At the outgoing of the old and the incoming of the new century you begin the last session of the Fifty-sixth Congress with evidences on every hand of individual and national prosperity and with proof of the growing strength and increasing power for good of republican institutions.   Your countrymen will join with you in felicitation that American liberty is more firmly established than ever before, and that love for it and the determination to preserve it are more universal than at any former period of our history. The Republic was never so strong, because never so strongly entrenched in the hearts of the people as now. The Constitution, with few amendments, exists as it left the hands of its authors. The additions which have been made to it proclaim larger freedom and more extended citizenship. Popular government has demonstrated in its one hundred and twenty-four years of trial here its stability and security, and its efficiency as the best instrument of national development and the best safeguard to human rights. When the Sixth Congress assembled in November, 1800, the population of the United States was 5,308,483.It is now 76,304,799. Then we had sixteen States. Now we have forty-five. Then our territory consisted Of 909,050 square miles. It is now 3,846,595 square miles. Education, religion, and morality have kept pace with our advancement in other directions, and while extending its power the Government has adhered to its foundation principles and abated none of them in dealing with our new peoples and possessions. A nation so preserved and blessed gives reverent thanks to God and invokes His guidance and the continuance of His care and favor. In our foreign intercourse the dominant question has been the treatment of the Chinese problem. Apart from this our relations with the powers have been happy. The recent troubles in China spring from the antiforeign agitation which for the past three years has gained strength in the northern provinces. Their origin lies deep in the character of the Chinese races and in the traditions of their Government. The Taiping rebellion and the opening of Chinese ports to foreign trade and settlement disturbed alike the homogeneity and the seclusion of China. Meanwhile foreign activity made itself felt in all quarters, not alone on the coast, but along the great river arteries and in the remoter districts, carrying new ideas and introducing new associations among a primitive people which had pursued for centuries a national policy of isolation. The telegraph and the railway spreading over their land, the steamers plying on their waterways, the merchant and the missionary penetrating year by year farther to the interior, became to the Chinese mind types of an alien invasion, changing the course of their national life and fraught with vague forebodings of disaster to their beliefs and their self-control. For several years before the present troubles all the resources of foreign diplomacy, backed by moral demonstrations of the physical force of fleets and arms, have been needed to secure due respect for the treaty rights of foreigners and to obtain satisfaction from the responsible authorities for the sporadic outrages upon the persons and property of unoffending sojourners, which from time to time occurred at widely separated points in the northern provinces, as in the case of the outbreaks in Sze-chuen and Shan-tung. Posting of antiforeign placards became a daily occurrence, which the repeated reprobation of the Imperial power failed to check or punish. These inflammatory appeals to the ignorance and superstition of the masses, mendacious and absurd in their accusations and deeply hostile in their spirit, could not but work cumulative harm. They aimed at no particular class of foreigners; they were impartial in attacking everything foreign. An outbreak in Shan-tung, in which German missionaries were slain, was the too natural result of these malevolent teachings. The posting of seditious placards, exhorting to the utter destruction of foreigners and of every foreign thing, continued unrebuked. Hostile demonstrations toward the stranger gained strength by organization. The sect, commonly styled the Boxers, developed greatly in the provinces north of the Yang-Tse, and with the collusion of many notable officials, including some in the immediate councils of the Throne itself, became alarmingly aggressive. No foreigner's life, outside of the protected treaty ports, was safe. No foreign interest was secure from spoliation. The diplomatic representatives of the powers in Peking strove in vain to check this movement. Protest was followed by demand and demand by renewed protest, to be met with perfunctory edicts from the Palace and evasive and futile assurances from the Tsung-li Yamen. The circle of the Boxer influence narrowed about Peking, and while nominally stigmatized as seditious, it was felt that its spirit pervaded the capital itself, that the Imperial forces were imbued with its doctrines, and that the immediate counselors of the Empress Dowager were in full sympathy with the antiforeign movement. The increasing gravity of the conditions in China and the imminence of peril to our own diversified interests in the Empire, as well as to those of all the other treaty governments, were soon appreciated by this Government, causing it profound solicitude. The United States from the earliest days of foreign intercourse with China had followed a policy of peace, omitting no occasions to testify good will, to further the extension of lawful trade, to respect the sovereignty of its Government, and to insure by all legitimate and kindly but earnest means the fullest measure of protection for the lives and property of our law-abiding citizens and for the exercise of their beneficent callings among the Chinese people. Mindful of this, it was felt to be appropriate that our purposes should be pronounced in favor of such course as would hasten united action of the powers at Peking to promote the administrative reforms so greatly needed for strengthening the Imperial Government and maintaining the integrity of China, in which we believed the whole western world to be alike concerned. To these ends I caused to be addressed to the several powers occupying territory and maintaining spheres of influence in China the circular proposals of 1899, inviting from them declarations of their intentions and views as to the desirability of the adoption of measures insuring the benefits of equality of treatment of all foreign trade throughout China. With gratifying unanimity the responses coincided in this common policy, enabling me to see in the successful termination of these negotiations proof of the friendly spirit which animates the various powers interested in the untrammeled development of commerce and industry in the Chinese Empire as a source of vast benefit to the whole commercial world. In this conclusion, which I had the gratification to announce as a completed engagement to the interested powers on March 20, 1900, I hopefully discerned a potential factor for the abatement of the distrust of foreign purposes which for a year past had appeared to inspire the policy of the Imperial Government, and for the effective exertion by it of power and authority to quell the critical antiforeign movement in the northern provinces most immediately influenced by the Manchu sentiment. Seeking to testify confidence in the willingness and ability of the Imperial administration to redress the wrongs and prevent the evils we suffered and feared, the marine guard, which had been sent to Peking in the autumn of 1899 for the protection of the legation, was withdrawn at the earliest practicable moment, and all pending questions were remitted, as far as we were concerned, to the ordinary resorts of diplomatic intercourse. The Chinese Government proved, however, unable to check the rising strength of the Boxers and appeared to be a prey to internal dissensions. In the unequal contest the antiforeign influences soon gained the ascendancy under the leadership of Prince Tuan. Organized armies of Boxers, with which the Imperial forces affiliated, held the country between Peking and the coast, penetrated into Manchuria up to the Russian borders, and through their emissaries threatened a like rising throughout northern China. Attacks upon foreigners, destruction of their property, and slaughter of native converts were reported from all sides. The Tsung-li Yamen, already permeated with hostile sympathies, could make no effective response to the appeals of the legations. At this critical juncture, in the early spring of this year, a proposal was made by the other powers that a combined fleet should be assembled in Chinese waters as a moral demonstration, under cover of which to exact of the Chinese Government respect for foreign treaty rights and the suppression of the Boxers. The United States, while not participating in the joint demonstration, promptly sent from the Philippines all ships that could be spared for service on the Chinese coast. A small force of marines was landed at Taku and sent to Peking for the protection of the American legation. Other powers took similar action, until some four hundred men were assembled in the capital as legation guards. Still the peril increased. The legations reported the development of the seditious movement in Peking and the need of increased provision for defense against it. While preparations were in progress for a larger expedition, to strengthen the legation guards and keep the railway open, an attempt of the foreign ships to make a landing at Taku was met by a fire from the Chinese forts. The forts were thereupon shelled by the foreign vessels, the American admiral taking no part in the attack, on the ground that we were not at war with China and that a hostile demonstration might consolidate the antiforeign elements and strengthen the Boxers to oppose the relieving column. Two days later the Taku forts were captured after a sanguinary conflict. Severance of communication with Peking followed, and a combined force of additional guards, which was advancing to Peking by the Pei-Ho, was checked at Langfang. The isolation of the legations was complete. The siege and the relief of the legations has passed into undying history. In all the stirring chapter which records the heroism of the devoted band, clinging to hope in the face of despair, and the undaunted spirit that led their relievers through battle and suffering to the goal, it is a memory of which my countrymen may be justly proud that the honor of our flag was maintained alike in the siege and the rescue, and that stout American hearts have again set high, in fervent emulation with true men of other race and language, the indomitable courage that ever strives for the cause of right and justice. By June 19 the legations were cut off. An identical note from the, Yamen ordered each minister to leave Peking, under a promised escort, within twenty-four hours. To gain time they replied, asking prolongation of the time, which was afterwards granted, and requesting an interview with the Tsung-li Yamen on the following day. No reply being received, on the morning of the 20th the German minister, Baron von Ketteler, set out for the Yamen to obtain a response, and oil the way was murdered. An attempt by the legation guard to recover his body was foiled by the Chinese. Armed forces turned out against the legations. Their quarters were surrounded and attacked. The mission compounds were abandoned, their inmates taking refuge in the British legation, where all the other legations and guards gathered for more effective defense. Four hundred persons were crowded in its narrow compass. Two thousand native converts were assembled in a nearby palace under protection of the foreigners. Lines of defense were strengthened, trenches dug, barricades raised, and preparations made to stand a siege, which at once began. From June 20 until July 17, writes Minister Conger, "there was scarcely an hour during which there was not firing upon some part of our lines and into some of the legations, varying from a single shot to a general and continuous attack along the whole line." Artillery was placed around the legations and on the over-looking palace walls, and thousands of 3-inch shot and shell were fired, destroying some buildings and damaging all. So thickly did the balls rain, that, when the ammunition of the besieged ran low, five quarts of Chinese bullets were gathered in an hour in one compound and recast. Attempts were made to burn the legations by setting neighboring houses on fire, but the flames were successfully fought off, although the Austrian, Belgian, Italian. and Dutch legations were then and subsequently burned. With the aid of the native converts, directed by the missionaries, to whose helpful co-operation Mr. Conger awards unstinted praise, the British legation was made a veritable fortress. The British minister, Sir Claude MacDonald, was chosen general commander of the defense, with the secretary of the American legation, Mr. E. G. Squiers, as chief of staff. To save life and ammunition the besieged sparingly returned the incessant fire of the Chinese soldiery, fighting only to repel attack or make an occasional successful sortie for strategic advantage, such as that of fifty-five American, British, and Russian marines led by Captain Myers, of the United States Marine Corps, which resulted in the capture of a formidable barricade on the wall that gravely menaced the American position. It was held to the last, and proved an invaluable acquisition, because commanding the water gate through which the relief column entered. During the siege the defenders lost 65 killed, 135 wounded, and 7 by disease, the last all children. On July 14 the besieged had their first communication with the Tsung-li Yamen, from whom a message came inviting to a conference, which was declined. Correspondence, however, ensued and a sort of armistice was agreed upon, which stopped the bombardment and lessened the rifle fire for a time. Even then no protection whatever was afforded, nor any aid given, save to send to the legations a small supply of fruit and three sacks of flour. Indeed, the only communication had with the Chinese Government related to the occasional delivery or dispatch of a telegram or to the demands of the Tsung-li Yamen for the withdrawal of the legations to the coast under escort. Not only are the protestations of the Chinese Government that it protected and succored the legations positively contradicted, but irresistible proof accumulates that the attacks upon them were made by Imperial troops, regularly uniformed, armed, and officered, belonging to the command of Jung Lu, the Imperial commander in chief. Decrees encouraging the Boxers, organizing them tinder prominent Imperial officers, provisioning them, and even granting them large sums in the name of the Empress Dowager, are known to exist. Members of the Tsung-li Yamen who counseled protection of the foreigners were beheaded. Even in the distant provinces men suspected of foreign sympathy were put to death, prominent among these being Chang Yen-hoon, formerly Chinese minister in Washington. With the negotiation of the partial armistice of July 14, a proceeding which was doubtless promoted by the representations of the Chinese envoy in Washington, the way was opened for the conveyance to Mr. Conger of a test message sent by the Secretary of State through the kind offices of Minister Wu Ting-fang. Mr. Conger's reply, dispatched from Peking on July 18 through the same channel, afforded to the outside world the first tidings that the inmates of the legations were still alive and hoping for succor. This news stimulated the preparations for a joint relief expedition in numbers sufficient to overcome the resistance which for a month had been organizing between Taku and the capital. Reinforcements sent by all the co-operating Governments were constantly arriving. The United States contingent, hastily assembled from the Philippines or dispatched from this country, amounted to some 5,000 men, under the able command first of the lamented Colonel Liscum and afterwards of General Chaffee. Toward the end of July the movement began. A severe conflict followed at Tientsin, in which Colonel Liscum was killed. The city was stormed and partly destroyed. Its capture afforded the base of operations from which to make the final advance, which began in the first days of August, the expedition being made up of Japanese, Russian, British, and American troops at the outset. Another battle was fought and won at Yangtsun. Thereafter the disheartened Chinese troops offered little show of resistance. A few days later the important position of Ho-si-woo was taken. A rapid march brought the united forces to the populous city of Tung Chow, which capitulated without a contest. On August 14 the capital was reached. After a brief conflict beneath the walls the relief column entered and the legations were saved. The United States soldiers, sailors, and marines, officers and men alike, in those distant climes and unusual surroundings, showed the same valor, discipline, and good conduct and gave proof of the same high degree of intelligence and efficiency which have distinguished them in every emergency. The Imperial family and the Government had fled a few days before. The city was without visible control. The remaining Imperial soldiery had made on the night of the 13th a last attempt to exterminate the besieged, which was gallantly repelled. It fell to the occupying forces to restore order and organize a provisional administration. Happily the acute disturbances were confined to the northern provinces. It is a relief to recall and a pleasure to record the loyal conduct of the viceroys and local authorities of the southern and eastern provinces. Their efforts were continuously directed to the pacific control of the vast populations under their rule and to the scrupulous observance of foreign treaty rights. At critical moments they did not hesitate to memorialize the Throne, urging the protection of the legations, the restoration of communication, and the assertion of the Imperial authority against the subversive elements. They maintained excellent relations with the official representatives of foreign powers. To their kindly disposition is largely due the success of the consuls in removing many of the missionaries from the interior to places of safety. In this relation the action of the consuls should be highly commended. In Shan-tung and eastern Chi-li the task was difficult, but, thanks to their energy and the cooperation of American and foreign naval commanders, hundreds of foreigners, including those of other nationalities than ours, were rescued from imminent peril. The policy of the United States through all this trying period was clearly announced and scrupulously carried out. A circular note to the powers dated July 3 proclaimed our attitude. Treating the condition in the north as one of virtual anarchy, in which the great provinces of the south and southeast had no share, we regarded the local authorities in the latter quarters as representing the Chinese people with whom we sought to remain in peace and friendship. Our declared aims involved no war against the Chinese nation. We adhered to the legitimate office of rescuing the imperiled legation, obtaining redress for wrongs already suffered, securing wherever possible the safety of American life and property in China, and preventing a spread of the disorders or their recurrence. As was then said, " The policy of the Government of the United States is to seek a solution which may bring about permanent safety and peace to China, preserve Chinese territorial and administrative entity, protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty and international law, and safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese Empire." Faithful to those professions which, as it proved, reflected the views and purposes of the other co-operating Governments, all our efforts have been directed toward ending the anomalous situation in China by negotiations for a settlement at the earliest possible moment. As soon as the sacred duty of relieving our legation and its dependents was accomplished we withdrew from active hostilities, leaving our legation under an adequate guard in Peking as a channel of negotiation and settlement--a course adopted by others of the interested powers. Overtures of the empowered representatives of the Chinese Emperor have been considerately entertained. The Russian proposition looking to the restoration of the Imperial power in Peking has been accepted as in full consonance with our own desires, for we have held and hold that effective reparation for wrongs suffered and an enduring settlement that will make their recurrence impossible can best be brought about under an authority which the Chinese nation reverences and obeys. While so doing we forego no jot of our undoubted right to exact exemplary and deterrent punishment of the responsible authors and abettors of the criminal acts whereby we and other nations have suffered grievous injury. For the real culprits, the evil counselors who have misled the Imperial judgment and diverted the sovereign authority to their own guilty ends, full expiation becomes imperative within the rational limits of retributive Justice. Regarding this as the initial condition of an acceptable settlement between China and the powers, I said in my message of October 18 to the Chinese Emperor: I trust that negotiations may begin so soon as we and the other offended Governments shall be effectively satisfied of Your Majesty's ability and power to treat with just sternness the principal offenders, who are doubly culpable, not alone toward the foreigners, but toward Your Majesty, under whose rule the purpose of China to dwell in concord with the world had hitherto found expression in the welcome and protection assured to strangers. Taking, as a point of departure, the Imperial edict appointing Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching plenipotentiaries to arrange a settlement, and the edict of September 25, whereby certain high officials were designated for punishment, this Government has moved, in concert with the other powers, toward the opening of negotiations, which Mr. Conger, assisted by Mr. Rockhill, has been authorized to conduct on behalf of the United States. General bases of negotiation formulated by the Government of the French Republic have been accepted with certain reservations as to details, made necessary by our own circumstances, but, like similar reservations by other powers, open to discussion in the progress of the negotiations. The disposition of the Emperor's Government to admit liability for wrongs done to foreign Governments and their nationals, and to act upon such additional designation of the guilty persons as the foreign ministers at Peking may be in a position to make, gives hope of a complete settlement of all questions involved, assuring foreign rights of residence and intercourse on terms of equality for all the world. I regard as one of the essential factors of a durable adjustment the securement of adequate guarantees for liberty of faith, since insecurity of those natives who may embrace alien creeds is a scarcely less effectual assault upon the rights of foreign worship and teaching than would be the direct invasion thereof. The matter of indemnity for our wronged citizens is a question of grave concern. Measured in money alone, a sufficient reparation may prove to be beyond the ability of China to meet. All the powers concur in emphatic disclaimers of any purpose of aggrandizement through the dismemberment of the Empire. I am disposed to think that due compensation may be made in part by increased guarantees of security for foreign rights and immunities, and, most important of all, by the opening of China to the equal commerce of all the world. These views have been and will be earnestly advocated by our representatives. The Government of Russia has put forward a suggestion, that in the event of protracted divergence of views in regard to indemnities the matter may be relegated to the Court of Arbitration at The Hague. I favorably incline to this, believing that high tribunal could not fail to reach a solution no less conducive to the stability and enlarged prosperity of China itself than immediately beneficial to the powers. Ratifications of a treaty of extradition with the Argentine Republic were exchanged on June 2 last. While the Austro-Hungarian Government has in the many cases that have been reported of the arrest of our naturalized citizens for alleged evasion of military service faithfully observed the provisions of the treaty and released such persons from military obligations, it has in some instances expelled those whose presence in the community of their origin was asserted to have a pernicious influence. Representations have been made against this course whenever its adoption has appeared unduly onerous. We have been urgently solicited by Belgium to ratify the International Convention of June, 1899, amendatory of the previous Convention of 1890 in respect to the regulation of the liquor trade in Africa. Compliance was necessarily withheld, in the absence of the advice and consent of the Senate thereto. The principle involved has the cordial sympathy of this Government, which in the reversionary negotiations advocated more drastic measures, and I would gladly see its extension, by international agreement, to the restriction of the liquor traffic with all. uncivilized peoples, especially in the Western Pacific. A conference will be held at Brussels December 11, 1900, under the Convention for the protection of industrial property, concluded at Paris March 20, 1883, to which delegates from this country have been appointed. Any lessening of the difficulties that our inventors encounter in obtaining patents abroad for their inventions and that our farmers, manufacturers, and merchants may have in the protection of their trade-marks is worthy of careful consideration, and your attention will be called to the results of the conference at the proper time. In the interest of expanding trade between this country and South America, efforts have been made during the past year to conclude conventions with the southern republics for the enlargement of postal facilities. Two such agreements, signed with Bolivia on April 24, of which that establishing the money-order system is undergoing certain changes suggested by the Post-Office Department, have not yet been ratified by this Government. A treaty of extradition with that country, signed on the same day, is before the Senate. A boundary dispute between Brazil and Bolivia over the territory of Acre is in a fair way of friendly adjustment, a protocol signed in December, 1899, having agreed on a definite frontier and provided for its demarcation by a joint commission. Conditions in Brazil have weighed heavily on our export trade to that country in marked contrast to the favorable conditions upon which Brazilian products are admitted into our markets. Urgent representations have been made to that Government on the subject and some amelioration has been effected. We rely upon the reciprocal justice and good will of that Government to assure to us a further improvement in our commercial relations. The Convention signed May 24, 1897, for the final settlement of claims left in abeyance upon the dissolution of the Commission of 1893, was at length ratified by the Chilean Congress and the supplemental Commission has been organized. It remains for the Congress to appropriate for the necessary expenses of the Commission. The insurrectionary movement which disturbed Colombia in the latter part of 1899 has been practically suppressed, although guerrillas still operate in some departments. The executive power of that Republic changed hands in August last by the act of Vice-President Marroquin in assuming the reins of government during the absence of President San Clemente from the capital. The change met with no serious opposition, and, following the precedents in such cases, the United States minister entered into relations with the new defacto Government on September 17. It is gratifying to announce that the residual questions between Costa Rica and Nicaragua growing out of the Award of President Cleveland in 1888 have been adjusted through the choice of an American engineer, General E. P. Alexander, as umpire to run the disputed line. His task has been accomplished to the satisfaction of both contestants. A revolution in the Dominican Republic toward the close of last year resulted in the installation of President Jimenez, whose Government was formally recognized in January. Since then final payment has been made of the American claim in regard to the Ozama bridge. The year of the exposition has been fruitful in occasions for displaying the good will that exists between this country and France. This great competition brought together from every nation the best in natural productions, industry, science, and the arts, submitted in generous rivalry to a judgment made all the more searching because of that rivalry. The extraordinary increase of exportations from this country during the past three years and the activity with which our inventions and wares bad invaded new markets caused much interest to center upon the American exhibit, and every encouragement was offered in the way of space and facilities to permit of its being comprehensive as a whole and complete in every part. It was, however, not an easy task to assemble exhibits that could fitly illustrate our diversified resources and manufactures. Singularly enough, our national prosperity lessened. the incentive to exhibit. The dealer in raw materials knew that the user must come to him; the great factories were contented with the phenomenal demand for their output, not alone at home, but also abroad, where merit had already won a profitable trade. Appeals had to be made to the patriotism of exhibitors to induce them to incur outlays promising no immediate return. This was especially the case where it became needful to complete an industrial sequence or illustrate a class of processes. One manufacturer after another had to be visited and importuned, and at times, after a promise to exhibit in a particular section bad been obtained, it would be withdrawn, owing to pressure of trade orders, and a new quest would have to be made. The installation of exhibits, too, encountered many obstacles and involved unexpected cost. The exposition was far from ready at the date fixed for its opening. The French transportation lines were congested with offered freight. Belated goods had to be hastily installed in unfinished quarters with whatever labor could be obtained in the prevailing confusion. Nor was the task of the Commission lightened by the fact that, owing to the scheme of classification adopted, it was impossible to have the entire exhibit of any one country in the same building or more than one group of exhibits in the same part of any building. Our installations were scattered on both sides of the Seine and in widely remote suburbs of Paris, so that additional assistants were needed for the work of supervision and arrangement. Despite all these drawbacks the contribution of the United States was not only the largest foreign display, but was among the earliest in place and the most orderly in arrangement. Our exhibits were shown in one hundred and one out of one hundred and twenty-one classes, and more completely covered the entire classification than those of any other nation. In total number they ranked next after those of France, and the attractive form in which they were presented secured general attention. A criterion of the extent and success of our participation and of the thoroughness with which our exhibits were organized is seen in the awards granted to American exhibitors by the international jury, namely, grand prizes, 240; gold medals, 597; silver medals, 776; bronze medals, 541, and honorable mentions, 322 -- 2,476 in all, being the greatest total number given to the exhibit of any exhibiting nation, as well as the largest number in each grade. This significant recognition of merit in competition with the chosen exhibits of all other nations and at the hands of juries almost wholly made tip of representatives of France and other competing countries is not only most gratifying, but is especially valuable, since it sets us to the front in international questions of supply and demand, while the large proportion of awards in the classes of art and artistic manufactures afforded unexpected proof of the stimulation of national culture by the prosperity that flows from natural productiveness joined to industrial excellence. Apart from the exposition several occasions for showing international good will occurred. The inauguration in Paris of the Lafayette Monument, presented by the school children of the United States, and the designing of a commemorative coin by our Mint and the presentation of the first piece struck to the President of the Republic, were marked by appropriate ceremonies, and the Fourth of July was especially observed in the French capital. Good will prevails in our relations with the German Empire. An amicable adjustment of the long-pending question of the admission of our life-insurance companies to do business in Prussia has been reached. One of the principal companies has already been readmitted and the way is opened for the others to share the privilege. The settlement of the Samoan problem, to which I adverted in my last message, has accomplished good results. Peace and contentment prevail in the islands, especially in Tutuila, where a convenient administration that has won the confidence and esteem of the kindly disposed natives has been organized under the direction of the commander of the United States naval station at Pago-Pago. An Imperial meat inspection law has been enacted for Germany. While it may simplify the inspections, it prohibits certain products heretofore admitted. There is still great uncertainty as to whether our well-nigh extinguished German trade in meat products can revive tinder its new burdens. Much will depend upon regulations not yet promulgated, which we confidently hope will be free from the discriminations which attended the enforcement of the old statutes. The remaining link in the new lines of direct telegraphic communication between the United States and the German Empire has recently been completed, affording a gratifying occasion for exchange of friendly congratulations with the German Emperor. Our friendly relations with Great Britain continue. The war in Southern Africa introduced important questions. A condition unusual in international wars was presented in that while one belligerent had control of the seas, the other had no ports, shipping, or direct trade, but was only accessible through the territory of a neutral. Vexatious questions arose through Great Britain's action in respect to neutral cargoes, not contraband in their own nature, shipped to Portuguese South Africa, on the score of probable or suspected ultimate destination to the Boer States. Such consignments in British ships, by which alone direct trade is kept up between our ports and Southern Africa, were seized in application of a municipal law prohibiting British vessels from trading with the enemy without regard to any contraband character of the goods, while cargoes shipped to Delagoa Bay in neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground of alleged destination to enemy's country. Appropriate