different administrations of the pension office as well as during different periods of the same administration and has been the because of just complaint and criticism with the approval of the secretary of the interior the commissioner of pensions recommends that in order to make the practice at all times uniform and to do justice to the dependent widow the amount of income allowed independent of the proceeds of her daily labor should be not less than 250 per annum and he urges that the congress shall so amend the act as to permit the pension office to grant pensionable status to widows under the terms of the third section of the act of june 27 1890 whose income aside from the proceeds of daily labor is not in excess of 250 per annum i believe this to be a simple act of justice and heartily recommend it the dawes commission reports that gratifying progress has been made in its work during the preceding year the of enrollment of four of the nations has been completed i recommend that congress at an early day make liberal appropriation for educational purposes in the indian territory in accordance with the act of congress approved march 3 the preliminary work in connection with the twelfth census is now fully under way the officers required for the proper administration of the duties imposed have been selected the provision for securing a proper enumeration of the population as well as to secure evidence of the industrial growth of the nation is broader and more comprehensive than any similar legislation in the past the director advises that every needful effort is being made to push this great work to completion in the time limited by the statute it is believed that the twelfth census will emphasize our remarkable advance in all that pertains to national progress under the authority of the act of congress approved july 7 1898 the commission consisting of the secretary of the treasury the and the secretary of the interior has made an agreement of settlement which has had my approval of the indebtedness to the government growing out of the issue of bonds to aid in the construction of the central pacific and western pacific rail roads the agreement secures to the government the principal and interest of said bonds amounting to there has been paid thereon which has been covered into the treasury and the remainder payable within ten years with interest at the rate of 3 per cent per annum payable semiannually is secured by the deposit of an equal amount of bonds of the pacific railway companies the amounts paid and secured to be paid to the government on account of the pacific railroad subsidy claims are the whole indebtedness was about more than half of which consisted of accrued interest for which sum the government has realized the entire amount less about within a period of two years on june 30 1898 there were thirty forest reservations exclusive of the afognak forest and fish culture reserve in alaska embracing an estimated area of acres during the past year two of the existing forest reserves the trabuco canyon california and black hills south dakota and wyoming have been considerably enlarged the area of the mount rainier reserve in the state of washington has been somewhat reduced and six additional reserves have been established namely the san francisco mountains arizona the black mesa arizona lake tahoe california gallatin montana gila river new mexico and fish lake utah the total estimated area of which is acres this makes at the present time a total of forest reservations embracing an estimated area of acres this estimated area is the aggregated areas within the boundaries of the reserves the lands actually reserved are however only the vacant public lands therein and these have been set aside and reserved for sale or settlement in order that they may be of the greatest use to the people protection of the national forests inaugurated by the department of the interior in 1897 has been continued during the past year and much has been accomplished in the way of preventing forest fires and the protection of the timber there are now large tracts covered by forests which will eventually be reserved and set apart for forest uses until that can be done congress should increase the appropriations for the work of protecting the forests the department of agriculture is constantly consulting the needs of producers in all the states and territories it is introducing seeds and plants of great value and promoting fuller diversification of crops grains grasses fruits legumes and vegetables are imported for all parts of the united states under this encouragement the factory multiplies in the north and far west semitropical plants are sent to the south and congenial climates are sought for the choice productions of the far east the hybridizing of fruit trees and grains is conducted in the search for varieties adapted to exacting conditions the introduction of tea gardens into the southern states promises to provide employment for idle hands as well as to supply the home market with tea the subject of irrigation where it is of vital importance to the people is being carefully studied steps are being taken to reclaim injured or abandoned lands and information for the people along these lines is being printed and distributed markets are being sought and opened up for surplus farm and factory products in europe and in asia the outlook for the education of the young farmer through agricultural college and experiment station with opportunity given to specialize in the department of agriculture is very promising the people of hawaii puerto rico and the philippine islands should be helped by the establishment of experiment stations to a more scientific knowledge of the production of coffee india rubber and other tropical products for which there is demand in the united states there is widespread interest in the improvement of our public highways at the present time and the department of agriculture is with the people in each locality in making the best possible roads from local material and in experimenting with steel tracks a more intelligent system of managing the forests of the country is being put in operation and a careful study of the whole forestry problem is being conducted throughout the united states a very extensive and complete exhibit of the agricultural and horticultural products of the united states is being prepared for the paris exposition on the 10th of december 1898 the treaty of peace between the united states and spain was signed it provided among other things that spain should cede to the united states the archipelago known as the philippine islands that the united states should pay to spain the sum of twenty millions of dollars and that the civil rights and political status of the native inhabitants of the territories thus ceded to the united states should be determined by the congress the treaty was ratified by the senate on the 6th of february 1899 and by the government of spain on the 19th of march following the ratifications were exchanged on the 11th of april and the treaty publicly proclaimed on the 2d of march the congress voted the sum contemplated 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 possession 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 action of the representatives of the people of the united states in both houses 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 upon the people of that country nor upon any party 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 i 7th of august it was directed that 11 there must be no joint occupation with the insurgents that the united states must preserve the peace and protect persons and property within the territory occupied by their military and naval forces that the insurgents and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the united states as early as december 4 before the cession and in anticipation of that event the commander in manila was urged to restore peace and tranquility and to undertake the establishment of a beneficent government which should afford the fullest security for life and property on the 21st of december after the treaty was signed the commander of the forces of occupation was instructed 11 to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not as invaders and conquerors but as friends to protect the natives in their homes in their employments and in their personal and religious rights on the same day while ordering general otis to see that the peace should be preserved in iloilo he was admonished that 11 it is most important that there should be no conflict with the insurgents on the 1st day of january 1899 urgent orders were reiterated that the kindly intentions of this government should be in every possible way communicated to the insurgents on the 21st of january i announced my intention of dispatching to manila a commission composed of three gentlemen of the highest character and distinction thoroughly acquainted with the orient who in association with admiral dewey and otis were instructed to facilitate the most humane and effective extension of authority throughout the islands and to secure with the least possible delay the benefits of a wise and generous protection of life and property to the inhabitants these gentlemen were jacob gould schurman president of cornell university the hon charles denby for many years minister to china and dean worcester of the university of michigan who had made a most careful study of life in the philippines while the treaty of peace was under consideration in the senate these commissioners set out on their mission of good will and liberation their character was a sufficient guaranty of the beneficent purpose with which they went even if they had not borne the positive instructions of this government which made their errand one of peace and friendship but before their arrival at manila the sinister ambition of a few leaders of the filipinos had created a situation full of embarrassment for us and most grievous in its consequences to themselves the clear and impartial preliminary report of the commissioners which i transmit herewith gives so lucid and comprehensive a history of the present insurrectionary 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 an 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 the prompt accomplishment of this work by the american army and navy gave him other ideas and ambitions and insidious suggestions from various quarters 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 were taken as a proof of cowardice the aggressions of the filipinos continually increased until finally just before the time set by the senate of the united states for a vote upon the treaty an attack evidently prepared in advance was made all along the american lines which resulted in a terribly 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 modern times it directs that at 8 of the clock on the night of the 15th of february the territorial militia shall come together in the streets of san pedro armed with their bolos with guns and ammunition where convenient that filipino families only shall be respected but that all other individuals of whatever race they maybe shall be exterminated without any compassion 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 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 considerable numbers of armed insurgents entered the city by waterways and swamps and in concert with confederates inside attempted to destroy manila by fire they were kept in check during the night and the next day driven out of the city with heavy loss this was the unhappy condition of affairs which confronted our commissioners on their arrival in manila they had come with the hope and intention of with admiral dewey and major general otis in establishing peace and order in the archipelago and the largest measure of 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 adventurous and enthusiastic army no alternative was left to 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 by force 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 island either with honor to ourselves or with safety to the inhabitants the course thus clearly indicated has been unflinchingly pursued the rebellion must be put down civil government can not be thoroughly established until order is restored with a devotion and gallantry worthy of its most brilliant history the army ably and loyally assisted by the navy has carried on this unwelcome but most righteous campaign with richly deserved success the noble with which our soldiers and sailors whose terms of service had expired 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 in our annals although their operations have been somewhat interrupted and checked by a rainy season of unusual violence and duration they have gained ground steadily in every direction and now look forward confidently to a speedy completion of their task the unfavorable circumstances connected with an active campaign have not been permitted to interfere with the equally important work of reconstruction again i invite your attention to the report of the commissioners for the interesting and encouraging details of the work already accomplished in the establishment of peace and order and the inauguration of municipal life in many portions of the archipelago 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 sovereignty its people unreservedly proclaimed allegiance to the united states and adopted a constitution looking to the establishment of a popular government it was impossible to guarantee to the people 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 exclusively within the jurisdiction of the congress the government actually set up by the inhabitants of negros eventually proved unsatisfactory to the natives themselves a new system was put into force by order of the commanding the department of which the following 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 appoint secretaries of the treasury interior agriculture public instruction an and an auditor the seat of government was fixed at bacolod the military governor exercises the supreme executive power he is to see that the laws are executed appoint to office and fill all vacancies in office not otherwise provided for and may with the approval of the military governor of the philippines remove any officer from office the civil governor advises the military governor on all public 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 advisory council consists of eight members elected by the people within territorial limits which are defined in the order of the commanding general the times and places of holding elections are to be fixed by the military governor of the island of negros the qualifications or voters are as follows i a voter must be a male citizen of the island of negros q of the age of 21 years 3 he shall be able to speak read and write the english spanish or visayan language or he must real property worth 500 or pay a rental on real property of the value of 4 he must have resided in the island not less than one year preceding and in the district in which he offers to register as a voter not less than three months immediately preceding the time he offers to register 5 he must register at a time fixed by law before voting 6 prior to such registration he shall have paid all taxes due by him to the government provided that no insane person shall be allowed to register or vote the military governor has the right to veto all bills or resolutions adopted by the advisory council and his veto is final if not disapproved by the military governor of the philippines the advisory council discharges all the ordinary duties of a legislature the usual duties pertaining to said offices are to be per formed by the secretaries of the treasury interior agriculture public instruction the and the auditor the judicial power is vested in three judges who are to be appointed by the military governor of the island inferior courts are to be established free public schools are to be established throughout the populous districts of the island in which the english language shall be taught and this subject will receive the careful consideration of the advisory council the burden of government must be distributed equally and equitably among the people the military authorities will collect and receive the customs revenue and will control postal matters and philippine trade and commerce the military governor subject to the approval of the military governor of the philippines determines all questions not specifically provided for and which do not come under the jurisdiction of the advisory council 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 brig bates united states volunteers negotiated an agreement with the sultan and his principal chiefs which i transmit herewith by article i the sovereignty of the united states over the whole archipelago of jolo and its dependencies is declared and acknowledged the united states flag will be used in the archipelago and its dependencies on land and sea piracy is to be suppressed and the sultan agrees to heartily with the united states authorities to that end and to make every possible effort to arrest and bring to justice all persons engaged in piracy all trade in domestic products of the archipelago of jolo when carried on with any part of the philippine islands and under the american flag shall be free unlimited and undutiable the united states will give full protection to the sultan in case any foreign nation should attempt to impose upon him the united states will not sell the island of jolo or any other island of the jolo archipelago to any foreign nation without the consent of the sultan salaries for the sultan and his associates in the administration of the islands have been agreed upon to the amount of 760 monthly article x provides that any slave in the archipelago of jolo shall have the right to purchase freedom by paying to the master the usual market value the agreement by general bates was made subject to confirmation by the president and to future modifications by the consent of the parties in interest i have confirmed said agreement subject to the action of the congress and with the reservation which i have directed shall be communicated to the sultan of jolo that this agreement is not to be deemed in any way to authorize or give the consent of the united states to the existence of slavery in the sulu archipelago i communicate these facts to the congress for its information and action everything indicates that with the speedy suppression of the tagalo rebellion life in the archipelago will soon resume its ordinary course under the protection of our sovereignty and the people of those favored 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 the courts are dispensing justice business is beginning to circulate in its accustomed channels manila whose inhabitants 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 commission and the admiral and commanding the department of the pacific to assure the people of the beneficent intentions of this government have had their legitimate effect in convincing the great mass of them that peace and safety and prosperity and stable government can only be found in a loyal acceptance of the authority of the united states the future government of the philippines rests with the congress of the united states few graver responsibilities have ever been confided to us if we accept them in a spirit worthy of our race and our traditions a 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 could permit another to seize them unquestioned their rich plains and valleys would be the scene of endless strife and bloodshed the advent of dewey fleet in manila bay instead of being as we tope the dawn of a new day of freedom and progress will have been the beginning of an era of misery and violence worse than any which has darkened their unhappy past the suggestion has been made that we could renounce our authority over the islands and giving them independence could retain a protectorate over them this proposition will not be found i am sure worthy of your serious attention such an arrangement would involve at the outset a cruel breach of faith it would place the peaceable and loyal majority who ask nothing better than to accept our authority at the mercy of the minority of armed insurgents it would make us responsible for the acts of the insurgent leaders and give us no power to control them it would charge us with the task of protecting them against each other and defending them against any foreign power with which they chose to quarrel in short it would take from the congress of the united states the power of declaring war and vest that tremendous prerogative in the tagal leader of the hour it does not seem desirable that i should recommend at this time a specific and 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 inaugurating a permanent scheme of civil government 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 completed as long as the insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme but there is no reason why steps should not be taken from time to time to inaugurate governments essentially popular in their form as fast as territory is held and con trolled by our troops to this end i am considering the advisability of the return of the commission or such of the members thereof as can be secured to aid the existing authorities and facilitate this work throughout the islands i have believed that reconstruction should not begin by the establishment of one central civil government for all the islands with its seat at manila but rather that the work should be commenced by building up from the bottom first establishing municipal governments and then provincial governments a central government at last to follow until congress shall have made known the formal expression of its will i shall 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 i shall put at the disposal of the army and navy all the means which the liberality of congress and the people have provided to because this unprovoked and wasteful insurrection to cease if any orders of mine were required to insure the merciful conduct of military and naval operations they would not be lacking but every step of the progress of our troops has been marked by q humanity which has surprised even the misguided insurgents the truest kindness to them will be a swift and effective defeat of their present leader the hour of victory will be the hour of clemency and reconstruction no effort will be spared to build up the waste places desolated by war and by long years of misgovernment we shall not wait for the end of strife to begin the beneficent work we shall continue as we have begun to open the schools and the churches to set the courts in operation to foster industry and trade and agriculture and in every way in our power to make these people whom providence has brought within our jurisdiction feel that it is their liberty and not our power their welfare and not our gain we are seeking to enhance our flag has never waved over any community but in blessing i believe the filipinos will soon recognize the fact that it has not lost its gift of benediction in its journey to their shores some embarrassment in administration has occurred by reason of the peculiar status which the hawaiian islands at present occupy under the joint resolution of annexation approved july 7 1898 while by that resolution the republic of hawaii as an independent nation was extinguished its separate sovereignty destroyed and its property and possessions vested in the united states yet a complete establishment for its government under our system was not effected while the municipal laws of the islands not enacted for the fulfillment of treaties and not inconsistent with the joint resolution or contrary to the constitution of the united states or any of its treaties remain in force yet these laws relate only to the social and internal affairs of the islands and do not touch many subjects of importance which are of a broader national character for example the hawaiian republic was divested of all title to the public lands in the islands and is not only unable to dispose of lands to settlers desiring to take up homestead sites but is without power to give complete title in cases where lands have been entered upon under lease or other conditions which carry with them the right to the purchaser lessee or settler to have a full title granted to him upon compliance with the conditions prescribed by law or by his particular agreement of entry questions of doubt and difficulty have also arisen with reference to the collection of tonnage tax on vessels coming from hawaiian ports with reference to the status of chinese in the islands their entrance and exit there from as to patents and copyrights as to the register of vessels under the navigation laws as to the necessity of holding elections in accordance with the provisions of the hawaiian statutes for the choice of various officers and as to several other matters of detail touching the interests both of the island and of the federal government by the resolution of annexation the president was directed to appoint five commissioners to recommend to congress such legislation concerning the islands as they should deem necessary or proper these commissioners were duly appointed and after a careful investigation and study of the system of laws and government prevailing in the islands and of the conditions existing there they prepared a bill to provide a government under the title of the territory of hawaii the report of the commission with the bill which they prepared was transmitted by me to congress on december 6 1898 but the bill still awaits final action the people of these islands are entitled to the benefits and privileges of our constitution but in the absence of any act of congress providing for federal courts in the islands and for a procedure by which appeals writs of error and other judicial proceedings necessary for the enforcement of civil rights may be prosecuted they are powerless to secure their enforcement by the judgment of the courts of the united states it is manifestly important therefore that an act shall be passed as speedily as possible erecting these islands into a judicial district providing for the appointment of a judge and other proper officers and methods of procedure in appellate proceedings and that the government of this newly acquired territory under the federal constitution shall be fully defined and provided for a necessity for immediate legislative relief exists in the territory of alaska substantially the only law providing a civil government for this territory is the act of may 17 1884 this is meager in its provisions and is fitted only for the administration of affairs in a country sparsely inhabited by civilized people and unimportant in trade and production as was alaska at the time this act was passed the increase in population by immigration during the past few years consequent upon the discovery of gold has produced such a condition as calls for more ample facilities for local and more numerous conveniences of civil and judicial administration settlements have grown up in various places constituting in point of population and business cities of thousands of inhabitants yet there is no provision of law under which a municipality can be organized or maintained in some localities the inhabitants have met together and voluntarily formed a