representations on our part resulted in the British Government agreeing to purchase outright all such goods shown to be the actual property of American citizens, thus closing the incident to the satisfaction of the immediately interested parties, although, unfortunately, without a broad settlement of the question of a neutral's right to send goods not contraband per se to a neutral port adjacent to a belligerent area. The work of marking certain provisional boundary points, for convenience of administration, around the head of Lynn Canal, in accordance with the temporary arrangement of October, 1899, Was completed by a joint survey in July last. The modus vivendi has so far worked without friction, and the Dominion Government has provided rules and regulations for securing to our citizens the benefit of the reciprocal stipulation that the citizens or subjects of either power found by that arrangement within the temporary jurisdiction of the other shall suffer no diminution of the rights and privileges they have hitherto enjoyed. But however necessary such an expedient may have been to tide over the grave emergencies of the situation, it is at best but an unsatisfactory makeshift, which should not be suffered to delay the speedy and complete establishment of the frontier line to which we are entitled under the Russo-American treaty for the cession of Alaska. In this relation I may refer again to the need of definitely marking the Alaskan boundary where it follows the one hundred and forty-first meridian. A convention to that end has been before the Senate for some two years, but as no action has been taken I contemplate negotiating a new convention for a joint determination of the meridian by telegraphic observations. These, it is believed, will give more accurate and unquestionable results than the sidereal methods heretofore independently followed, which, as is known, proved discrepant at several points on the line, although not varying at any place more than 700 feet The pending claim of R. H. May against the Guatemalan Government has been settled by arbitration, Mr. George F. B. Jenner, British minister at Guatemala, who was chosen as sole arbitrator. having awarded $143,750.73 in gold to the claimant. Various American claims against Haiti have been or are being advanced to the resort of arbitration. As the result of negotiations with the Government of Honduras in regard to the indemnity demanded for the murder of Frank H. Pears in Honduras, that Government has paid $10,000 in settlement of the claim of the heirs. The assassination of King Humbert called forth sincere expressions of sorrow from this Government and people, and occasion was fitly taken to testify to the Italian nation the high regard here felt for the memory of the lamented ruler. In my last message I referred at considerable length to the lynching of five Italians at Tallulah. Notwithstanding the efforts of the Federal Government, the production of evidence tending to inculpate the authors of this grievous offense against our civilization, and the repeated inquests set on foot by the authorities of the State of Louisiana, no punishments have followed. Successive grand juries have failed to indict. The representations of the Italian Government in the face of this miscarriage have been most temperate and just. Setting the principle at issue high above all consideration of merely pecuniary indemnification, such as this Government made in the three previous cases, Italy has solemnly invoked the pledges of existing treaty and asked that the justice to which she is entitled shall be meted in regard to her unfortunate countrymen in our territory with the same full measure she herself would give to any American were his reciprocal treaty rights contemned. I renew the urgent recommendations I made last year that the Congress appropriately confer upon the Federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the Federal Government may be involved, and I invite action upon the bills to accomplish this which were introduced in the Sen. ate and House. It is incumbent upon us to remedy the statutory omission which has led, and may again lead, to such untoward results. I have pointed out the necessity and the precedent for legislation of this character. Its enactment is a simple measure of previsory justice toward the nations with which we as a sovereign equal make treaties requiring reciprocal observance. While the Italian Government naturally regards such action as the primary and, indeed, the most essential element in the disposal of the Tallulah incident, I advise that, in accordance with precedent, and in view of the improbability of that particular case being reached by the bill now pending, Congress make gracious provision for indemnity to the Italian sufferers in the same form and proportion as heretofore. In my inaugural address I referred to the general subject of lynching in these words: Lynching must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States; courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. This I most urgently reiterate and again invite the attention of my countrymen to this reproach upon our civilization. The closing year has witnessed a decided strengthening of Japan's relations to other states. The development of her independent judicial and administrative functions under the treaties which took effect July 17, 1899, has proceeded without international friction, showing the competence of the Japanese to hold a foremost place among modern peoples. In the treatment of the difficult Chinese problems Japan has acted in harmonious concert with the other powers, and her generous cooperation materially aided in the joint relief of the beleaguered legations in Peking and in bringing about an understanding preliminary to a settlement of the issues between the powers and China. Japan's declarations in favor of the integrity of the Chinese Empire and the conservation of open world trade therewith have been frank and positive. As a factor for promoting the general interests of peace, order, and fair commerce in the Far East the influence of Japan can hardly be overestimated. The valuable aid and kindly courtesies extended by the Japanese Government and naval officers to the battle ship Oregon are gratefully appreciated. Complaint was made last summer of the discriminatory enforcement of a bubonic quarantine against Japanese on the Pacific coast and of interference with their travel in California and Colorado under the health laws of those States. The latter restrictions have been adjudged by a Federal court to be unconstitutional. No recurrence of either cause of complaint is apprehended. No noteworthy incident has occurred in our relations with our important southern neighbor. Commercial intercourse with Mexico continues to thrive, and the two Governments neglect no opportunity to foster their mutual interests in all practicable ways. Pursuant to the declaration of the Supreme Court that the awards of the late joint Commission in the La Abra and Weil claims were obtained through fraud, the sum awarded in the first case, $403,030.08, has been returned to Mexico, and the amount of the Weil award will be returned in like manner. A Convention indefinitely extending the time for the labors of the United States and Mexican International (Water) Boundary Commission has been signed. It is with satisfaction that I am able to announce the formal notification at The Hague, on September 4, of the deposit of ratifications of the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes by sixteen powers, namely, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Persia, Portugal, Roumania, Russia, Siam, Spain, Sweden and Norway, and the Netherlands. Japan also has since ratified the Convention. The Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration has been organized and has adopted rules of order and a constitution for the International Arbitration Bureau. In accordance with Article XXIII of the Convention providing for the appointment by each signatory power of persons of known competency in questions of international law as arbitrators, I have appointed as members of this Court, Hon. Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, ex-President of the United States; Hon. Melville W. Fuller, of Illinois, Chief justice of the United States; Hon. John W. Griggs, of New Jersey, Attorney General of the United States; and Hon. George Gray, of Delaware, a judge of the circuit court of the United States. As an incident of the brief revolution in the Mosquito district of Nicaragua early in 1899 the insurgents forcibly collected from American merchants duties upon imports. On the restoration of order the Nicaraguan authorities demanded a second payment of such duties on the ground that they were due to the titular Government and that their diversion had aided the revolt. This position was not accepted by us. After prolonged discussion a compromise was effected under which the amount of the second payments was deposited with the British consul at San Juan del Norte in trust until the two Governments should determine whether the first payments had been made under compulsion to a de facto authority. Agreement as to this was not reached, and the point was waived by the act of the Nicaraguan Government in requesting the British consul to return the deposits to the merchants. Menacing differences between several of the Central American States have been accommodated, our ministers rendering good offices toward an understanding. The all-important matter of an interoceanic canal has assumed a new phase. Adhering to its refusal to reopen the question of the forfeiture of the contract of the Maritime Canal Company, which was terminated for alleged nonexecution in October, 1899, the Government of Nicaragua has since supplemented that action by declaring the so styled Eyre-Cragin option void for nonpayment of the stipulated advance. Protests in relation to these acts have been filed in the State Department and are under consideration. Deeming itself relieved from existing engagements, the Nicaraguan Government shows a disposition to deal freely with the canal question either in the way of negotiations with the United States or by taking measures to promote the waterway. Overtures for a convention to effect the building of a canal under the auspices of the United States are under consideration. In the meantime, the views of the Congress upon the general subject, in the light of the report of the Commission appointed to examine the comparative merits of the various trans-Isthmian ship-canal projects, may be awaited. I commend to the early attention of the Senate the Convention with Great Britain to facilitate the construction of such a canal and to remove any objection which might arise out of the Convention commonly called the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. The long-standing contention with Portugal, growing out of the seizure of the Delagoa Bay Railway, has been at last determined by a favorable award of the tribunal of arbitration at Berne, to which it was submitted. The amount of the award, which was deposited in London awaiting arrangements by the Governments of the United States and Great Britain for its disposal, has recently been paid over to the two Governments. A lately signed Convention of Extradition with Peru as amended by the Senate has been ratified by the Peruvian Congress. Another illustration of the policy of this Government to refer international disputes to impartial arbitration is seen in the agreement reached with Russia to submit the claims on behalf of American sealing vessels seized in Bering Sea to determination by Mr. T. M. C. Asser, a distinguished statesman and jurist of the Netherlands. Thanks are due to the Imperial Russian Government for the kindly aid rendered by its authorities in eastern Siberia to American missionaries fleeing from Manchuria. Satisfactory progress has been made toward the conclusion of a general treaty of friendship and intercourse with Spain, in replacement of the old treaty, which passed into abeyance by reason of the late war. A new convention of extradition is approaching completion, and I should be much pleased were a commercial arrangement to follow. I feel that we should not suffer to pass any opportunity to reaffirm the cordial ties that existed between us and Spain from the time of our earliest independence, and to enhance the mutual benefits of that commercial intercourse which is natural between the two countries. By the terms of the Treaty of Peace the line bounding the ceded Philippine group in the southwest failed to include several small islands lying westward of the Sulus, which have always been recognized as under Spanish control. The occupation of Sibutu and Cagayan Sulu by our naval forces elicited a claim on the part of Spain, the essential equity of which could not be gainsaid. In order to cure the defect of the treaty by removing all possible ground of future misunderstanding respecting the interpretation of its third article, I directed the negotiation of a supplementary treaty, which will be forthwith laid before the Senate, whereby Spain quits all title and claim of title to the islands named as well as to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago lying outside the lines described in said third article, and agrees that all such islands shall be comprehended in the cession of the archipelago as fully as if they had been expressly included within those lines. In consideration of this cession the United States is to pay to Spain the sum of $100,000. A bill is now pending to effect the recommendation made in my last annual message that appropriate legislation be had to carry into execution Article VII of the Treaty of Peace with Spain, by which the United States assumed the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. I ask that action be taken to fulfill this obligation. The King of Sweden and Norway has accepted the joint invitation of the United States, Germany, and Great Britain to arbitrate claims growing out of losses sustained in the Samoan Islands in the course of military operations made necessary by the disturbances in 1899. Our claims upon the Government of the Sultan for reparation for injuries suffered by American citizens in Armenia and elsewhere give promise of early and satisfactory settlement. His Majesty's good disposition in this regard has been evinced by the issuance of an irade for rebuilding the American college at Harpoot. The failure of action by the Senate at its last session upon the commercial conventions then submitted for its consideration and approval, although caused by the great pressure of other legislative business, has caused much disappointment to the agricultural and industrial interests of the country, which hoped to profit by their provisions. The conventional periods for their ratification having expired, it became necessary to sign additional articles extending the time for that purpose. This was requested on our part, and the other Governments interested have concurred with the exception of one convention, in respect to which no formal reply has been received. Since my last communication to the Congress on this subject special commercial agreements under the third section of the tariff act have been proclaimed with Portugal, with Italy, and with Germany. Commercial conventions tinder the general limitations of the fourth section of the same act have been concluded with Nicaragua, with Ecuador, with the Dominican Republic, with Great Britain on behalf of the island of Trinidad, and with Denmark on behalf of the island of St. Croix. These will be early communicated to the Senate. Negotiations with other Governments are in progress for the improvement and security of our commercial relations. The policy of reciprocity so manifestly rests upon the principles of international equity and has been so repeatedly approved by the people of the United States that there ought to be no hesitation in either branch of the Congress in giving to it full effect. This Government desires to preserve the most just and amicable commercial relations with all foreign countries, unmoved by the industrial rivalries necessarily developed in the expansion of international trade. It is believed that the foreign Governments generally entertain the same purpose, although in some instances there are clamorous demands upon them for legislation specifically hostile to American interests. Should these demands prevail I shall communicate with the Congress with the view of advising such legislation as may be necessary to meet the emergency. The exposition of the resources and products of the Western Hemisphere to be held at Buffalo next year promises important results not only for the United States but for the other participating countries. It is gratifying that the Latin-American States have evinced the liveliest interest, and the fact that an International American Congress will be held in the City of Mexico while the exposition is in progress encourages the hope of a larger display at Buffalo than might otherwise be practicable. The work of preparing an exhibit of our national resources is making satisfactory progress under the direction of different officials of the Federal Government, and the various States of the Union have shown a disposition toward the most liberal participation in the enterprise. The Bureau of the American Republics continues to discharge, with the happiest results, the important work of promoting cordial relations between the United States and the Latin-American countries, all of which are now active members of the International Union. The Bureau has been instrumental in bringing about the agreement for another International American Congress, which is to meet in the City of Mexico in October, 1901. The Bureau's future for another term of ten years is assured by the international compact, but the congress will doubtless have much to do with shaping new lines of work and a general policy. Its usefulness to the interests of Latin-American trade is widely appreciated and shows a gratifying development. The practical utility of the consular service in obtaining a wide range of information as to the industries and commerce of other countries and the opportunities thereby afforded for introducing the sale of our goods have kept steadily in advance of the notable expansion of our foreign trade, and abundant evidence has been furnished, both at home and abroad, of the fact that the Consular Reports, including many from our diplomatic representatives, have to a considerable extent pointed out ways and means of disposing of a great variety of manufactured goods which otherwise might not have found sale abroad. Testimony of foreign observers to the commercial efficiency of the consular corps seems to be conclusive, and our own manufacturers and exporters highly appreciate the value of the services rendered not only in the printed reports but also in the individual efforts of consular officers to promote American trade. An increasing part of the work of the Bureau of Foreign Commerce, whose primary duty it is to compile and print the reports, is to answer inquiries from trade organizations, business houses, etc., as to conditions in various parts of the world, and, notwithstanding the smallness of the force employed, the work has been so systematized that responses are made with such promptitude and accuracy as to elicit flattering encomiums. The experiment of printing the Consular Reports daily for immediate use by trade bodies, exporters, and the press, which was begun in January, 1898, continues to give general satisfaction. It is gratifying to be able to state that the surplus revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1900, were $79,527,060.18. For the six preceding years we had only deficits, the aggregate of which from 1894 to 1899, inclusive, amounted to $283,022,991.14. The receipts for the year from all sources, exclusive of postal revenues, aggregated $567,240,851.89, and expenditures for all purposes, except for the administration of the postal department, aggregated $487,713,791.71. The receipts from customs were $233,164,871.16, an increase over the preceding year Of $27,036,389.41. The receipts from internal revenue were $295,327,926.76, an increase Of $21,890,765.25 over 1899. The receipts from miscellaneous sources were $38,748,053.97, as against $36,394,976.92 for the previous year. It is gratifying also to note that during the year a considerable reduction is shown in the expenditures of the Government. The War Department expenditures for the fiscal year 1900 were $134,774,767.78, a reduction of $95,066,486.69 over those of 1899. In the Navy Department the expenditures were $55,953,077.72 for the year 1900, as against $63,942,104.25 for the preceding year, a decrease of $7,989,026.53. In the expenditures on account of Indians there was a decrease in 1900 over 1899 Of $2,630,604.38; and in the civil and miscellaneous expenses for 1900 there was a reduction Of $13,418,065.74. Because of the excess of revenues over expenditures the Secretary of the Treasury was enabled to apply bonds and other securities to the sinking fund to the amount Of $56,544,556.06. The details of the sinking fund are set forth in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to which I invite attention. The Secretary of the Treasury estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will aggregate $580,000,000 and the expenditures $500,000,000, leaving an excess of revenues over expenditures of $80,000,000. The present condition of the Treasury is one of undoubted strength. The available cash balance November 30 was $139,303,794.50. Under the form of statement prior to the financial law of March 14 last there would have been included in the statement of available cash gold coin and bullion held for the redemption of United States notes. If this form were pursued, the cash balance including the present gold reserve of $150,000,000, would be $289,303,794.50. Such balance November 30, 1899, was $296,495,301.55. In the general fund, which is wholly separate from the reserve and trust funds, there was on November 30, $70,090,073.15 in gold coin and bullion, to which should be added $22,957,300 in gold certificates subject to issue, against which there is held in the Division of Redemption gold coin and bullion, making a total holding of free gold amounting to $93,047,373.15. It will be the duty as I am sure it will be the disposition of the Congress to provide whatever further legislation is needed to insure the continued parity under all conditions between our two forms of metallic money, silver and gold. Our surplus revenues have permitted the Secretary of the Treasury since the close of the fiscal year to call in the funded loan of 1891 continued at 2 per cent, in the sum of $25,364,500. To and including November 30, $23,458,100 Of these bonds have been paid. This sum, together with the amount which may accrue from further redemptions under the call, will be applied to the sinking fund. The law of March 14, 1900, provided for refunding into 2 per cent thirty-year bonds, payable, principal and interest, in gold coin of the present standard value, that portion of the public debt represented by the 3 per cent bonds of 1908, the 4 percents Of 1907, and the 5 percents of 1904, Of which there was outstanding at the date of said law $839,149,930, The holders of the old bonds presented them for exchange between March 14 and November 30 to the amount of $364,943,750. The net saving to the Government on these transactions aggregates $9,106,166. Another effect of the operation, as stated by the Secretary, is to reduce the charge upon the Treasury for the payment of interest from the dates of refunding to February 1, 1904, by the sum of more than seven million dollars annually. From February 1, 1904, to July 1, 11907, the annual interest charge will be reduced by the sum of more than five millions, and for the thirteen months ending August 1, 1908, by about one million. The full details of the refunding are given in the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury. The beneficial effect of the financial act of 1900, so far as it relates to a modification of the national banking act, is already apparent. The provision for the incorporation of national banks with a capital of not less than $25,000 in places not exceeding three thousand inhabitants has resulted in the extension of banking facilities to many small communities hitherto unable to provide themselves with banking institutions under the national system. There were organized from the enactment of the law up to and including November 30, 369 national banks, of which 266 were with capital less than $50,000, and 103 with capital of $50,000 or more. It is worthy of mention that the greater number of banks being organized under the new law are in sections where the need of banking facilities has been most pronounced. Iowa stands first, with 30 banks of the smaller class, while Texas, Oklahoma, Indian Territory, and the middle and western sections of the country have also availed themselves largely of the privileges under the new law. A large increase in national-bank-note circulation has resulted from the provision of the act which permits national banks to issue circulating notes to the par value of the United States bonds deposited as security instead of only 90 per cent thereof, as heretofore. The increase in circulating notes from March 14 to November 30 is $77,889,570. The party in power is committed to such legislation as will better make the currency responsive to the varying needs of business at all seasons and in all sections. Our foreign trade shows a remarkable record of commercial and industrial progress. The total of imports and exports for the first time in the history of the country exceeded two billions of dollars. The exports are greater than they have ever been before, the total for the fiscal year 1900 being $1,394,483,082, an increase over 1899 of $167,459,780, an increase over 1898 of $163,000,752, over 1897 Of $343,489,526, and greater than 1896 by $511,876,144. The growth of manufactures in the United States is evidenced by the fact that exports of manufactured products largely exceed those of any previous year, their value for 1900 being $433,851,756, against $339,592,146 in 1899, an increase of 28 per cent. Agricultural products were also exported during 1900 in greater volume than in 1899, the total for the year being $835,858,123, against $784,776,142 in 1899. The imports for the year amounted to $849,941,184, an increase over 1899 of $152,792,695. This increase is largely in materials for manufacture, and is in response to the rapid development of manufacturing in the United States. While there was imported for use in manufactures in 1900 material to the value of $79,768,972 in excess of 1899, it is reassuring to observe that there is a tendency toward decrease in the importation of articles manufactured ready for consumption, which in 1900 formed 15.17 per cent of the total imports, against 15.54 per cent in 1899 and 21.09 per cent in 1896. I recommend that the Congress at its present session reduce the internal-revenue taxes imposed to meet the expenses of the war with Spain. in the sum of thirty millions of dollars. This reduction should be secured by the remission of those taxes which experience has shown to be the most burdensome to the industries of the people. I specially urge that there be included in whatever reduction is made the legacy tax on bequests for public uses of a literary, educational, or charitable character. American vessels during the past three years have carried about 9 per cent of our exports and imports. Foreign ships should carry the least, not the greatest, part of American trade. The remarkable growth of our steel industries, the progress of shipbuilding for the domestic trade, and our steadily maintained expenditures for the Navy have created an opportunity to place the United States in the first rank of commercial maritime powers. Besides realizing a proper national aspiration this will mean the establishment and healthy growth along all our coasts of a distinctive national industry, expanding the field for the profitable employment of labor and capital. It will increase the transportation facilities and reduce freight charges on the vast volume of products brought from the interior to the seaboard for export, and will strengthen an arm of the national defense upon which the founders of the Government and their successors have relied. In again urging immediate action by the Congress on measures to promote American shipping and foreign trade, I direct attention to the recommendations on the subject in previous messages, and particularly to the opinion expressed in the message of 1899: 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. The attention of the Congress is invited to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury in his annual report for legislation in behalf of the Revenue-Cutter Service, and favorable action is urged. In my last annual message to the Congress I called attention to the necessity for early action to remedy such evils as might be found to exist in connection with combinations of capital organized into trusts, and again invite attention to my discussion of the subject at that time, which concluded with these words: 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. Restraint upon such combinations as are injurious, and which are within Federal jurisdiction, should be promptly applied by the Congress. In my last annual message I dwelt at some length upon the condition of affairs in the Philippines. While seeking to impress upon you that the grave responsibility of the future government of those islands rests with the Congress of the United States, I abstained from recommending at that time a specific and final form of government for the territory actually held by the United States forces and in which as long as insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme. I stated my purpose, until the Congress shall have made the formal expression of its will, to use the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes to uphold the sovereignty of the United States in those distant islands as in all other places where our flag rightfully floats, placing, to that end, at the disposal of the army and navy all the means which the liberality of the Congress and the people have provided. No contrary expression of the will of the Congress having been made, I have steadfastly pursued the purpose so declared, employing the civil arm as well toward the accomplishment of pacification and the institution of local governments within the lines of authority and law. Progress in the hoped-for direction has been favorable. Our forces have successfully controlled the greater part of the islands, overcoming the organized forces of the insurgents and carrying order and administrative regularity to all quarters. What opposition remains is for the most part scattered, obeying no concerted plan of strategic action, operating only by the methods common to the traditions of guerrilla warfare, which, while ineffective to alter the general control now established, are still sufficient to beget insecurity among the populations that have felt the good results of our control and thus delay the conferment upon them of the fuller measures of local self-government, of education, and of industrial and agricultural development which we stand ready to give to them. By the spring of this year the effective opposition of the dissatisfied Tagals to the authority of the United States was virtually ended, thus opening the door for the extension of a stable administration over much of the territory of the Archipelago. Desiring to bring this about, I appointed in March last a civil Commission composed of the Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; the Hon. Luke I. Wright, of Tennessee; the Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont, and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California. The aims of their mission and the scope of their authority are clearly set forth in my instructions of April 7, 1900, addressed to the Secretary of War to be transmitted to them: In the message transmitted to the Congress on the 5th of December, 1899, 1 said. sneaking of the Philippine Islands: "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 controlled 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."
 To give effect to the intention thus expressed, I have appointed Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; Non. Luke I. Wright, of Tennessee; Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont, and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California, Commissioners to the Philippine Islands to continue and perfect the work of organizing and establishing civil government already commenced by the military authorities, subject in all respects to any laws which Congress may hereafter enact. The Commissioners named will meet and act as a board, and the Hon. William H. Taft t is designated as president of the board. It is probable that the transfer of authority from military commanders to civil officers will be gradual and will occupy a considerable period. Its successful accomplishment and the maintenance of peace and order in the meantime will require the most perfect co-operation between the civil and military authorities in the islands, and both should be directed during the transition period by the same Executive Department. The Commission will therefore report to the Secretary of War, and all their action will be subject to your approval and control. You will instruct the Commission to proceed to the city of Manila, where they will make their principal office, and to communicate with the Military Governor of the Philippine Islands, whom you will at the same time direct to render to them every assistance within his power in the performance of their duties. Without hampering them by too specific instructions, they should in general be enjoined, after making themselves familiar with the conditions and needs of the country, to devote their attention in the first instance to the establishment of municipal governments, in which the natives of the islands, both in the cities and in the rural communities, shall be afforded the opportunity to manage their own local affairs to the fullest extent of which they are capable and subject to the least degree of supervision and control which a careful study of their capacities and observation of the workings of native control show to be consistent with the maintenance of law, order, and loyalty. The next subject in order of importance should be the organization of government in the larger administrative divisions corresponding to counties, departments, or provinces, in which the common interests of many or several municipalities failing within the same tribal lines, or the same natural geographical limits, may best be subserved by a common administration. Whenever the Commission is of the opinion that the condition of affairs in the islands is such that the central administration may safely be transferred from military to civil control they will report that conclusion to you, with their recommendations as to the form of central government to be established for the purpose of taking over the control. Beginning with the 1st day of September, 1900, the authority to exercise, subject to my approval, through the Secretary of War, that part of the power of government in the Philippine Islands which is of a legislative nature is to be transferred from the Military Governor of the islands to this Commission, to be thereafter exercised by them in the place and stead of the Military Governor, under such rules and regulations as you shall prescribe, until the establishment of the civil central government for the islands contemplated in the last foregoing paragraph, or until Congress shall otherwise provide. Exercise of this legislative authority will include the making of rules and orders, having the effect of law, for the raising of revenue by taxes, customs duties, and imposts; the appropriation and expenditure of public funds of the islands; the establishment of an educational system throughout the islands; the establishment of a system to secure an efficient civil service; the organization and establishment of courts; the organization and establishment of municipal and departmental governments, and all other matters of a civil nature for which the Military Governor is now competent to provide by rules or orders of a legislative character. The Commission will also have power during the same period to appoint to office such officers under the judicial, educational, and civil-service systems and in the municipal and departmental governments as shall be provided for. Until the complete transfer of control the Military Governor will remain the chief executive head of the government of the islands, and will exercise the executive authority now possessed by him and not herein expressly assigned to the Commission, subject, however, to the rules and orders enacted by the Commission in the exercise of the legislative powers conferred upon them. In the meantime the municipal and departmental governments will continue to report to the Military Governor and be subject to his administrative supervision and control, under your direction, but that supervision and control will be confined within the narrowest limits consistent with the requirement that the powers of government in the municipalities and departments shall be honestly and effectively exercised and that law and order and individual freedom shall be maintained. All legislative rules and orders, establishments of government, and appointments to office by the Commission will take effect immediately, or at such times as they shall designate, subject to your approval and action upon the coming in of the Commission's reports, which are to be made from time to time as their action is taken. Wherever civil governments are constituted under the direction of the Commission such military posts, garrisons, and forces will be continued for the suppression of insurrection and brigandage and the maintenance of law and order as the Military Commander shall deem requisite, and the military forces shall be at all times subject, under his orders, to the call of the civil authorities for the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of their authority. In the establishment of municipal governments the Commission will take as the basis of their work the governments established by the Military Governor under his order of August 8, 1899. and under the report of the board constituted by the Military Governor by his order of January 29, 1900, to formulate and report a plan of municipal government, of which His Honor Cayetano Arellano, President of the Audiencia, was chairman, and they will give to the conclusions of that board the weight and consideration which the high character and distinguished abilities of its members justify. In the constitution of departmental or provincial governments they will give especial attention to the existing government of the island of Negros, constituted, with the approval of the people of that island, under the order of the Military Governor of July 22, 1899, and after verifying, so far as may be practicable, the reports of the successful working of that government they will be guided by the experience thus acquired so far as it may be applicable to the condition existing in other portions of the Philippines. They will avail themselves, to the fullest degree practicable, of the conclusions reached by the previous Commission to the Philippines. In the distribution of powers among the governments organized by the Commission, the presumption is always to be in favor of the smaller subdivision, so that all the powers which can properly be exercised by the municipal government shall be vested in that government, and all the powers of a more general character which can be exercised by the departmental government shall be vested in that government, and so that in the governmental system, which is the result of the process, the central government of the islands, following the example of the distribution of the powers between the States and the National Government of the United States, shall have no direct administration except of matters of purely general concern, and shall have only such supervision and control over local governments as may be necessary to secure and enforce faithful and efficient administration by local officers. The many Different degrees of civilization and varieties of custom and capacity among the people of the different islands preclude very definite instruction as to the part which the people shall take in the selection of their own officers; but these general rules are to be observed: That in all cases the municipal officers, who administer the local affairs of the people, are to be selected by the people, and that wherever officers of more extended jurisdiction are to be selected in any way, natives of the islands are to be preferred, and if they can be found competent and willing to perform the duties, they are to receive the offices in preference to any others. It will be necessary to fill some offices for the present with Americans which after a time may well be filled by natives of the islands. As soon as practicable a system for ascertaining the merit and fitness of candidates for civil office should be put in force. An indispensable qualification for all offices and positions of trust and authority in the islands must be absolute and unconditional loyalty to the United States, and absolute and unhampered authority and power to remove and punish any officer deviating from that standard must at all times be retained in the bands of the central authority of the islands. In all the forms of government and administrative provisions which they are authorized to prescribe the Commission should bear in mind that the government which they are establishing is designed not for our satisfaction, or for the expression of our theoretical views, but for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of tile people of the Philippine Islands, and the measures adopted should be made to conform to their customs, their habits, and even heir prejudices, to the fullest extent consistent with the accomplishment of the Indispensable requisites of just and effective government. At the same time the Commission should bear in mind, and the people of the islands should be made plainly to understand, that there are certain great principles of government which have been made the basis of our governmental system which we deem essential to the rule of law and the maintenance of individual freedom, and of which they have, unfortunately, been denied the experience possessed by us; that there are also certain practical rules of government which we have found to be essential to the preservation of these great principles of liberty and law, and that these principles and these rules of government must be established and maintained in their islands for the sake of their liberty and happiness, however much they may conflict with the customs or laws of procedure with which they are familiar. It is evident that the most enlightened thought of the Philippine Islands fully appreciates the importance of these principles and rules, and they will inevitably within a short time command universal assent. Upon every division and branch of the government of the Philippines, therefore, must be imposed these inviolable rules: That no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation; that in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense; that excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted; that no person shall be put twice in jeopardy for the same offense, or be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; that the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist except as a punishment for crime; that no bill of attainder or ex-post facto law shall be passed; that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the rights of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the Government for a redress of grievances; that no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed. It will be the duty of the Commission to make a thorough investigation into the titles to the large tracts of land held or claimed by individuals or by religious orders; into the justice of the claims and complaints made against Stich landholders by the people of the island or any part of the people, and to seek by wise and peaceable measures a just settlement of the controversies and redress of wrongs which have caused strife and bloodshed in the past. In the performance of this duty the Commission is enjoined to see that no injustice is done; to have regard for substantial rights and equity, disregarding technicalities so far as substantial right permits, and to observe the following rules: That the provision of the Treaty of Paris pledging the United States to the protection of all rights of property in the islands, and as well the principle of our own Government which prohibits the taking of private property without due process of law, shall not be violated; that the welfare of the people of the islands, which should be a paramount consideration, shall be attained consistently with this rule of property right; that if it becomes necessary for the public interest of the people of the islands to dispose of claims to property which the Commission finds to be not lawfully acquired and held disposition shall be made thereof by due legal procedure, in which there shall be full opportunity for fair and impartial hearing and judgment; that if the same public interests require the extinguishment of property rights lawfully acquired and held due compensation shall be made out of the public treasury therefore; that no form of religion and no minister of religion shall be forced upon any community or upon any citizen of the islands; that, upon the other hand, no minister of religion shall be interfered with or molested in following his calling. and that the separation between State and Church shall be real, entire, and absolute. It will be the duty of the Commission to promote and extend, and, as they find occasion, to improve the system of education already inaugurated by the military authorities. In doing this they should regard as of first importance the extension of a system of primary education which shall be free to all, and which shall tend to fit the people for the duties of citizenship and for the ordinary avocations of a civilized community. This instruction should be given in the first instance in every part of the islands in the language of the people. In view of the great number of languages spoken by the different tribes, it is especially important to the prosperity of the islands that a common medium of communication may be established, and it is obviously desirable that this medium should be the English language. Especial attention should be at once given to affording full opportunity to all the people of the islands to acquire the use of the English language. It may be well that the main changes which should be made in the system of taxation and in the body of the laws under which the people are governed, except such changes as have already been made by the military government, should be relegated to the civil government which is to be established under the auspices of the Commission. It will, however, be the duty of the Commission to inquire diligently as to whether there are any further changes which ought not to be delayed, and if so, they are authorized to make such changes subject to your approval. In doing so they are to bear in mind that taxes which tend 6 penalize or repress industry and enterprise are to be avoided; that provisions for taxation should be simple, so that they may be understood by the people; that they should affect the fewest practicable subjects of taxation which will serve for the general distribution of the burden. The main body of the laws which regulate the rights and obligations of the people should be maintained with as little interference as possible. Changes made should be mainly in procedure, and in the criminal laws to secure speedy and impartial trials, and at the same time effective administration and respect for individual rights. In dealing with the uncivilized tribes of the islands the Commission should adopt the same course followed by Congress in permitting the tribes of our North American Indians to maintain their tribal organization and government, and under which many of those tribes are now living in peace and contentment, surrounded by a civilization to which they are unable or unwilling to conform. Such tribal governments should, however, be subjected to wise and firm regulation, and, without undue or petty interference, constant and active effort should be exercised to prevent barbarous practices and introduce civilized customs. Upon all officers and employees of the United States, both civil and military, should be impressed a sense of the duty to observe not merely the material but the personal and social rights of the people of the islands, and to treat them with the same courtesy and respect for their personal dignity which the people of the United States are accustomed W require from each other. The articles of capitulation of the city of Manila on the 13th of August, 1898, concluded with these words: "This city, its inhabitants, its churches and religious worship, its educational establishments, and its private property of all descriptions, are placed under the special safeguard of the faith and honor of the American Army." I believe that this pledge has been faithfully kept. As high and sacred an obligation rests upon the Government of the United States to give protection for property and life, civil and religious freedom, and wise, firm, and unselfish guidance in the paths of peace and prosperity to all the people of the Philippine Islands. I charge this Commission to labor for the full performance of this obligation, which concerns the honor and conscience of their country, in the firm hope that through their labors all the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands may come to look back with gratitude to the day when God gave victory to American arms at Manila and set their land under the sovereignty and the protection of the people of the United States. Coincidently with the entrance of the Commission upon its labors I caused to be issued by General MacArthur, the Military Governor of the Philippines, on June 21, 1900, a proclamation of amnesty in generous terms, of which many of the insurgents took advantage, among them a number of important leaders. This Commission, composed of eminent citizens representing the diverse geographical and political interests of the country, and bringing to their task the ripe fruits of long and intelligent service in educational, administrative, and judicial careers, made great progress from the outset. As early as August 21, 1900, it submitted a preliminary report, which will be laid before the Congress, and from which it appears that already the good effects of returning order are felt; that business, interrupted by hostilities, is improving as peace extends; that a larger area is under sugar cultivation than ever before; that the customs revenues are greater than at any time during the Spanish rule; that economy and efficiency in the military administration have created a surplus fund of $6,000,000, available for needed public improvements; that a stringent civil-service law is in preparation; that railroad communications are expanding, opening up rich districts, and that a comprehensive scheme of education is being organized. Later reports from the Commission show yet more encouraging advance toward insuring the benefits of liberty and good government to the Filipinos, in the interest of humanity and with the aim of building up an enduring, self-supporting, and self-administering community in those far eastern seas. I would impress upon the Congress that whatever legislation may be enacted in respect to the Philippine Islands should be along these generous lines. The fortune of war has thrown upon this nation an unsought trust which should be unselfishly discharged, and devolved upon this Government a moral as well as material responsibility toward these millions whom we have freed from an oppressive yoke. I have on another occasion called the Filipinos the wards of the nation. "Our obligation as guardian was not lightly assumed; it must not be otherwise than honestly fulfilled, aiming first of all to benefit those who have come under our fostering care. It is our duty so to treat them that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros than it is at home, that there as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty, enlightenment, and progress in every avenue of development The Filipinos are a race quick to learn and to profit by knowledge He would be rash who, with the teachings of contemporaneous history in view, would fix a limit to the degree of culture and advancement yet within the reach of these people if our duty toward them be faithfully performed. The civil government of Puerto Rico provided for by the act of the Congress approved April 12, 1900 is in successful operation The courts have been established. The Governor and his associates, working intelligently and harmoniously, are meeting with Commendable success. On the 6th of November a general election was held in the island for members of the Legislature, and the body elected has been called to convene on the first Monday of December. I recommend that legislation be enacted by the Congress conferring upon the Secretary of the Interior supervision over the public lands in Puerto Rico, and that he be directed to ascertain the location and quantity of lands the title to which remained in the Crown of Spain at the date of cession of Puerto Rico to the United States, and that appropriations necessary for surveys be made, and that the methods of the disposition of such lands be prescribed by law. On the 25th of July, 1900, I directed that a call be issued for an election in Cuba for members of a constitutional convention to frame a constitution as a basis for a stable and independent government in the island. In pursuance thereof the Military Governor issued the following instructions: Whereas the Congress of the United States, by its joint resolution of April 20, 1898, declared:
 "That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be, free and independent. "That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people;" And whereas, the people of Cuba have established municipal governments, deriving their authority from the suffrages of the people given under just and equal laws, and are now ready, in like manner, to proceed to the establishment of a general government which shall assume and exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, and control over the island: Therefore, it is ordered that a general election be held in the island of Cuba on the third Saturday of September, in the year nineteen hundred, to elect delegates to a convention to meet in the city of Havana at twelve o'clock noon on the first Monday of November, in the year nineteen hundred, to frame and adopt a constitution for the people of Cuba, and as a part thereof to provide for and agree with the Government of the United States upon the relations to exist between that Government and the Government of Cuba, and to provide for the election by the people of officers under such constitution and the transfer of government to the officers so elected. The election will be held in the several voting precincts of the island under, and pursuant to, the provisions of the electoral law of April 18, 1900, and the amendments thereof. The election was held on the 15th of September, and the convention assembled on the 5th of November, 1900, and is now in session. In calling the convention to order, the Military Governor of Cuba made the following statement: As Military Governor of the island, representing the President of the United States, I call this convention to order.
 It will be your duty, first, to frame and adopt a constitution for Cuba, and whet) that has been done to formulate what in your opinion ought to be the relations between Cuba and the United States. The constitution must be adequate to secure a stable, orderly, and free government. When you have formulated the relations which in your opinion ought to exist between Cuba and the United States the Government of the United States will doubtless take such action on its part as shall lead to a final and authoritative agreement between the people of the two countries to the promotion of their common interests. All friends of Cuba will follow your deliberations with the deepest interest, earnestly desiring that you shall reach just conclusions, and that by the dignity, individual self-restraint, and wise conservatism which shall characterize your proceedings the capacity of the Cuban people for representative government may be signally illustrated. The fundamental distinction between true representative government and dictatorship is that in the former every representative of the people, in whatever office, confines himself strictly within the limits of his defined powers. Without such restraint there can be no free constitutional government. Under the order pursuant to which you have been elected and convened you have no duty and no authority to take part in the present government of the island. Your powers are strictly limited by the terms of that order. When the convention concludes its labors I will transmit to the Congress the constitution as framed by the convention for its consideration and for such action as it may deem advisable. I renew the recommendation made in my special message of February 10, 1899, as to the necessity for cable communication between the United States and Hawaii, with extension to Manila. Since then circumstances have strikingly emphasized this need. Surveys have shown the entire feasibility of a chain of cables which at each stopping place shall touch on American territory, so that the system shall be under our own complete control. Manila once within telegraphic reach, connection with the systems of the Asiatic coast would open increased and profitable opportunities for a more direct cable route from our shores to the Orient than is now afforded by the trans-Atlantic, continental, and trans-Asian lines. I urge attention to this important matter The present strength of the Army is 100,000 men -- 65,000 regulars and 35,000 volunteers. Under the act of March 2, 1899, on the 30th of June next the present volunteer force will be discharged and the Regular Army will be reduced to 2,447 officers and 29,025 enlisted men. In 1888 a Board of Officers convened by President Cleveland adopted a comprehensive scheme of coast-defense fortifications which involved the outlay of something over one hundred million dollars. This plan received the approval of the Congress, and since then regular appropriations have been made and the work of fortification has steadily progressed. More than sixty millions of dollars have been invested in a great number of forts and guns, with all the complicated and scientific machinery and electrical appliances necessary for their use. The proper care of this defensive machinery requires men trained in its use. The number of men necessary to perform this duty alone is ascertained by the War Department, at a minimum allowance, to be 18,420. There are fifty-eight or more military posts in the United States other than the coast-defense fortifications. The number of these posts is being constantly increased by the Congress. More than $22,000,000 have been expended in building and equipment, and they can only be cared for by the Regular Army. The posts now in existence and others to be built provide for accommodations for, and if fully garrisoned require, 26,000 troops. Many of these posts are along our frontier or at important strategic points, the occupation of which is necessary. We have in Cuba between 5,000 and 6,000 troops. For the present our troops in that island cannot be withdrawn or materially diminished, and certainly not until the conclusion of the labors of the constitutional convention now in session and a government provided by the new constitution shall have been established and its stability assured. In Puerto Rico we have reduced the garrisons to 1,636, which includes 879 native troops. There is no room for further reduction here. We will be required to keep a considerable force in the Philippine Islands for some time to come. From the best information obtainable we will need there for the immediate future from 45,000 to 60,000 men. I am sure the number may be reduced as the insurgents shall come to acknowledge the authority of the United States, of which there are assuring indications. It must be apparent that we will require an army of about 60,000, and that during present conditions in Cuba and the Philippines the President should have authority to increase the force to the present number of 100,000. Included in this number authority should be given to raise native troops in the Philippines up to 15,000, which the Taft Commission believe will be more effective in detecting and suppressing guerrillas, assassins, and ladrones than our own soldiers. The full discussion of this subject by the Secretary of War in his annual report is called to your earnest attention. I renew the recommendation made in my last annual message 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. I favor the recommendation of the Secretary of War for the detail oil officers from the line of the Army when vacancies occur in the Adjutant-General's Department, Inspector-General's Department, Quartermaster's Department, Subsistence Department, Pay Department, Ordnance Department, and Signal Corps. The Army cannot be too highly commended for its faithful and effective service in active military operations in the field and the difficult work of civil administration. The continued and rapid growth of the postal service is a sure index of the great and increasing business activity of the country. Its most striking new development is the extension of rural free delivery. This has come almost wholly within the last year. At the beginning of the fiscal year 1899, 1900 the number of routes in operation was only 391, and most of these had been running less than twelve months. On the 15th of November, 1900, the number had increased to 2,614, reaching into forty-four States and Territories, and serving a population of 1,801,524. The number of applications now pending and awaiting action nearly equals all those granted up to the present time, and by the close of the current fiscal year about 4,000 routes will have been established, providing for the daily delivery of mails at the scattered homes of about three and a half millions of rural population. This service ameliorates the isolation of farm life, conduces to good roads, and quickens and extends the dissemination of general information. Experience thus far has tended to allay the apprehension that it would be so expensive as to forbid its general adoption or make it a serious burden. Its actual application has shown that it increases postal receipts, and can be accompanied by reductions in other branches of the service, so that the augmented revenues and the accomplished savings together materially reduce the net cost. The evidences which point to these conclusions are presented in detail in the annual report of the Postmaster-General, which with its recommendations is commended to the consideration of the Congress. The full development of this special service, however, requires such a large outlay of money that it should be undertaken only after a careful study and thorough understanding of all that it involves. Very efficient service has been rendered by the Navy in connection with the insurrection in the Philippines and the recent disturbance in China. A very satisfactory settlement has been made of the long-pending question of the manufacture of armor plate. A reasonable price has been secured and the necessity for a Government armor plant avoided. I approve of the recommendations of the Secretary for new vessels and for additional officers and men which the required increase of the Navy makes necessary. I commend to the favorable action of the Congress the measure now pending for the erection of a statue to the memory of the late Admiral David D. Porter. I commend also the establishment of a national naval reserve and of the grade of vice-admiral. Provision should be made, as recommended by the Secretary, for suitable rewards for special merit. Many officers who rendered the most distinguished service during the recent war with Spain have received in return no recognition from the Congress. The total area of public lands as given by the Secretary of the Interior is approximately 1,071,881,662 acres, of which 917,135,880 acres are undisposed of and 154,745,782 acres have been reserved for various purposes. The public lands disposed of during the year amount to 13,453,887.96 acres, including 62,423.09 acres of Indian lands, an increase Of 4,271,474.80 over the preceding year. The total receipts from the sale of public lands during the fiscal year were $4,379,758.10, an increase of $1,309,620.76 over the preceding year. The results obtained from our forest policy have demonstrated its wisdom and the necessity in the interest of the public for its continuance and increased appropriations by the Congress for the carrying on of the work. On June 30, 1900, there were thirty-seven forest reserves, created by Presidential proclamations under section 24 Of the act of March 3, 1891, embracing an area Of 46,425,529 acres. During the past year the Olympic Reserve, in the State of Washington, was reduced 265,040 acres, leaving its present area at 1,923,840 acres. The Prescott Reserve, in Arizona, was increased from 10,240 acres to 423,680 acres, and the Big Horn Reserve, in Wyoming, was increased from 1,127,680 acres to 1,180,800 acres. A new reserve; the Santa Ynez, in California, embracing an area of 145,000 acres, was created during this year. On October 10, 1900, the Crow Creek Forest Reserve, in Wyoming, was created, with an area of 56,320 acres. At the end of the fiscal year there were on the pension roll 993,529 names, a net increase Of 2,010 over the fiscal year 1899. The number added to the rolls during the year was 45,344. The amount disbursed for Army pensions during the year was $134,700,597.24 and for Navy pensions $3,761,533.41, a total of $138,462,130.65, leaving an unexpended balance of $5,542,768.25 to be covered into the Treasury, which shows an increase over the previous year's expenditure Of $107,077.70. There were 684 names added to the rolls during the year by special acts passed at the first session of the Fifty-sixth Congress. The act of May 9, 1900, among other things provides for an extension of income to widows pensioned under said act to $250 per annum. The Secretary of the Interior believes that by the operations of this act the number of persons pensioned under it will increase and the increased annual payment for pensions will be between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000. The Government justly appreciates the services of its soldiers and sailors by making pension payments liberal beyond precedent to them, their widows and orphans. There were 26,540 letters patent granted, including reissues and designs, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1900; 1,660 trademarks, 682 labels, and 93 prints registered. The number of patents which expired was 19,988. The total receipts for patents were $1,358,228.35. The expenditures were $1,247,827.58, showing a surplus Of $110,400.77 The attention of the Congress is called to the report of the Secretary of the Interior touching the necessity for the further establishment of schools in the Territory of Alaska, and favorable action is invited thereon. Much interesting information is given in the report of the Governor of Hawaii as to the progress and development of the islands during the period from July 7, 1898, the date of the approval of the joint resolution of the Congress providing for their annexation, up to April 30, 1900, the date of the approval of the act providing a government for the Territory, and thereafter. The last Hawaiian census, taken in the year 1896, gives a total population of 109,020, Of Which 31,019 were native Hawaiians. The number of Americans reported was 8,485. The results of the Federal census, taken this year, show the islands to have a total population Of 154,001, showing an increase over that reported in 1896 of 44,981, or 41.2 per cent. There has been marked progress in the educational, agricultural, and railroad development of the islands. In the Territorial act of April 30, 1900, section 7 of said act repeals Chapter 34 Of the Civil Laws of Hawaii whereby the Government was to assist in encouraging and developing the agricultural resources of the Republic, especially irrigation. The Governor of Hawaii recommends legislation looking to the development of such water supply as may exist on the public lands, with a view of promoting land settlement. The earnest consideration of the Congress is invited to this important recommendation and others, as embodied in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. The Director of the Census states that the work in connection with the Twelfth Census is progressing favorably. This national undertaking, ordered by the Congress each decade, has finally resulted in the collection of an aggregation of statistical facts to determine the industrial growth of the country, its manufacturing and mechanical resources, its richness in mines and forests, the number of its agriculturists, their farms and products, its educational and religious opportunities, as well as questions pertaining to sociological conditions. The labors of the officials in charge of the Bureau indicate that the four important and most desired subjects, namely, population, agricultural, manufacturing, and vital statistics, will be completed within the limit prescribed by the law of March 3, 1899. The field work incident to the above inquiries is now practically finished, and as a result the population of the States and Territories, including the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska, has been announced. The growth of population during the last decade amounts to over 13,000,000, a greater numerical increase than in any previous census in the history of the country. Bulletins will be issued as rapidly as possible giving the population by States and Territories, by minor civil divisions. Several announcements of this kind have already been made, and it is hoped that the list will be completed by January 1. Other bulletins giving the results of the manufacturing and agricultural inquiries will be given to the public as rapidly as circumstances will admit. The