municipal organization for the purposes of local government adopting the form of a municipal constitution and charter under which said officials have been appointed and ordinance creating and regulating a police force a fire department a department of health and making provision for the care of the insane and indigent poor and sick and for public schools have been passed these proceedings and the ordinances passed by such municipalities are without statutory authority and have no sanction except as they are maintained by the popular sentiment of the community there is an entire absence of authority to provide the ordinary instruments of local police control and administration the population consisting of the usual percentage of lawless adventurers of the class that always flock to new fields of enterprise or discovery and under circumstances which require more than ordinary provision for the maintenance of peace good order and lawful conduct the whole vast area of alaska comprises but one judicial district with one judge one marshal and one district attorney yet the civil and criminal business has more than doubled within the past year and is many times greater both in volume and importance than it was in 1884 the duties of the judge require him to travel thousands of miles to discharge his judicial duties at the various places designated for that purpose the territory should be divided into at least two districts and an additional judge district attorney marshal and other appropriate officers be provided there is practically no organized form of government in the territory there is no authority except in congress to pass any law no matter how local or trivial and the difficulty of conveying to the congress an adequate conception and understanding of the various needs of the people in the different communities is easily understood i see no reason why a more complete form of territorial organization should not be provided following the precedent established in the year 1805 when a temporary government was provided for the recently acquired territory then known under the name of louisiana it seems to me that it would be advantageous to confer greater executive power upon the governor and to establish as was done in the case of the territory of louisiana a legislative council having power to adopt ordinances which shall extend to all the rightful subjects of local legislation such ordinances not to take effect until reported to and approved by the congress if in session and if that body is not in session then by the president in this manner a system of laws providing for the incorporation and government of towns and cities having a certain population giving them the power to establish and maintain a system of education to be locally supported and ordinances providing for police sanitary and other such purposes could be speedily provided i believe a provision of this kind would be satisfactory to the people of the territory it is probable that the area is too vast and the population too scattered and transitory to make it wise at the present time to provide for an elective legislative body but the conditions calling for local will undoubtedly very soon exist and will be facilitated by the measures which i have recommended i recommend that legislation to the same end be had with reference to the government of 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 business trade production and social and private right in general the cities of the island are governed under charters which probably require very little or no change so that with relation to matters of local concern and private right it is not probable that much if any legislation is desirable but with reference to public administration and the relations of the island to the federal government there are many matters which are of pressing urgency the same necessity exists for legislation on the part of congress to establish federal courts and federal jurisdiction in the island as has been previously pointed out by me with reference to hawaii besides the administration of justice there are the subjects of the public lands the control and improvement of rivers and harbors the control of the waters or streams not navigable which under the spanish law belonged to the crown of spain and have by the treaty of cession passed to the united states the immigration of people from foreign countries the importation of contract labor the imposition and collection of internal revenue the application of the navigation laws the regulation of the current money the establishment of and the regulation of tariff rates on merchandise imported from the island into the united states the establishment of ports of entry and delivery the regulation of patents and copyrights these with various other subjects which rest entirely within the power of the congress call for careful consideration and immediate action it must be borne in mind that since the cession puerto rico has been denied the principal markets she had long enjoyed and our tariffs have been continued against her products as when she was under spanish sovereignty the markets of spain are closed to her products except upon terms to which the commerce of all nations is subjected the island of cuba which used to buy her cattle and tobacco without customs duties now imposes the same duties upon those products as from any other country entering her ports she has therefore lost her free intercourse with spain and cuba without any compensating benefits in this 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 products our plain duty is to abolish all customs tariffs between the united states and puerto rico and give her products free access to our markets as a result of the hurricane which swept over puerto rico on the 8th of august 1899 over people were reduced 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 addition to the private charity of our people the war department has expended for the relief of the distressed which does not include the cost of transportation it is desirable that the government of the island under the law of belligerent right now maintained through the executive department should be superseded by an administration entirely civil in its nature for present purposes i recommend that congress pass a law for the organization of a temporary government which shall provide for the appointment by the president subject to confirmation by the senate of a governor and such other officers as the general ad ministration of the island may require and that for legislative purposes upon subjects of a local nature not partaking of a federal character a legislative council composed partly of puerto ricans and partly of citizens of the united states shall be nominated and appointed by the president subject to confirmation by the senate their acts to be subject to the approval of the congress or the president prior to going into effect in the municipalities and other local subdivisions i recommend that the principle of local be applied at once so as to enable the intelligent citizens of the island to participate in their own government and to learn by practical experience the duties and requirements of a and people i have not thought it wise to commit the entire government of the island to officers selected by the people because i doubt whether in habits training and experience they are such as to fit them to exercise at once so large a degree of but it is my judgment and expectation that they will soon arrive at an attainment of experience and wisdom and that will justify conferring upon them a much larger participation in the choice of their insular officers the fundamental requirement for these people as for all people is education the free schoolhouse is the best preceptor for citizenship in the introduction of modern educational methods care however must be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history and racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be given due weight systems of education in these new possessions founded upon methods adapted to existing conditions and looking to the future moral and industrial advancement of the people will commend to them in a peculiarly effective manner the blessings of free government the love of law and the sense of obedience and submission to the lawfully constituted judicial tribunals are embedded in the hearts of our people and any violation of these sentiments and disregard of their obligations justly arouses public condemnation the guaranties of life liberty and of civil rights should be faithfully upheld the right of trial by jury respected and defended the rule of the courts should assure the public of the prompt trial of those charged with criminal offenses and upon conviction the punishment should be commensurate with the enormity of the crime those who in disregard of law and the public peace unwilling to await the judgment of court and jury constitute themselves judges and executioners should not escape the severest penalties for their crimes what i said in my inaugural address of march 4 1897 i now repeat the constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the united states courts not mobs must execute the penalties of the laws the preservation of public order the right of discussion the integrity of courts and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our government securely rests in accordance with the act of congress providing for an appropriate national celebration in the year 1900 of the establishment of the seat of government in the district of columbia i have appointed a committee consisting of the governors of all the states and territories of the united states who have been invited to assemble in the city of washington on the 21st of december 1899 which with the committees of the congress and the district of columbia are charged with the proper conduct of this celebration congress at its last session appropriated five thousand dollars to enable the chief of engineers of the army to continue the examination of the subject and to make or secure designs calculations and estimates for a memorial bridge from the most convenient point of the naval observatory grounds or adjacent thereto across the potomac river to the most convenient point of the arlington estate property in accordance with the provisions of this act the chief of engineers has selected four eminent bridge engineers to submit competitive designs for a bridge combining the elements of strength and durability and such architectural embellishment and ornamentation as will fitly apply to the dedication a memorial to american patriotism the designs are now being prepared and as soon as completed will be submitted to the congress by the secretary of war the proposed bridge would be a convenience to all the people from every part of the country who visit the national cemetery an ornament to the capital of the nation and forever stand as a monument to american patriotism i do not doubt that congress will give to the enterprise still further proof of its favor and approval the executive order of may 6 1896 extending the limits of the classified service brought within the operation of the law and rules nearly all of the executive civil service not previously classified some of the inclusions were found wholly illogical and unsuited 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 careful consideration it became evident to the heads of the departments responsible for their efficiency that in order to remove these difficulties and promote an efficient and harmonious administration certain amendments were necessary these amendments were promulgated by me in executive order dated may 29 1899 the principal purpose of the order was to except from competitive examination certain places involving fiduciary responsibilities or duties of a strictly confidential scientific or executive character which it was thought might better be filled either by noncompetitive examination or in the discretion of the appointing officer than by open competition these places were comparatively few in number the order provides for the filling of a much larger number of places mainly in the outside service of the war department by what is known as the registration system under regulations to be approved by the president similar to those which have produced such admirable results in the service all of the amendments had for their main object a more efficiency and satisfactory administration of the system of appointments established by the law the results attained show that under their operation the public service has improved and that the civil service system is relieved of many objectionable features which here tofore subjected it to just criticism and the administrative officers to the charge of unbusinesslike methods in the conduct of public affairs it is believed that the merit system has been greatly strengthened and its permanence assured it will be my constant aim in the administration of government in our new possessions to make fitness character and merit essential to appointment to office and to give to the capable and deserving inhabitants preference in appointments the 14th of december will be the one hundredth anniversary of the death of washington for a hundred years the republic has had the priceless advantage of the lofty standard of character and conduct which he bequeathed to the american people it is an inheritance which time instead of wasting continually increases and enriches we may justly hope that in the years to come the benignant influence of the father of his country may be even more potent for good than in the century which is drawing to a close i have been glad to learn that in many parts of the country the people will fittingly observe this historic anniversary presented to this congress are great opportunities with them come great responsibilities the power confided to us increases the weight of our obligations to the people and we must be profoundly sensible of them as we contemplate the new and grave problems which confront us aiming only at the public good we can not err a right interpretation of the people will and of duty can not fail to insure wise measures for the welfare of the islands which have come under the authority of the united states and inure to the common interest and lasting honor of our country never has this nation had more abundant because than during the past year for thankfulness to god for manifold blessings and mercies for which we make reverent acknowledgment
threshold deliberations called mourn countrymen death hobart passed life morning november 21 last great soul rests eternal peace private life pure elevated public career ever distinguished large capacity stainless integrity exalted motives removed high office honored dignified lofty character devotion duty honesty purpose noble virtues remain us priceless legacy example congress convenes first regular session country condition unusual prosperity universal good among people home relations peace friendship every government world foreign commerce shown great increase volume value combined imports exports year largest ever shown single year history exports 1899 alone exceeded billion dollars imports exports combined 1870 imports per capita 20 per cent less 1870 exports per capita 58 per cent 1870 showing enlarged capacity united states satisfy wants increasing population well contribute peoples nations exports agricultural products manufactured products exported value larger previous year noteworthy fact years history products manufactories sold abroad exceeded bought abroad 1898 1899 government receipts sources fiscal year ended june 30 1899 including part payment central pacific railroad indebtedness aggregated customs receipts internal revenue fiscal year expenditures leaving deficit secretary treasury estimates receipts current fiscal year aggregate upon basis present appropriations expenditures aggregate leaving surplus fiscal year ended june 30 1899 receipts increased present gratifying strength treasury shown fact december 1 1899 available cash balance gold coin bullion conditions confidence prevail throughout country brought gold general use customs receipts almost entirely paid coin strong position treasury respect cash band favorable showing made revenues made possible secretary treasury take action provisions section 3694 revised statutes relating sinking fund receipts exceeded expenditures first five months current fiscal year mentioned secretary treasury estimates surplus approximately end year conditions deemed advisable proper resume compliance provisions law eight years done deficiencies revenues treasury department therefore offered purchase november 5 per cent loan 1904 4 per cent funded loan 1907 current market price amount offered purchased november premium paid government purchases net saving interest success operation sufficient induce government continue offer purchase bonds including 23d day december instant unless remainder called presented meantime redemption increased activity industry welcome attendant larger employment labor higher wages gives body people larger power absorb circulating medium true year year larger areas land cultivation increasing volume agricultural products cotton corn wheat calls larger volume money supply especially noticeable period earlier history national banking act seemed prove reasonable avenue needful additions circulation could time time made changing conditions apparently rendered inoperative end high margin bond securities required resulting large premiums government bonds command market tax note issues operating together appear influences impair public utility attention congress respectfully invited important matter view ascertaining whether reasonable modifications made national banking act render service particulars referred responsive people needs urge national banks authorized organize capital urgently recommend support existing gold standard maintain parity value coins two metals gold silver equal power every dollar times market payment debts secretary treasury given additional power charged duty sell united states bonds employ effective means may necessary ends authority include power sell bonds long short time conditions may require provide rate interest lower fixed act january 14 1875 commercial fright withdraws gold government contrary widespread confidence gold seeks treasury demanding paper money exchange yet situation points present fitting time make adequate provision insure continuance gold standard public confidence ability purpose government meet obligations money civilized world recognizes best financial transactions government conducted upon gold basis receive gold sell united states bonds use gold payment maintaining parity money issued coined authority government things means hand happily present time compelled resort loans supply gold done past however may done future behooves us therefore provide best means meet emergency arises best means certain economical authorized virtue neither directness economy already eliminated one causes financial plight embarrassment years 1893 1894 1895 1896 receipts equal expenditures deficient revenues longer create alarm let us remove remaining conferring full necessary power secretary treasury impose upon duty uphold present gold standard preserve coins two metals parity repeatedly declared policy united states connection repeat former recommendations portion gold holdings shall placed trust fund greenbacks shall redeemed upon presentation redeemed shall thereafter paid except gold value american merchant marine extension commercial trade strengthening power upon sea invites immediate action congress national development unsatisfactory long remarkable growth inland industries remains unaccompanied progress seas lack constitutional authority legislation shall give country maritime strength commensurate industrial achievements rank among nations earth past year recorded exceptional activity shipyards promises continual prosperity shipbuilding abundant advanced legislation protection seamen enacted coast trade regulations wisely framed beginning government since shows results past fiscal year unequaled records power shall fail realize opportunities however complacently regard matters home blind necessity securing share valuable carrying trade world last year american vessels transported smaller share exports imports former year history measure dependence upon foreign shipping painfully manifested people without choice necessity departments government charged military naval operations east west indies obtain foreign flags merchant vessels essential operations great nations hesitated adopt required means develop shipping factor national defense one surest speediest means obtaining producers share foreign markets like vigilance effort part fail improve situation regarded humiliation home surprise abroad even seeming sacrifices beginning may involved offset later equivalent gains expense nothing compared advantage achieved reestablishment merchant marine involves large measure continued industrial progress extension commercial triumphs satisfied judgment country favors policy aid merchant marine broaden commerce markets upbuild capacity products agriculture manufacture increase navy mean work wages countrymen well safeguard american interests every part world combinations capital organized trusts control conditions trade among citizens stifle competition limit production determine prices products used consumed people justly provoking public discussion early claim attention congress industrial commission created act congress june 18 1898 engaged extended hearings upon disputed questions involved subject combinations restraint trade competition yet completed investigation subject conclusions recommendations may arrive undetermined subject one giving rise many divergent views nature variety extent 111juries public may result large combinations concentrating less numerous enterprises establishments previously formation combination carried separately universally conceded combinations engross control market particular kind merchandise commodity necessary general community suppressing natural ordinary competition whereby prices unduly enhanced general consumer obnoxious common law also public welfare must remedy evils involved organizations present law extended certainly control check monopolies trusts done without delay whatever power congress possesses important subject promptly ascertained asserted president harrison annual message december 3 1889 says earnest attention given congress consideration question far restraint combinations capital commonly called 11 trusts matter federal jurisdiction organized often crush competition monopolize production sale article commerce general necessity dangerous conspiracies public good made subject prohibitory even penal legislation act protect trade commerce unlawful restraints monopolies passed congress 2d july 1890 provisions statute comprehensive stringent declares every contract combination form trust otherwise conspiracy restraint trade commerce among several states foreign nations unlawful denominates criminal every person makes contract engages combination conspiracy provides punishment fine imprisonment invests several circuit courts united states jurisdiction prevent restrain violations act makes duty several united states district attorneys direction attorney general institute proceedings equity prevent restrain violations confers upon person shall injured business property person corporation reason anything forbidden declared unlawful act power sue therefore circuit court united states without respect amount controversy recover threefold damages sustained costs suit including reasonable attorney fees perceived act aimed every kind combination nature trust monopoly restraint interstate international commerce prosecution united states offenses act 1890 frequently resorted federal courts notable efforts restraint interstate commerce freight association joint traffic association successfully opposed suppressed president cleveland annual message december 7 1896 six years subsequent enactment law stating evils trust combinations says though congress attempted deal matter legislation laws passed purpose thus far proved ineffective lack disposition attempt enforce simply laws interpreted courts reach difficulty insufficiencies existing laws remedied legislation done fact must recognized however federal legislation subject may fall short purpose inherent obstacles also complex character governmental system making federal authority supreme within sphere carefully limited sphere metes bounds transgressed decision highest court precise question renders quite doubtful whether evils trusts monopolies may adequately treated federal action unless seek directly purposely include objects transportation intercourse states united states foreign countries follow however limit remedy may applied even though may found federal authority broad enough fully reach case doubt power several states act effectively premises reason doubt willingness judiciously exercise power state legislation president cleveland looked relief evils trusts failed accomplish fully object probably due great extent fact different states take different views proper way discriminate evil injurious combinations associations beneficial necessary business prosperity country great diversity treatment different states arising intimate relations parts country without regarding state lines conduct business made enforcement state laws difficult apparent uniformity legislation upon subject several states much desired hoped uniformity founded wise discrimination injurious useful necessary business operations may obtained means may found congress within limitations constitutional power supplement effective code state legislation make complete system laws throughout united states adequate compel general observance salutary rules referred whole question important sure part lightly considered every phase studied deliberation congress resulting wise judicious action review relations foreign states presented recommendations deemed appropriate boundary dispute argentine republic chile settled march last award arbitral commission united states minister buenos ayres served umpire progress made toward conclusion convention extradition argentine republic advised consented united states senate ratified argentina awaits adjustment slight changes text exchange last annual message adverted claim government indemnity killing certain austrian hungarian subjects authorities state pennsylvania lattimer suppressing unlawful tumult miners september 10 1897 view verdict acquittal rendered court sheriff deputies tried murder following established doctrine government may held accountable injuries suffered individuals hands public authorities acting line duty suppressing disturbance public peace government due consideration claim advanced government constrained decline liability indemnify sufferers gratifying able announce belgian government mitigated restrictions importation cattle united states referred last annual message invited belgium participate congress held brussels revise provisions general act july 2 1890 repression african slave trade united states signatory party government preferred represented plenipotentiary reserved right accession result notable changes made especially concerning country line increased restriction deleterious trade spirituous liquors native