Director, while confident of his ability to complete the different branches of the undertaking in the allotted time, finds himself embarrassed by the lack of a trained force properly equipped for statistical work, thus raising the question whether in the interest of economy and a thorough execution of the census work there should not be retained in the Government employ a certain number of experts not only to aid in the preliminary organization prior to the taking of the decennial census, but in addition to have the advantage in the field and office work of the Bureau of trained assistants to facilitate the early completion of this enormous undertaking. I recommend that the Congress at its present session apportion representation among the several States as provided by the Constitution. The Department of Agriculture has been extending its work during the past year, reaching farther for new varieties of seeds and plants; co-operating more fully with the States and Territories in research along useful lines; making progress in meteorological work relating to lines of wireless telegraphy and forecasts for ocean-going vessels; continuing inquiry as to animal disease; looking into the extent and character of food adulteration; outlining plans for the care, preservation, and intelligent harvesting of our woodlands; studying soils that producers may cultivate with better knowledge of conditions, and helping to clothe desert places with grasses suitable to our and regions. Our island possessions are being considered that their peoples may be helped to produce the tropical products now so extensively brought into the United States. Inquiry into methods of improving our roads has been active during the year; help has been given to many localities, and scientific investigation of material in the States and Territories has been inaugurated. Irrigation problems in our semiarid regions are receiving careful and increased consideration. An extensive exhibit at Paris of the products of agriculture has made the peoples of many countries more familiar with the varied products of our fields and their comparative excellence. The collection of statistics regarding our crops is being improved and sources of information are being enlarged, to the end that producers may have the earliest advices regarding crop conditions. There has never been a time when those for whom it was established have shown more appreciation of the services of the Department. In my annual message of December 5, 1898, 1 called attention to the necessity for some amendment of the alien contract law. There still remain important features of the rightful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the principle of arbitration, and I again commend these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. That there may be secured the best service possible in the Philippine Islands, I have issued, under date of November 30, 1900, the following order: The United States Civil Service Commission is directed to render such assistance as may be practicable to the Civil Service Board, created under the act of the United States Philippine Commission, for the establishment and maintenance of an honest and efficient civil service in the Philippine Islands, and for that purpose to conduct examinations for the civil service of the Philippine islands, upon the request of the Civil Service Board of said islands, under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the said Board and the said United States Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission is greatly embarrassed in its work for want of an adequate permanent force for clerical and other assistance. Its needs are fully set forth in its report. I invite attention to the report, and especially urge upon the Congress that this important bureau of the public service, which passes upon the qualifications and character of so large a number of the officers and employees of the Government, should be supported by all needed appropriations to secure promptness and efficiency. I am very much impressed with the statement made by the heads of all the Departments of the urgent necessity of a hall of public records. In every departmental building in Washington, so far as I am informed, the space for official records is not only exhausted, but the walls of rooms are lined with shelves, the middle floor space of many rooms is tilled with tile cases, and garrets and basements, which were never intended and are unfitted for their accommodation, are crowded with them. Aside from the inconvenience there is great danger, not only from fire, but from the weight of these records upon timbers not intended for their support. There should be a separate building especially designed for the purpose of receiving and preserving the annually accumulating archives of the several Executive Departments. Such a hall need not be a costly structure, but should be so arranged as to admit of enlargement from time to time. I urgently recommend that the Congress take early action in this matter. I transmit to the Congress a resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the American Bar Association concerning the proposed celebration of John Marshall Day, February 4, 1901. Fitting exercises have been arranged, and it is earnestly desired by the committee that the Congress may participate in this movement to honor the memory of the great jurist. The transfer of the Government to this city is a fact of great historical interest. Among the people there is a feeling of genuine pride in the Capital of the Republic. It is a matter of interest in this connection that in 1800 the population of the District of Columbia was 14,093; to-day it is 278,718. The population of the city of Washington was then 3,210; to-day it is 218,196. The Congress having provided for "an appropriate national celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Establishment of the Seat of the Government in the District of Columbia," the committees authorized by it have prepared a programme for the 12th of December, 1900, which date has been selected as the anniversary day. Deep interest has been shown in the arrangements for the celebration by the members of the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the committee of Governors appointed by the President, and the committees appointed by the citizens and inhabitants of the District of Columbia generally. The programme, in addition to a reception and other exercises at the Executive Mansion, provides commemorative exercises to be held jointly by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Hall of the House of Representatives, and a reception in the evening at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in honor of the Governors of the States and Territories. In our great prosperity we must guard against the danger it invites of extravagance in Government expenditures and appropriations; and the chosen representatives of the people will, I doubt not, furnish an example in their legislation of that wise economy which in a season of plenty husbands for the future. In this era of great business activity and opportunity caution is not untimely. It will not abate, but strengthen, confidence. It will not retard, but promote, legitimate industrial and commercial expansion. Our growing power brings with it temptations and perils requiring constant vigilance to avoid. It must not be used to invite conflicts, nor for oppression, but for the more effective maintenance of those principles of equality and justice upon which our institutions and happiness depend. Let us keep always in mind that the foundation of our Government is liberty; its superstructure peace.
At the outgoing of the old and the incoming of the new century you begin the last session of the Fifty-sixth Congress with evidences on every hand of individual and national prosperity and with proof of the growing strength and increasing power for good of republican institutions. Your countrymen will join with you in felicitation that American liberty is more firmly established than ever before, and that love for it and the determination to preserve it are more universal than at any former period of our history. The Republic was never so strong, because never so strongly entrenched in the hearts of the people as now. The Constitution, with few amendments, exists as it left the hands of its authors. The additions which have been made to it proclaim larger freedom and more extended citizenship. Popular government has demonstrated in its one hundred and twenty-four years of trial here its stability and security, and its efficiency as the best instrument of national development and the best safeguard to human rights. When the Sixth Congress assembled in November, 1800, the population of the United States was 5,308,483.It is now 76,304,799. Then we had sixteen States. Now we have forty-five. Then our territory consisted Of 909,050 square miles. It is now 3,846,595 square miles. Education, religion, and morality have kept pace with our advancement in other directions, and while extending its power the Government has adhered to its foundation principles and abated none of them in dealing with our new peoples and possessions. A nation so preserved and blessed gives reverent thanks to God and invokes His guidance and the continuance of His care and favor. In our foreign intercourse the dominant question has been the treatment of the Chinese problem. Apart from this our relations with the powers have been happy. The recent troubles in China spring from the antiforeign agitation which for the past three years has gained strength in the northern provinces. Their origin lies deep in the character of the Chinese races and in the traditions of their Government. The Taiping rebellion and the opening of Chinese ports to foreign trade and settlement disturbed alike the homogeneity and the seclusion of China. Meanwhile foreign activity made itself felt in all quarters, not alone on the coast, but along the great river arteries and in the remoter districts, carrying new ideas and introducing new associations among a primitive people which had pursued for centuries a national policy of isolation. The telegraph and the railway spreading over their land, the steamers plying on their waterways, the merchant and the missionary penetrating year by year farther to the interior, became to the Chinese mind types of an alien invasion, changing the course of their national life and fraught with vague forebodings of disaster to their beliefs and their self-control. For several years before the present troubles all the resources of foreign diplomacy, backed by moral demonstrations of the physical force of fleets and arms, have been needed to secure due respect for the treaty rights of foreigners and to obtain satisfaction from the responsible authorities for the sporadic outrages upon the persons and property of unoffending sojourners, which from time to time occurred at widely separated points in the northern provinces, as in the case of the outbreaks in Sze-chuen and Shan-tung. Posting of antiforeign placards became a daily occurrence, which the repeated reprobation of the Imperial power failed to check or punish. These inflammatory appeals to the ignorance and superstition of the masses, mendacious and absurd in their accusations and deeply hostile in their spirit, could not but work cumulative harm. They aimed at no particular class of foreigners; they were impartial in attacking everything foreign. An outbreak in Shan-tung, in which German missionaries were slain, was the too natural result of these malevolent teachings. The posting of seditious placards, exhorting to the utter destruction of foreigners and of every foreign thing, continued unrebuked. Hostile demonstrations toward the stranger gained strength by organization. The sect, commonly styled the Boxers, developed greatly in the provinces north of the Yang-Tse, and with the collusion of many notable officials, including some in the immediate councils of the Throne itself, became alarmingly aggressive. No foreigner's life, outside of the protected treaty ports, was safe. No foreign interest was secure from spoliation. The diplomatic representatives of the powers in Peking strove in vain to check this movement. Protest was followed by demand and demand by renewed protest, to be met with perfunctory edicts from the Palace and evasive and futile assurances from the Tsung-li Yamen. The circle of the Boxer influence narrowed about Peking, and while nominally stigmatized as seditious, it was felt that its spirit pervaded the capital itself, that the Imperial forces were imbued with its doctrines, and that the immediate counselors of the Empress Dowager were in full sympathy with the antiforeign movement. The increasing gravity of the conditions in China and the imminence of peril to our own diversified interests in the Empire, as well as to those of all the other treaty governments, were soon appreciated by this Government, causing it profound solicitude. The United States from the earliest days of foreign intercourse with China had followed a policy of peace, omitting no occasions to testify good will, to further the extension of lawful trade, to respect the sovereignty of its Government, and to insure by all legitimate and kindly but earnest means the fullest measure of protection for the lives and property of our law-abiding citizens and for the exercise of their beneficent callings among the Chinese people. Mindful of this, it was felt to be appropriate that our purposes should be pronounced in favor of such course as would hasten united action of the powers at Peking to promote the administrative reforms so greatly needed for strengthening the Imperial Government and maintaining the integrity of China, in which we believed the whole western world to be alike concerned. To these ends I caused to be addressed to the several powers occupying territory and maintaining spheres of influence in China the circular proposals of 1899, inviting from them declarations of their intentions and views as to the desirability of the adoption of measures insuring the benefits of equality of treatment of all foreign trade throughout China. With gratifying unanimity the responses coincided in this common policy, enabling me to see in the successful termination of these negotiations proof of the friendly spirit which animates the various powers interested in the untrammeled development of commerce and industry in the Chinese Empire as a source of vast benefit to the whole commercial world. In this conclusion, which I had the gratification to announce as a completed engagement to the interested powers on March 20, 1900, I hopefully discerned a potential factor for the abatement of the distrust of foreign purposes which for a year past had appeared to inspire the policy of the Imperial Government, and for the effective exertion by it of power and authority to quell the critical antiforeign movement in the northern provinces most immediately influenced by the Manchu sentiment. Seeking to testify confidence in the willingness and ability of the Imperial administration to redress the wrongs and prevent the evils we suffered and feared, the marine guard, which had been sent to Peking in the autumn of 1899 for the protection of the legation, was withdrawn at the earliest practicable moment, and all pending questions were remitted, as far as we were concerned, to the ordinary resorts of diplomatic intercourse. The Chinese Government proved, however, unable to check the rising strength of the Boxers and appeared to be a prey to internal dissensions. In the unequal contest the antiforeign influences soon gained the ascendancy under the leadership of Prince Tuan. Organized armies of Boxers, with which the Imperial forces affiliated, held the country between Peking and the coast, penetrated into Manchuria up to the Russian borders, and through their emissaries threatened a like rising throughout northern China. Attacks upon foreigners, destruction of their property, and slaughter of native converts were reported from all sides. The Tsung-li Yamen, already permeated with hostile sympathies, could make no effective response to the appeals of the legations. At this critical juncture, in the early spring of this year, a proposal was made by the other powers that a combined fleet should be assembled in Chinese waters as a moral demonstration, under cover of which to exact of the Chinese Government respect for foreign treaty rights and the suppression of the Boxers. The United States, while not participating in the joint demonstration, promptly sent from the Philippines all ships that could be spared for service on the Chinese coast. A small force of marines was landed at Taku and sent to Peking for the protection of the American legation. Other powers took similar action, until some four hundred men were assembled in the capital as legation guards. Still the peril increased. The legations reported the development of the seditious movement in Peking and the need of increased provision for defense against it. While preparations were in progress for a larger expedition, to strengthen the legation guards and keep the railway open, an attempt of the foreign ships to make a landing at Taku was met by a fire from the Chinese forts. The forts were thereupon shelled by the foreign vessels, the American admiral taking no part in the attack, on the ground that we were not at war with China and that a hostile demonstration might consolidate the antiforeign elements and strengthen the Boxers to oppose the relieving column. Two days later the Taku forts were captured after a sanguinary conflict. Severance of communication with Peking followed, and a combined force of additional guards, which was advancing to Peking by the Pei-Ho, was checked at Langfang. The isolation of the legations was complete. The siege and the relief of the legations has passed into undying history. In all the stirring chapter which records the heroism of the devoted band, clinging to hope in the face of despair, and the undaunted spirit that led their relievers through battle and suffering to the goal, it is a memory of which my countrymen may be justly proud that the honor of our flag was maintained alike in the siege and the rescue, and that stout American hearts have again set high, in fervent emulation with true men of other race and language, the indomitable courage that ever strives for the because of right and justice. By June 19 the legations were cut off. An identical note from the, Yamen ordered each minister to leave Peking, under a promised escort, within twenty-four hours. To gain time they replied, asking prolongation of the time, which was afterwards granted, and requesting an interview with the Tsung-li Yamen on the following day. No reply being received, on the morning of the 20th the German minister, Baron von Ketteler, set out for the Yamen to obtain a response, and oil the way was murdered. An attempt by the legation guard to recover his body was foiled by the Chinese. Armed forces turned out against the legations. Their quarters were surrounded and attacked. The mission compounds were abandoned, their inmates taking refuge in the British legation, where all the other legations and guards gathered for more effective defense. Four hundred persons were crowded in its narrow compass. Two thousand native converts were assembled in a nearby palace under protection of the foreigners. Lines of defense were strengthened, trenches dug, barricades raised, and preparations made to stand a siege, which at once began. From June 20 until July 17, writes Minister Conger, "there was scarcely an hour during which there was not firing upon some part of our lines and into some of the legations, varying from a single shot to a general and continuous attack along the whole line." Artillery was placed around the legations and on the over-looking palace walls, and thousands of 3-inch shot and she will were fired, destroying some buildings and damaging all. So thickly did the balls rain, that, when the ammunition of the besieged ran low, five quarts of Chinese bullets were gathered in an hour in one compound and recast. Attempts were made to burn the legations by setting neighboring houses on fire, but the flames were successfully fought off, although the Austrian, Belgian, Italian. and Dutch legations were then and subsequently burned. With the aid of the native converts, directed by the missionaries, to whose helpful co-operation Mr. Conger awards unstinted praise, the British legation was made a veritable fortress. The British minister, Sir Claude MacDonald, was chosen general commander of the defense, with the secretary of the American legation, Mr. E. G. Squiers, as chief of staff. To save life and ammunition the besieged sparingly returned the incessant fire of the Chinese soldiery, fighting only to repel attack or make an occasional successful sortie for strategic advantage, such as that of fifty-five American, British, and Russian marines led by Captain Myers, of the United States Marine Corps, which resulted in the capture of a formidable barricade on the wall that gravely menaced the American position. It was held to the last, and proved an invaluable acquisition, because commanding the water gate through which the relief column entered. During the siege the defenders lost 65 killed, 135 wounded, and 7 by disease, the last all children. On July 14 the besieged had their first communication with the Tsung-li Yamen, from whom a message came inviting to a conference, which was declined. Correspondence, however, ensued and a sort of armistice was agreed upon, which stopped the bombardment and lessened the rifle fire for a time. Even then no protection whatever was afforded, nor any aid given, save to send to the legations a small supply of fruit and three sacks of flour. Indeed, the only communication had with the Chinese Government related to the occasional delivery or dispatch of a telegram or to the demands of the Tsung-li Yamen for the withdrawal of the legations to the coast under escort. Not only are the protestations of the Chinese Government that it protected and succored the legations positively contradicted, but irresistible proof accumulates that the attacks upon them were made by Imperial troops, regularly uniformed, armed, and officered, belonging to the command of Jung Lu, the Imperial commander in chief. Decrees encouraging the Boxers, organizing them tinder prominent Imperial officers, provisioning them, and even granting them large sums in the name of the Empress Dowager, are known to exist. Members of the Tsung-li Yamen who counseled protection of the foreigners were beheaded. Even in the distant provinces men suspected of foreign sympathy were put to death, prominent among these being Chang Yen-hoon, formerly Chinese minister in Washington. With the negotiation of the partial armistice of July 14, a proceeding which was doubtless promoted by the representations of the Chinese envoy in Washington, the way was opened for the conveyance to Mr. Conger of a test message sent by the Secretary of State through the kind offices of Minister Wu Ting-fang. Mr. Conger's reply, dispatched from Peking on July 18 through the same channel, afforded to the outside world the first tidings that the inmates of the legations were still alive and hoping for succor. This news stimulated the preparations for a joint relief expedition in numbers sufficient to overcome the resistance which for a month had been organizing between Taku and the capital. Reinforcements sent by all the co-operating Governments were constantly arriving. The United States contingent, hastily assembled from the Philippines or dispatched from this country, amounted to some 5,000 men, under the able command first of the lamented Colonel Liscum and afterwards of General Chaffee. Toward the end of July the movement began. A severe conflict followed at Tientsin, in which Colonel Liscum was killed. The city was stormed and partly destroyed. Its capture afforded the base of operations from which to make the final advance, which began in the first days of August, the expedition being made up of Japanese, Russian, British, and American troops at the outset. Another battle was fought and won at Yangtsun. Thereafter the disheartened Chinese troops offered little show of resistance. A few days later the important position of Ho-si-woo was taken. A rapid march brought the united forces to the populous city of Tung Chow, which capitulated without a contest. On August 14 the capital was reached. After a brief conflict beneath the walls the relief column entered and the legations were saved. The United States soldiers, sailors, and marines, officers and men alike, in those distant climes and unusual surroundings, showed the same valor, discipline, and good conduct and gave proof of the same high degree of intelligence and efficiency which have distinguished them in every emergency. The Imperial family and the Government had fled a few days before. The city was without visible control. The remaining Imperial soldiery had made on the night of the 13th a last attempt to exterminate the besieged, which was gallantly repelled. It fell to the occupying forces to restore order and organize a provisional administration. Happily the acute disturbances were confined to the northern provinces. It is a relief to recall and a pleasure to record the loyal conduct of the viceroys and local authorities of the southern and eastern provinces. Their efforts were continuously directed to the pacific control of the vast populations under their rule and to the scrupulous observance of foreign treaty rights. At critical moments they did not hesitate to memorialize the Throne, urging the protection of the legations, the restoration of communication, and the assertion of the Imperial authority against the subversive elements. They maintained excellent relations with the official representatives of foreign powers. To their kindly disposition is largely due the success of the consuls in removing many of the missionaries from the interior to places of safety. In this relation the action of the consuls should be highly commended. In Shan-tung and eastern Chi-li the task was difficult, but, thanks to their energy and the cooperation of American and foreign naval commanders, hundreds of foreigners, including those of other nationalities than ours, were rescued from imminent peril. The policy of the United States through all this trying period was clearly announced and scrupulously carried out. A circular note to the powers dated July 3 proclaimed our attitude. Treating the condition in the north as one of virtual anarchy, in which the great provinces of the south and southeast had no share, we regarded the local authorities in the latter quarters as representing the Chinese people with whom we sought to remain in peace and friendship. Our declared aims involved no war against the Chinese nation. We adhered to the legitimate office of rescuing the imperiled legation, obtaining redress for wrongs already suffered, securing wherever possible the safety of American life and property in China, and preventing a spread of the disorders or their recurrence. As was then said, " The policy of the Government of the United States is to seek a solution which may bring about permanent safety and peace to China, preserve Chinese territorial and administrative entity, protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty and international law, and safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese Empire." Faithful to those professions which, as it proved, reflected the views and purposes of the other co-operating Governments, all our efforts have been directed toward ending the anomalous situation in China by negotiations for a settlement at the earliest possible moment. As soon as the sacred duty of relieving our legation and its dependents was accomplished we withdrew from active hostilities, leaving our legation under an adequate guard in Peking as a channel of negotiation and settlement--a course adopted by others of the interested powers. Overtures of the empowered representatives of the Chinese Emperor have been considerately entertained. The Russian proposition looking to the restoration of the Imperial power in Peking has been accepted as in full consonance with our own desires, for we have held and hold that effective reparation for wrongs suffered and an enduring settlement that will make their recurrence impossible can best be brought about under an authority which the Chinese nation reverences and obeys. While so doing we forego no jot of our undoubted right to exact exemplary and deterrent punishment of the responsible authors and abettors of the criminal acts whereby we and other nations have suffered grievous injury. For the real culprits, the evil counselors who have misled the Imperial judgment and diverted the sovereign authority to their own guilty ends, full expiation becomes imperative within the rational limits of retributive Justice. Regarding this as the initial condition of an acceptable settlement between China and the powers, I said in my message of October 18 to the Chinese Emperor: I trust that negotiations may begin so soon as we and the other offended Governments shall be effectively satisfied of Your Majesty's ability and power to treat with just sternness the principal offenders, who are doubly culpable, not alone toward the foreigners, but toward Your Majesty, under whose rule the purpose of China to dwell in concord with the world had hitherto found expression in the welcome and protection assured to strangers. Taking, as a point of departure, the Imperial edict appointing Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching plenipotentiaries to arrange a settlement, and the edict of September 25, whereby certain high officials were designated for punishment, this Government has moved, in concert with the other powers, toward the opening of negotiations, which Mr. Conger, assisted by Mr. Rockhill, has been authorized to conduct on behalf of the United States. General bases of negotiation formulated by the Government of the French Republic have been accepted with certain reservations as to details, made necessary by our own circumstances, but, like similar reservations by other powers, open to discussion in the progress of the negotiations. The disposition of the Emperor's Government to admit liability for wrongs done to foreign Governments and their nationals, and to act upon such additional designation of the guilty persons as the foreign ministers at Peking may be in a position to make, gives hope of a complete settlement of all questions involved, assuring foreign rights of residence and intercourse on terms of equality for all the world. I regard as one of the essential factors of a durable adjustment the securement of adequate guarantees for liberty of faith, since insecurity of those natives who may embrace alien creeds is a scarcely less effectual assault upon the rights of foreign worship and teaching than would be the direct invasion thereof. The matter of indemnity for our wronged citizens is a question of grave concern. Measured in money alone, a sufficient reparation may prove to be beyond the ability of China to meet. All the powers concur in emphatic disclaimers of any purpose of aggrandizement through the dismemberment of the Empire. I am disposed to think that due compensation may be made in part by increased guarantees of security for foreign rights and immunities, and, most important of all, by the opening of China to the equal commerce of all the world. These views have been and will be earnestly advocated by our representatives. The Government of Russia has put forward a suggestion, that in the event of protracted divergence of views in regard to indemnities the matter may be relegated to the Court of Arbitration at The Hague. I favorably incline to this, believing that high tribunal could not fail to reach a solution no less conducive to the stability and enlarged prosperity of China itself than immediately beneficial to the powers. Ratifications of a treaty of extradition with the Argentine Republic were exchanged on June 2 last. While the Austro-Hungarian Government has in the many cases that have been reported of the arrest of our naturalized citizens for alleged evasion of military service faithfully observed the provisions of the treaty and released such persons from military obligations, it has in some instances expelled those whose presence in the community of their origin was asserted to have a pernicious influence. Representations have been made against this course whenever its adoption has appeared unduly onerous. We have been urgently solicited by Belgium to ratify the International Convention of June, 1899, amendatory of the previous Convention of 1890 in respect to the regulation of the liquor trade in Africa. Compliance was necessarily withheld, in the absence of the advice and consent of the Senate thereto. The principle involved has the cordial sympathy of this Government, which in the reversionary negotiations advocated more drastic measures, and I would gladly see its extension, by international agreement, to the restriction of the liquor traffic with all. uncivilized peoples, especially in the Western Pacific. A conference will be held at Brussels December 11, 1900, under the Convention for the protection of industrial property, concluded at Paris March 20, 1883, to which delegates from this country have been appointed. Any lessening of the difficulties that our inventors encounter in obtaining patents abroad for their inventions and that our farmers, manufacturers, and merchants may have in the protection of their trade-marks is worthy of careful consideration, and your attention will be called to the results of the conference at the proper time. In the interest of expanding trade between this country and South America, efforts have been made during the past year to conclude conventions with the southern republics for the enlargement of postal facilities. Two such agreements, signed with Bolivia on April 24, of which that establishing the money-order system is undergoing certain changes suggested by the Post-Office Department, have not yet been ratified by this Government. A treaty of extradition with that country, signed on the same day, is before the Senate. A boundary dispute between Brazil and Bolivia over the territory of Acre is in a fair way of friendly adjustment, a protocol signed in December, 1899, having agreed on a definite frontier and provided for its demarcation by a joint commission. Conditions in Brazil have weighed heavily on our export trade to that country in marked contrast to the favorable conditions upon which Brazilian products are admitted into our markets. Urgent representations have been made to that Government on the subject and some amelioration has been effected. We rely upon the reciprocal justice and good will of that Government to assure to us a further improvement in our commercial relations. The Convention signed May 24, 1897, for the final settlement of claims left in abeyance upon the dissolution of the Commission of 1893, was at length ratified by the Chilean Congress and the supplemental Commission has been organized. It remains for the Congress to appropriate for the necessary expenses of the Commission. The insurrectionary movement which disturbed Colombia in the latter part of 1899 has been practically suppressed, although guerrillas still operate in some departments. The executive power of that Republic changed hands in August last by the act of Vice-President Marroquin in assuming the reins of government during the absence of President San Clemente from the capital. The change met with no serious opposition, and, following the precedents in such cases, the United States minister entered into relations with the new defacto Government on September 17. It is gratifying to announce that the residual questions between Costa Rica and Nicaragua growing out of the Award of President Cleveland in 1888 have been adjusted through the choice of an American engineer, General E. P. Alexander, as umpire to run the disputed line. His task has been accomplished to the satisfaction of both contestants. A revolution in the Dominican Republic toward the close of last year resulted in the installation of President Jimenez, whose Government was formally recognized in January. Since then final payment has been made of the American claim in regard to the Ozama bridge. The year of the exposition has been fruitful in occasions for displaying the good will that exists between this country and France. This great competition brought together from every nation the best in natural productions, industry, science, and the arts, submitted in generous rivalry to a judgment made all the more searching because of that rivalry. The extraordinary increase of exportations from this country during the past three years and the activity with which our inventions and wares bad invaded new markets caused much interest to center upon the American exhibit, and every encouragement was offered in the way of space and facilities to permit of its being comprehensive as a whole and complete in every part. It was, however, not an easy task to assemble exhibits that could fitly illustrate our diversified resources and manufactures. Singularly enough, our national prosperity lessened. the incentive to exhibit. The dealer in raw materials knew that the user must come to him; the great factories were contented with the phenomenal demand for their output, not alone at home, but also abroad, where merit had already won a profitable trade. Appeals had to be made to the patriotism of exhibitors to induce them to incur outlays promising no immediate return. This was especially the case where it became needful to complete an industrial sequence or illustrate a class of processes. One manufacturer after another had to be visited and importuned, and at times, after a promise to exhibit in a particular section bad been obtained, it would be withdrawn, owing to pressure of trade orders, and a new quest would have to be made. The installation of exhibits, too, encountered many obstacles and involved unexpected cost. The exposition was far from ready at the date fixed for its opening. The French transportation lines were congested with offered freight. Belated goods had to be hastily installed in unfinished quarters with whatever labor could be obtained in the prevailing confusion. Nor was the task of the Commission lightened by the fact that, owing to the scheme of classification adopted, it was impossible to have the entire exhibit of any one country in the same building or more than one group of exhibits in the same part of any building. Our installations were scattered on both sides of the Seine and in widely remote suburbs of Paris, so that additional assistants were needed for the work of supervision and arrangement. Despite all these drawbacks the contribution of the United States was not only the largest foreign display, but was among the earliest in place and the most orderly in arrangement. Our exhibits were shown in one hundred and one out of one hundred and twenty-one classes, and more completely covered the entire classification than those of any other nation. In total number they ranked next after those of France, and the attractive form in which they were presented secured general attention. A criterion of the extent and success of our participation and of the thoroughness with which our exhibits were organized is seen in the awards granted to American exhibitors by the international jury, namely, grand prizes, 240; gold medals, 597; silver medals, 776; bronze medals, 541, and honorable mentions, 322 -- 2,476 in all, being the greatest total number given to the exhibit of any exhibiting nation, as well as the largest number in each grade. This significant recognition of merit in competition with the chosen exhibits of all other nations and at the hands of juries almost wholly made tip of representatives of France and other competing countries is not only most gratifying, but is especially valuable, since it sets us to the front in international questions of supply and demand, while the large proportion of awards in the classes of art and artistic manufactures afforded unexpected proof of the stimulation of national culture by the prosperity that flows from natural productiveness joined to industrial excellence. Apart from the exposition several occasions for showing international good will occurred. The inauguration in Paris of the Lafayette Monument, presented by the school children of the United States, and the designing of a commemorative coin by our Mint and the presentation of the first piece struck to the President of the Republic, were marked by appropriate ceremonies, and the Fourth of July was especially observed in the French capital. Good will prevails in our relations with the German Empire. An amicable adjustment of the long-pending question of the admission of our life-insurance companies to do business in Prussia has been reached. One of the principal companies has already been readmitted and the way is opened for the others to share the privilege. The settlement of the Samoan problem, to which I adverted in my last message, has accomplished good results. Peace and contentment prevail in the islands, especially in Tutuila, where a convenient administration that has won the confidence and esteem of the kindly disposed natives has been organized under the direction of the commander of the United States naval station at Pago-Pago. An Imperial meat inspection law has been enacted for Germany. While it may simplify the inspections, it prohibits certain products heretofore admitted. There is still great uncertainty as to whether our well-nigh extinguished German trade in meat products can revive tinder its new burdens. Much will depend upon regulations not yet promulgated, which we confidently hope will be free from the discriminations which attended the enforcement of the old statutes. The remaining link in the new lines of direct telegraphic communication between the United States and the German Empire has recently been completed, affording a gratifying occasion for exchange of friendly congratulations with the German Emperor. Our friendly relations with Great Britain continue. The war in Southern Africa introduced important questions. A condition unusual in international wars was presented in that while one belligerent had control of the seas, the other had no ports, shipping, or direct trade, but was only accessible through the territory of a neutral. Vexatious questions arose through Great Britain's action in respect to neutral cargoes, not contraband in their own nature, shipped to Portuguese South Africa, on the score of probable or suspected ultimate destination to the Boer States. Such consignments in British ships, by which alone direct trade is kept up between our ports and Southern Africa, were seized in application of a municipal law prohibiting British vessels from trading with the enemy without regard to any contraband character of the goods, while cargoes shipped to Delagoa Bay in neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground of alleged destination to enemy's country. Appropriate representations on our part resulted in the British Government agreeing to purchase outright all such goods shown to be the actual property of American citizens, thus closing the incident to the satisfaction of the immediately interested parties, although, unfortunately, without a broad settlement of the question of a neutral's right to send goods not contraband per se to a neutral port adjacent to a belligerent area. The work of marking certain provisional boundary points, for convenience of administration, around the head of Lynn Canal, in accordance with the temporary arrangement of October, 1899, Was completed by a joint survey in July last. The modus vivendi has so far worked without friction, and the Dominion Government has provided rules and regulations for securing to our citizens the benefit of the reciprocal stipulation that the citizens or subjects of either power found by that arrangement within the temporary jurisdiction of the other shall suffer no diminution of the rights and privileges they have hitherto enjoyed. But however necessary such an expedient may have been to tide over the grave emergencies of the situation, it is at best but an unsatisfactory makeshift, which should not be suffered to delay the speedy and complete establishment of the frontier line to which we are entitled under the Russo-American treaty for the cession of Alaska. In this relation I may refer again to the need of definitely marking the Alaskan boundary where it follows the one hundred and forty-first meridian. A convention to that end has been before the Senate for some two years, but as no action has been taken I contemplate negotiating a new convention for a joint determination of the meridian by telegraphic observations. These, it is believed, will give more accurate and unquestionable results than the sidereal methods heretofore independently followed, which, as is known, proved discrepant at several points on the line, although not varying at any place more than 700 feet The pending claim of R. H. May against the Guatemalan Government has been settled by arbitration, Mr. George F. B. Jenner, British minister at Guatemala, who was chosen as sole arbitrator. having awarded $143,750.73 in gold to the claimant. Various American claims against Haiti have been or are being advanced to the resort of arbitration. As the result of negotiations with the Government of Honduras in regard to the indemnity demanded for the murder of Frank H. Pears in Honduras, that Government has paid $10,000 in settlement of the claim of the heirs. The assassination of King Humbert called forth sincere expressions of sorrow from this Government and people, and occasion was fitly taken to testify to the Italian nation the high regard here felt for the memory of the lamented ruler. In my last message I referred at considerable length to the lynching of five Italians at Tallulah. Notwithstanding the efforts of the Federal Government, the production of evidence tending to inculpate the authors of this grievous offense against our civilization, and the repeated inquests set on foot by the authorities of the State of Louisiana, no punishments have followed. Successive grand juries have failed to indict. The representations of the Italian Government in the face of this miscarriage have been most temperate and just. Setting the principle at issue high above all consideration of merely pecuniary indemnification, such as this Government made in the three previous cases, Italy has solemnly invoked the pledges of existing treaty and asked that the justice to which she is entitled shall be meted in regard to her unfortunate countrymen in our territory with the same full measure she herself would give to any American were his reciprocal treaty rights contemned. I renew the urgent recommendations I made last year that the Congress appropriately confer upon the Federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the Federal Government may be involved, and I invite action upon the bills to accomplish this which were introduced in the Sen. ate and House. It is incumbent upon us to remedy the statutory omission which has led, and may again lead, to such untoward results. I have pointed out the necessity and the precedent for legislation of this character. Its enactment is a simple measure of previsory justice toward the nations with which we as a sovereign equal make treaties requiring reciprocal observance. While the Italian Government naturally regards such action as the primary and, indeed, the most essential element in the disposal of the Tallulah incident, I advise that, in accordance with precedent, and in view of the improbability of that particular case being reached by the bill now pending, Congress make gracious provision for indemnity to the Italian sufferers in the same form and proportion as heretofore. In my inaugural address I referred to the general subject of lynching in these words: Lynching must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States; courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. This I most urgently reiterate and again invite the attention of my countrymen to this reproach upon our civilization. The closing year has witnessed a decided strengthening of Japan's relations to other states. The development of her independent judicial and administrative functions under the treaties which took effect July 17, 1899, has proceeded without international friction, showing the competence of the Japanese to hold a foremost place among modern peoples. In the treatment of the difficult Chinese problems Japan has acted in harmonious concert with the other powers, and her generous cooperation materially aided in the joint relief of the beleaguered legations in Peking and in bringing about an understanding preliminary to a settlement of the issues between the powers and China. Japan's declarations in favor of the integrity of the Chinese Empire and the conservation of open world trade therewith have been frank and positive. As a factor for promoting the general interests of peace, order, and fair commerce in the Far East the influence of Japan can hardly be overestimated. The valuable aid and kindly courtesies extended by the Japanese Government and naval officers to the battle ship Oregon are gratefully appreciated. Complaint was made last summer of the discriminatory enforcement of a bubonic quarantine against Japanese on the Pacific coast and of interference with their travel in California and Colorado under the health laws of those States. The latter restrictions have been adjudged by a Federal court to be unconstitutional. No recurrence of either because of complaint is apprehended. No noteworthy incident has occurred in our relations with our important southern neighbor. Commercial intercourse with Mexico continues to thrive, and the two Governments neglect no opportunity to foster their mutual interests in all practicable ways. Pursuant to the declaration of the Supreme Court that the awards of the late joint Commission in the La Abra and Weil claims were obtained through fraud, the sum awarded in the first case, $403,030.08, has been returned to Mexico, and the amount of the Weil award will be returned in like manner. A Convention indefinitely extending the time for the labors of the United States and Mexican International (Water) Boundary Commission has been signed. It is with satisfaction that I am able to announce the formal notification at The Hague, on September 4, of the deposit of ratifications of the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes by sixteen powers, namely, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Persia, Portugal, Roumania, Russia, Siam, Spain, Sweden and Norway, and the Netherlands. Japan also has since ratified the Convention. The Administrative Council of the Permanent Court of Arbitration has been organized and has adopted rules of order and a constitution for the International Arbitration Bureau. In accordance with Article XXIII of the Convention providing for the appointment by each signatory power of persons of known competency in questions of international law as arbitrators, I have appointed as members of this Court, Hon. Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, ex-President of the United States; Hon. Melville W. Fuller, of Illinois, Chief justice of the United States; Hon. John W. Griggs, of New Jersey, Attorney General of the United States; and Hon. George Gray, of Delaware, a judge of the circuit court of the United States. As an incident of the brief revolution in the Mosquito district of Nicaragua early in 1899 the insurgents forcibly collected from American merchants duties upon imports. On the restoration of order the Nicaraguan authorities demanded a second payment of such duties on the ground that they were due to the titular Government and that their diversion had aided the revolt. This position was not accepted by us. After prolonged discussion a compromise was effected under which the amount of the second payments was deposited with the British consul at San Juan del Norte in trust until the two Governments should determine whether the first payments had been made under compulsion to a de facto authority. Agreement as to this was not reached, and the point was waived by the act of the Nicaraguan Government in requesting the British consul to return the deposits to the merchants. Menacing differences between several of the Central American States have been accommodated, our ministers rendering good offices toward an understanding. The all-important matter of an interoceanic canal has assumed a new phase. Adhering to its refusal to reopen the question of the forfeiture of the contract of the Maritime Canal Company, which was terminated for alleged nonexecution in October, 1899, the Government of Nicaragua has since supplemented that action by declaring the so styled Eyre-Cragin option void for nonpayment of the stipulated advance. Protests in relation to these acts have been filed in the State Department and are under consideration. Deeming itself relieved from existing engagements, the Nicaraguan Government shows a disposition to deal freely with the canal question either in the way of negotiations with the United States or by taking measures to promote the waterway. Overtures for a convention to effect the building of a canal under the auspices of the United States are under consideration. In the meantime, the views of the Congress upon the general subject, in the light of the report of the Commission appointed to examine the comparative merits of the various trans-Isthmian ship-canal projects, may be awaited. I commend to the early attention of the Senate the Convention with Great Britain to facilitate the construction of such a canal and to remove any objection which might arise out of the Convention commonly called the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. The long-standing contention with Portugal, growing out of the seizure of the Delagoa Bay Railway, has been at last determined by a favorable award of the tribunal of arbitration at Berne, to which it was submitted. The amount of the award, which was deposited in London awaiting arrangements by the Governments of the United States and Great Britain for its disposal, has recently been paid over to the two Governments. A lately signed Convention of Extradition with Peru as amended by the Senate has been ratified by the Peruvian Congress. Another illustration of the policy of this Government to refer international disputes to impartial arbitration is seen in the agreement reached with Russia to submit the claims on behalf of American sealing vessels seized in Bering Sea to determination by Mr. T. M. C. Asser, a distinguished statesman and jurist of the Netherlands. Thanks are due to the Imperial Russian Government for the kindly aid rendered by its authorities in eastern Siberia to American missionaries fleeing from Manchuria. Satisfactory progress has been made toward the conclusion of a general treaty of friendship and intercourse with Spain, in replacement of the old treaty, which passed into abeyance by reason of the late war. A new convention of extradition is approaching completion, and I should be much pleased were a commercial arrangement to follow. I feel that we should not suffer to pass any opportunity to reaffirm the cordial ties that existed between us and Spain from the time of our earliest independence, and to enhance the mutual benefits of that commercial intercourse which is natural between the two countries. By the terms of the Treaty of Peace the line bounding the ceded Philippine group in the southwest failed to include several small islands lying westward of the Sulus, which have always been recognized as under Spanish control. The occupation of Sibutu and Cagayan Sulu by our naval forces elicited a claim on the part of Spain, the essential equity of which could not be gainsaid. In order to cure the defect of the treaty by removing all possible ground of future misunderstanding respecting the interpretation of its third article, I directed the negotiation of a supplementary treaty, which will be forthwith laid before the Senate, whereby Spain quits all title and claim of title to the islands named as well as to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago lying outside the lines described in said third article, and agrees that all such islands shall be comprehended in the cession of the archipelago as fully as if they had been expressly included within those lines. In consideration of this cession the United States is to pay to Spain the sum of $100,000. A bill is now pending to effect the recommendation made in my last annual message that appropriate legislation be had to carry into execution Article VII of the Treaty of Peace with Spain, by which the United States assumed the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against Spain. I ask that action be taken to fulfill this obligation. The King of Sweden and Norway has accepted the joint invitation of the United States, Germany, and Great Britain to arbitrate claims growing out of losses sustained in the Samoan Islands in the course of military operations made necessary by the disturbances in 1899. Our claims upon the Government of the Sultan for reparation for injuries suffered by American citizens in Armenia and elsewhere give promise of early and satisfactory settlement. His Majesty's good disposition in this regard has been evinced by the issuance of an irade for rebuilding the American college at Harpoot. The failure of action by the Senate at its last session upon the commercial conventions then submitted for its consideration and approval, although caused by the great pressure of other legislative business, has caused much disappointment to the agricultural and industrial interests of the country, which hoped to profit by their provisions. The conventional periods for their ratification having expired, it became necessary to sign additional articles extending the time for that purpose. This was requested on our part, and the other Governments interested have concurred with the exception of one convention, in respect to which no formal reply has been received. Since my last communication to the Congress on this subject special commercial agreements under the third section of the tariff act have been proclaimed with Portugal, with Italy, and with Germany. Commercial conventions tinder the general limitations of the fourth section of the same act have been concluded with Nicaragua, with Ecuador, with the Dominican Republic, with Great Britain on behalf of the island of Trinidad, and with Denmark on behalf of the island of St. Croix. These will be early communicated to the Senate. Negotiations with other Governments are in progress for the improvement and security of our commercial relations. The policy of reciprocity so manifestly rests upon the principles of international equity and has been so repeatedly approved by the people of the United States that there ought to be no hesitation in either branch of the Congress in giving to it full effect. This Government desires to preserve the most just and amicable commercial relations with all foreign countries, unmoved by the industrial rivalries necessarily developed in the expansion of international trade. It is believed that the foreign Governments generally entertain the same purpose, although in some instances there are clamorous demands upon them for legislation specifically hostile to American interests. Should these demands prevail I shall communicate with the Congress with the view of advising such legislation as may be necessary to meet the emergency. The exposition of the resources and products of the Western Hemisphere to be held at Buffalo next year promises important results not only for the United States but for the other participating countries. It is gratifying that the Latin-American States have evinced the liveliest interest, and the fact that an International American Congress will be held in the City of Mexico while the exposition is in progress encourages the hope of a larger display at Buffalo than might otherwise be practicable. The work of preparing an exhibit of our national resources is making satisfactory progress under the direction of different officials of the Federal Government, and the various States of the Union have shown a disposition toward the most liberal participation in the enterprise. The Bureau of the American Republics continues to discharge, with the happiest results, the important work of promoting cordial relations between the United States and the Latin-American countries, all of which are now active members of the International Union. The Bureau has been instrumental in bringing about the agreement for another International American Congress, which is to meet in the City of Mexico in October, 1901. The Bureau's future for another term of ten years is assured by the international compact, but the congress will doubtless have much to do with shaping new lines of work and a general policy. Its usefulness to the interests of Latin-American trade is widely appreciated and shows a gratifying development. The practical utility of the consular service in obtaining a wide range of information as to the industries and commerce of other countries and the opportunities thereby afforded for introducing the sale of our goods have kept steadily in advance of the notable expansion of our foreign trade, and abundant evidence has been furnished, both at home and abroad, of the fact that the Consular Reports, including many from our diplomatic representatives, have to a considerable extent pointed out ways and means of disposing of a great variety of manufactured goods which otherwise might not have found sale abroad. Testimony of foreign observers to the commercial efficiency of the consular corps seems to be conclusive, and our own manufacturers and exporters highly appreciate the value of the services rendered not only in the printed reports but also in the individual efforts of consular officers to promote American trade. An increasing part of the work of the Bureau of Foreign Commerce, whose primary duty it is to compile and print the reports, is to answer inquiries from trade organizations, business houses, etc., as to conditions in various parts of the world, and, notwithstanding the smallness of the force employed, the work has been so systematized that responses are made with such promptitude and accuracy as to elicit flattering encomiums. The experiment of printing the Consular Reports daily for immediate use by trade bodies, exporters, and the press, which was begun in January, 1898, continues to give general satisfaction. It is gratifying to be able to state that the surplus revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1900, were $79,527,060.18. For the six preceding years we had only deficits, the aggregate of which from 1894 to 1899, inclusive, amounted to $283,022,991.14. The receipts for the year from all sources, exclusive of postal revenues, aggregated $567,240,851.89, and expenditures for all purposes, except for the administration of the postal department, aggregated $487,713,791.71. The receipts from customs were $233,164,871.16, an increase over the preceding year Of $27,036,389.41. The receipts from internal revenue were $295,327,926.76, an increase Of $21,890,765.25 over 1899. The receipts from miscellaneous sources were $38,748,053.97, as against $36,394,976.92 for the previous year. It is gratifying also to note that during the year a considerable reduction is shown in the expenditures of the Government. The War Department expenditures for the fiscal year 1900 were $134,774,767.78, a reduction of $95,066,486.69 over those of 1899. In the Navy Department the expenditures were $55,953,077.72 for the year 1900, as against $63,942,104.25 for the preceding year, a decrease of $7,989,026.53. In the expenditures on account of Indians there was a decrease in 1900 over 1899 Of $2,630,604.38; and in the civil and miscellaneous expenses for 1900 there was a reduction Of $13,418,065.74. Because of the excess of revenues over expenditures the Secretary of the Treasury was enabled to apply bonds and other securities to the sinking fund to the amount Of $56,544,556.06. The details of the sinking fund are set forth in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to which I invite attention. The Secretary of the Treasury estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will aggregate $580,000,000 and the expenditures $500,000,000, leaving an excess of revenues over expenditures of $80,000,000. The present condition of the Treasury is one of undoubted strength. The available cash balance November 30 was $139,303,794.50. Under the form of statement prior to the financial law of March 14 last there would have been included in the statement of available cash gold coin and bullion held for the redemption of United States notes. If this form were pursued, the cash balance including the present gold reserve of $150,000,000, would be $289,303,794.50. Such balance November 30, 1899, was $296,495,301.55. In the general fund, which is wholly separate from the reserve and trust funds, there was on November 30, $70,090,073.15 in gold coin and bullion, to which should be added $22,957,300 in gold certificates subject to issue, against which there is held in the Division of Redemption gold coin and bullion, making a total holding of free gold amounting to $93,047,373.15. It will be the duty as I am sure it will be the disposition of the Congress to provide whatever further legislation is needed to insure the continued parity under all conditions between our two forms of metallic money, silver and gold. Our surplus revenues have permitted the Secretary of the Treasury since the close of the fiscal year to call in the funded loan of 1891 continued at 2 per cent, in the sum of $25,364,500. To and including November 30, $23,458,100 Of these bonds have been paid. This sum, together with the amount which may accrue from further redemptions under the call, will be applied to the sinking fund. The law of March 14, 1900, provided for refunding into 2 per cent thirty-year bonds, payable, principal and interest, in gold coin of the present standard value, that portion of the public debt represented by the 3 per cent bonds of 1908, the 4 percents Of 1907, and the 5 percents of 1904, Of which there was outstanding at the date of said law $839,149,930, The holders of the old bonds presented them for exchange between March 14 and November 30 to the amount of $364,943,750. The net saving to the Government on these transactions aggregates $9,106,166. Another effect of the operation, as stated by the Secretary, is to reduce the charge upon the Treasury for the payment of interest from the dates of refunding to February 1, 1904, by the sum of more than seven million dollars annually. From February 1, 1904, to July 1, 11907, the annual interest charge will be reduced by the sum of more than five millions, and for the thirteen months ending August 1, 1908, by about one million. The full details of the refunding are given in the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury. The beneficial effect of the financial act of 1900, so far as it relates to a modification of the national banking act, is already apparent. The provision for the incorporation of national banks with a capital of not less than $25,000 in places not exceeding three thousand inhabitants has resulted in the extension of banking facilities to many small communities hitherto unable to provide themselves with banking institutions under the national system. There were organized from the enactment of the law up to and including November 30, 369 national banks, of which 266 were with capital less than $50,000, and 103 with capital of $50,000 or more. It is worthy of mention that the greater number of banks being organized under the new law are in sections where the need of banking facilities has been most pronounced. Iowa stands first, with 30 banks of the smaller class, while Texas, Oklahoma, Indian Territory, and the middle and western sections of the country have also availed themselves largely of the privileges under the new law. A large increase in national-bank-note circulation has resulted from the provision of the act which permits national banks to issue circulating notes to the par value of the United States bonds deposited as security instead of only 90 per cent thereof, as heretofore. The increase in circulating notes from March 14 to November 30 is $77,889,570. The party in power is committed to such legislation as will better make the currency responsive to the varying needs of business at all seasons and in all sections. Our foreign trade shows a remarkable record of commercial and industrial progress. The total of imports and exports for the first time in the history of the country exceeded two billions of dollars. The exports are greater than they have ever been before, the total for the fiscal year 1900 being $1,394,483,082, an increase over 1899 of $167,459,780, an increase over 1898 of $163,000,752, over 1897 Of $343,489,526, and greater than 1896 by $511,876,144. The growth of manufactures in the United States is evidenced by the fact that exports of manufactured products largely exceed those of any previous year, their value for 1900 being $433,851,756, against $339,592,146 in 1899, an increase of 28 per cent. Agricultural products were also exported during 1900 in greater volume than in 1899, the total for the year being $835,858,123, against $784,776,142 in 1899. The imports for the year amounted to $849,941,184, an increase over 1899 of $152,792,695. This increase is largely in materials for manufacture, and is in response to the rapid development of manufacturing in the United States. While there was imported for use in manufactures in 1900 material to the value of $79,768,972 in excess of 1899, it is reassuring to observe that there is a tendency toward decrease in the importation of articles manufactured ready for consumption, which in 1900 formed 15.17 per cent of the total imports, against 15.54 per cent in 1899 and 21.09 per cent in 1896. I recommend that the Congress at its present session reduce the internal-revenue taxes imposed to meet the expenses of the war with Spain. in the sum of thirty millions of dollars. This reduction should be secured by the remission of those taxes which experience has shown to be the most burdensome to the industries of the people. I specially urge that there be included in whatever reduction is made the legacy tax on bequests for public uses of a literary, educational, or charitable character. American vessels during the past three years have carried about 9 per cent of our exports and imports. Foreign ships should carry the least, not the greatest, part of American trade. The remarkable growth of our steel industries, the progress of shipbuilding for the domestic trade, and our steadily maintained expenditures for