tribes government outset urgently advocated amended general act laid senate view advice consent early year peace bolivia disturbed successful insurrection united states minister remained post attending american interests quarter using besides good offices protection interests british subjects absence national representative establishment new government minister directed enter relations therewith general pando elected president bolivia october 23 representative instructed use permissible friendly endeavors induce government bolivia amend marriage laws give legal status civil marriages aliens within jurisdiction strong hopes entertained bolivian law regard brought peru years ago harmony general practice modern states convention extradition brazil signed may 14 1897 rati6ed brazilian legislature past summer two national ships united states visited brazilian ports friendly mission cordially received voyage wilininglon amazon river gave rise passing misunderstanding owing confusion obtaining permission visit interior make surveys general interest navigation incident found ready adjustment harmony close relations amity government always sedulously sought cultivate commonwealths western continent claim growing seizure newspaper panama star herald authorities colombia settled controversy several years agreement assessing indemnity paid colombian government three installments good colombia toward country testified anew cordial extension facilities nicaraguan canal commission approaching investigation panama canal projected routes across isthmus darien toward end october insurrectionary disturbance developed colombian republic movement thus far attained decisive result still progress discussion questions raised action denmark imposing restrictions importation american meats continued without substantial result favor neighboring island republic santo domingo lately scene revolution following long period tranquility began killing president heureaux july last culminated relinquishment succeeding reins government insurgents first act provisional government calling presidential constituent election juan isidro jimenez elected president inaugurated 14th november relations entered newly established government experimental association nicaragua honduras salvador tinder title greater republic central america apparently threshold complete federal organization adoption constitution formation national legislature disrupted last days november 1898 withdrawal salvador thereupon nicaragua honduras abandoned joint compact resuming former independent sovereignty followed reception minister merry republics nicaragua salvador minister hunter turn presented credentials government honduras thus reverting old distribution diplomatic agencies united states central america existing statutes provide nicaraguan envoy accredited united states insurrectionary movement general reyes broke eluefields february last time exercised actual control mosquito territory detroit promptly sent thither protection american interests weeks reyes government renounced conflict giving place restored supremacy nicaragua interregnum certain public dues accruing nicaraguan law collected american merchants authorities time effective administrative control upon titular government regaining power second payment dues demanded controversy arose touching validity original payment debt de facto regent territory arrangement effected april last united states minister foreign secretary nicaragua whereby amounts duplicate payments deposited british consul pending adjustment matter direct agreement governments united states nicaragua controversy still unsettled contract maritime canal company nicaragua declared forfeited nicaraguan government tenth october ground nonfulfillment within ten years term stipulated contract maritime canal company lodged protest action alleging rights premises appear worthy consideration government expects nicaragua afford protestants full fair hearing upon merits case nicaragua canal commission bad engaged upon work examination survey route across nicaragua completed labors made report dissolved may p june new commission known isthmian canal commission organized terms act approved march 3 1899 purpose examining american isthmus view determining practicable feasible route ship canal across isthmus probable cost essential details commission presidency john walker retired entered promptly upon work intrusted carrying examinations nicaragua along route panama canal darien atlantic neighborhood atrato river bay panama pacific side good progress made law comprehensive complete investigation called require much labor considerable time accomplishment work prosecuted expeditiously possible report made earliest practicable date great importance work often strongly pressed upon attention congress message year ago expressed views necessity canal would link two great oceans invite consideration reasons presented early action even stronger pleasing incident relations government chile occurred generous assistance given war ship newark distress chilean waters alone way friendly disposition chile found expression country acceded convention establishment bureau american republics organization every independent state continent shares exchange ratifications convention revival united states chilean claims commission adjudication claims heretofore presented determined life previous commission delayed reason necessity fresh action chilean senate upon amendments attached ratification treaty united states senate formality soon accomplished view disturbances populous provinces northern china many citizens imminence disorder near capital toward seaboard guard marines landed boston stationed last winter legation compound peking restoration order protection withdrawn interests citizens vast empire neglected past year adequate protection secured missionaries injuries property redressed american capital sought found various opportunities competing carry internal improvements imperial government wisely encouraging develop natural resources empire trade china continued grow commercial rights existing treaties everywhere maintained past year future extension area open international foreign settlement shanghai opening ports nanking kiao chao foreign trade settlement doubtless afford american enterprise additional facilities new fields slow take advantage message congress december 5 1898 1 urged recommendation made speaker house representatives secretary treasury 14th june z898 appropriation commission study commercial industrial conditions chinese empire report opportunities obstacles enlargement markets china raw products manufactures united states receive hands consideration importance timeliness merited congress failed take action renew recommendation importance subject steadily grown since first submitted time lost studying resources great field american trade enterprise death president faure february last called forth sincere expressions sympathy befit relations two republics closely allied unbroken historic ties united states france preparations representation industries arts products united states world exposition held paris next year continue elaborate comprehensive scale thanks generous appropriation provided congress friendly interest french government shown furthering typical exhibit american progress allotted united states considerable addition space placing country first rant among exhibitors suffice meet increasingly urgent demands manufacturers efforts commissioner general ably directed toward strictly representative display characteristically marks american achievement inventive arts adequately shows excellence natural productions age keen rivalry among nations mastery commerce doctrine evolution rule survival fittest must inexorable operation positive results bring place struggle industrial people held unrelaxed endeavor constant advance achievement present extraordinary impetus every line american exportation astounding increase volume value share world markets may attributed accidental conditions reasons far seek lie deep national character find expression year year every branch handicraft every new device whereby materials abundantly produce subdued artisan made yield largest practical beneficial return american exhibit paris confident open volume whose lessons skillfully directed endeavor unfaltering energy consummate performance may read every page thus spreading abroad clearer knowledge worth productions justice claim important place marts world accomplish judicious selection recognition paramount merit whatever walk trade manufacture may appear orderly classification attractive installation task commission united states government building approaching completion effort spared make worthy beauty architectural plan completeness display represent nation suggested permanent building similar appropriate design erected convenient site already given municipality near exposition grounds serve commemoration part taken country great enterprise american national institute countrymen resorting paris study informed shall american sections paris exhibitors every state ill country number ten times great represented vienna 1873 six times many paris 1878 four times many exhibited paris 1889 statement include exhibits either cuba puerto rico hawaii arrangements made number important international congresses special topics affecting public interests proposed held paris next summer connection exposition effort made several technical branches administration efficiently represented conferences special line procure largest possible concourse state representatives particularly congresses public charity medicine relations germany continue cordial increasing intimacy direct association marked year granting permission april landing shores cable borkum emden north sea way azores also conclusion september 2 parcels post convention german empire promises closer relations intercourse commerce better understanding two races many traits common germany assured cordial cooperation government people may rivals many material paths rivalry generous open ever aiming toward attainment larger results mutually beneficial advancement line especial adaptabilities several governments empire seem reluctant admit natural excellence food productions accept evidence constantly tender care purity guarded rigid inspection farm slaughterhouse packing establishments port shipment system control exported food staples invites examination quarter challenges respect efficient thoroughness hoped time two governments act common accord toward realization common purpose safeguard public health insure purity wholesomeness food products imported either country congress authorize invitation germany connection pending reciprocity negotiations constitution joint commission scientific experts practical men affairs conduct searching investigation food production exportation countries report respective legislatures adoption remedial measures might recommend either way might opened desirable result indicated efforts obtain american life insurance companies full hearing business operations prussia several years patient representation happily succeeded one important american companies granted concession continue business kingdom also glad announce german insurance companies readmitted superintendent insurance business state new york subsequent exchange peace treaty spain germany acquired caroline islands purchase paying therefore assurances received german government rights american missionaries traders considerately observed last annual message referred pending negotiations great britain respect dominion canada means executive agreement joint high commission created purpose adjusting unsettled questions united states canada embracing twelve subjects among questions fur seals fisheries coast contiguous inland waters alaskan boundary transit merchandise bond alien labor laws mining rights reciprocity trade revision agreement respecting naval vessels great lakes complete marking parts boundary provision conveyance criminals wrecking salvage much progress made commission toward adjustment many questions became apparent irreconcilable difference views entertained respecting delimitation alaskan boundary failure agreement meaning articles iii iv treaty 1825 russia great britain defined boundary alaska canada american commissioners proposed subject boundary laid aside remaining questions difference proceeded far advanced assure probability settlement declined british commissioners adjournment taken boundary adjusted two governments subject receiving careful attention importance demands result modus vivendi provisional demarcations region head lynn canal agreed upon hoped negotiations progress two governments end agreement establishment delimitation permanent boundary apart questions growing relationship northern neighbor friendly disposition ready agreement marked discussion numerous matters arising vast intimate intercourse united states great britain government maintained attitude neutrality unfortunate contest great britain boer states africa remained faithful precept avoiding entangling affairs direct concern circumstances suggested parties quarrel would welcomed kindly expression hope american people war might averted good offices would gladly tendered united states representative pretoria early instructed see neutral american interests respected combatants easy task view positive declarations british boer authorities personal property rights citizens observed upon withdrawal british agent pretoria united states consul authorized upon request british government assent south african orange free state governments exercise customary good offices neutral care british interests discharge function happy say abundant opportunity afforded show impartiality government toward combatants fourth time present decade question arisen government italy regard lynching italian subjects latest deplorable events occurred tallulah louisiana whereby five unfortunates italian origin taken jail hanged authorities state representative italian embassy separately investigated occurrence discrepant results particularly alleged citizenship victims appearing state able discover punish violators law independent investigation set foot agency department state still progress result enable executive treat question government italy spirit fairness justice satisfactory solution doubtless reached recurrence distressing manifestations blind mob fury directed dependents natives foreign country suggests contingency arisen action congress direction conferring upon federal courts jurisdiction class international cases ultimate responsibility federal government may involved suggestion new annual message december 9 1891 predecessor president harrison said would believe entirely competent congress make offenses treaty rights foreigners domiciled united states cognizable federal courts however done federal officers courts power cases intervene either protection foreign citizen punishment slayers seems follow state law officers state charged police judicial powers cases must consideration international questions growing incidents regarded sense federal agents make government answerable acts cases would answerable united states used constitutional power define punish crimes treaty rights bill provide punishment violations treaty rights aliens introduced senate march 1 1892 reported favorably march 30 doubtless view language part article iii treaty february 26 1871 united states italy stipulates citizens high contracting parties shall receive states territories constant protection security persons property shall enjoy respect rights privileges shall granted natives submitting conditions imposed upon natives bill introduced reported provided act committed state territory united states violation rights citizen subject foreign country secured citizen subject treaty united states foreign country constituting crime laws state territory shall constitute like crime united states cognizable federal courts action taken congress matter earnestly recommend subject taken tip anew acted upon present session necessity provision abundantly appears precedent constituting federal jurisdiction criminal cases aliens sufferers rationally deducible existing statute gives district circuit courts united states jurisdiction civil suits brought aliens amount involved exceeds certain sum jealous solicitude shown alien rights cases merely civil pecuniary import much greater public duty take cognizance matters affecting lives rights aliens tinder settled principles international law less treaty stipulation cases transcendent wrong mob murder especially experience shown local justice often helpless punish offenders many years endeavor part government end italian government consented enter negotiations naturalization convention one objects regulation status italians except age active military service naturalized united states may revisit italy hoped mutually conciliatory spirit displayed successful conclusion reached treaty commerce navigation united states japan november 22 1894 took effect accordance terms xixth article 17th july last simultaneously enforcement like treaties powers except france whose convention go operation august 4 united states however granted date privileges rights accorded french citizens old french treaty notable conventional reform japan position fully independent sovereign power assured control gained taxation customs revenues judicial administration coasting trade domestic functions government foreign rights renounced comprehensive codes civil criminal procedure according western methods public instruction patents copyrights municipal administration including jurisdiction former foreign settlements customs tariffs procedure public health administrative measures proclaimed working new system given rise material complaints part american citizens interests circumstance attests ripe consideration change prepared valuable assistance rendered japanese authorities united states transport ship morgan city stranded kobe permission granted land pasture army horses japanese ports call way philippine islands kindly evidences good highly appreciated japanese government shown lively interest proposition pacific cable company add projected cable lines hawaii guam philippines branch connection coast japan would gratifying consummation utility contemplated scheme enhanced bringing japan united states direct telegraphic relation without repeating observations special message february 10 1899 concerning necessity cable manila respectfully invite attention recommend case congress take measures bring result direct action government postmaster general authorized invite competitive bids establishment cable company making best responsible bid awarded contract successful company give ample bonds insure completion work within reasonable time year marked constant increase intimacy relations mexico magnitude mutually advantageous interchanges government omitted opportunity show strong desire develop perpetuate ties cordiality long happily unbroken following termination january 20 1899 mexico convention extradition december 11 1861 new treaty accordance ascertained needs countries signed february 22 1899 exchanged city mexico 22d april last operation thus far effective satisfactory recent case served test application ivth article provides neither party shall bound deliver citizens executive authority shall power deliver discretion deemed proper extradition mattie rich citizen united states charged homicide committed mexico mature consideration directed conviction ends justice would thereby subserved similar action appropriate occasion mexican executive tend accomplish desire governments grave crimes go unpunished also repress lawlessness along border two countries new treaty stipulates neither government shall assume jurisdiction punishment crimes committed exclusively within territory obviate future embarrassing controversies heretofore arisen mexico assertion claim try punish american citizen offense committed within jurisdiction united states international water boundary commission organized convention march 1 1889 adjustment questions affecting rio grande frontier yet completed labors extension term one year december 24 1899 effected convention signed december z 1898 exchanged proclaimed february last invitation extended president mexico visit chicago october occasion laying corner stone united states government building city cordially accepted necessary consent mexican congress illness member family prevented attendance minister foreign relations however came personal representative president diaz high character duly honored claims growing seizure american sealing vessels bering sea discussion government russia several years recent happy result agreement submit decision single arbitrator act russia affords proof adherence beneficent principle arbitration plenipotentiaries conspicuously favored hague disarmament conference advocated representatives united states suggestion permanent exposition products manufactures russia although yet fully shaped cordially welcomed imperial government may inaptly take fitting place whatever legislation congress may adopt looking enlargement commercial opportunities abroad important events occurred samoan islands election according laws customs samoa successor late king malietoa laupepa developed contest validity result issue terms general act decided chief justice upon rendering judgment favor malietoa tanu rival chief mataafa took arms active intervention american british war ships became imperative restore order cost sanguinary encounters emergency joint commission representatives united states germany great britain sent samoa investigate situation provide temporary remedy active efforts peaceful solution reached time kingship abolished provisional government established recommendations unanimously made commission permanent adjustment samoan question taken consideration three powers parties general act examined evident became radical change necessary relations powers samoa inconveniences possible perils tripartite scheme supervision control samoan group powers little interest common quarter beyond commercial rivalry emphasized recent events suggested remedy joint commission like scheme aimed replace amounted styled tridominium exercise functions sovereignty unanimous agreement three powers situation become far intricate embarrassing every point view predecessor 1894 summed perplexities condemned participation united states arrangement samoa administered proved impracticable unacceptable powers concerned withdraw agreement abandon islands germany great britain would compatible interests archipelago relinquish rights harbor pago pago best anchorage pacific occupancy leased united states 1878 first foreign treaty ever concluded samoa thought either regards needs navy interests growing commerce east could considered proposition abrogation tripartite control confirm us rights safeguard national interests islands views commended powers satisfactory arrangement concluded governments germany england virtue england retired samoa view compensations directions powers renounced favor united states rights claims respect portion group lying east one hundred degree west longitude embracing islands tutuila ofoo olosenga manua transmit senate constitutional action thereon convention besides provisions mentioned also guarantees us privileges conditions respect commerce commercial vessels islands samoa possessed germany claims preferred white residents samoa account injuries alleged suffered acts treaty governments putting late disturbances convention made three powers investigation settlement claims neutral arbitrator attention senate invited annual message last year necessarily devoted great part consideration spanish war results wrought conditions imposed future gratified announce treaty peace restored friendly relations two powers effect given important provisions evacuation puerto rico already accomplished x8th october 1898 nothing remained necessary continue provisional military control island congress enact suitable government ceded territory character scope measures end shall treat another part message withdrawal authority spain island cuba effected 1st january full peace found relinquished territory held us trust inhabitants maintaining direction executive government control therein conserve public order restore productive conditions peace long disturbed instability disorder prevailed greater part preceding three decades build tranquil development domestic state whereby alone realized high purpose proclaimed joint resolution adopted congress 19th april 1898 united states disclaimed disposition intention exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control cuba except pacification thereof asserted determination accomplished leave government control island people pledge contained resolution highest honorable obligation must sacredly kept believe substantial progress made direction administrative measures adopted cuba aimed fit regenerated existence enforcing supremacy law justice placing wherever practicable machinery administration hands inhabitants instituting needed sanitary reforms spreading education fostering industry trade inculcating public morality short taking every rational step aid cuban people attain plane respect unity fits enlightened community within sphere enabling fulfill outward obligation nation assumed world grave responsibility future good government cuba accepted trust fulfillment calls sternest integrity purpose exercise highest wisdom new cuba yet arise ashes past must needs bound us ties singular intimacy strength enduring welfare assured whether ties shall organic conventional destinies cuba rightful form manner irrevocably linked far future determine ripeness events whatever outcome must see free cuba reality name perfect entity hasty experiment bearing within elements failure mission accomplish took wager battle fulfilled turning adrift loosely framed commonwealth face vicissitudes often attend weaker states whose natural wealth abundant resources offset incongruities political organization recurring occasions internal rivalries sap strength dissipate energies greatest blessing come cuba restoration agricultural industrial prosperity give employment idle men pursuits peace chief immediate need 19th august last order made taking census island completed 3oth november treaty peace spanish people island april 11 1900 elect whether remain citizens spain become citizens cuba definitely ascertained shall entitled participate formation government cuba time results census tabulated shall proceed provide elections commit municipal governments island officers elected people experience thus acquired prove great value formation representative convention people draft constitution establish general system independent government island meantime long exercise control island products cuba market united states good terms favorable rates duty given west india islands treaties reciprocity shall made relief distressed island cuba war department issued supplies destitute persons officers army amounted ooo rations cost promote disarmament cuban volunteer army interest public peace welfare people sum 75 paid cuban soldier borne upon authenticated rolls condition deposit arms authorities designated united states sum thus disbursed aggregated paid emergency fund provided act january 5 1899 purpose cuban island revenues six months ending