the Navy have created an opportunity to place the United States in the first rank of commercial maritime powers. Besides realizing a proper national aspiration this will mean the establishment and healthy growth along all our coasts of a distinctive national industry, expanding the field for the profitable employment of labor and capital. It will increase the transportation facilities and reduce freight charges on the vast volume of products brought from the interior to the seaboard for export, and will strengthen an arm of the national defense upon which the founders of the Government and their successors have relied. In again urging immediate action by the Congress on measures to promote American shipping and foreign trade, I direct attention to the recommendations on the subject in previous messages, and particularly to the opinion expressed in the message of 1899: 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. The attention of the Congress is invited to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury in his annual report for legislation in behalf of the Revenue-Cutter Service, and favorable action is urged. In my last annual message to the Congress I called attention to the necessity for early action to remedy such evils as might be found to exist in connection with combinations of capital organized into trusts, and again invite attention to my discussion of the subject at that time, which concluded with these words: 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. Restraint upon such combinations as are injurious, and which are within Federal jurisdiction, should be promptly applied by the Congress. In my last annual message I dwelt at some length upon the condition of affairs in the Philippines. While seeking to impress upon you that the grave responsibility of the future government of those islands rests with the Congress of the United States, I abstained from recommending at that time a specific and final form of government for the territory actually held by the United States forces and in which as long as insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme. I stated my purpose, until the Congress shall have made the formal expression of its will, to use the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes to uphold the sovereignty of the United States in those distant islands as in all other places where our flag rightfully floats, placing, to that end, at the disposal of the army and navy all the means which the liberality of the Congress and the people have provided. No contrary expression of the will of the Congress having been made, I have steadfastly pursued the purpose so declared, employing the civil arm as well toward the accomplishment of pacification and the institution of local governments within the lines of authority and law. Progress in the hoped-for direction has been favorable. Our forces have successfully controlled the greater part of the islands, overcoming the organized forces of the insurgents and carrying order and administrative regularity to all quarters. What opposition remains is for the most part scattered, obeying no concerted plan of strategic action, operating only by the methods common to the traditions of guerrilla warfare, which, while ineffective to alter the general control now established, are still sufficient to beget insecurity among the populations that have felt the good results of our control and thus delay the conferment upon them of the fuller measures of local self-government, of education, and of industrial and agricultural development which we stand ready to give to them. By the spring of this year the effective opposition of the dissatisfied Tagals to the authority of the United States was virtually ended, thus opening the door for the extension of a stable administration over much of the territory of the Archipelago. Desiring to bring this about, I appointed in March last a civil Commission composed of the Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; the Hon. Luke I. Wright, of Tennessee; the Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont, and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California. The aims of their mission and the scope of their authority are clearly set forth in my instructions of April 7, 1900, addressed to the Secretary of War to be transmitted to them: In the message transmitted to the Congress on the 5th of December, 1899, 1 said. sneaking of the Philippine Islands: "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 controlled 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." To give effect to the intention thus expressed, I have appointed Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan; Non. Luke I. Wright, of Tennessee; Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont, and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California, Commissioners to the Philippine Islands to continue and perfect the work of organizing and establishing civil government already commenced by the military authorities, subject in all respects to any laws which Congress may hereafter enact. The Commissioners named will meet and act as a board, and the Hon. William H. Taft t is designated as president of the board. It is probable that the transfer of authority from military commanders to civil officers will be gradual and will occupy a considerable period. Its successful accomplishment and the maintenance of peace and order in the meantime will require the most perfect co-operation between the civil and military authorities in the islands, and both should be directed during the transition period by the same Executive Department. The Commission will therefore report to the Secretary of War, and all their action will be subject to your approval and control. You will instruct the Commission to proceed to the city of Manila, where they will make their principal office, and to communicate with the Military Governor of the Philippine Islands, whom you will at the same time direct to render to them every assistance within his power in the performance of their duties. Without hampering them by too specific instructions, they should in general be enjoined, after making themselves familiar with the conditions and needs of the country, to devote their attention in the first instance to the establishment of municipal governments, in which the natives of the islands, both in the cities and in the rural communities, shall be afforded the opportunity to manage their own local affairs to the fullest extent of which they are capable and subject to the least degree of supervision and control which a careful study of their capacities and observation of the workings of native control show to be consistent with the maintenance of law, order, and loyalty. The next subject in order of importance should be the organization of government in the larger administrative divisions corresponding to counties, departments, or provinces, in which the common interests of many or several municipalities failing within the same tribal lines, or the same natural geographical limits, may best be subserved by a common administration. Whenever the Commission is of the opinion that the condition of affairs in the islands is such that the central administration may safely be transferred from military to civil control they will report that conclusion to you, with their recommendations as to the form of central government to be established for the purpose of taking over the control. Beginning with the 1st day of September, 1900, the authority to exercise, subject to my approval, through the Secretary of War, that part of the power of government in the Philippine Islands which is of a legislative nature is to be transferred from the Military Governor of the islands to this Commission, to be thereafter exercised by them in the place and stead of the Military Governor, under such rules and regulations as you shall prescribe, until the establishment of the civil central government for the islands contemplated in the last foregoing paragraph, or until Congress shall otherwise provide. Exercise of this legislative authority will include the making of rules and orders, having the effect of law, for the raising of revenue by taxes, customs duties, and imposts; the appropriation and expenditure of public funds of the islands; the establishment of an educational system throughout the islands; the establishment of a system to secure an efficient civil service; the organization and establishment of courts; the organization and establishment of municipal and departmental governments, and all other matters of a civil nature for which the Military Governor is now competent to provide by rules or orders of a legislative character. The Commission will also have power during the same period to appoint to office such officers under the judicial, educational, and civil-service systems and in the municipal and departmental governments as shall be provided for. Until the complete transfer of control the Military Governor will remain the chief executive head of the government of the islands, and will exercise the executive authority now possessed by him and not herein expressly assigned to the Commission, subject, however, to the rules and orders enacted by the Commission in the exercise of the legislative powers conferred upon them. In the meantime the municipal and departmental governments will continue to report to the Military Governor and be subject to his administrative supervision and control, under your direction, but that supervision and control will be confined within the narrowest limits consistent with the requirement that the powers of government in the municipalities and departments shall be honestly and effectively exercised and that law and order and individual freedom shall be maintained. All legislative rules and orders, establishments of government, and appointments to office by the Commission will take effect immediately, or at such times as they shall designate, subject to your approval and action upon the coming in of the Commission's reports, which are to be made from time to time as their action is taken. Wherever civil governments are constituted under the direction of the Commission such military posts, garrisons, and forces will be continued for the suppression of insurrection and brigandage and the maintenance of law and order as the Military Commander shall deem requisite, and the military forces shall be at all times subject, under his orders, to the call of the civil authorities for the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of their authority. In the establishment of municipal governments the Commission will take as the basis of their work the governments established by the Military Governor under his order of August 8, 1899. and under the report of the board constituted by the Military Governor by his order of January 29, 1900, to formulate and report a plan of municipal government, of which His Honor Cayetano Arellano, President of the Audiencia, was chairman, and they will give to the conclusions of that board the weight and consideration which the high character and distinguished abilities of its members justify. In the constitution of departmental or provincial governments they will give especial attention to the existing government of the island of Negros, constituted, with the approval of the people of that island, under the order of the Military Governor of July 22, 1899, and after verifying, so far as may be practicable, the reports of the successful working of that government they will be guided by the experience thus acquired so far as it may be applicable to the condition existing in other portions of the Philippines. They will avail themselves, to the fullest degree practicable, of the conclusions reached by the previous Commission to the Philippines. In the distribution of powers among the governments organized by the Commission, the presumption is always to be in favor of the smaller subdivision, so that all the powers which can properly be exercised by the municipal government shall be vested in that government, and all the powers of a more general character which can be exercised by the departmental government shall be vested in that government, and so that in the governmental system, which is the result of the process, the central government of the islands, following the example of the distribution of the powers between the States and the National Government of the United States, shall have no direct administration except of matters of purely general concern, and shall have only such supervision and control over local governments as may be necessary to secure and enforce faithful and efficient administration by local officers. The many Different degrees of civilization and varieties of custom and capacity among the people of the different islands preclude very definite instruction as to the part which the people shall take in the selection of their own officers; but these general rules are to be observed: That in all cases the municipal officers, who administer the local affairs of the people, are to be selected by the people, and that wherever officers of more extended jurisdiction are to be selected in any way, natives of the islands are to be preferred, and if they can be found competent and willing to perform the duties, they are to receive the offices in preference to any others. It will be necessary to fill some offices for the present with Americans which after a time may well be filled by natives of the islands. As soon as practicable a system for ascertaining the merit and fitness of candidates for civil office should be put in force. An indispensable qualification for all offices and positions of trust and authority in the islands must be absolute and unconditional loyalty to the United States, and absolute and unhampered authority and power to remove and punish any officer deviating from that standard must at all times be retained in the bands of the central authority of the islands. In all the forms of government and administrative provisions which they are authorized to prescribe the Commission should bear in mind that the government which they are establishing is designed not for our satisfaction, or for the expression of our theoretical views, but for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of tile people of the Philippine Islands, and the measures adopted should be made to conform to their customs, their habits, and even heir prejudices, to the fullest extent consistent with the accomplishment of the Indispensable requisites of just and effective government. At the same time the Commission should bear in mind, and the people of the islands should be made plainly to understand, that there are certain great principles of government which have been made the basis of our governmental system which we deem essential to the rule of law and the maintenance of individual freedom, and of which they have, unfortunately, been denied the experience possessed by us; that there are also certain practical rules of government which we have found to be essential to the preservation of these great principles of liberty and law, and that these principles and these rules of government must be established and maintained in their islands for the sake of their liberty and happiness, however much they may conflict with the customs or laws of procedure with which they are familiar. It is evident that the most enlightened thought of the Philippine Islands fully appreciates the importance of these principles and rules, and they will inevitably within a short time command universal assent. Upon every division and branch of the government of the Philippines, therefore, must be imposed these inviolable rules: That no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation; that in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, to be informed of the nature and because of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense; that excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted; that no person shall be put twice in jeopardy for the same offense, or be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; that the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist except as a punishment for crime; that no bill of attainder or ex-post facto law shall be passed; that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the rights of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the Government for a redress of grievances; that no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed. It will be the duty of the Commission to make a thorough investigation into the titles to the large tracts of land held or claimed by individuals or by religious orders; into the justice of the claims and complaints made against Stich landholders by the people of the island or any part of the people, and to seek by wise and peaceable measures a just settlement of the controversies and redress of wrongs which have caused strife and bloodshed in the past. In the performance of this duty the Commission is enjoined to see that no injustice is done; to have regard for substantial rights and equity, disregarding technicalities so far as substantial right permits, and to observe the following rules: That the provision of the Treaty of Paris pledging the United States to the protection of all rights of property in the islands, and as well the principle of our own Government which prohibits the taking of private property without due process of law, shall not be violated; that the welfare of the people of the islands, which should be a paramount consideration, shall be attained consistently with this rule of property right; that if it becomes necessary for the public interest of the people of the islands to dispose of claims to property which the Commission finds to be not lawfully acquired and held disposition shall be made thereof by due legal procedure, in which there shall be full opportunity for fair and impartial hearing and judgment; that if the same public interests require the extinguishment of property rights lawfully acquired and held due compensation shall be made out of the public treasury therefore; that no form of religion and no minister of religion shall be forced upon any community or upon any citizen of the islands; that, upon the other hand, no minister of religion shall be interfered with or molested in following his calling. and that the separation between State and Church shall be real, entire, and absolute. It will be the duty of the Commission to promote and extend, and, as they find occasion, to improve the system of education already inaugurated by the military authorities. In doing this they should regard as of first importance the extension of a system of primary education which shall be free to all, and which shall tend to fit the people for the duties of citizenship and for the ordinary avocations of a civilized community. This instruction should be given in the first instance in every part of the islands in the language of the people. In view of the great number of languages spoken by the different tribes, it is especially important to the prosperity of the islands that a common medium of communication may be established, and it is obviously desirable that this medium should be the English language. Especial attention should be at once given to affording full opportunity to all the people of the islands to acquire the use of the English language. It may be well that the main changes which should be made in the system of taxation and in the body of the laws under which the people are governed, except such changes as have already been made by the military government, should be relegated to the civil government which is to be established under the auspices of the Commission. It will, however, be the duty of the Commission to inquire diligently as to whether there are any further changes which ought not to be delayed, and if so, they are authorized to make such changes subject to your approval. In doing so they are to bear in mind that taxes which tend 6 penalize or repress industry and enterprise are to be avoided; that provisions for taxation should be simple, so that they may be understood by the people; that they should affect the fewest practicable subjects of taxation which will serve for the general distribution of the burden. The main body of the laws which regulate the rights and obligations of the people should be maintained with as little interference as possible. Changes made should be mainly in procedure, and in the criminal laws to secure speedy and impartial trials, and at the same time effective administration and respect for individual rights. In dealing with the uncivilized tribes of the islands the Commission should adopt the same course followed by Congress in permitting the tribes of our North American Indians to maintain their tribal organization and government, and under which many of those tribes are now living in peace and contentment, surrounded by a civilization to which they are unable or unwilling to conform. Such tribal governments should, however, be subjected to wise and firm regulation, and, without undue or petty interference, constant and active effort should be exercised to prevent barbarous practices and introduce civilized customs. Upon all officers and employees of the United States, both civil and military, should be impressed a sense of the duty to observe not merely the material but the personal and social rights of the people of the islands, and to treat them with the same courtesy and respect for their personal dignity which the people of the United States are accustomed W require from each other. The articles of capitulation of the city of Manila on the 13th of August, 1898, concluded with these words: "This city, its inhabitants, its churches and religious worship, its educational establishments, and its private property of all descriptions, are placed under the special safeguard of the faith and honor of the American Army." I believe that this pledge has been faithfully kept. As high and sacred an obligation rests upon the Government of the United States to give protection for property and life, civil and religious freedom, and wise, firm, and unselfish guidance in the paths of peace and prosperity to all the people of the Philippine Islands. I charge this Commission to labor for the full performance of this obligation, which concerns the honor and conscience of their country, in the firm hope that through their labors all the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands may come to look back with gratitude to the day when God gave victory to American arms at Manila and set their land under the sovereignty and the protection of the people of the United States. Coincidently with the entrance of the Commission upon its labors I caused to be issued by General MacArthur, the Military Governor of the Philippines, on June 21, 1900, a proclamation of amnesty in generous terms, of which many of the insurgents took advantage, among them a number of important leaders. This Commission, composed of eminent citizens representing the diverse geographical and political interests of the country, and bringing to their task the ripe fruits of long and intelligent service in educational, administrative, and judicial careers, made great progress from the outset. As early as August 21, 1900, it submitted a preliminary report, which will be laid before the Congress, and from which it appears that already the good effects of returning order are felt; that business, interrupted by hostilities, is improving as peace extends; that a larger area is under sugar cultivation than ever before; that the customs revenues are greater than at any time during the Spanish rule; that economy and efficiency in the military administration have created a surplus fund of $6,000,000, available for needed public improvements; that a stringent civil-service law is in preparation; that railroad communications are expanding, opening up rich districts, and that a comprehensive scheme of education is being organized. Later reports from the Commission show yet more encouraging advance toward insuring the benefits of liberty and good government to the Filipinos, in the interest of humanity and with the aim of building up an enduring, self-supporting, and self-administering community in those far eastern seas. I would impress upon the Congress that whatever legislation may be enacted in respect to the Philippine Islands should be along these generous lines. The fortune of war has thrown upon this nation an unsought trust which should be unselfishly discharged, and devolved upon this Government a moral as well as material responsibility toward these millions whom we have freed from an oppressive yoke. I have on another occasion called the Filipinos the wards of the nation. "Our obligation as guardian was not lightly assumed; it must not be otherwise than honestly fulfilled, aiming first of all to benefit those who have come under our fostering care. It is our duty so to treat them that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros than it is at home, that there as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty, enlightenment, and progress in every avenue of development The Filipinos are a race quick to learn and to profit by knowledge He would be rash who, with the teachings of contemporaneous history in view, would fix a limit to the degree of culture and advancement yet within the reach of these people if our duty toward them be faithfully performed. The civil government of Puerto Rico provided for by the act of the Congress approved April 12, 1900 is in successful operation The courts have been established. The Governor and his associates, working intelligently and harmoniously, are meeting with Commendable success. On the 6th of November a general election was held in the island for members of the Legislature, and the body elected has been called to convene on the first Monday of December. I recommend that legislation be enacted by the Congress conferring upon the Secretary of the Interior supervision over the public lands in Puerto Rico, and that he be directed to ascertain the location and quantity of lands the title to which remained in the Crown of Spain at the date of cession of Puerto Rico to the United States, and that appropriations necessary for surveys be made, and that the methods of the disposition of such lands be prescribed by law. On the 25th of July, 1900, I directed that a call be issued for an election in Cuba for members of a constitutional convention to frame a constitution as a basis for a stable and independent government in the island. In pursuance thereof the Military Governor issued the following instructions: Whereas the Congress of the United States, by its joint resolution of April 20, 1898, declared: "That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be, free and independent. "That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people;" And whereas, the people of Cuba have established municipal governments, deriving their authority from the suffrages of the people given under just and equal laws, and are now ready, in like manner, to proceed to the establishment of a general government which shall assume and exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, and control over the island: Therefore, it is ordered that a general election be held in the island of Cuba on the third Saturday of September, in the year nineteen hundred, to elect delegates to a convention to meet in the city of Havana at twelve of the clock noon on the first Monday of November, in the year nineteen hundred, to frame and adopt a constitution for the people of Cuba, and as a part thereof to provide for and agree with the Government of the United States upon the relations to exist between that Government and the Government of Cuba, and to provide for the election by the people of officers under such constitution and the transfer of government to the officers so elected. The election will be held in the several voting precincts of the island under, and pursuant to, the provisions of the electoral law of April 18, 1900, and the amendments thereof. The election was held on the 15th of September, and the convention assembled on the 5th of November, 1900, and is now in session. In calling the convention to order, the Military Governor of Cuba made the following statement: As Military Governor of the island, representing the President of the United States, I call this convention to order. It will be your duty, first, to frame and adopt a constitution for Cuba, and whet) that has been done to formulate what in your opinion ought to be the relations between Cuba and the United States. The constitution must be adequate to secure a stable, orderly, and free government. When you have formulated the relations which in your opinion ought to exist between Cuba and the United States the Government of the United States will doubtless take such action on its part as shall lead to a final and authoritative agreement between the people of the two countries to the promotion of their common interests. All friends of Cuba will follow your deliberations with the deepest interest, earnestly desiring that you shall reach just conclusions, and that by the dignity, individual self-restraint, and wise conservatism which shall characterize your proceedings the capacity of the Cuban people for representative government may be signally illustrated. The fundamental distinction between true representative government and dictatorship is that in the former every representative of the people, in whatever office, confines himself strictly within the limits of his defined powers. Without such restraint there can be no free constitutional government. Under the order pursuant to which you have been elected and convened you have no duty and no authority to take part in the present government of the island. Your powers are strictly limited by the terms of that order. When the convention concludes its labors I will transmit to the Congress the constitution as framed by the convention for its consideration and for such action as it may deem advisable. I renew the recommendation made in my special message of February 10, 1899, as to the necessity for cable communication between the United States and Hawaii, with extension to Manila. Since then circumstances have strikingly emphasized this need. Surveys have shown the entire feasibility of a chain of cables which at each stopping place shall touch on American territory, so that the system shall be under our own complete control. Manila once within telegraphic reach, connection with the systems of the Asiatic coast would open increased and profitable opportunities for a more direct cable route from our shores to the Orient than is now afforded by the trans-Atlantic, continental, and trans-Asian lines. I urge attention to this important matter The present strength of the Army is 100,000 men -- 65,000 regulars and 35,000 volunteers. Under the act of March 2, 1899, on the 30th of June next the present volunteer force will be discharged and the Regular Army will be reduced to 2,447 officers and 29,025 enlisted men. In 1888 a Board of Officers convened by President Cleveland adopted a comprehensive scheme of coast-defense fortifications which involved the outlay of something over one hundred million dollars. This plan received the approval of the Congress, and since then regular appropriations have been made and the work of fortification has steadily progressed. More than sixty millions of dollars have been invested in a great number of forts and guns, with all the complicated and scientific machinery and electrical appliances necessary for their use. The proper care of this defensive machinery requires men trained in its use. The number of men necessary to perform this duty alone is ascertained by the War Department, at a minimum allowance, to be 18,420. There are fifty-eight or more military posts in the United States other than the coast-defense fortifications. The number of these posts is being constantly increased by the Congress. More than $22,000,000 have been expended in building and equipment, and they can only be cared for by the Regular Army. The posts now in existence and others to be built provide for accommodations for, and if fully garrisoned require, 26,000 troops. Many of these posts are along our frontier or at important strategic points, the occupation of which is necessary. We have in Cuba between 5,000 and 6,000 troops. For the present our troops in that island cannot be withdrawn or materially diminished, and certainly not until the conclusion of the labors of the constitutional convention now in session and a government provided by the new constitution shall have been established and its stability assured. In Puerto Rico we have reduced the garrisons to 1,636, which includes 879 native troops. There is no room for further reduction here. We will be required to keep a considerable force in the Philippine Islands for some time to come. From the best information obtainable we will need there for the immediate future from 45,000 to 60,000 men. I am sure the number may be reduced as the insurgents shall come to acknowledge the authority of the United States, of which there are assuring indications. It must be apparent that we will require an army of about 60,000, and that during present conditions in Cuba and the Philippines the President should have authority to increase the force to the present number of 100,000. Included in this number authority should be given to raise native troops in the Philippines up to 15,000, which the Taft Commission believe will be more effective in detecting and suppressing guerrillas, assassins, and ladrones than our own soldiers. The full discussion of this subject by the Secretary of War in his annual report is called to your earnest attention. I renew the recommendation made in my last annual message 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. I favor the recommendation of the Secretary of War for the detail oil officers from the line of the Army when vacancies occur in the Adjutant-General's Department, Inspector-General's Department, Quartermaster's Department, Subsistence Department, Pay Department, Ordnance Department, and Signal Corps. The Army cannot be too highly commended for its faithful and effective service in active military operations in the field and the difficult work of civil administration. The continued and rapid growth of the postal service is a sure index of the great and increasing business activity of the country. Its most striking new development is the extension of rural free delivery. This has come almost wholly within the last year. At the beginning of the fiscal year 1899, 1900 the number of routes in operation was only 391, and most of these had been running less than twelve months. On the 15th of November, 1900, the number had increased to 2,614, reaching into forty-four States and Territories, and serving a population of 1,801,524. The number of applications now pending and awaiting action nearly equals all those granted up to the present time, and by the close of the current fiscal year about 4,000 routes will have been established, providing for the daily delivery of mails at the scattered homes of about three and a half millions of rural population. This service ameliorates the isolation of farm life, conduces to good roads, and quickens and extends the dissemination of general information. Experience thus far has tended to allay the apprehension that it would be so expensive as to forbid its general adoption or make it a serious burden. Its actual application