june 30 1899 expended sanitation charities hospitals aid destitute following exchange ratifications treaty peace two governments accredited ministers spain sending washington duke arcos eminent diplomatist previously stationed mexico united states transferred madrid hon bellamy storer minister brussels followed respective appointment consuls thereby fully resuming relations interrupted war addition consular representation united states spanish government appointed consuls cuba provisionally recognized military administration affairs island judicial intercourse courts cuba puerto rico spain established provided treaty peace cuban political prisoners spanish penal stations released returned homes accordance article vi treaty negotiations defining conventional relations two countries fell abeyance reason war trust include favorable arrangement commercial reciprocity terms sections 3 4 current tariff act matters international concern effort spared respond good disposition spain cultivate practicable ways intimacy prevail two nations whose past history often many ways marked sincere friendship community interests would recommend appropriate legislation order carry execution article vii treaty peace spain united states assured payment certain claims indemnity citizens spain united states minister turkey continues instructions press money payment satisfaction claims injuries suffered american citizens disorders several years past wrongs done ottoman authorities claims many years standing government hopeful general agreement regard turkish empire situation citizens remains unsatisfactory efforts nearly forty years bring convention naturalization seem brink final failure announced policy ottoman porte refuse recognition alien status native turkish subjects naturalized abroad since 1867 statutes allow government admit distinction treatment native naturalized americans abroad ceaseless controversy arises cases persons owing eye international law dual allegiance prevented entering turkey expelled entrance law regard contrasts european states british act instance claim effect naturalization alien event return native country unless change recognized law country stipulated treaty naturalizing state arbitrary treatment instances american productions turkey attracted attention late notably regard flour large shipments recently opened direct steamship line turkish ports denied entrance score although standard composition unquestioned purity flour pernicious health deficient elasticity indicated antiquated untrustworthy tests upon due protest american minister appearing act virtual discrimination product shipments question admitted instances wherever occurring american products may subjected foreign country upon specious pretexts discrimination compared like products another country government use earnest efforts secure fair equal treatment citizens goods failing hesitate apply whatever corrective may provided statutes international commission arbitration appointed treaty 1897 rendered award october 3 last whereby boundary line venezuela british guiana determined thus ending controversy existed greater part century award arbitrators unanimous meeting extreme contention either party gives great britain large share interior territory dispute venezuela entire mouth orinoco including barima point caribbean littoral distance eastward decision appears equally satisfactory parties venezuela undergone revolution insurgents general castro sanguinary engagement suffered much loss rallied mountainous interior advanced toward capital bulk army sided movement president andrade quitted caracas general castro set provisional government minister representatives powers entered diplomatic relations 20th november 1899 fourth section tariff act approved july 24 x897 appears provide commercial treaties entered president also ratified senate within two years passage owing delays inevitable negotiations nature none treaties initiated section could concluded time ratification senate prior adjournment 4th march last pending negotiations however near conclusion time resulting conventions since signed plenipotentiaries others within third fourth sections act still consideration acting constitutional power executive respect treaties deemed duty observing limitations concession provided fourth section bring conclusion pending negotiations submit senate advice consent conventions reciprocity signed congressional recess great britain respective colonies british guiana barbados bermuda jamaica turks caicos islands republic nicaragua important reciprocal conventions also concluded france argentine republic last annual message progress noted work diplomatic consular officers collecting information industries commerce countries care promptitude reports printed distributed continued past year increasingly valuable results suggesting new sources demand american products pointing obstacles still overcome facilitating remarkable expansion foreign trade doubtless gratifying congress learn various agencies department state endeavors zeal effectiveness receiving cordial recognition business interests exciting emulation governments rearrangement great complicated work obtaining official data economic character congress may undertake important judgment results already secured efforts department state carefully considered view judicious development increased utility export trade interest taken various states forming international union american republics work organic bureau evidenced fact first time since creation i8go republics south central america represented unanimous recommendation international american conference providing international union american republics stated continue force term ten years date organization country becoming member union cease member end said period ten years unless twelve months expiration said period majority members union given secretary state united states official notice wish terminate union end first period union continue maintained another period ten years thereafter conditions successive periods ten years period notification expired july 14 1899 without members given necessary notice withdrawal maintenance therefore assured next ten years view fact numerous questions general interest common benefit republics america considered first international american conference finally settled others since grown importance would seem expedient various republics constituting union invited hold early date another conference capital one countries united states already enjoyed honor purely international character work done bureau appreciation value emphasized active various governments latin american republics diplomatic representatives capital exhibiting zealous endeavors making extend field usefulness promote commercial intercourse strengthen bonds amity confidence various members nations continent act encourage holding exposition niagara frontier within county erie niagara state new york year 1901 approved march 3 1899 exposition held city buffalo near vicinity great niagara cataract within day journey reside 40 000 000 people confined entirely western hemisphere satisfactory assurances already given diplomatic representatives great britain mexico central south american republics states united states countries states make unique interesting instructive exhibit peculiarly illustrative material progress century close law provides appropriation purpose making exhibit exposition government united states executive departments smithsonian institution national museum united states commission fish fisheries department labor bureau american republics secure complete harmonious arrangement government exhibit board management already created charged selection purchase preparation transportation arrangement articles materials exhibited board organized already entered upon performance duties provided law every reason hope believe exposition tend firmly cement cordial relations nations continent accordance act congress approved december 21 1898 auspices philadelphia commercial museum interesting valuable exposition products manufactures especially adapted export trade held philadelphia 14th september 1st december 1899 representative character exhibits widespread interest manifested special objects undertaking afford renewed encouragement look confidently steady growth enlarged exportation manufactured goods remarkable fact economic development united states recent years feature exposition likely become permanent increasing utility industries collection samples merchandise produced various countries special reference particular markets providing practical object lessons united states manufacturers qualities styles prices goods meet special demands consumers may exported advantage connection exposition international commercial congress held upon invitation philadelphia commercial museum transmitted department state various foreign governments exchange information opinions view promotion international trade invitation met general cordial acceptance congress began sessions exposition 13th october proved great practical importance fact developed general recognition interdependence nations trade gratifying spirit accommodation reference gradual removal existing impediments reciprocal relations without injury industrial interests either party response invitation majesty emperor russia delegates countries assembled hague 18th may members conference interest peace commission united states consisted hon andrew white hon seth low hon stanford newel captain alfred mahan united states navy captain william crozier united states army hon frederick holls secretary occasion seemed opportune serious consideration plan pacific adjustment international differences subject american people deeply interested many years definite project permanent international tribunal included instructions delegates united states final act conference includes conventions upon amelioration laws customs war land adaptation maritime warfare principles geneva convention 1864 extension judicial methods international cases convention pacific settlement international conflicts embodies leading features american plan modifications rendered great diversity views interests represented delegates four titles convention provide maintenance general peace exercise good offices mediation formation commissions inquiry international arbitration mediation provided convention purely voluntary advisory intended avoid invasion limitation sovereign rights adhering states commissions inquiry proposed consists delegations specifically constituted particular purposes means conventions contesting parties object clear understanding international differences resorting use force provision arbitration contemplates formation permanent tribunal disputed cases may brought settlement mutual consent litigants separate case advantages permanent tribunal impromptu commissions arbitration conceived actual existence competent court prepared administer justice greater economy resulting system accumulated judicial skill experience tribunal would soon possess earnestly promoting idea establishing permanent international tribunal delegation united states unmindful inconveniences might arise obtrusive exercise mediation signing convention carefully guarded historic position united states following declaration nothing contained convention shall construed require united states america depart traditional policy intruding upon interfering entangling political questions policy internal administration foreign state shall anything contained said convention construed imply relinquishment united states america traditional attitude toward purely american questions thus interpreted convention pacific settlement international conflicts may regarded realizing earnest desire great numbers american citizens whose deep sense justice expressed numerous resolutions memorials urged labor noble achievement general character convention already signed delegates twenty sovereign states commends favorable action senate united states whose ratification still awaits since last annual message obedience acts congress april 22 26 1898 remaining volunteer force enlisted spanish war consisting regulars volunteers volunteer officers discharged military service volunteers 667 officers men serving philippines regulars entitled mustered ratification treaty peace voluntarily remained front places could filled new troops returned home order went manila service ranks citizenship recommend congress provide special medal honor volunteers regulars sailors marines duty philippines voluntarily remained service terms enlistment expired act march 2 1899 congress gave authority increase regular army maximum exceeding enlisted men enlist force volunteers recruited country large virtue authority regular army increased number enlisted men officers new volunteer regiments organized aggregating enlisted men officers two volunteer regiments madeup colored men colored line officers new troops take places returning philippines transported manila number 581 officers enlisted men regular army 594 officers enlisted men new volunteer force 504 officers 14 119 men volunteer force ocean en route manila force manila consists 905 officers regulars 594 officers volunteers making aggregate officers men troops orders shall reach manila force archipelago comprise officers men muster great volunteer army organized spanish war creation new army transportation manila san francisco entitled discharge transportation new troops take places work great magnitude well ably done much credit given war department past year reduced force cuba puerto rico cuba 334 officers enlisted men puerto rico 87 officers enlisted men battalion 400 men composed native puerto ricans stationed throughout united states 910 officers men hawaii 12 officers 453 enlisted men operations army fully presented report secretary war withhold officers men highest commendation soldierly conduct trying situations willing sacrifices country integrity ability performed unusual difficult duties island possessions organization volunteer regiments authorized act march 2 1899 found provision made chaplains omission doubtless inadvertence recommend early authorization appointment one chaplain said regiments regiments philippines important immediate action restoring peaceful conditions orderly rule civic progress cuba puerto rico far practicable philippines rehabilitation postal service essential important part work became necessary provide mail facilities forces occupation native population meet requirement involved substantial reconstruction existing systems fragmentary defective inadequate new comprehensive organization created american trained officials assigned directing executive positions natives chiefly employed making body force working plan merit rule rigorously faithfully applied appointment posts cuba given expert chief inspector assistant united large experience administrative capacity postmastership havana range skilled available men scanned choice fell upon one twenty years service deputy postmaster postmaster large city principle governed determined selection american officials sent cuba puerto rico philippines instructed apply far practicable employment natives minor postmasters clerks postal system cuba though remaining general guidance made essentially independent felt burden upon postal service united states provision made deficit postal revenue charge upon general revenues island though puerto rico philippines hold different relation united states yet convenience administration principle autonomous system extended development service islands rapid successful moved forward american lines free delivery money order registry systems given people mail facilities far greater reliable ever enjoyed thus vital agency industrial social business progress important influence diffusing understanding true spirit character american administration domestic postal service continues grow extraordinary rapidity expenditures revenues exceed current year fortunately since revival prosperous times revenues grown much faster expenditures every indication short period witness obliteration annual deficit connection report embodies statement evils grown outside contemplation law treatment classes mail matter wrongly exercise privilege pound rate shows matter properly classified paid rate paid instead postal deficit last fiscal year would one basis surplus another reform thus suggested opinion would put postal service basis would permit great valuable improvements commend subject consideration congress navy maintained spirit high efficiency always characterized service lost none gallantry heroic action signalized brilliant glorious past nation equal pride early later achievements habitual readiness every emergency confidence admiration country people interested continued preparation prestige navy justify liberal appropriations maintenance improvement officers shown peculiar adaptation performance new delicate duties recent war imposed doubted congress make necessary provision armor plate vessels contract building attention respectfully called report secretary navy subject fully presented unite recommendation congress enact special legislation may necessary enable department make contracts early coming year armor best quality obtained country maine ohio missouri provision act march 3 1899 limiting price armor 300 per ton removed matter naval construction italy japan great powers laid less tonnage year 1899 country italy alone less tonnage construction heartily concur recommendations increase navy suggested secretary future progress prosperity depend upon ability equal surpass nations enlargement advance science industry commerce invention must turn one powerful aids accomplishment result attention congress directed report commissioner patents found valuable suggestions recommendations 30th june 1899 pension roll united states numbered include pensioners army navy wars number added rolls year number dropped reason death remarriage minors legal limitation failure claim within three years causes 43 186 number claims disallowed 107 gig year pension certificates issued new original pensions amount disbursed army navy pensions year less sum appropriations grand army republic recent national encampment held philadelphia brought attention congress wisdom justice modification third section act june 27 x8go provides pensions widows officers enlisted men served ninety days war rebellion honorably discharged provided widows without means sup port daily labor married soldier sailor marine account whose service claim pension prior date act present holding department widow income aside daily labor exceed amount pension would wit 96 per annum would deemed without means support daily labor would entitled pension act widow income independent amount received result daily labor exceeds 96 would pensionable act advised commissioner pensions amount income allowed title pension would barred varied widely different administrations pension office well different periods administration complaint criticism approval secretary interior commissioner pensions recommends order make practice times uniform justice dependent widow amount income allowed independent proceeds daily labor less 250 per annum urges congress shall amend act permit pension office grant pensionable status widows terms third section act june 27 1890 whose income aside proceeds daily labor excess 250 per annum believe simple act justice heartily recommend dawes commission reports gratifying progress made work preceding year enrollment four nations completed recommend congress early day make liberal appropriation educational purposes indian territory accordance act congress approved march 3 preliminary work connection twelfth census fully way officers required proper administration duties imposed selected provision securing proper enumeration population well secure evidence industrial growth nation broader comprehensive similar legislation past director advises every needful effort made push great work completion time limited statute believed twelfth census emphasize remarkable advance pertains national progress authority act congress approved july 7 1898 commission consisting secretary treasury secretary interior made agreement settlement approval indebtedness government growing issue bonds aid construction central pacific western pacific rail roads agreement secures government principal interest said bonds amounting paid thereon covered treasury remainder payable within ten years interest rate 3 per cent per annum payable semiannually secured deposit equal amount bonds pacific railway companies amounts paid secured paid government account pacific railroad subsidy claims whole indebtedness half consisted accrued interest sum government realized entire amount less within period two years june 30 1898 thirty forest reservations exclusive afognak forest fish culture reserve alaska embracing estimated area acres past year two existing forest reserves trabuco canyon california black hills south dakota wyoming considerably enlarged area mount rainier reserve state washington somewhat reduced six additional reserves established namely san francisco mountains arizona black mesa arizona lake tahoe california gallatin montana gila river new mexico fish lake utah total estimated area acres makes present time total forest reservations embracing estimated area acres estimated area aggregated areas within boundaries reserves lands actually reserved however vacant public lands therein set aside reserved sale settlement order may greatest use people protection national forests inaugurated department interior 1897 continued past year much accomplished way preventing forest fires protection timber large tracts covered forests eventually reserved set apart forest uses done congress increase appropriations work protecting forests department agriculture constantly consulting needs producers states territories introducing seeds plants great value promoting fuller diversification crops grains grasses fruits legumes vegetables imported parts united states encouragement factory multiplies north far west semitropical plants sent south congenial climates sought choice productions far east hybridizing fruit trees grains conducted search varieties adapted exacting conditions introduction tea gardens southern states promises provide employment idle hands well supply home market tea subject irrigation vital importance people carefully studied steps taken reclaim injured abandoned lands information people along lines printed distributed markets sought opened surplus farm factory products europe asia outlook education young farmer agricultural college experiment station opportunity given specialize department agriculture promising people hawaii puerto rico philippine islands helped establishment experiment stations scientific knowledge production coffee india rubber tropical products demand united states widespread interest improvement public highways present time department agriculture people locality making best possible roads local material experimenting steel tracks intelligent system managing forests country put operation careful study whole forestry problem conducted throughout united states extensive complete exhibit agricultural horticultural products united states prepared paris exposition 10th december 1898 treaty peace united states spain signed provided among things spain cede united states archipelago known philippine islands united states pay spain sum twenty millions dollars civil rights political status native inhabitants territories thus ceded united states determined congress treaty ratified senate 6th february 1899 government spain 19th march following ratifications exchanged 11th april treaty publicly proclaimed 2d march congress voted sum contemplated treaty amount paid spanish government 1st may manner philippines came united states islands ceded government spain undisputed possession centuries accepted merely authorized commissioners paris direction executive constitutional action representatives people united states houses congress every reason believe still believe transfer sovereignty accordance wishes aspirations great mass filipino people earliest moment opportunity lost assuring people islands ardent desire welfare intention government everything possible advance interests order 19th may 1898 commander military expedition dispatched philippines instructed declare came make war upon people country upon party faction among protect homes employments personal religious rights doubt paramount authority 7th august directed 11 must joint occupation insurgents united states must preserve peace protect persons property within territory occupied military naval forces insurgents others must recognize military occupation authority united states early december 4 cession anticipation event commander manila urged restore peace tranquility undertake establishment beneficent government afford fullest security life property 21st december treaty signed commander forces occupation instructed 11 announce proclaim public manner come invaders conquerors friends protect natives homes employments personal religious rights day ordering general otis see peace preserved iloilo admonished 11 important conflict insurgents 1st day january 1899 urgent orders reiterated kindly intentions government every possible way communicated insurgents 21st january announced intention dispatching manila commission composed three gentlemen highest character distinction thoroughly acquainted orient association admiral dewey otis instructed facilitate humane effective extension authority throughout islands secure least possible delay benefits wise generous protection life property inhabitants gentlemen jacob gould schurman president cornell university hon charles denby many years minister china dean worcester university michigan made careful study life philippines treaty peace consideration senate commissioners set mission good liberation character sufficient guaranty beneficent purpose went even borne positive instructions government made errand one peace friendship arrival manila sinister ambition leaders filipinos created situation full embarrassment us grievous consequences clear impartial preliminary report commissioners transmit herewith gives lucid comprehensive history present insurrectionary movement story need repeated enough say claim rebel leader promised independence officer united states return assistance foundation fact categorically denied witnesses called prove insurgent leader hoped came back manila liberation islands spanish control laboring years without success throw prompt accomplishment work american army navy gave ideas ambitions insidious suggestions various quarters perverted purposes intentions taken arms sooner army captured manila filipino forces began assume attitude suspicion hostility utmost efforts officers troops unable disarm modify kindness forbearance taken proof cowardice aggressions filipinos continually increased finally time set senate united states vote upon treaty attack evidently prepared advance made along american lines resulted terribly destructive sanguinary repulse insurgents ten days later order insurgent government issued adherents remained manila general otis justly observes barbarous intent unequaled modern times directs 8 clock night 15th february territorial militia shall come together streets san pedro armed bolos guns ammunition convenient filipino families shall respected individuals whatever race maybe shall exterminated without compassion extermination army occupation adds brothers must avenge americans exterminate may take revenge infamies treacheries committed upon us compassion upon attack vigor copy fell good fortune hands officers able take measures control rising actually attempted night february 22 week later originally contemplated considerable numbers armed insurgents entered city waterways swamps concert confederates inside attempted destroy manila fire kept check night next day driven city heavy loss unhappy condition affairs confronted commissioners arrival manila come hope intention admiral dewey major general otis establishing peace order archipelago largest measure compatible true welfare people actually found best set forth words deplorable war one engaged unavoidable us attacked bold adventurous enthusiastic army alternative left us except ignominious retreat conceived american would sanctioned surrender manila insurgents obligations nations friendly filipinos flag demanded force met force whatever future philippines may course open us except prosecution war insurgents reduced submission commission opinion time since destruction spanish squadron admiral dewey possible withdraw forces island either honor safety inhabitants course thus clearly indicated unflinchingly pursued rebellion must put civil government thoroughly established order restored devotion gallantry worthy brilliant history army ably loyally assisted navy carried unwelcome righteous campaign richly deserved success noble soldiers sailors whose terms service expired refused avail right return home long needed front forms one brightest pages annals although operations somewhat interrupted checked rainy season unusual violence duration gained ground steadily every direction look forward confidently speedy completion task unfavorable circumstances connected active campaign permitted interfere equally important work reconstruction invite attention report commissioners interesting encouraging details work already accomplished establishment peace order inauguration municipal life many portions archipelago notable beginning made establishment government island negros deserving special consideration first island accept american sovereignty people unreservedly proclaimed allegiance united states adopted constitution looking establishment popular government impossible guarantee people negros constitution adopted ultimate form government question treaty spain accordance constitution laws came exclusively within jurisdiction congress government actually set inhabitants negros eventually proved unsatisfactory natives new system put force order commanding department following important elements ordered government island negros consist military governor appointed united states military governor philippines civil governor advisory council elected people military governor authorized appoint secretaries treasury interior agriculture public instruction auditor seat government fixed bacolod military governor exercises supreme executive power see laws executed appoint office fill vacancies office otherwise provided may approval military governor philippines remove officer office civil governor advises military governor public civil questions presides advisory council general performs duties performed secretaries state system government advisory council consists eight members elected people within territorial limits defined order commanding general times places holding elections fixed military governor island negros qualifications voters follows voter must male citizen island negros q age 21 years 3 shall able speak read write english spanish visayan language must real property worth 500 pay rental real property value 4 must resided island less one year preceding district offers register voter less three months immediately preceding time offers register 5 must register time fixed law voting 6 prior registration shall paid taxes due government provided insane person shall allowed register vote military governor right veto bills resolutions adopted advisory council veto final disapproved military governor philippines advisory council discharges ordinary duties legislature usual duties pertaining said offices per formed secretaries treasury interior agriculture public instruction auditor judicial power vested three judges appointed military governor island inferior courts established free public schools established throughout populous districts island english language shall taught subject receive careful consideration advisory council burden government must distributed equally equitably among people military authorities collect receive customs revenue control postal matters philippine trade commerce military governor subject approval military governor philippines determines questions specifically provided come jurisdiction advisory council authorities sulu islands accepted succession united states rights spain flag floats territory 10th august 1899 brig bates united states volunteers negotiated agreement sultan principal chiefs transmit herewith article sovereignty united states whole archipelago jolo dependencies declared acknowledged united states flag used archipelago dependencies land sea piracy suppressed sultan agrees heartily united states authorities end make every possible effort arrest bring justice persons engaged piracy trade domestic products archipelago jolo carried part philippine islands american flag shall free unlimited undutiable united states give full protection sultan case foreign nation attempt impose upon united states sell island jolo island jolo archipelago foreign nation without consent sultan salaries sultan associates administration islands agreed upon amount 760 monthly article x provides slave archipelago jolo shall right purchase freedom paying master usual market value agreement general bates made subject confirmation president future modifications consent parties interest confirmed said agreement subject action congress reservation directed shall communicated sultan jolo agreement deemed way authorize give consent united states existence slavery sulu archipelago communicate facts congress information action everything indicates speedy suppression tagalo rebellion life archipelago soon resume ordinary course protection sovereignty people favored islands enjoy prosperity freedom never known already hundreds schools open filled children religious freedom sacredly assured enjoyed courts dispensing justice business beginning circulate accustomed channels manila whose inhabitants fleeing country months ago populous thriving mart commerce earnest unremitting endeavors commission admiral commanding department pacific assure people beneficent intentions government legitimate effect convincing great mass peace safety prosperity stable government found loyal acceptance authority united states future government philippines rests congress united states graver responsibilities ever confided us accept spirit worthy race traditions great opportunity comes islands lie shelter flag every title law equity abandoned desert leave anarchy finally barbarism fling golden apple discord among rival powers one could permit another seize unquestioned rich plains valleys would scene endless strife bloodshed advent dewey fleet manila bay instead tope dawn new day freedom progress beginning era misery violence worse darkened unhappy past suggestion made could renounce authority islands giving independence could retain protectorate proposition found sure worthy serious attention arrangement would involve outset cruel breach faith would place peaceable loyal majority ask nothing better accept authority mercy minority armed insurgents would make us responsible acts insurgent leaders give us power control would charge us task protecting defending foreign power chose quarrel short would take congress united states power declaring war vest tremendous prerogative tagal leader hour seem desirable recommend time specific final form government islands peace shall restored duty congress construct plan government shall establish maintain freedom order peace philippines insurrection still existing terminates information required actual condition affairs inaugurating permanent scheme civil government full report commission preparation contain information suggestions value congress transmit soon completed long insurrection continues military arm must necessarily supreme reason steps taken time time inaugurate governments essentially popular form fast territory held con trolled troops end considering advisability return commission members thereof secured aid existing authorities facilitate work throughout islands believed reconstruction begin establishment one central civil government islands seat manila rather work commenced building bottom first establishing municipal governments provincial governments central government last follow congress shall made known formal expression shall use authority vested constitution statutes uphold sovereignty united states distant islands places flag rightfully floats shall put disposal army navy means liberality congress people provided unprovoked wasteful insurrection cease orders mine required insure merciful conduct military naval operations would lacking every step progress troops marked q humanity surprised even misguided insurgents truest kindness swift effective defeat present leader hour victory hour clemency reconstruction effort spared build waste places desolated war long years misgovernment shall wait end strife begin beneficent work shall continue begun open schools churches set courts operation foster industry trade agriculture every way power make people providence brought within jurisdiction feel liberty power welfare gain seeking enhance flag never waved community blessing believe filipinos soon recognize fact lost gift benediction journey shores embarrassment administration occurred reason peculiar status hawaiian islands present occupy joint resolution annexation approved july 7 1898 resolution republic hawaii independent nation extinguished separate sovereignty destroyed property possessions vested united states yet complete establishment government system effected municipal laws islands enacted fulfillment treaties inconsistent joint resolution contrary constitution united states treaties remain force yet laws relate social internal affairs islands touch many subjects importance broader national character example hawaiian republic divested title public lands islands unable dispose lands settlers desiring take homestead sites without power give complete title cases lands entered upon lease conditions carry right purchaser lessee settler full title granted upon compliance conditions prescribed law particular agreement entry questions doubt difficulty also arisen reference collection tonnage tax vessels coming hawaiian ports reference status chinese islands entrance exit patents copyrights register vessels navigation laws necessity holding elections accordance provisions hawaiian statutes choice various officers several matters detail touching interests island federal government resolution annexation president directed appoint five commissioners recommend congress legislation concerning islands deem necessary proper commissioners duly appointed careful investigation study system laws government prevailing islands conditions existing prepared bill provide government title territory hawaii report commission bill prepared transmitted congress december 6 1898 bill still awaits final action people islands entitled benefits privileges constitution absence act congress providing federal courts islands procedure appeals writs error judicial proceedings necessary enforcement civil rights may prosecuted powerless secure enforcement judgment courts united states manifestly important therefore act shall passed speedily possible erecting islands judicial district providing appointment judge proper officers methods procedure appellate proceedings government newly acquired territory federal constitution shall fully defined provided necessity immediate legislative relief exists territory alaska substantially law providing civil government territory act may 17 1884 meager provisions fitted administration affairs country sparsely inhabited civilized people unimportant trade production alaska time act passed increase population immigration past years consequent upon discovery gold produced condition calls ample facilities local numerous conveniences civil judicial administration settlements grown various places constituting point population business cities thousands inhabitants yet provision law municipality organized maintained localities inhabitants met together voluntarily formed municipal organization purposes local government adopting form municipal constitution charter said officials appointed ordinance creating regulating police force fire department department health making provision care insane indigent poor sick public schools passed proceedings ordinances passed municipalities without statutory authority sanction except maintained popular sentiment community entire absence authority provide ordinary instruments local police control administration population consisting usual percentage lawless adventurers class always flock new fields enterprise discovery circumstances require ordinary provision maintenance peace good order lawful conduct whole vast area alaska comprises one judicial district one judge one marshal one district attorney yet civil criminal business doubled within past year many times greater volume importance 1884 duties judge require travel thousands miles discharge judicial duties various places designated purpose territory divided least two districts additional judge district attorney marshal appropriate officers provided practically organized form government territory authority except congress pass law matter local trivial difficulty conveying congress adequate conception understanding various needs people different communities easily understood see reason complete form territorial organization provided following precedent established year 1805 temporary government provided recently acquired territory known name louisiana seems would advantageous confer greater executive power upon governor establish done case territory louisiana legislative council power adopt ordinances shall extend rightful subjects local legislation ordinances take effect reported approved congress session body session president manner system laws providing incorporation government towns cities certain population giving power establish maintain system education locally supported ordinances providing police sanitary purposes could speedily provided believe provision kind would satisfactory people territory probable area vast population scattered transitory make wise present time provide elective legislative body conditions calling local undoubtedly soon exist facilitated measures recommended recommend legislation end reference government puerto rico time ripe adoption temporary form government island many suggestions made reference alaska applicable also puerto rico system civil jurisprudence adopted people island described competent lawyers familiar thoroughly modern scientific far relates matters internal business trade production social private right general cities island governed charters probably require little change relation matters local concern private right probable much legislation desirable reference public administration relations island federal government many matters pressing urgency necessity exists legislation part congress establish federal courts federal jurisdiction island previously pointed reference hawaii besides administration justice subjects public lands control improvement rivers harbors control waters streams navigable spanish law belonged crown spain treaty cession passed united states immigration people foreign countries importation contract labor imposition collection internal revenue application navigation laws regulation current money establishment regulation tariff rates merchandise imported island united states establishment ports entry delivery regulation patents copyrights various subjects rest entirely within power congress call careful consideration immediate action must borne mind since cession puerto rico denied principal markets long enjoyed tariffs continued products spanish sovereignty markets spain closed products except upon terms commerce nations subjected island cuba used buy cattle tobacco without customs duties imposes duties upon products country entering ports therefore lost free intercourse spain cuba without compensating benefits market coffee little known use people therefore demand one chief products markets united states opened products plain duty abolish customs tariffs united states puerto rico give products free access markets result hurricane swept puerto rico 8th august 1899 people reduced absolute destitution without homes deprived necessaries life appeal war department people united states made prompt generous response addition private charity people war department expended relief distressed include cost transportation desirable government island law belligerent right maintained executive department superseded administration entirely civil nature present purposes recommend congress pass law organization temporary government shall provide appointment president subject confirmation senate governor officers general ad ministration island may require legislative purposes upon subjects local nature partaking federal character legislative council composed partly puerto ricans partly citizens united states shall nominated appointed president subject confirmation senate acts subject approval congress president prior going effect municipalities local subdivisions recommend principle local applied enable intelligent citizens island participate government learn practical experience duties requirements people thought wise commit entire government island officers selected people doubt whether habits training experience fit exercise large degree judgment expectation soon arrive attainment experience wisdom justify conferring upon much larger participation choice insular officers fundamental requirement people people education free schoolhouse best preceptor citizenship introduction modern educational methods care however must exercised changes made abruptly history racial peculiarities inhabitants shall given due weight systems education new possessions founded upon methods adapted existing conditions looking future moral industrial advancement people commend peculiarly effective manner blessings free government love law sense obedience submission lawfully constituted judicial tribunals embedded hearts people violation sentiments disregard obligations justly arouses public condemnation guaranties life liberty civil rights faithfully upheld right trial jury respected defended rule courts assure public prompt trial charged criminal offenses upon conviction punishment commensurate enormity crime disregard law public peace unwilling await judgment court jury constitute judges executioners escape severest penalties crimes said inaugural address march 4 1897 repeat constituted authorities must cheerfully vigorously upheld lynchings must tolerated great civilized country like united states courts mobs must execute penalties laws preservation public order right discussion integrity courts orderly administration justice must continue forever rock safety upon government securely rests accordance act congress providing appropriate national celebration year 1900 establishment seat government district columbia appointed committee consisting governors states territories united states invited assemble city washington 21st december 1899 committees congress district columbia charged proper conduct celebration congress last session appropriated five thousand dollars enable chief engineers army continue examination subject make secure designs calculations estimates memorial bridge convenient point naval observatory grounds adjacent thereto across potomac river convenient point arlington estate property accordance provisions act chief engineers selected four eminent bridge engineers submit competitive designs bridge combining elements strength durability architectural embellishment ornamentation fitly apply dedication memorial american patriotism designs prepared soon completed submitted congress secretary war proposed bridge would convenience people every part country visit national cemetery ornament capital nation forever stand monument american patriotism doubt congress give enterprise still proof favor approval executive order may 6 1896 extending limits classified service brought within operation law rules nearly executive civil service previously classified inclusions found wholly illogical unsuited work several departments application rules many places included found result friction embarrassment long careful consideration became evident heads departments responsible efficiency order remove difficulties promote efficient harmonious administration certain amendments necessary amendments promulgated executive order dated may 29 1899 principal purpose order except competitive examination certain places involving fiduciary responsibilities duties strictly confidential scientific executive character thought might better filled either noncompetitive examination discretion appointing officer open competition places comparatively number order provides filling much larger number places mainly outside service war department known registration system regulations approved president similar produced admirable results service amendments main object efficiency satisfactory administration system appointments established law results attained show operation public service improved civil service system relieved many objectionable features tofore subjected criticism administrative officers charge unbusinesslike methods conduct public affairs believed merit system greatly strengthened permanence assured constant aim administration government new possessions make fitness character merit essential appointment office give capable deserving inhabitants preference appointments 14th december one hundredth anniversary death washington hundred years republic priceless advantage lofty standard character conduct bequeathed american people inheritance time instead wasting continually increases enriches may justly hope years come benignant influence father country may even potent good century drawing close glad learn many parts country people fittingly observe historic anniversary presented congress great opportunities come great responsibilities power confided us increases weight obligations people must profoundly sensible contemplate new grave problems confront us aiming public good err right interpretation people duty fail insure wise measures welfare islands come authority united states inure common interest lasting honor country never nation abundant past year thankfulness god manifold blessings mercies make reverent acknowledgment
threshold deliberation call mourn countryman death hobart pass life morning november 21 last great soul rest eternal peace private life pure elevate public career ever distinguish large capacity stainless integrity exalt motif remove high office honor dignified lofty character devotion duty honesty purpose noble virtue remain u priceless legacy example congress convenes first regular session country condition unusual prosperity universal good among people home relation peace friendship every government world foreign commerce show great increase volume value combine import export year large ever show single year history export 1899 alone exceed billion dollar import export combine 1870 import per caput 20 per cent less 1870 export per caput 58 per cent 1870 show enlarged capacity united state satisfy want increase population well contribute people nation export agricultural product manufacture product export value large previous year noteworthy fact year history product manufactory sell abroad exceed buy abroad 1898 1899 government receipt source fiscal year end june 30 1899 include part payment central pacific railroad indebtedness aggregate custom receipt internal revenue fiscal year expenditures leave deficit secretary treasury estimate receipt current fiscal year aggregate upon basis present appropriation expenditures aggregate leave surplus fiscal year end june 30 1899 receipt increase present gratifying strength treasury show fact december 1 1899 available cash balance gold coin bullion condition confidence prevail throughout country bring gold general use custom receipt almost entirely pay coin strong position treasury respect cash band favorable showing make revenue make possible secretary treasury take action provision section 3694 revise statute relate sink fund receipt exceed expenditure first five month current fiscal year mention secretary treasury estimate surplus approximately end year condition deem advisable proper resume compliance provision law eight year do deficiency revenue treasury department therefore offer purchase november 5 per cent loan 1904 4 per cent fund loan 1907 current market price amount offer purchased november premium pay government purchase net save interest success operation sufficient induce government continue offer purchase bond include 23d day december instant unless remainder call present meantime redemption increase activity industry welcome attendant large employment labor high wage give body people large power absorb circulate medium true year year large area land cultivation increase volume agricultural product cotton corn wheat call large volume money supply especially noticeable period earlier history national banking act seem prove reasonable avenue needful addition circulation could time time make change condition apparently render inoperative end high margin bond security require result large premiums government bond command market tax note issue operate together appear influence impair public utility attention congress respectfully invite important matter view ascertain whether reasonable modification make national banking act render service particular refer responsive people need urge national bank authorize organize capital urgently recommend support exist gold standard maintain parity value coin two metal gold silver equal power every dollar time market payment debt secretary treasury give additional power charge duty sell united state bond employ effective mean may necessary end authority include power sell bond long short time condition may require provide rate interest lower fix act january 14 1875 commercial fright withdraws gold government contrary widespread confidence gold seek treasury demand paper money exchange yet situation point present fitting time make adequate provision insure continuance gold standard public confidence ability purpose government meet obligation money civilize world recognize best financial transaction government conduct upon gold basis receive gold sell united state bond use gold payment maintain parity money issue coin authority government thing mean hand happily present time compel resort loan supply gold do past however may do future behoove u therefore provide best mean meet emergency arise best mean certain economical authorize virtue neither directness economy already eliminate one cause financial plight embarrassment year 1893 1894 1895 1896 receipt