has shown that it increases postal receipts, and can be accompanied by reductions in other branches of the service, so that the augmented revenues and the accomplished savings together materially reduce the net cost. The evidences which point to these conclusions are presented in detail in the annual report of the Postmaster-General, which with its recommendations is commended to the consideration of the Congress. The full development of this special service, however, requires such a large outlay of money that it should be undertaken only after a careful study and thorough understanding of all that it involves. Very efficient service has been rendered by the Navy in connection with the insurrection in the Philippines and the recent disturbance in China. A very satisfactory settlement has been made of the long-pending question of the manufacture of armor plate. A reasonable price has been secured and the necessity for a Government armor plant avoided. I approve of the recommendations of the Secretary for new vessels and for additional officers and men which the required increase of the Navy makes necessary. I commend to the favorable action of the Congress the measure now pending for the erection of a statue to the memory of the late Admiral David D. Porter. I commend also the establishment of a national naval reserve and of the grade of vice-admiral. Provision should be made, as recommended by the Secretary, for suitable rewards for special merit. Many officers who rendered the most distinguished service during the recent war with Spain have received in return no recognition from the Congress. The total area of public lands as given by the Secretary of the Interior is approximately 1,071,881,662 acres, of which 917,135,880 acres are undisposed of and 154,745,782 acres have been reserved for various purposes. The public lands disposed of during the year amount to 13,453,887.96 acres, including 62,423.09 acres of Indian lands, an increase Of 4,271,474.80 over the preceding year. The total receipts from the sale of public lands during the fiscal year were $4,379,758.10, an increase of $1,309,620.76 over the preceding year. The results obtained from our forest policy have demonstrated its wisdom and the necessity in the interest of the public for its continuance and increased appropriations by the Congress for the carrying on of the work. On June 30, 1900, there were thirty-seven forest reserves, created by Presidential proclamations under section 24 Of the act of March 3, 1891, embracing an area Of 46,425,529 acres. During the past year the Olympic Reserve, in the State of Washington, was reduced 265,040 acres, leaving its present area at 1,923,840 acres. The Prescott Reserve, in Arizona, was increased from 10,240 acres to 423,680 acres, and the Big Horn Reserve, in Wyoming, was increased from 1,127,680 acres to 1,180,800 acres. A new reserve; the Santa Ynez, in California, embracing an area of 145,000 acres, was created during this year. On October 10, 1900, the Crow Creek Forest Reserve, in Wyoming, was created, with an area of 56,320 acres. At the end of the fiscal year there were on the pension roll 993,529 names, a net increase Of 2,010 over the fiscal year 1899. The number added to the rolls during the year was 45,344. The amount disbursed for Army pensions during the year was $134,700,597.24 and for Navy pensions $3,761,533.41, a total of $138,462,130.65, leaving an unexpended balance of $5,542,768.25 to be covered into the Treasury, which shows an increase over the previous year's expenditure Of $107,077.70. There were 684 names added to the rolls during the year by special acts passed at the first session of the Fifty-sixth Congress. The act of May 9, 1900, among other things provides for an extension of income to widows pensioned under said act to $250 per annum. The Secretary of the Interior believes that by the operations of this act the number of persons pensioned under it will increase and the increased annual payment for pensions will be between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000. The Government justly appreciates the services of its soldiers and sailors by making pension payments liberal beyond precedent to them, their widows and orphans. There were 26,540 letters patent granted, including reissues and designs, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1900; 1,660 trademarks, 682 labels, and 93 prints registered. The number of patents which expired was 19,988. The total receipts for patents were $1,358,228.35. The expenditures were $1,247,827.58, showing a surplus Of $110,400.77 The attention of the Congress is called to the report of the Secretary of the Interior touching the necessity for the further establishment of schools in the Territory of Alaska, and favorable action is invited thereon. Much interesting information is given in the report of the Governor of Hawaii as to the progress and development of the islands during the period from July 7, 1898, the date of the approval of the joint resolution of the Congress providing for their annexation, up to April 30, 1900, the date of the approval of the act providing a government for the Territory, and thereafter. The last Hawaiian census, taken in the year 1896, gives a total population of 109,020, Of Which 31,019 were native Hawaiians. The number of Americans reported was 8,485. The results of the Federal census, taken this year, show the islands to have a total population Of 154,001, showing an increase over that reported in 1896 of 44,981, or 41.2 per cent. There has been marked progress in the educational, agricultural, and railroad development of the islands. In the Territorial act of April 30, 1900, section 7 of said act repeals Chapter 34 Of the Civil Laws of Hawaii whereby the Government was to assist in encouraging and developing the agricultural resources of the Republic, especially irrigation. The Governor of Hawaii recommends legislation looking to the development of such water supply as may exist on the public lands, with a view of promoting land settlement. The earnest consideration of the Congress is invited to this important recommendation and others, as embodied in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. The Director of the Census states that the work in connection with the Twelfth Census is progressing favorably. This national undertaking, ordered by the Congress each decade, has finally resulted in the collection of an aggregation of statistical facts to determine the industrial growth of the country, its manufacturing and mechanical resources, its richness in mines and forests, the number of its agriculturists, their farms and products, its educational and religious opportunities, as well as questions pertaining to sociological conditions. The labors of the officials in charge of the Bureau indicate that the four important and most desired subjects, namely, population, agricultural, manufacturing, and vital statistics, will be completed within the limit prescribed by the law of March 3, 1899. The field work incident to the above inquiries is now practically finished, and as a result the population of the States and Territories, including the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska, has been announced. The growth of population during the last decade amounts to over 13,000,000, a greater numerical increase than in any previous census in the history of the country. Bulletins will be issued as rapidly as possible giving the population by States and Territories, by minor civil divisions. Several announcements of this kind have already been made, and it is hoped that the list will be completed by January 1. Other bulletins giving the results of the manufacturing and agricultural inquiries will be given to the public as rapidly as circumstances will admit. The Director, while confident of his ability to complete the different branches of the undertaking in the allotted time, finds himself embarrassed by the lack of a trained force properly equipped for statistical work, thus raising the question whether in the interest of economy and a thorough execution of the census work there should not be retained in the Government employ a certain number of experts not only to aid in the preliminary organization prior to the taking of the decennial census, but in addition to have the advantage in the field and office work of the Bureau of trained assistants to facilitate the early completion of this enormous undertaking. I recommend that the Congress at its present session apportion representation among the several States as provided by the Constitution. The Department of Agriculture has been extending its work during the past year, reaching farther for new varieties of seeds and plants; co-operating more fully with the States and Territories in research along useful lines; making progress in meteorological work relating to lines of wireless telegraphy and forecasts for ocean-going vessels; continuing inquiry as to animal disease; looking into the extent and character of food adulteration; outlining plans for the care, preservation, and intelligent harvesting of our woodlands; studying soils that producers may cultivate with better knowledge of conditions, and helping to clothe desert places with grasses suitable to our and regions. Our island possessions are being considered that their peoples may be helped to produce the tropical products now so extensively brought into the United States. Inquiry into methods of improving our roads has been active during the year; help has been given to many localities, and scientific investigation of material in the States and Territories has been inaugurated. Irrigation problems in our semiarid regions are receiving careful and increased consideration. An extensive exhibit at Paris of the products of agriculture has made the peoples of many countries more familiar with the varied products of our fields and their comparative excellence. The collection of statistics regarding our crops is being improved and sources of information are being enlarged, to the end that producers may have the earliest advices regarding crop conditions. There has never been a time when those for whom it was established have shown more appreciation of the services of the Department. In my annual message of December 5, 1898, 1 called attention to the necessity for some amendment of the alien contract law. There still remain important features of the rightful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and of the principle of arbitration, and I again commend these subjects to the careful attention of the Congress. That there may be secured the best service possible in the Philippine Islands, I have issued, under date of November 30, 1900, the following order: The United States Civil Service Commission is directed to render such assistance as may be practicable to the Civil Service Board, created under the act of the United States Philippine Commission, for the establishment and maintenance of an honest and efficient civil service in the Philippine Islands, and for that purpose to conduct examinations for the civil service of the Philippine islands, upon the request of the Civil Service Board of said islands, under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the said Board and the said United States Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission is greatly embarrassed in its work for want of an adequate permanent force for clerical and other assistance. Its needs are fully set forth in its report. I invite attention to the report, and especially urge upon the Congress that this important bureau of the public service, which passes upon the qualifications and character of so large a number of the officers and employees of the Government, should be supported by all needed appropriations to secure promptness and efficiency. I am very much impressed with the statement made by the heads of all the Departments of the urgent necessity of a hall of public records. In every departmental building in Washington, so far as I am informed, the space for official records is not only exhausted, but the walls of rooms are lined with shelves, the middle floor space of many rooms is tilled with tile cases, and garrets and basements, which were never intended and are unfitted for their accommodation, are crowded with them. Aside from the inconvenience there is great danger, not only from fire, but from the weight of these records upon timbers not intended for their support. There should be a separate building especially designed for the purpose of receiving and preserving the annually accumulating archives of the several Executive Departments. Such a hall need not be a costly structure, but should be so arranged as to admit of enlargement from time to time. I urgently recommend that the Congress take early action in this matter. I transmit to the Congress a resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the American Bar Association concerning the proposed celebration of John Marshall Day, February 4, 1901. Fitting exercises have been arranged, and it is earnestly desired by the committee that the Congress may participate in this movement to honor the memory of the great jurist. The transfer of the Government to this city is a fact of great historical interest. Among the people there is a feeling of genuine pride in the Capital of the Republic. It is a matter of interest in this connection that in 1800 the population of the District of Columbia was 14,093; to-day it is 278,718. The population of the city of Washington was then 3,210; to-day it is 218,196. The Congress having provided for "an appropriate national celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Establishment of the Seat of the Government in the District of Columbia," the committees authorized by it have prepared a programme for the 12th of December, 1900, which date has been selected as the anniversary day. Deep interest has been shown in the arrangements for the celebration by the members of the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the committee of Governors appointed by the President, and the committees appointed by the citizens and inhabitants of the District of Columbia generally. The programme, in addition to a reception and other exercises at the Executive Mansion, provides commemorative exercises to be held jointly by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Hall of the House of Representatives, and a reception in the evening at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in honor of the Governors of the States and Territories. In our great prosperity we must guard against the danger it invites of extravagance in Government expenditures and appropriations; and the chosen representatives of the people will, I doubt not, furnish an example in their legislation of that wise economy which in a season of plenty husbands for the future. In this era of great business activity and opportunity caution is not untimely. It will not abate, but strengthen, confidence. It will not retard, but promote, legitimate industrial and commercial expansion. Our growing power brings with it temptations and perils requiring constant vigilance to avoid. It must not be used to invite conflicts, nor for oppression, but for the more effective maintenance of those principles of equality and justice upon which our institutions and happiness depend. Let us keep always in mind that the foundation of our Government is liberty; its superstructure peace.
at the outgoing of the old and the incoming of the new century you begin the last session of the congress with evidences on every hand of individual and national prosperity and with proof of the growing strength and increasing power for good of republican institutions your countrymen will join with you in felicitation that american liberty is more firmly established than ever before and that love for it and the determination to preserve it are more universal than at any former period of our history the republic was never so strong because never so strongly entrenched in the hearts of the people as now the constitution with few amendments exists as it left the hands of its authors the additions which have been made to it proclaim larger freedom and more extended citizenship popular government has demonstrated in its one hundred and years of trial here its stability and security and its efficiency as the best instrument of national development and the best safeguard to human rights when the sixth congress assembled in november 1800 the population of the united states was is now then we had sixteen states now we have then our territory consisted of square miles it is now square miles education religion and morality have kept pace with our advancement in other directions and while extending its power the government has adhered to its foundation principles and abated none of them in dealing with our new peoples and possessions a nation so preserved and blessed gives reverent thanks to god and invokes his guidance and the continuance of his care and favor in our foreign intercourse the dominant question has been the treatment of the chinese problem apart from this our relations with the powers have been happy the recent troubles in china spring from the antiforeign agitation which for the past three years has gained strength in the northern provinces their origin lies deep in the character of the chinese races and in the traditions of their government the taiping rebellion and the opening of chinese ports to foreign trade and settlement disturbed alike the homogeneity and the seclusion of china meanwhile foreign activity made itself felt in all quarters not alone on the coast but along the great river arteries and in the remoter districts carrying new ideas and introducing new associations among a primitive people which had pursued for centuries a national policy of isolation the telegraph and the railway spreading over their land the steamers plying on their waterways the merchant and the missionary penetrating year by year farther to the interior became to the chinese mind types of an alien invasion changing the course of their national life and fraught with vague forebodings of disaster to their beliefs and their for several years before the present troubles all the resources of foreign diplomacy backed by moral demonstrations of the physical force of fleets and arms have been needed to secure due respect for the treaty rights of foreigners and to obtain satisfaction from the responsible authorities for the sporadic outrages upon the persons and property of unoffending sojourners which from time to time occurred at widely separated points in the northern provinces as in the case of the outbreaks in and posting of antiforeign placards became a daily occurrence which the repeated reprobation of the imperial power failed to check or punish these inflammatory appeals to the ignorance and superstition of the masses mendacious and absurd in their accusations and deeply hostile in their spirit could not but work cumulative harm they aimed at no particular class of foreigners they were impartial in attacking everything foreign an outbreak in in which german missionaries were slain was the too natural result of these malevolent teachings the posting of seditious placards exhorting to the utter destruction of foreigners and of every foreign thing continued unrebuked hostile demonstrations toward the stranger gained strength by organization the sect commonly styled the boxers developed greatly in the provinces north of the and with the collusion of many notable officials including some in the immediate councils of the throne itself became alarmingly aggressive no foreigner life outside of the protected treaty ports was safe no foreign interest was secure from spoliation the diplomatic representatives of the powers in peking strove in vain to check this movement protest was followed by demand and demand by renewed protest to be met with perfunctory edicts from the palace and evasive and futile assurances from the yamen the circle of the boxer influence narrowed about peking and while nominally stigmatized as seditious it was felt that its spirit pervaded the capital itself that the imperial forces were imbued with its doctrines and that the immediate counselors of the empress dowager were in full sympathy with the antiforeign movement the increasing gravity of the conditions in china and the imminence of peril to our own diversified interests in the empire as well as to those of all the other treaty governments were soon appreciated by this government causing it profound solicitude the united states from the earliest days of foreign intercourse with china had followed a policy of peace omitting no occasions to testify good will to further the extension of lawful trade to respect the sovereignty of its government and to insure by all legitimate and kindly but earnest means the fullest measure of protection for the lives and property of our citizens and for the exercise of their beneficent callings among the chinese people mindful of this it was felt to be appropriate that our purposes should be pronounced in favor of such course as would hasten united action of the powers at peking to promote the administrative reforms so greatly needed for strengthening the imperial government and maintaining the integrity of china in which we believed the whole western world to be alike concerned to these ends i caused to be addressed to the several powers occupying territory and maintaining spheres of influence in china the circular proposals of 1899 inviting from them declarations of their intentions and views as to the desirability of the adoption of measures insuring the benefits of equality of treatment of all foreign trade throughout china with gratifying unanimity the responses coincided in this common policy enabling me to see in the successful termination of these negotiations proof of the friendly spirit which animates the various powers interested in the untrammeled development of commerce and industry in the chinese empire as a source of vast benefit to the whole commercial world in this conclusion which i had the gratification to announce as a completed engagement to the interested powers on march 20 1900 i hopefully discerned a potential factor for the abatement of the distrust of foreign purposes which for a year past had appeared to inspire the policy of the imperial government and for the effective exertion by it of power and authority to quell the critical antiforeign movement in the northern provinces most immediately influenced by the manchu sentiment seeking to testify confidence in the willingness and ability of the imperial administration to redress the wrongs and prevent the evils we suffered and feared the marine guard which had been sent to peking in the autumn of 1899 for the protection of the legation was withdrawn at the earliest practicable moment and all pending questions were remitted as far as we were concerned to the ordinary resorts of diplomatic intercourse the chinese government proved however unable to check the rising strength of the boxers and appeared to be a prey to internal dissensions in the unequal contest the antiforeign influences soon gained the ascendancy under the leadership of prince tuan organized armies of boxers with which the imperial forces affiliated held the country between peking and the coast penetrated into manchuria up to the russian borders and through their emissaries threatened a like rising throughout northern china attacks upon foreigners destruction of their property and slaughter of native converts were reported from all sides the yamen already permeated with hostile sympathies could make no effective response to the appeals of the legations at this critical juncture in the early spring of this year a proposal was made by the other powers that a combined fleet should be assembled in chinese waters as a moral demonstration under cover of which to exact of the chinese government respect for foreign treaty rights and the suppression of the boxers the united states while not participating in the joint demonstration promptly sent from the philippines all ships that could be spared for service on the chinese coast a small force of marines was landed at taku and sent to peking for the protection of the american legation other powers took similar action until some four hundred men were assembled in the capital as legation guards still the peril increased the legations reported the development of the seditious movement in peking and the need of increased provision for defense against it while preparations were in progress for a larger expedition to strengthen the legation guards and keep the railway open an attempt of the foreign ships to make a landing at taku was met by a fire from the chinese forts the forts were thereupon shelled by the foreign vessels the american admiral taking no part in the attack on the ground that we were not at war with china and that a hostile demonstration might consolidate the antiforeign elements and strengthen the boxers to oppose the relieving column two days later the taku forts were captured after a sanguinary conflict severance of communication with peking followed and a combined force of additional guards which was advancing to peking by the was checked at langfang the isolation of the legations was complete the siege and the relief of the legations has passed into undying history in all the stirring chapter which records the heroism of the devoted band clinging to hope in the face of despair and the undaunted spirit that led their relievers through battle and suffering to the goal it is a memory of which my countrymen may be justly proud that the honor of our flag was maintained alike in the siege and the rescue and that stout american hearts have again set high in fervent emulation with true men of other race and language the indomitable courage that ever strives for the because of right and justice by june 19 the legations were cut off an identical note from the yamen ordered each minister to leave peking under a promised escort within hours to gain time they replied asking prolongation of the time which was afterwards granted and requesting an interview with the yamen on the following day no reply being received on the morning of the 20th the german minister baron von ketteler set out for the yamen to obtain a response and oil the way was murdered an attempt by the legation guard to recover his body was foiled by the chinese armed forces turned out against the legations their quarters were surrounded and attacked the mission compounds were abandoned their inmates taking refuge in the british legation where all the other legations and guards gathered for more effective defense four hundred persons were crowded in its narrow compass two thousand native converts were assembled in a nearby palace under protection of the foreigners lines of defense were strengthened trenches dug barricades raised and preparations made to stand a siege which at once began from june 20 until july 17 writes minister conger there was scarcely an hour during which there was not firing upon some part of our lines and into some of the legations varying from a single shot to a general and continuous attack along the whole line artillery was placed around the legations and on the palace walls and thousands of shot and she will were fired destroying some buildings and damaging all so thickly did the balls rain that when the ammunition of the besieged ran low five quarts of chinese bullets were gathered in an hour in one compound and recast attempts were made to burn the legations by setting neighboring houses on fire but the flames were successfully fought off although the austrian belgian italian and dutch legations were then and subsequently burned with the aid of the native converts directed by the missionaries to whose helpful conger awards unstinted praise the british legation was made a veritable fortress the british minister sir claude macdonald was chosen general commander of the defense with the secretary of the american legation squiers as chief of staff to save life and ammunition the besieged sparingly returned the incessant fire of the chinese soldiery fighting only to repel attack or make an occasional successful sortie for strategic advantage such as that of american british and russian marines led by captain myers of the united states marine corps which resulted in the capture of a formidable barricade on the wall that gravely menaced the american position it was held to the last and proved an invaluable acquisition because commanding the water gate through which the relief column entered during the siege the defenders lost 65 killed 135 wounded and 7 by disease the last all children on july 14 the besieged had their first communication with the yamen from whom a message came inviting to a conference which was declined correspondence however ensued and a sort of armistice was agreed upon which stopped the bombardment and lessened the rifle fire for a time even then no protection whatever was afforded nor any aid given save to send to the legations a small supply of fruit and three sacks of flour indeed the only communication had with the chinese government related to the occasional delivery or dispatch of a telegram or to the demands of the yamen for the withdrawal of the legations to the coast under escort not only are the protestations of the chinese government that it protected and succored the legations positively contradicted but irresistible proof accumulates that the attacks upon them were made by imperial troops regularly uniformed armed and officered belonging to the command of jung lu the imperial commander in chief decrees encouraging the boxers organizing them tinder prominent imperial officers provisioning them and even granting them large sums in the name of the empress dowager are known to exist members of the yamen who counseled protection of the foreigners were beheaded even in the distant provinces men suspected of foreign sympathy were put to death prominent among these being chang formerly chinese minister in washington with the negotiation of the partial armistice of july 14 a proceeding which was doubtless promoted by the representations of the chinese envoy in washington the way was opened for the conveyance to conger of a test message sent by the secretary of state through the kind offices of minister wu conger reply dispatched from peking on july 18 through the same channel afforded to the outside world the first tidings that the inmates of the legations were still alive and hoping for succor this news stimulated the preparations for a joint relief expedition in numbers sufficient to overcome the resistance which for a month had been organizing between taku and the capital reinforcements sent by all the governments were constantly arriving the united states contingent hastily assembled from the philippines or dispatched from this country amounted to some men under the able command first of the lamented colonel liscum and afterwards of general chaffee toward the end of july the movement began a severe conflict followed at tientsin in which colonel liscum was killed the city was stormed and partly destroyed its capture afforded the base of operations from which to make the final advance which began in the first days of august the expedition being made up of japanese russian british and american troops at the outset another battle was fought and won at yangtsun thereafter the disheartened chinese troops offered little show of resistance a few days later the important position of was taken a rapid march brought the united forces to the populous city of tung chow which capitulated without a contest on august 14 the capital was reached after a brief conflict beneath the walls the relief column entered and the legations were saved the united states soldiers sailors and marines officers and men alike in those distant climes and unusual surroundings showed the same valor discipline and good conduct and gave proof of the same high degree of intelligence and efficiency which have distinguished them in every emergency the imperial family and the government had fled a few days before the city was without visible control the remaining imperial soldiery had made on the night of the 13th a last attempt to exterminate the besieged which was gallantly repelled it fell to the occupying forces to restore order and organize a provisional administration happily the acute disturbances were confined to the northern provinces it is a relief to recall and a pleasure to record the loyal conduct of the viceroys and local authorities of the southern and eastern provinces their efforts were continuously directed to the pacific control of the vast populations under their rule and to the scrupulous observance of foreign treaty rights at critical moments they did not hesitate to memorialize the throne urging the protection of the legations the restoration of communication and the assertion of the imperial authority against the subversive elements they maintained excellent relations with the official representatives of foreign powers to their kindly disposition is largely due the success of the consuls in removing many of the missionaries from the interior to places of safety in this relation the action of the consuls should be highly commended in and eastern the task was difficult but thanks to their energy and the cooperation of american and foreign naval commanders hundreds of foreigners including those of other nationalities than ours were rescued from imminent peril the policy of the united states through all this trying period was clearly announced and scrupulously carried out a circular note to the powers dated july 3 proclaimed our attitude treating the condition in the north as one of virtual anarchy in which the great provinces of the south and southeast had no share we regarded the local authorities in the latter quarters as representing the chinese people with whom we sought to remain in peace and friendship our declared aims involved no war against the chinese nation we adhered to the legitimate office of rescuing the imperiled legation obtaining redress for wrongs already suffered securing wherever possible the safety of american life and property in china and preventing a spread of the disorders or their recurrence as was then said the policy of the government of the united states is to seek a solution which may bring about permanent safety and peace to china preserve chinese territorial and administrative entity protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by treaty and international law and safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the chinese empire faithful to those professions which as it proved reflected the views and purposes of the other governments all our efforts have been directed toward ending the anomalous situation in china by negotiations for a settlement at the earliest possible moment as soon as the sacred duty of relieving our legation and its dependents was accomplished we withdrew from active hostilities leaving our legation under an adequate guard in peking as a channel of negotiation and settlement a course adopted by others of the interested powers overtures of the empowered representatives of the chinese emperor have been considerately entertained the russian proposition looking to the restoration of the imperial power in peking has been accepted as in full consonance with our own desires for we have held and hold that effective reparation for wrongs suffered and an enduring settlement that will make their recurrence impossible can best be brought about under an