equal expenditure deficient revenue longer create alarm let u remove remain confer full necessary power secretary treasury impose upon duty uphold present gold standard preserve coin two metal parity repeatedly declare policy united state connection repeat former recommendation portion gold holding shall place trust fund greenbacks shall redeem upon presentation redeem shall thereafter pay except gold value american merchant marine extension commercial trade strengthen power upon sea invite immediate action congress national development unsatisfactory long remarkable growth inland industry remain unaccompanied progress sea lack constitutional authority legislation shall give country maritime strength commensurate industrial achievement rank among nation earth past year record exceptional activity shipyard promise continual prosperity shipbuilding abundant advance legislation protection seaman enact coast trade regulation wisely frame begin government since show result past fiscal year unequaled record power shall fail realize opportunity however complacently regard matter home blind necessity secure share valuable carry trade world last year american vessel transport small share export import former year history measure dependence upon foreign ship painfully manifest people without choice necessity department government charge military naval operation east west indie obtain foreign flag merchant vessel essential operation great nation hesitate adopt require mean develop ship factor national defense one surest speediest mean obtain producer share foreign market like vigilance effort part fail improve situation regard humiliation home surprise abroad even seem sacrifice begin may involve offset later equivalent gain expense nothing compare advantage achieve reestablishment merchant marine involve large measure continue industrial progress extension commercial triumph satisfied judgment country favor policy aid merchant marine broaden commerce market upbuild capacity product agriculture manufacture increase navy mean work wage countryman well safeguard american interest every part world combination capital organize trust control condition trade among citizen stifle competition limit production determine price product use consumed people justly provoke public discussion early claim attention congress industrial commission create act congress june 18 1898 engage extend hearing upon disputed question involve subject combination restraint trade competition yet complete investigation subject conclusion recommendation may arrive undetermined subject one give rise many divergent view nature variety extent 111juries public may result large combination concentrate less numerous enterprise establishment previously formation combination carry separately universally conceded combination engross control market particular kind merchandise commodity necessary general community suppress natural ordinary competition whereby price unduly enhance general consumer obnoxious common law also public welfare must remedy evil involve organization present law extend certainly control check monopoly trust do without delay whatever power congress possess important subject promptly ascertain assert president harrison annual message december 3 1889 say earnest attention give congress consideration question far restraint combination capital commonly call 11 trust matter federal jurisdiction organize often crush competition monopolize production sale article commerce general necessity dangerous conspiracy public good make subject prohibitory even penal legislation act protect trade commerce unlawful restraint monopoly pass congress 2d july 1890 provision statute comprehensive stringent declare every contract combination form trust otherwise conspiracy restraint trade commerce among several state foreign nation unlawful denominates criminal every person make contract engage combination conspiracy provide punishment fine imprisonment invest several circuit court united state jurisdiction prevent restrain violation act make duty several united state district attorney direction attorney general institute proceeding equity prevent restrain violation confers upon person shall injure business property person corporation reason anything forbidden declare unlawful act power sue therefore circuit court united state without respect amount controversy recover threefold damage sustain cost suit include reasonable attorney fee perceive act aim every kind combination nature trust monopoly restraint interstate international commerce prosecution united state offenses act 1890 frequently resort federal court notable effort restraint interstate commerce freight association joint traffic association successfully oppose suppress president cleveland annual message december 7 1896 six year subsequent enactment law state evils trust combination say though congress attempt deal matter legislation law pass purpose thus far proved ineffective lack disposition attempt enforce simply law interpret court reach difficulty insufficiency exist law remedied legislation do fact must recognize however federal legislation subject may fall short purpose inherent obstacle also complex character governmental system make federal authority supreme within sphere carefully limit sphere metes bound transgressed decision high court precise question render quite doubtful whether evils trust monopoly may adequately treat federal action unless seek directly purposely include object transportation intercourse state united state foreign country follow however limit remedy may apply even though may find federal authority broad enough fully reach case doubt power several state act effectively premise reason doubt willingness judiciously exercise power state legislation president cleveland look relief evil trust fail accomplish fully object probably due great extent fact different state take different view proper way discriminate evil injurious combination association beneficial necessary business prosperity country great diversity treatment different state arise intimate relation part country without regard state line conduct business make enforcement state law difficult apparent uniformity legislation upon subject several state much desire hoped uniformity found wise discrimination injurious useful necessary business operation may obtain mean may find congress within limitation constitutional power supplement effective code state legislation make complete system law throughout united state adequate compel general observance salutary rule refer whole question important sure part lightly consider every phase study deliberation congress result wise judicious action review relation foreign state present recommendation deem appropriate boundary dispute argentine republic chile settle march last award arbitral commission unite state minister buenos ayres serve umpire progress make toward conclusion convention extradition argentine republic advise consent united state senate ratify argentina awaits adjustment slight change text exchange last annual message advert claim government indemnity kill certain austrian hungarian subject authority state pennsylvania lattimer suppress unlawful tumult miner september 10 1897 view verdict acquittal render court sheriff deputy try murder follow establish doctrine government may hold accountable injury suffer individual hand public authority act line duty suppress disturbance public peace government due consideration claim advanced government constrain decline liability indemnify sufferer gratify able announce belgian government mitigate restriction importation cattle united state refer last annual message invite belgium participate congress hold brussels revise provision general act july 2 1890 repression african slave trade unite state signatory party government prefer represent plenipotentiary reserve right accession result notable change make especially concerning country line increase restriction deleterious trade spirituous liquor native tribes government outset urgently advocate amend general act lay senate view advice consent early year peace bolivia disturb successful insurrection unite state minister remain post attending american interest quarter use besides good office protection interest british subject absence national representative establishment new government minister direct enter relation therewith general pando elect president bolivia october 23 representative instruct use permissible friendly endeavor induce government bolivia amend marriage law give legal status civil marriage alien within jurisdiction strong hope entertain bolivian law regard bring peru year ago harmony general practice modern state convention extradition brazil sign may 14 1897 rati6ed brazilian legislature past summer two national ship united state visit brazilian port friendly mission cordially receive voyage wilininglon amazon river give rise passing misunderstand owe confusion obtain permission visit interior make survey general interest navigation incident find ready adjustment harmony close relation amity government always sedulously sought cultivate commonwealth western continent claim grow seizure newspaper panama star herald authority colombia settle controversy several year agreement assess indemnity pay colombian government three installment good colombia toward country testify anew cordial extension facility nicaraguan canal commission approach investigation panama canal project route across isthmus darien toward end october insurrectionary disturbance develop colombian republic movement thus far attained decisive result still progress discussion question raise action denmark impose restriction importation american meat continue without substantial result favor neighbor island republic santo domingo lately scene revolution follow long period tranquility begin kill president heureaux july last culminated relinquishment succeed rein government insurgent first act provisional government call presidential constituent election juan isidro jimenez elect president inaugurate 14th november relation enter newly establish government experimental association nicaragua honduras salvador tinder title great republic central america apparently threshold complete federal organization adoption constitution formation national legislature disrupt last day november 1898 withdrawal salvador thereupon nicaragua honduras abandon joint compact resume former independent sovereignty follow reception minister merry republic nicaragua salvador minister hunter turn present credential government honduras thus revert old distribution diplomatic agency unite state central america exist statute provide nicaraguan envoy accredit united state insurrectionary movement general reyes break eluefields february last time exercise actual control mosquito territory detroit promptly send thither protection american interest week reyes government renounce conflict give place restore supremacy nicaragua interregnum certain public due accrue nicaraguan law collect american merchant authority time effective administrative control upon titular government regain power second payment due demand controversy arise touch validity original payment debt de facto regent territory arrangement effect april last united state minister foreign secretary nicaragua whereby amount duplicate payment deposit british consul pending adjustment matter direct agreement government united state nicaragua controversy still unsettle contract maritime canal company nicaragua declare forfeited nicaraguan government tenth october ground nonfulfillment within ten year term stipulate contract maritime canal company lodge protest action allege right premise appear worthy consideration government expect nicaragua afford protestant full fair hear upon merit case nicaragua canal commission bad engage upon work examination survey route across nicaragua complete labor make report dissolve may p june new commission know isthmian canal commission organize term act approve march 3 1899 purpose examine american isthmus view determine practicable feasible route ship canal across isthmus probable cost essential detail commission presidency john walker retire enter promptly upon work intrust carry examination nicaragua along route panama canal darien atlantic neighborhood atrato river bay panama pacific side good progress make law comprehensive complete investigation call require much labor considerable time accomplishment work prosecute expeditiously possible report make early practicable date great importance work often strongly press upon attention congress message year ago express view necessity canal would link two great ocean invite consideration reason present early action even strong please incident relation government chile occur generous assistance give war ship newark distress chilean water alone way friendly disposition chile find expression country accede convention establishment bureau american republic organization every independent state continent share exchange ratification convention revival united state chilean claim commission adjudication claim heretofore present determined life previous commission delay reason necessity fresh action chilean senate upon amendment attach ratification treaty united state senate formality soon accomplish view disturbance populous province northern china many citizen imminence disorder near capital toward seaboard guard marine land boston station last winter legation compound peking restoration order protection withdrawn interest citizens vast empire neglect past year adequate protection secure missionary injury property redress american capital seek find various opportunity compete carry internal improvement imperial government wisely encouraging develop natural resource empire trade china continue grow commercial right exist treaty everywhere maintain past year future extension area open international foreign settlement shanghai open port nanking kiao chao foreign trade settlement doubtless afford american enterprise additional facility new field slow take advantage message congress december 5 1898 1 urged recommendation make speaker house representative secretary treasury 14th june z898 appropriation commission study commercial industrial condition chinese empire report opportunity obstacles enlargement market china raw product manufacture united state receive hand consideration importance timeliness merit congress fail take action renew recommendation importance subject steadily grow since first submit time lose studying resource great field american trade enterprise death president faure february last call forth sincere expression sympathy befit relation two republic closely allied unbroken historic tie united state france preparation representation industry arts product united state world exposition hold paris next year continue elaborate comprehensive scale thanks generous appropriation provide congress friendly interest french government show further typical exhibit american progress allot united state considerable addition space place country first rant among exhibitor suffice meet increasingly urgent demand manufacturer effort commissioner general ably direct toward strictly representative display characteristically mark american achievement inventive art adequately show excellence natural production age keen rivalry among nation mastery commerce doctrine evolution rule survival fit must inexorable operation positive result bring place struggle industrial people hold unrelaxed endeavor constant advance achievement present extraordinary impetus every line american exportation astound increase volume value share world market may attribute accidental condition reason far seek lie deep national character find expression year year every branch handicraft every new device whereby material abundantly produce subdue artisan make yield large practical beneficial return american exhibit paris confident open volume whose lesson skillfully direct endeavor unfaltering energy consummate performance may read every page thus spread abroad clear knowledge worth production justice claim important place mart world accomplish judicious selection recognition paramount merit whatever walk trade manufacture may appear orderly classification attractive installation task commission unite states government build approach completion effort spar make worthy beauty architectural plan completeness display represent nation suggest permanent building similar appropriate design erect convenient site already give municipality near exposition ground serve commemoration part take country great enterprise american national institute countryman resort paris study inform shall american section paris exhibitor every state ill country number ten time great represent vienna 1873 six time many paris 1878 four time many exhibit paris 1889 statement include exhibit either cuba puerto rico hawaii arrangement make number important international congress special topic affect public interest propose hold paris next summer connection exposition effort make several technical branch administration efficiently represent conference special line procure large possible concourse state representative particularly congresses public charity medicine relation germany continue cordial increase intimacy direct association mark year grant permission april land shore cable borkum emden north sea way azores also conclusion september 2 parcel post convention german empire promise close relation intercourse commerce well understand two race many trait common germany assure cordial cooperation government people may rival many material path rivalry generous open ever aim toward attainment large result mutually beneficial advancement line especial adaptability several government empire seem reluctant admit natural excellence food production accept evidence constantly tender care purity guard rigid inspection farm slaughterhouse pack establishment port shipment system control export food staple invite examination quarter challenge respect efficient thoroughness hop time two government act common accord toward realization common purpose safeguard public health insure purity wholesomeness food product import either country congress authorize invitation germany connection pending reciprocity negotiation constitution joint commission scientific expert practical men affair conduct search investigation food production exportation country report respective legislature adoption remedial measure might recommend either way might open desirable result indicate effort obtain american life insurance company full hearing business operation prussia several year patient representation happily succeed one important american company grant concession continue business kingdom also glad announce german insurance company readmitted superintendent insurance business state new york subsequent exchange peace treaty spain germany acquire caroline island purchase pay therefore assurance receive german government right american missionary trader considerately observe last annual message refer pending negotiation great britain respect dominion canada mean executive agreement joint high commission create purpose adjust unsettled question united state canada embrace twelve subject among question fur seal fishery coast contiguous inland water alaskan boundary transit merchandise bond alien labor law mine right reciprocity trade revision agreement respect naval vessel great lakes complete marking part boundary provision conveyance criminal wreck salvage much progress make commission toward adjustment many question become apparent irreconcilable difference view entertain respect delimitation alaskan boundary failure agreement meaning article iii iv treaty 1825 russia great britain define boundary alaska canada american commissioner propose subject boundary lay aside remain question difference proceed far advanced assure probability settlement decline british commissioner adjournment take boundary adjust two government subject receive careful attention importance demand result modus vivendi provisional demarcation region head lynn canal agree upon hop negotiation progress two government end agreement establishment delimitation permanent boundary apart question grow relationship northern neighbor friendly disposition ready agreement mark discussion numerous matter arise vast intimate intercourse united state great britain government maintain attitude neutrality unfortunate contest great britain boer state africa remain faithful precept avoid entangle affair direct concern circumstance suggest party quarrel would welcome kindly expression hope american people war might avert good office would gladly tender united state representative pretoria early instruct see neutral american interest respect combatant easy task view positive declaration british boer authority personal property right citizen observe upon withdrawal british agent pretoria united state consul authorize upon request british government assent south african orange free state government exercise customary good office neutral care british interest discharge function happy say abundant opportunity afford show impartiality government toward combatant fourth time present decade question arisen government italy regard lynch italian subject late deplorable event occur tallulah louisiana whereby five unfortunate italian origin take jail hang authority state representative italian embassy separately investigate occurrence discrepant result particularly alleged citizenship victim appear state able discover punish violator law independent investigation set foot agency department state still progress result enable executive treat question government italy spirit fairness justice satisfactory solution doubtless reach recurrence distressing manifestation blind mob fury direct dependent native foreign country suggest contingency arisen action congress direction confer upon federal court jurisdiction class international case ultimate responsibility federal government may involve suggestion new annual message december 9 1891 predecessor president harrison say would believe entirely competent congress make offense treaty right foreigner domicile united state cognizable federal court however do federal officer court power case intervene either protection foreign citizen punishment slayer seem follow state law officer state charge police judicial power case must consideration international question grow incident regard sense federal agent make government answerable act case would answerable united state use constitutional power define punish crime treaty right bill provide punishment violation treaty right alien introduce senate march 1 1892 report favorably march 30 doubtless view language part article iii treaty february 26 1871 united state italy stipulates citizen high contract party shall receive state territory constant protection security person property shall enjoy respect right privilege shall grant native submit condition impose upon native bill introduce report provided act commit state territory united state violation right citizen subject foreign country secure citizen subject treaty united state foreign country constitute crime law state territory shall constitute like crime united state cognizable federal court action take congress matter earnestly recommend subject take tip anew act upon present session necessity provision abundantly appear precedent constitute federal jurisdiction criminal case alien sufferer rationally deducible exist statute give district circuit court united state jurisdiction civil suit bring alien amount involve exceeds certain sum jealous solicitude show alien right case merely civil pecuniary import much great public duty take cognizance matter affect life right alien tinder settle principle international law less treaty stipulation case transcendent wrong mob murder especially experience show local justice often helpless punish offender many year endeavor part government end italian government consent enter negotiation naturalization convention one object regulation status italian except age active military service naturalize united state may revisit italy hop mutually conciliatory spirit display successful conclusion reach treaty commerce navigation unite state japan november 22 1894 take effect accordance term xixth article 17th july last simultaneously enforcement like treaty power except france whose convention go operation august 4 united state however grant date privilege right accord french citizen old french treaty notable conventional reform japan position fully independent sovereign power assure control gain taxation custom revenues judicial administration coast trade domestic function government foreign right renounce comprehensive code civil criminal procedure accord western method public instruction patent copyright municipal administration include jurisdiction former foreign settlement custom tariff procedure public health administrative measure proclaim work new system give rise material complaint part american citizen interest circumstance attest ripe consideration change prepare valuable assistance render japanese authority unite state transport ship morgan city strand kobe permission grant land pasture army horse japanese port call way philippine island kindly evidence good highly appreciate japanese government show lively interest proposition pacific cable company add project cable line hawaii guam philippine branch connection coast japan would gratify consummation utility contemplate scheme enhance bring japan united state direct telegraphic relation without repeat observation special message february 10 1899 concern necessity cable manila respectfully invite attention recommend case congress take measure bring result direct action government postmaster general authorize invite competitive bid establishment cable company make best responsible bid award contract successful company give ample bond insure completion work within reasonable time year mark constant increase intimacy relation mexico magnitude mutually advantageous interchange government omit opportunity show strong desire develop perpetuate tie cordiality long happily unbroken follow termination january 20 1899 mexico convention extradition december 11 1861 new treaty accordance ascertain needs country sign february 22 1899 exchange city mexico 22d april last operation thus far effective satisfactory recent case serve test application ivth article provide neither party shall bind deliver citizen executive authority shall power deliver discretion deem proper extradition mattie rich citizen united state charge homicide commit mexico mature consideration direct conviction end justice would thereby subserve similar action appropriate occasion mexican executive tend accomplish desire government grave crime go unpunished also repress lawlessness along border two country new treaty stipulate neither government shall assume jurisdiction punishment crime commit exclusively within territory obviate future embarrass controversy heretofore arisen mexico assertion claim try punish american citizen offense commit within jurisdiction united state international water boundary commission organize convention march 1 1889 adjustment question affect rio grande frontier yet complete labor extension term one year december 24 1899 effected convention sign december z 1898 exchange proclaim february last invitation extend president mexico visit chicago october occasion lay corner stone united states government build city cordially accept necessary consent mexican congress illness member family prevent attendance minister foreign relation however come personal representative president diaz high character duly honor claim grow seizure american sealing vessel bering sea discussion government russia several year recent happy result agreement submit decision single arbitrator act russia affords proof adherence beneficent principle arbitration plenipotentiary conspicuously favor hague disarmament conference advocate representative united state suggestion permanent exposition product manufacture russia although yet fully shape cordially welcome imperial government may inaptly take fit place whatever legislation congress may adopt look enlargement commercial opportunity abroad important event occur samoan island election accord law custom samoa successor late king malietoa laupepa develop contest validity result issue term general act decide chief justice upon render judgment favor malietoa tanu rival chief mataafa take arm active intervention american british war ship become imperative restore order cost sanguinary encounter emergency joint commission representative united state germany great britain send samoa investigate situation provide temporary remedy active effort peaceful solution reach time kingship abolish provisional government establish recommendation unanimously make commission permanent adjustment samoan question take consideration three power party general act examine evident become radical change necessary relation power samoa inconvenience possible peril tripartite scheme supervision control samoan group power little interest common quarter beyond commercial rivalry emphasize recent event suggest remedy joint commission like scheme aim replace amount styled tridominium exercise function sovereignty unanimous agreement three power situation become far intricate embarrass every point view predecessor 1894 sum perplexity condemn participation united state arrangement samoa administer prove impracticable unacceptable power concerned withdraw agreement abandon island germany great britain would compatible interest archipelago relinquish right harbor pago pago best anchorage pacific occupancy lease united state 1878 first foreign treaty ever conclude samoa thought either regard need navy interest grow commerce east could consider proposition abrogation tripartite control confirm u right safeguard national interest islands view commend power satisfactory arrangement conclude government germany england virtue england retire samoa view compensation direction power renounce favor united state right claim respect portion group lie east one hundred degree west longitude embrace island tutuila ofoo olosenga manua transmit senate constitutional action thereon convention besides provision mention also guarantee u privilege condition respect commerce commercial vessel island samoa possess germany claim prefer white resident samoa account injury allege suffered act treaty government put late disturbance convention make three power investigation settlement claim neutral arbitrator attention senate invite annual message last year necessarily devote great part consideration spanish war result work condition impose future gratify announce treaty peace restore friendly relation two power effect give important provision evacuation puerto rico already accomplish x8th october 1898 nothing remain necessary continue provisional military control island congress enact suitable government cede territory character scope measure end shall treat another part message withdrawal authority spain island cuba effect 1st january full peace find relinquished territory hold u trust inhabitant maintain direction executive government control therein conserve public order restore productive condition peace long disturbed instability disorder prevail great part precede three decade build tranquil development domestic state whereby alone realize high purpose proclaim joint resolution adopt congress 19th april 1898 united state disclaim disposition intention exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control cuba except pacification thereof assert determination accomplish leave government control island people pledge contain resolution high honorable obligation must sacredly keep believe substantial progress make direction administrative measure adopt cuba aim fit regenerate existence enforce supremacy law justice place wherever practicable machinery administration hand inhabitant institute need sanitary reform spread education foster industry trade inculcate public morality short take every rational step aid cuban people attain plane respect unity fit enlighten community within sphere enable fulfill outward obligation nation assume world grave responsibility future good government cuba accept trust fulfillment call stern integrity purpose exercise high wisdom new cuba yet arise ash past must need bound u tie singular intimacy strength endure welfare assure whether tie shall organic conventional destiny cuba rightful form manner irrevocably link far future determine ripeness event whatever outcome must see free cuba reality name perfect entity hasty experiment bearing within element failure mission accomplish take wager battle fulfil turn adrift loosely frame commonwealth face vicissitude often attend weak state whose natural wealth abundant resource offset incongruity political organization recur occasion internal rivalry sap strength dissipate energy greatest bless come cuba restoration agricultural industrial prosperity give employment idle men pursuit peace chief immediate need 19th august last order make take census island complete 3oth november treaty peace spanish people island april 11 1900 elect whether remain citizen spain become citizen cuba definitely ascertain shall entitle participate formation government cuba time result census tabulate shall proceed provide election commit municipal government island officer elect people experience thus acquire prove great value formation representative convention people draft constitution establish general system independent government island meantime long exercise control island product cuba market united state good term favorable rate duty give west india island treaty reciprocity shall make relief distressed island cuba war department issue supply destitute person officer army amount ooo ration cost promote disarmament cuban volunteer army interest public peace welfare people sum 75 pay cuban soldier borne upon authenticated roll condition deposit arm authority designate united state sum thus disburse aggregate pay emergency fund provide act january 5 1899 purpose cuban island revenue six month end june 30 1899 expend sanitation charity hospital aid destitute follow exchange ratification treaty peace two government accredit minister spain send washington duke arcos eminent diplomatist previously station mexico united state transfer madrid hon bellamy storer minister brussels follow respective appointment consul thereby fully resume relation interrupted war addition consular representation united state spanish government appoint consul cuba provisionally recognize military administration affair island judicial intercourse court cuba puerto rico spain establish provide treaty peace cuban political prisoner spanish penal station release return home accordance article vi treaty negotiation define conventional relation two country fell abeyance reason war trust include favorable arrangement commercial reciprocity term section 3 4 current tariff act matter international concern effort spar respond good disposition spain cultivate practicable way intimacy prevail two nation whose past history often many way mark sincere friendship community interest would recommend appropriate legislation order carry execution article vii treaty peace spain united state assure payment certain claim indemnity citizen spain united state minister turkey continue instruction press money payment satisfaction claim injury suffer american citizen disorder several year past wrong do ottoman authority claim many year stand government hopeful general agreement regard turkish empire situation citizens remain unsatisfactory effort nearly forty year bring convention naturalization seem brink final failure announce policy ottoman porte refuse recognition alien status native turkish subject naturalize abroad since 1867 statute allow government admit distinction treatment native naturalized american abroad ceaseless controversy arises case person owe eye international law dual allegiance prevent enter turkey expel entrance law regard contrast european state british act instance claim effect naturalization alien event return native country unless change recognize law country stipulate treaty naturalize state arbitrary treatment instance american production turkey attract attention late notably regard flour large shipment recently open direct steamship line turkish port deny entrance score although standard composition unquestioned purity flour pernicious health deficient elasticity indicate antiquated untrustworthy test upon due protest american minister appear act virtual discrimination product shipment question admit instance wherever occur american product may subject foreign country upon specious pretext discrimination compare like product another country government use earnest effort secure fair equal treatment citizen good fail hesitate apply whatever corrective may provide statute international commission arbitration appoint treaty 1897 render award october 3 last whereby boundary line venezuela british guiana determine thus end controversy exist great part century award arbitrator unanimous meeting extreme contention either party give great britain large share interior territory dispute venezuela entire mouth orinoco include barima point caribbean littoral distance eastward decision appear equally satisfactory party venezuela undergone revolution insurgent general castro sanguinary engagement suffer much loss rally mountainous interior advanced toward capital bulk army side movement president andrade quit caracas general castro set provisional government minister representative power enter diplomatic relation 20th november 1899 fourth section tariff act approve july 24 x897 appear provide commercial treaty enter president also ratify senate within two year passage owe delay inevitable negotiation nature none treaty initiate section could conclude time ratification senate prior adjournment 4th march last pending negotiation however near conclusion time result convention since sign plenipotentiary others within third fourth section act still consideration act constitutional power executive respect treaty deem duty observe limitation concession provide fourth section bring conclusion pending negotiation submit senate advice consent convention reciprocity sign congressional recess great britain respective colony british guiana barbados bermuda jamaica turks caicos island republic nicaragua important reciprocal convention also conclude france argentine republic last annual message progress note work diplomatic consular officer collect information industry commerce country care promptitude report print distributed continue past year increasingly valuable result suggest new source demand american product point obstacle still overcome facilitate remarkable expansion foreign trade doubtless gratify congress learn various agency department state endeavor zeal effectiveness receive cordial recognition business interest excite emulation government rearrangement great complicate work obtain official data economic character congress may undertake important judgment result already secure effort department state carefully consider view judicious development increase utility export trade interest take various state form international union american republic work organic bureau evidence fact first time since creation i8go republic south central america represent unanimous recommendation international american conference provide international union american republic state continue force term ten year date organization country become member union cease member end say period ten year unless twelve month expiration say period majority member union give secretary state united state official notice wish terminate union end first period union continue maintain another period ten year thereafter condition successive period ten year period notification expire july 14 1899 without member give necessary notice withdrawal maintenance therefore assure next ten year view fact numerous question general interest common benefit republic america consider first international american conference finally settle others since grown importance would seem expedient various republic constitute union invite hold early date another conference capital one country united state already enjoy honor purely international character work do bureau appreciation value emphasize active various government latin american republic diplomatic representative capital exhibit zealous endeavor make extend field usefulness promote commercial intercourse strengthen bond amity confidence various member nation continent act encourage hold exposition niagara frontier within county erie niagara state new york year 1901 approve march 3 1899 exposition hold city buffalo near vicinity great niagara cataract within day journey reside 40 000 000 people confine entirely western hemisphere satisfactory assurance already give diplomatic representative great britain mexico central south american republic state united state country state make unique interesting instructive exhibit peculiarly illustrative material progress century close law provide appropriation purpose make exhibit exposition government united state executive department smithsonian institution national museum unite state commission fish fishery department labor bureau american republic secure complete harmonious arrangement government exhibit board management already create charge selection purchase preparation transportation arrangement article material exhibit board organize already enter upon performance duty provide law every reason hope believe exposition tend firmly cement cordial relation nation continent accordance act congress approve december 21 1898 auspex philadelphia commercial museum interest valuable exposition product manufacture especially adapt export trade hold philadelphia 14th september 1st december 1899 representative character exhibit widespread interest manifest special object undertake afford renew encouragement look confidently steady growth enlarge exportation manufacture good remarkable fact economic development united state recent year feature exposition likely become permanent increase utility industry collection sample merchandise produce various country special reference particular market provide practical object lesson united state manufacturer quality style price good meet special demand consumer may export advantage connection exposition international commercial congress hold upon invitation philadelphia commercial museum transmit department state various foreign government exchange information opinion view promotion international trade invitation meet general cordial acceptance congress begin session exposition 13th october prove great practical importance fact develop general recognition interdependence nation trade gratify spirit accommodation reference gradual removal exist impediment reciprocal relation without injury industrial interest either party response invitation majesty emperor russia delegate country assemble hague 18th may member conference interest peace commission unite state consist hon andrew white hon seth low hon stanford newel captain alfred mahan united state navy captain william crozier united state army hon frederick holls secretary occasion seem opportune serious consideration plan pacific adjustment international difference subject american people deeply interested many year definite project permanent international tribunal include instruction delegate united state final act conference include convention upon amelioration law custom war land adaptation maritime warfare principle geneva convention 1864 extension judicial method international case convention pacific settlement international conflict embodies lead feature american plan modification render great diversity view interest represent delegate four title convention provide maintenance general peace exercise good office mediation formation commission inquiry international arbitration mediation provide convention purely voluntary advisory intend avoid invasion limitation sovereign right adhere state commission inquiry propose consists delegation specifically constitute particular purpose mean convention contest party object clear understanding international difference resort use force provision arbitration contemplate formation permanent tribunal dispute case may bring settlement mutual consent litigant separate case advantage permanent tribunal impromptu commission arbitration conceive actual existence competent court prepare administer justice great economy result system accumulate judicial skill experience tribunal would soon possess earnestly promote idea establish permanent international tribunal delegation united state unmindful inconvenience might arise obtrusive exercise mediation sign convention carefully guard historic position united state follow declaration nothing contain convention shall construe require united state america depart traditional policy intrude upon interfere entangle political question policy internal administration foreign state shall anything contain say convention construe imply relinquishment united state america traditional attitude toward purely american question thus interpret convention pacific settlement international conflict may regard realize earnest desire great number american citizen whose deep sense justice express numerous resolution memorial urge labor noble achievement general character convention already sign delegate twenty sovereign state commends favorable action senate united state whose ratification still await since last annual message obedience act congress april 22 26 1898 remain volunteer force enlist spanish war consist regular volunteer volunteer officer discharge military service volunteer 667 officer men serve philippine regular entitle mustered ratification treaty peace voluntarily remain front place could fill new troop return home order go manila service rank citizenship recommend congress provide special medal honor volunteer regulars sailor marine duty philippine voluntarily remain service term enlistment expire act march 2 1899 congress give authority increase regular army maximum exceed enlist men enlist force volunteer recruit country large virtue authority regular army increase number enlist men officer new volunteer regiment organize aggregate enlist men officer two volunteer regiment madeup color men color line officer new troop take place return philippine transport manila number 581 officer enlist men regular army 594 officer enlist men new volunteer force 504 officer 14 119 men volunteer force ocean en route manila force manila consist 905 officer regulars 594 officer volunteer make aggregate officer men troop order shall reach manila force archipelago comprise officer men muster great volunteer army organize spanish war creation new army transportation manila san francisco entitle discharge transportation new troop take place work great magnitude well ably do much credit give war department past year reduce force cuba puerto rico cuba 334 officer enlist men puerto rico 87 officer enlist men battalion 400 men compose native puerto ricans station throughout united state 910 officer men hawaii 12 officer 453 enlist men operation army fully present report secretary war withhold officer men high commendation soldierly conduct try situation willing sacrifice country integrity ability perform unusual difficult duty island possession organization volunteer regiment authorize act march 2 1899 found provision make chaplain omission doubtless inadvertence recommend early authorization appointment one chaplain say regiment regiment philippine important immediate action restore peaceful condition orderly rule civic progress cuba puerto rico far practicable philippine rehabilitation postal service essential important part work become necessary provide mail facility force occupation native population meet requirement involve substantial reconstruction exist system fragmentary defective inadequate new comprehensive organization create american trained official assign direct executive position natives chiefly employ make body force work plan merit rule rigorously faithfully applied appointment post cuba give expert chief inspector assistant united large experience administrative capacity postmastership havana range skilled available men scan choice fell upon one twenty year service deputy postmaster postmaster large city principle govern determined selection american official send cuba puerto rico philippine instruct apply far practicable employment native minor postmaster clerk postal system cuba though remain general guidance make essentially independent felt burden upon postal service united state provision make deficit postal revenue charge upon general revenue island though puerto rico philippine hold different relation unite state yet convenience administration principle autonomous system extend development service island rapid successful move forward american line free delivery money order registry system give people mail facility far great reliable ever enjoy thus vital agency industrial social business progress important influence diffuse understand true spirit character american administration domestic postal service continue grow extraordinary rapidity expenditures revenue exceed current year fortunately since revival prosperous time revenues grown much fast expenditure every indication short period witness obliteration annual deficit connection report embodies statement evils grown outside contemplation law treatment class mail matter wrongly exercise privilege pound rate show matter properly classify pay rate pay instead postal deficit last fiscal year would one basis surplus another reform thus suggest opinion would put postal service basis would permit great valuable improvement commend subject consideration congress navy maintain spirit high efficiency always characterize service lose none gallantry heroic action signalize brilliant glorious past nation equal pride early late achievement habitual readiness every emergency confidence admiration country people interested continued preparation prestige navy justify liberal appropriation maintenance improvement officer show peculiar adaptation performance new delicate duty recent war impose doubted congress make necessary provision armor plate vessel contract build attention respectfully call report secretary navy subject fully present unite recommendation congress enact special legislation may necessary enable department make contract early come year armor best quality obtain country maine ohio missouri provision act march 3 1899 limiting price armor 300 per ton remove matter naval construction italy japan great power lay less tonnage year 1899 country italy alone less tonnage construction heartily concur recommendation increase navy suggest secretary future progress prosperity depend upon ability equal surpass nation enlargement advance science industry commerce invention must turn one powerful aid accomplishment result attention congress direct report commissioner patent find valuable suggestion recommendation 30th june 1899 pension roll united state number include pensioner army navy war number add roll year number drop reason death remarriage minor legal limitation failure claim within three year cause 43 186 number claim disallow 107 gig year pension certificate issue new original pension amount disburse army navy pension year less sum appropriation grand army republic recent national encampment hold philadelphia bring attention congress wisdom justice modification third section act june 27 x8go provide pension widow officer enlist men serve ninety day war rebellion honorably discharge provide widow without mean sup port daily labor marry soldier sailor marine account whose service claim pension prior date act present hold department widow income aside daily labor exceed amount pension would wit 96 per annum would deem without mean support daily labor would entitle pension act widow income independent amount receive result daily labor exceeds 96 would pensionable act advised commissioner pension amount income allow title pension would bar varied widely different administration pension office well different period administration complaint criticism approval secretary interior commissioner pension recommend order make practice time uniform justice dependent widow amount income allow independent proceeds daily labor less 250 per annum urge congress shall amend act permit pension office grant pensionable status widow term third section act june 27 1890 whose income aside proceeds daily labor excess 250 per annum believe simple act justice heartily recommend dawes commission report gratify progress make work precede year enrollment four nation complete recommend congress early day make liberal appropriation educational purpose indian territory accordance act congress approve march 3 preliminary work connection twelfth census fully way officer require proper administration duty impose select provision secure proper enumeration population well secure evidence industrial growth nation broader comprehensive similar legislation past director advise every needful effort make push great work completion time limited statute believe twelfth census emphasize remarkable advance pertains national progress authority act congress approve july 7 1898 commission consist secretary treasury secretary interior make agreement settlement approval indebtedness government grow issue bond aid construction central pacific western pacific rail road agreement secure government principal interest say bond amount pay thereon covered treasury remainder payable within ten year interest rate 3 per cent per annum payable semiannually secure deposit equal amount bond pacific railway company amount pay secure paid government account pacific railroad subsidy claim whole indebtedness half consist accrued interest sum government realize entire amount less within period two year june 30 1898 thirty forest reservation exclusive afognak forest fish culture reserve alaska embrace estimate area acre past year two exist forest reserve trabuco canyon california black hill south dakota wyoming considerably enlarge area mount rainier reserve state washington somewhat reduce six additional reserve establish namely san francisco mountain arizona black mesa arizona lake tahoe california gallatin montana gila river new mexico fish lake utah total estimate area acre make present time total forest reservation embrace estimate area acre estimate area aggregate area within boundary reserve land actually reserve however vacant public land therein set aside reserved sale settlement order may greatest use people protection national forest inaugurate department interior 1897 continue past year much accomplish way prevent forest fire protection timber large tract cover forest eventually reserve set apart forest us do congress increase appropriation work protect forest department agriculture constantly consult need producer state territory introduce seed plant great value promote full diversification crop grain grass fruit legume vegetable import part united state encouragement factory multiplies north far west semitropical plant send south congenial climate seek choice production far east hybridize fruit tree grain conduct search variety adapt exact condition introduction tea garden southern state promise provide employment idle hand well supply home market tea subject irrigation vital importance people carefully study step take reclaim injure abandon land information people along line print distributed market seek open surplus farm factory product europe asia outlook education young farmer agricultural college experiment station opportunity give specialize department agriculture promise people hawaii puerto rico philippine island help establishment experiment station scientific knowledge production coffee india rubber tropical product demand united state widespread interest improvement public highways present time department agriculture people locality make best possible road local material experiment steel track intelligent system manage forest country put operation careful study whole forestry problem conduct throughout united state extensive complete exhibit agricultural horticultural product united state prepare paris exposition 10th december 1898 treaty peace united state spain sign provide among thing spain cede united state archipelago know philippine island united state pay spain sum twenty million dollar civil right political status native inhabitant territory thus cede united state determine congress treaty ratify senate 6th february 1899 government spain 19th march follow ratification exchange 11th april treaty publicly proclaim 2d march congress vote sum contemplate treaty amount pay spanish government 1st may manner philippine come united state island ceded government spain undisputed possession century accept merely authorized commissioner paris direction executive constitutional action representative people united state house congress every reason believe still believe transfer sovereignty accordance wish aspiration great mass filipino people earliest moment opportunity lose assure people island ardent desire welfare intention government everything possible advance interest order 19th may 1898 commander military expedition dispatch philippine instruct declare come make war upon people country upon party faction among protect home employments personal religious right doubt paramount authority 7th august direct 11 must joint occupation insurgent united state must preserve peace protect person property within territory occupied military naval force insurgent others must recognize military occupation authority united state early december 4 cession anticipation event commander manila urge restore peace tranquility undertake establishment beneficent government afford full security life property 21st december treaty sign commander force occupation instruct 11 announce proclaim public manner come invader conqueror friend protect native home employment personal religious right day order general otis see peace preserve iloilo admonish 11 important conflict insurgent 1st day january 1899 urgent order reiterate kindly intentions government every possible way communicate insurgent 21st january announce intention dispatch manila commission compose three gentleman high character distinction thoroughly acquaint orient association admiral dewey otis instruct facilitate humane effective extension authority throughout island secure least possible delay benefit wise generous protection life property inhabitant gentleman jacob gould schurman president cornell university hon charles denby many year minister china dean worcester university michigan make careful study life philippine treaty peace consideration senate commissioner set mission good liberation character sufficient guaranty beneficent purpose go even borne positive instruction government make errand one peace friendship arrival manila sinister ambition leader filipinos create situation full embarrassment u grievous consequence clear impartial preliminary report commissioner transmit herewith give lucid comprehensive history present insurrectionary movement story need repeat enough say claim rebel leader promise independence officer united state return assistance foundation fact categorically deny witness call prove insurgent leader hop come back manila liberation island spanish control labor year without success throw prompt accomplishment work american army navy give idea ambition insidious suggestion various quarter pervert purpose intention take arm sooner army capture manila filipino force begin assume attitude suspicion hostility utmost effort officer troop unable disarm modify kindness forbearance take proof cowardice aggression filipinos continually increase finally time set senate united state vote upon treaty attack evidently prepare advance make along american line result terribly destructive sanguinary repulse insurgent ten day later order insurgent government issue adherent remain manila general otis justly observe barbarous intent unequaled modern time direct 8 clock night 15th february territorial militia shall come together street san pedro arm bolos gun ammunition convenient filipino family shall respect individual whatever race maybe shall exterminate without compassion extermination army occupation add brother must avenge american exterminate may take revenge infamy treachery commit upon u compassion upon attack vigor copy fell good fortune hand officer able take measure control rise actually attempt night february 22 week later originally contemplate considerable number arm insurgent enter city waterway swamp concert confederate inside attempted destroy manila fire keep check night next day drive city heavy loss unhappy condition affair confront commissioner arrival manila come hope intention admiral dewey major general otis establish peace order archipelago large measure compatible true welfare people actually find best set forth word deplorable war one engage unavoidable u attack bold adventurous enthusiastic army alternative leave u except ignominious retreat conceive american would sanction surrender manila insurgent obligation nation friendly filipinos flag demand force meet force whatever future philippine may course open u except prosecution war insurgent reduce submission commission opinion time since destruction spanish squadron admiral dewey possible withdraw force island either honor safety inhabitant course thus clearly indicated unflinchingly pursue rebellion must put civil government thoroughly establish order restore devotion gallantry worthy brilliant history army ably loyally assist navy carry unwelcome righteous campaign richly deserve success noble soldier sailor whose term service expire refused avail right return home long need front form one bright page annals although operation somewhat interrupt checked rainy season unusual violence duration gain ground steadily every direction look forward confidently speedy completion task unfavorable circumstance connect active campaign permit interfere equally important work reconstruction invite attention report commissioner interest encourage detail work already accomplish establishment peace order inauguration municipal life many portion archipelago notable begin make establishment government island negro deserve special consideration first island accept american sovereignty people unreservedly proclaim allegiance united state adopt constitution look establishment popular government impossible guarantee people negros constitution adopt ultimate form government question treaty spain accordance constitution law come exclusively within jurisdiction congress government actually set inhabitant negros eventually prove unsatisfactory native new system put force order command department follow important element ordered government island negro consist military governor appoint united state military governor philippine civil governor advisory council elect people military governor authorize appoint secretary treasury interior agriculture public instruction auditor seat government fix bacolod military governor exercise supreme executive power see law execute appoint office fill vacancy office otherwise provide may approval military governor philippine remove officer office civil governor advise military governor public civil question presides advisory council general performs duty perform secretary state system government advisory council consist eight member elect people within territorial limit define order command general time place hold election fix military governor island negros qualification voter follow voter must male citizen island negro q age 21 year 3 shall able speak read write english spanish visayan language must real property worth 500 pay rental real property value 4 must reside island less one year precede district offer register voter less three month immediately precede time offer register 5 must register time fixed law voting 6 prior registration shall pay tax due government provide insane person shall allow register vote military governor right veto bill resolution adopt advisory council veto final disapprove military governor philippine advisory council discharge ordinary duty legislature usual duty pertain say office per form secretary treasury interior agriculture public instruction auditor judicial power vest three judge appoint military governor island inferior court establish free public school establish throughout populous district island english language shall teach subject receive careful consideration advisory council burden government must distribute equally equitably among people military authority collect receive custom revenue control postal matter philippine trade commerce military governor subject approval military governor philippine determines question specifically provide come jurisdiction advisory council authority sulu island accepted succession unite state right spain flag float territory 10th august 1899 brig bates united state volunteer negotiate agreement sultan principal chief transmit herewith article sovereignty united state whole archipelago jolo dependency declare acknowledge united state flag use archipelago dependency land sea piracy suppress sultan agrees heartily united state authority end make every possible effort arrest bring justice person engage piracy trade domestic product archipelago jolo carry part philippine islands american flag shall free unlimited undutiable united state give full protection sultan case foreign nation attempt impose upon united state sell island jolo island jolo archipelago foreign nation without consent sultan salary sultan associate administration island agree upon amount 760 monthly article x provide slave archipelago jolo shall right purchase freedom pay master usual market value agreement general bates make subject confirmation president future modification consent party interest confirm say agreement subject action congress reservation direct shall communicate sultan jolo agreement deem way authorize give consent united state existence slavery sulu archipelago communicate fact congress information action everything indicate speedy suppression tagalo rebellion life archipelago soon resume ordinary course protection sovereignty people favor island enjoy prosperity freedom never know already hundred school open fill child religious freedom sacredly assure enjoyed court dispense justice business begin circulate accustom channel manila whose inhabitant flee country month ago populous thrive mart commerce earnest unremitting endeavor commission admiral commanding department pacific assure people beneficent intention government legitimate effect convince great mass peace safety prosperity stable government find loyal acceptance authority united state future government philippine rest congress united state graver responsibility ever confide u accept spirit worthy race tradition great opportunity come island lie shelter flag every title law equity abandon desert leave anarchy finally barbarism fling golden apple discord among rival power one could permit another seize unquestioned rich plain valley would scene endless strife bloodshed advent dewey fleet manila bay instead tope dawn new day freedom progress begin era misery violence worse darken unhappy past suggestion make could renounce authority island give independence could retain protectorate proposition find sure worthy serious attention arrangement would involve outset cruel breach faith would place peaceable loyal majority ask nothing well accept authority mercy minority arm insurgent would make u responsible act insurgent leader give u power control would charge u task protect defend foreign power choose quarrel short would take congress united state power declare war vest tremendous prerogative tagal leader hour seem desirable recommend time specific final form government islands peace shall restore duty congress construct plan government shall establish maintain freedom order peace philippine insurrection still exist terminates information require actual condition affair inaugurate permanent scheme civil government full report commission preparation contain information suggestion value congress transmit soon complete long insurrection continue military arm must necessarily supreme reason step take time time inaugurate government essentially popular form fast territory hold con troll troop end consider advisability return commission member thereof secure aid exist authority facilitate work throughout island believe reconstruction begin establishment one central civil government island seat manila rather work commence building bottom first establish municipal government provincial government central government last follow congress shall make know formal expression shall use authority vested constitution statute uphold sovereignty united state distant island place flag rightfully floats shall put disposal army navy mean liberality congress people provide unprovoked wasteful insurrection cease order mine require insure merciful conduct military naval operation would lack every step progress troop mark q humanity surprise even misguided insurgent true kindness swift effective defeat present leader hour victory hour clemency reconstruction effort spar build waste place desolate war long year misgovernment shall wait end strife begin beneficent work shall continue begin open school church set court operation foster industry trade agriculture every way power make people providence bring within jurisdiction feel liberty power welfare gain seek enhance flag never wave community bless believe filipinos soon recognize fact lose gift benediction journey shore embarrassment administration occur reason peculiar status hawaiian island present occupy joint resolution annexation approve july 7 1898 resolution republic hawaii independent nation extinguish separate sovereignty destroy property possession vest united state yet complete establishment government system effect municipal law island enact fulfillment treaty inconsistent joint resolution contrary constitution united state treaty remain force yet law relate social internal affair island touch many subject importance broad national character example hawaiian republic divest title public land island unable dispose land settler desire take homestead site without power give complete title case land enter upon lease condition carry right purchaser lessee settler full title grant upon compliance condition prescribe law particular agreement entry question doubt difficulty also arise reference collection tonnage tax vessel come hawaiian port reference status chinese island entrance exit patent copyright register vessel navigation law necessity hold election accordance provision hawaiian statute choice various officer several matter detail touch interest island federal government resolution annexation president direct appoint five commissioner recommend congress legislation concern island deem necessary proper commissioner duly appoint careful investigation study system law government prevail island condition exist prepared bill provide government title territory hawaii report commission bill prepare transmit congress december 6 1898 bill still await final action people islands entitled benefit privilege constitution absence act congress provide federal court island procedure appeal writ error judicial proceeding necessary enforcement civil right may prosecute powerless secure enforcement judgment court united state manifestly important therefore act shall pass speedily possible erect island judicial district provide appointment judge proper officer method procedure appellate proceeding government newly acquire territory federal constitution shall fully define provide necessity immediate legislative relief exists territory alaska substantially law provide civil government territory act may 17 1884 meager provision fit administration affair country sparsely inhabited civilized people unimportant trade production alaska time act pass increase population immigration past year consequent upon discovery gold produce condition call ample facility local numerous convenience civil judicial administration settlement grow various place constitute point population business city thousand inhabitant yet provision law municipality organize maintained locality inhabitant meet together voluntarily form municipal organization purpose local government adopt form municipal constitution charter say official appoint ordinance create regulate police force fire department department health make provision care insane indigent poor sick public school pass proceeding ordinance pass municipality without statutory authority sanction except maintain popular sentiment community entire absence authority provide ordinary instrument local police control administration population consist usual percentage lawless adventurer class always flock new field enterprise discovery circumstance require ordinary provision maintenance peace good order lawful conduct whole vast area alaska comprise one judicial district one judge one marshal one district attorney yet civil criminal business double within past year many time great volume importance 1884 duty judge require travel thousand mile discharge judicial duty various place designate purpose territory divide least two district additional judge district attorney marshal appropriate officer provide practically organize form government territory authority except congress pas law matter local trivial difficulty convey congress adequate conception understand various needs people different community easily understand see reason complete form territorial organization provide follow precedent establish year 1805 temporary government provide recently acquire territory know name louisiana seem would advantageous confer great executive power upon governor establish do case territory louisiana legislative council power adopt ordinance shall extend rightful subject local legislation ordinance take effect report approved congress session body session president manner system law provide incorporation government town city certain population give power establish maintain system education locally support ordinance provide police sanitary purpose could speedily provide believe provision kind would satisfactory people territory probable area vast population scatter transitory make wise present time provide elective legislative body condition call local undoubtedly soon exist facilitated measure recommend recommend legislation end reference government puerto rico time ripe adoption temporary form government island many suggestion make reference alaska applicable also puerto rico system civil jurisprudence adopt people island describe competent lawyer familiar thoroughly modern scientific far relate matter internal business trade production social private right general city island govern charter probably require little change relation matter local concern private right probable much legislation desirable reference public administration relation island federal government many matter press urgency necessity exist legislation part congress establish federal court federal jurisdiction island previously point reference hawaii besides administration justice subject public land control improvement river harbor control water stream navigable spanish law belong crown spain treaty cession pass united state immigration people foreign country importation contract labor imposition collection internal revenue application navigation law regulation current money establishment regulation tariff rate merchandise import island united state establishment port entry delivery regulation patent copyright various subject rest entirely within power congress call careful consideration immediate action must bear mind since cession puerto rico deny principal market long enjoy tariff continue product spanish sovereignty market spain closed product except upon term commerce nation subject island cuba use buy cattle tobacco without custom duty impose duty upon product country enter port therefore lose free intercourse spain cuba without compensate benefit market coffee little know use people therefore demand one chief product market united state open product plain duty abolish custom tariff united state puerto rico give product free access market result hurricane swept puerto rico 8th august 1899 people reduce absolute destitution without home deprive necessary life appeal war department people united state make prompt generous response addition private charity people war department expend relief distress include cost transportation desirable government island law belligerent right maintain executive department supersede administration entirely civil nature present purpose recommend congress pas law organization temporary government shall provide appointment president subject confirmation senate governor officer general ad ministration island may require legislative purpose upon subject local nature partake federal character legislative council compose partly puerto ricans partly citizen united state shall nominate appoint president subject confirmation senate act subject approval congress president prior go effect municipality local subdivision recommend principle local apply enable intelligent citizen island participate government learn practical experience duty requirement people think wise commit entire government island officer select people doubt whether habit train experience fit exercise large degree judgment expectation soon arrive attainment experience wisdom justify confer upon much large participation choice insular officer fundamental requirement people people education free schoolhouse best preceptor citizenship introduction modern educational method care however must exercise change make abruptly history racial peculiarity inhabitants shall give due weight system education new possession found upon method adapt exist condition look future moral industrial advancement people commend peculiarly effective manner blessing free government love law sense obedience submission lawfully constitute judicial tribunal embed heart people violation sentiment disregard obligation justly arouse public condemnation guaranty life liberty civil right faithfully upheld right trial jury respect defended rule court assure public prompt trial charge criminal offense upon conviction punishment commensurate enormity crime disregard law public peace unwilling await judgment court jury constitute judge executioner escape severe penalty crime say inaugural address march 4 1897 repeat constitute authority must cheerfully vigorously upheld lynching must tolerate great civilized country like united state court mob must execute penalty law preservation public order right discussion integrity court orderly administration justice must continue forever rock safety upon government securely rest accordance act congress provide appropriate national celebration year 1900 establishment seat government district columbia appoint committee consist governor state territory united state invite assemble city washington 21st december 1899 committee congress district columbia charge proper conduct celebration congress last session appropriate five thousand dollar enable chief engineer army continue examination subject make secure design calculation estimate memorial bridge convenient point naval observatory ground adjacent thereto across potomac river convenient point arlington estate property accordance provision act chief engineer select four eminent bridge engineer submit competitive design bridge combine element strength durability architectural embellishment ornamentation fitly apply dedication memorial american patriotism design prepare soon complete submitted congress secretary war propose bridge would convenience people every part country visit national cemetery ornament capital nation forever stand monument american patriotism doubt congress give enterprise still proof favor approval executive order may 6 1896 extend limit classify service bring within operation law rule nearly executive civil service previously classify inclusion find wholly illogical unsuited work several department application rule many place include find result friction embarrassment long careful consideration become evident head department responsible efficiency order remove difficulty promote efficient harmonious administration certain amendment necessary amendment promulgate executive order date may 29 1899 principal purpose order except competitive examination certain place involve fiduciary responsibility duty strictly confidential scientific executive character think might better fill either noncompetitive examination discretion appoint officer open competition place comparatively number order provide fill much large number place mainly outside service war department know registration system regulation approve president similar produce admirable result service amendment main object efficiency satisfactory administration system appointment establish law result attain show operation public service improve civil service system relieve many objectionable feature tofore subject criticism administrative officer charge unbusinesslike method conduct public affair believe merit system greatly strengthen permanence assure constant aim administration government new possession make fitness character merit essential appointment office give capable deserve inhabitant preference appointment 14th december one hundredth anniversary death washington hundred year republic priceless advantage lofty standard character conduct bequeath american people inheritance time instead waste continually increase enriches may justly hope year come benignant influence father country may even potent good century draw close glad learn many part country people fittingly observe historic anniversary present congress great opportunity come great responsibility power confide u increase weight obligation people must profoundly sensible contemplate new grave problem confront u aim public good err right interpretation people duty fail insure wise measure welfare islands come authority united state inure common interest last honor country never nation abundant past year thankfulness god manifold blessing mercy make reverent acknowledgment