authority which the chinese nation reverences and obeys while so doing we forego no jot of our undoubted right to exact exemplary and deterrent punishment of the responsible authors and abettors of the criminal acts whereby we and other nations have suffered grievous injury for the real culprits the evil counselors who have misled the imperial judgment and diverted the sovereign authority to their own guilty ends full expiation becomes imperative within the rational limits of retributive justice regarding this as the initial condition of an acceptable settlement between china and the powers i said in my message of october 18 to the chinese emperor i trust that negotiations may begin so soon as we and the other offended governments shall be effectively satisfied of your majesty ability and power to treat with just sternness the principal offenders who are doubly culpable not alone toward the foreigners but toward your majesty under whose rule the purpose of china to dwell in concord with the world had hitherto found expression in the welcome and protection assured to strangers taking as a point of departure the imperial edict appointing earl li hung chang and prince ching plenipotentiaries to arrange a settlement and the edict of september 25 whereby certain high officials were designated for punishment this government has moved in concert with the other powers toward the opening of negotiations which conger assisted by rockhill has been authorized to conduct on behalf of the united states general bases of negotiation formulated by the government of the french republic have been accepted with certain reservations as to details made necessary by our own circumstances but like similar reservations by other powers open to discussion in the progress of the negotiations the disposition of the emperor government to admit liability for wrongs done to foreign governments and their nationals and to act upon such additional designation of the guilty persons as the foreign ministers at peking may be in a position to make gives hope of a complete settlement of all questions involved assuring foreign rights of residence and intercourse on terms of equality for all the world i regard as one of the essential factors of a durable adjustment the securement of adequate guarantees for liberty of faith since insecurity of those natives who may embrace alien creeds is a scarcely less effectual assault upon the rights of foreign worship and teaching than would be the direct invasion thereof the matter of indemnity for our wronged citizens is a question of grave concern measured in money alone a sufficient reparation may prove to be beyond the ability of china to meet all the powers concur in emphatic disclaimers of any purpose of aggrandizement through the dismemberment of the empire i am disposed to think that due compensation may be made in part by increased guarantees of security for foreign rights and immunities and most important of all by the opening of china to the equal commerce of all the world these views have been and will be earnestly advocated by our representatives the government of russia has put forward a suggestion that in the event of protracted divergence of views in regard to indemnities the matter may be relegated to the court of arbitration at the hague i favorably incline to this believing that high tribunal could not fail to reach a solution no less conducive to the stability and enlarged prosperity of china itself than immediately beneficial to the powers ratifications of a treaty of extradition with the argentine republic were exchanged on june 2 last while the government has in the many cases that have been reported of the arrest of our naturalized citizens for alleged evasion of military service faithfully observed the provisions of the treaty and released such persons from military obligations it has in some instances expelled those whose presence in the community of their origin was asserted to have a pernicious influence representations have been made against this course whenever its adoption has appeared unduly onerous we have been urgently solicited by belgium to ratify the international convention of june 1899 amendatory of the previous convention of 1890 in respect to the regulation of the liquor trade in africa compliance was necessarily withheld in the absence of the advice and consent of the senate thereto the principle involved has the cordial sympathy of this government which in the reversionary negotiations advocated more drastic measures and i would gladly see its extension by international agreement to the restriction of the liquor traffic with all uncivilized peoples especially in the western pacific a conference will be held at brussels december 11 1900 under the convention for the protection of industrial property concluded at paris march 20 1883 to which delegates from this country have been appointed any lessening of the difficulties that our inventors encounter in obtaining patents abroad for their inventions and that our farmers manufacturers and merchants may have in the protection of their is worthy of careful consideration and your attention will be called to the results of the conference at the proper time in the interest of expanding trade between this country and south america efforts have been made during the past year to conclude conventions with the southern republics for the enlargement of postal facilities two such agreements signed with bolivia on april 24 of which that establishing the system is undergoing certain changes suggested by the department have not yet been ratified by this government a treaty of extradition with that country signed on the same day is before the senate a boundary dispute between brazil and bolivia over the territory of acre is in a fair way of friendly adjustment a protocol signed in december 1899 having agreed on a definite frontier and provided for its demarcation by a joint commission conditions in brazil have weighed heavily on our export trade to that country in marked contrast to the favorable conditions upon which brazilian products are admitted into our markets urgent representations have been made to that government on the subject and some amelioration has been effected we rely upon the reciprocal justice and good will of that government to assure to us a further improvement in our commercial relations the convention signed may 24 1897 for the final settlement of claims left in abeyance upon the dissolution of the commission of 1893 was at length ratified by the chilean congress and the supplemental commission has been organized it remains for the congress to appropriate for the necessary expenses of the commission the insurrectionary movement which disturbed colombia in the latter part of 1899 has been practically suppressed although guerrillas still operate in some departments the executive power of that republic changed hands in august last by the act of marroquin in assuming the reins of government during the absence of president san clemente from the capital the change met with no serious opposition and following the precedents in such cases the united states minister entered into relations with the new defacto government on september 17 it is gratifying to announce that the residual questions between costa rica and nicaragua growing out of the award of president cleveland in 1888 have been adjusted through the choice of an american engineer general alexander as umpire to run the disputed line his task has been accomplished to the satisfaction of both contestants a revolution in the dominican republic toward the close of last year resulted in the installation of president jimenez whose government was formally recognized in january since then final payment has been made of the american claim in regard to the ozama bridge the year of the exposition has been fruitful in occasions for displaying the good will that exists between this country and france this great competition brought together from every nation the best in natural productions industry science and the arts submitted in generous rivalry to a judgment made all the more searching because of that rivalry the extraordinary increase of exportations from this country during the past three years and the activity with which our inventions and wares bad invaded new markets caused much interest to center upon the american exhibit and every encouragement was offered in the way of space and facilities to permit of its being comprehensive as a whole and complete in every part it was however not an easy task to assemble exhibits that could fitly illustrate our diversified resources and manufactures singularly enough our national prosperity lessened the incentive to exhibit the dealer in raw materials knew that the user must come to him the great factories were contented with the phenomenal demand for their output not alone at home but also abroad where merit had already won a profitable trade appeals had to be made to the patriotism of exhibitors to induce them to incur outlays promising no immediate return this was especially the case where it became needful to complete an industrial sequence or illustrate a class of processes one manufacturer after another had to be visited and importuned and at times after a promise to exhibit in a particular section bad been obtained it would be withdrawn owing to pressure of trade orders and a new quest would have to be made the installation of exhibits too encountered many obstacles and involved unexpected cost the exposition was far from ready at the date fixed for its opening the french transportation lines were congested with offered freight belated goods had to be hastily installed in unfinished quarters with whatever labor could be obtained in the prevailing confusion nor was the task of the commission lightened by the fact that owing to the scheme of classification adopted it was impossible to have the entire exhibit of any one country in the same building or more than one group of exhibits in the same part of any building our installations were scattered on both sides of the seine and in widely remote suburbs of paris so that additional assistants were needed for the work of supervision and arrangement despite all these drawbacks the contribution of the united states was not only the largest foreign display but was among the earliest in place and the most orderly in arrangement our exhibits were shown in one hundred and one out of one hundred and classes and more completely covered the entire classification than those of any other nation in total number they ranked next after those of france and the attractive form in which they were presented secured general attention a criterion of the extent and success of our participation and of the thoroughness with which our exhibits were organized is seen in the awards granted to american exhibitors by the international jury namely grand prizes 240 gold medals 597 silver medals 776 bronze medals 541 and honorable mentions 322 in all being the greatest total number given to the exhibit of any exhibiting nation as well as the largest number in each grade this significant recognition of merit in competition with the chosen exhibits of all other nations and at the hands of juries almost wholly made tip of representatives of france and other competing countries is not only most gratifying but is especially valuable since it sets us to the front in international questions of supply and demand while the large proportion of awards in the classes of art and artistic manufactures afforded unexpected proof of the stimulation of national culture by the prosperity that flows from natural productiveness joined to industrial excellence apart from the exposition several occasions for showing international good will occurred the inauguration in paris of the lafayette monument presented by the school children of the united states and the designing of a commemorative coin by our mint and the presentation of the first piece struck to the president of the republic were marked by appropriate ceremonies and the fourth of july was especially observed in the french capital good will prevails in our relations with the german empire an amicable adjustment of the question of the admission of our companies to do business in prussia has been reached one of the principal companies has already been readmitted and the way is opened for the others to share the privilege the settlement of the samoan problem to which i adverted in my last message has accomplished good results peace and contentment prevail in the islands especially in tutuila where a convenient administration that has won the confidence and esteem of the kindly disposed natives has been organized under the direction of the commander of the united states naval station at an imperial meat inspection law has been enacted for germany while it may simplify the inspections it prohibits certain products heretofore admitted there is still great uncertainty as to whether our extinguished german trade in meat products can revive tinder its new burdens much will depend upon regulations not yet promulgated which we confidently hope will be free from the discriminations which attended the enforcement of the old statutes the remaining link in the new lines of direct telegraphic communication between the united states and the german empire has recently been completed affording a gratifying occasion for exchange of friendly congratulations with the german emperor our friendly relations with great britain continue the war in southern africa introduced important questions a condition unusual in international wars was presented in that while one belligerent had control of the seas the other had no ports shipping or direct trade but was only accessible through the territory of a neutral vexatious questions arose through great britain action in respect to neutral cargoes not contraband in their own nature shipped to portuguese south africa on the score of probable or suspected ultimate destination to the boer states such consignments in british ships by which alone direct trade is kept up between our ports and southern africa were seized in application of a municipal law prohibiting british vessels from trading with the enemy without regard to any contraband character of the goods while cargoes shipped to delagoa bay in neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground of alleged destination to enemy country appropriate representations on our part resulted in the british government agreeing to purchase outright all such goods shown to be the actual property of american citizens thus closing the incident to the satisfaction of the immediately interested parties although unfortunately without a broad settlement of the question of a neutral right to send goods not contraband per se to a neutral port adjacent to a belligerent area the work of marking certain provisional boundary points for convenience of administration around the head of lynn canal in accordance with the temporary arrangement of october 1899 was completed by a joint survey in july last the modus vivendi has so far worked without friction and the dominion government has provided rules and regulations for securing to our citizens the benefit of the reciprocal stipulation that the citizens or subjects of either power found by that arrangement within the temporary jurisdiction of the other shall suffer no diminution of the rights and privileges they have hitherto enjoyed but however necessary such an expedient may have been to tide over the grave emergencies of the situation it is at best but an unsatisfactory makeshift which should not be suffered to delay the speedy and complete establishment of the frontier line to which we are entitled under the treaty for the cession of alaska in this relation i may refer again to the need of definitely marking the alaskan boundary where it follows the one hundred and meridian a convention to that end has been before the senate for some two years but as no action has been taken i contemplate negotiating a new convention for a joint determination of the meridian by telegraphic observations these it is believed will give more accurate and unquestionable results than the sidereal methods heretofore independently followed which as is known proved discrepant at several points on the line although not varying at any place more than 700 feet the pending claim of may against the guatemalan government has been settled by arbitration george jenner british minister at guatemala who was chosen as sole arbitrator having awarded in gold to the claimant various american claims against haiti have been or are being advanced to the resort of arbitration as the result of negotiations with the government of honduras in regard to the indemnity demanded for the murder of frank pears in honduras that government has paid in settlement of the claim of the heirs the assassination of king humbert called forth sincere expressions of sorrow from this government and people and occasion was fitly taken to testify to the italian nation the high regard here felt for the memory of the lamented ruler in my last message i referred at considerable length to the lynching of five italians at tallulah notwithstanding the efforts of the federal government the production of evidence tending to inculpate the authors of this grievous offense against our civilization and the repeated inquests set on foot by the authorities of the state of louisiana no punishments have followed successive grand juries have failed to indict the representations of the italian government in the face of this miscarriage have been most temperate and just setting the principle at issue high above all consideration of merely pecuniary indemnification such as this government made in the three previous cases italy has solemnly invoked the pledges of existing treaty and asked that the justice to which she is entitled shall be meted in regard to her unfortunate countrymen in our territory with the same full measure she herself would give to any american were his reciprocal treaty rights contemned i renew the urgent recommendations i made last year that the congress appropriately confer upon the federal courts jurisdiction in this class of international cases where the ultimate responsibility of the federal government may be involved and i invite action upon the bills to accomplish this which were introduced in the ate and house it is incumbent upon us to remedy the statutory omission which has led and may again lead to such untoward results i have pointed out the necessity and the precedent for legislation of this character its enactment is a simple measure of previsory justice toward the nations with which we as a sovereign equal make treaties requiring reciprocal observance while the italian government naturally regards such action as the primary and indeed the most essential element in the disposal of the tallulah incident i advise that in accordance with precedent and in view of the improbability of that particular case being reached by the bill now pending congress make gracious provision for indemnity to the italian sufferers in the same form and proportion as heretofore in my inaugural address i referred to the general subject of lynching in these words lynching must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the united states courts not mobs must execute the penalties of the law the preservation of public order the right of discussion the integrity of courts and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our government securely rests this i most urgently reiterate and again invite the attention of my countrymen to this reproach upon our civilization the closing year has witnessed a decided strengthening of japan relations to other states the development of her independent judicial and administrative functions under the treaties which took effect july 17 1899 has proceeded without international friction showing the competence of the japanese to hold a foremost place among modern peoples in the treatment of the difficult chinese problems japan has acted in harmonious concert with the other powers and her generous cooperation materially aided in the joint relief of the beleaguered legations in peking and in bringing about an understanding preliminary to a settlement of the issues between the powers and china japan declarations in favor of the integrity of the chinese empire and the conservation of open world trade therewith have been frank and positive as a factor for promoting the general interests of peace order and fair commerce in the far east the influence of japan can hardly be overestimated the valuable aid and kindly courtesies extended by the japanese government and naval officers to the battle ship oregon are gratefully appreciated complaint was made last summer of the discriminatory enforcement of a bubonic quarantine against japanese on the pacific coast and of interference with their travel in california and colorado under the health laws of those states the latter restrictions have been adjudged by a federal court to be unconstitutional no recurrence of either because of complaint is apprehended no noteworthy incident has occurred in our relations with our important southern neighbor commercial intercourse with mexico continues to thrive and the two governments neglect no opportunity to foster their mutual interests in all practicable ways pursuant to the declaration of the supreme court that the awards of the late joint commission in the la abra and weil claims were obtained through fraud the sum awarded in the first case has been returned to mexico and the amount of the weil award will be returned in like manner a convention indefinitely extending the time for the labors of the united states and mexican international water boundary commission has been signed it is with satisfaction that i am able to announce the formal notification at the hague on september 4 of the deposit of ratifications of the convention for the pacific settlement of international disputes by sixteen powers namely the united states austria belgium denmark england france germany italy persia portugal roumania russia siam spain sweden and norway and the netherlands japan also has since ratified the convention the administrative council of the permanent court of arbitration has been organized and has adopted rules of order and a constitution for the international arbitration bureau in accordance with article xxiii of the convention providing for the appointment by each signatory power of persons of known competency in questions of international law as arbitrators i have appointed as members of this court hon benjamin harrison of indiana of the united states hon melville fuller of illinois chief justice of the united states hon john griggs of new jersey attorney general of the united states and hon george gray of delaware a judge of the circuit court of the united states as an incident of the brief revolution in the mosquito district of nicaragua early in 1899 the insurgents forcibly collected from american merchants duties upon imports on the restoration of order the nicaraguan authorities demanded a second payment of such duties on the ground that they were due to the titular government and that their diversion had aided the revolt this position was not accepted by us after prolonged discussion a compromise was effected under which the amount of the second payments was deposited with the british consul at san juan del norte in trust until the two governments should determine whether the first payments had been made under compulsion to a de facto authority agreement as to this was not reached and the point was waived by the act of the nicaraguan government in requesting the british consul to return the deposits to the merchants menacing differences between several of the central american states have been accommodated our ministers rendering good offices toward an understanding the matter of an interoceanic canal has assumed a new phase adhering to its refusal to reopen the question of the forfeiture of the contract of the maritime canal company which was terminated for alleged nonexecution in october 1899 the government of nicaragua has since supplemented that action by declaring the so styled option void for nonpayment of the stipulated advance protests in relation to these acts have been filed in the state department and are under consideration deeming itself relieved from existing engagements the nicaraguan government shows a disposition to deal freely with the canal question either in the way of negotiations with the united states or by taking measures to promote the waterway overtures for a convention to effect the building of a canal under the auspices of the united states are under consideration in the meantime the views of the congress upon the general subject in the light of the report of the commission appointed to examine the comparative merits of the various projects may be awaited i commend to the early attention of the senate the convention with great britain to facilitate the construction of such a canal and to remove any objection which might arise out of the convention commonly called the treaty the contention with portugal growing out of the seizure of the delagoa bay railway has been at last determined by a favorable award of the tribunal of arbitration at berne to which it was submitted the amount of the award which was deposited in london awaiting arrangements by the governments of the united states and great britain for its disposal has recently been paid over to the two governments a lately signed convention of extradition with peru as amended by the senate has been ratified by the peruvian congress another illustration of the policy of this government to refer international disputes to impartial arbitration is seen in the agreement reached with russia to submit the claims on behalf of american sealing vessels seized in bering sea to determination by asser a distinguished statesman and jurist of the netherlands thanks are due to the imperial russian government for the kindly aid rendered by its authorities in eastern siberia to american missionaries fleeing from manchuria satisfactory progress has been made toward the conclusion of a general treaty of friendship and intercourse with spain in replacement of the old treaty which passed into abeyance by reason of the late war a new convention of extradition is approaching completion and i should be much pleased were a commercial arrangement to follow i feel that we should not suffer to pass any opportunity to reaffirm the cordial ties that existed between us and spain from the time of our earliest independence and to enhance the mutual benefits of that commercial intercourse which is natural between the two countries by the terms of the treaty of peace the line bounding the ceded philippine group in the southwest failed to include several small islands lying westward of the sulus which have always been recognized as under spanish control the occupation of sibutu and cagayan sulu by our naval forces elicited a claim on the part of spain the essential equity of which could not be gainsaid in order to cure the defect of the treaty by removing all possible ground of future misunderstanding respecting the interpretation of its third article i directed the negotiation of a supplementary treaty which will be forthwith laid before the senate whereby spain quits all title and claim of title to the islands named as well as to any and all islands belonging to the philippine archipelago lying outside the lines described in said third article and agrees that all such islands shall be comprehended in the cession of the archipelago as fully as if they had been expressly included within those lines in consideration of this cession the united states is to pay to spain the sum of a bill is now pending to effect the recommendation made in my last annual message that appropriate legislation be had to carry into execution article vii of the treaty of peace with spain by which the united states assumed the payment of certain claims for indemnity of its citizens against spain i ask that action be taken to fulfill this obligation the king of sweden and norway has accepted the joint invitation of the united states germany and great britain to arbitrate claims growing out of losses sustained in the samoan islands in the course of military operations made necessary by the disturbances in 1899 our claims upon the government of the sultan for reparation for injuries suffered by american citizens in armenia and elsewhere give promise of early and satisfactory settlement his majesty good disposition in this regard has been evinced by the issuance of an irade for rebuilding the american college at harpoot the failure of action by the senate at its last session upon the commercial conventions then submitted for its consideration and approval although caused by the great pressure of other legislative business has caused much disappointment to the agricultural and industrial interests of the country which hoped to profit by their provisions the conventional periods for their ratification having expired it became necessary to sign additional articles extending the time for that purpose this was requested on our part and the other governments interested have concurred with the exception of one convention in respect to which no formal reply has been received since my last communication to the congress on this subject special commercial agreements under the third section of the tariff act have been proclaimed with portugal with italy and with germany commercial conventions tinder the general limitations of the fourth section of the same act have been concluded with nicaragua with ecuador with the dominican republic with great britain on behalf of the island of trinidad and with denmark on behalf of the island of croix these will be early communicated to the senate negotiations with other governments are in progress for the improvement and security of our commercial relations the policy of reciprocity so manifestly rests upon the principles of international equity and has been so repeatedly approved by the people of the united states that there ought to be no hesitation in either branch of the congress in giving to it full effect this government desires to preserve the most just and amicable commercial relations with all foreign countries unmoved by the industrial rivalries necessarily developed in the expansion of international trade it is believed that the foreign governments generally entertain the same purpose although in some instances there are clamorous demands upon them for legislation specifically hostile to american interests should these demands prevail i shall communicate with the congress with the view of advising such legislation as may be necessary to meet the emergency the exposition of the resources and products of the western hemisphere to be held at buffalo next year promises important results not only for the united states but for the other participating countries it is gratifying that the states have evinced the liveliest interest and the fact that an international american congress will be held in the city of mexico while the exposition is in progress encourages the hope of a larger display at buffalo than might otherwise be practicable the work of preparing an exhibit of our national resources is making satisfactory progress under the direction of different officials of the federal government and the various states of the union have shown a disposition toward the most liberal participation in the enterprise the bureau of the american republics continues to discharge with the happiest results the important work of promoting cordial relations between the united states and the countries all of which are now active members of the international union the bureau has been instrumental in bringing about the agreement for another international american congress which is to meet in the city of mexico in october 1901 the bureau future for another term of ten years is assured by the international compact but the congress will doubtless have much to do with shaping new lines of work and a general policy its usefulness to the interests of trade is widely appreciated and shows a gratifying development the practical utility of the consular service in obtaining a wide range of information as to the industries and commerce of other countries and the opportunities thereby afforded for introducing the sale of our goods have kept steadily in advance of the notable expansion of our foreign trade and abundant evidence has been furnished both at home and abroad of the fact that the consular reports including many from our diplomatic representatives have to a considerable extent pointed out ways and means of disposing of a great variety of manufactured goods which otherwise might not have found sale abroad testimony of foreign observers to the commercial efficiency of the consular corps seems to be conclusive and our own manufacturers and exporters highly appreciate the value of the services rendered not only in the printed reports but also in the individual efforts of consular officers to promote american trade an increasing part of the work of the bureau of foreign commerce whose primary duty it is to compile and print the reports is to answer inquiries from trade organizations business houses as to conditions in various parts of the world and notwithstanding the smallness of the force employed the work has been so systematized that responses are made with such promptitude and accuracy as to elicit flattering encomiums the experiment of printing the consular reports daily for immediate use by trade bodies exporters and the press which was begun in january 1898 continues to give general satisfaction it is gratifying to be able to state that the surplus revenues for the fiscal year ended june 30 1900 were for the six preceding years we had only deficits the aggregate of which from 1894 to 1899 inclusive amounted to the receipts for the year from all sources exclusive of postal revenues aggregated and expenditures for all purposes except for the administration of the postal department aggregated the receipts from customs were an increase over the preceding year of the receipts from internal revenue were an increase of over 1899 the receipts from miscellaneous sources were as against for the previous year it is gratifying also to note that during the year a considerable reduction is shown in the expenditures of the government the war department expenditures for the fiscal year 1900 were a reduction of over those of 1899 in the navy department the expenditures were for the year 1900 as against for the preceding year a decrease of in the expenditures on account of indians there was a decrease in 1900 over 1899 of and in the civil and miscellaneous expenses for 1900 there was a reduction of because of the excess of revenues over expenditures the secretary of the treasury was enabled to apply bonds and other securities to the sinking fund to the amount of the details of the sinking fund are set forth in the report of the secretary of the treasury to which i invite attention the secretary of the treasury estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will aggregate and the expenditures leaving an excess of revenues over expenditures of the present condition of the treasury is one of undoubted strength the available cash balance november 30 was under the form of statement prior to the financial law of march 14 last there would have been included in the statement of available cash gold coin and bullion held for the redemption of united states notes if this form were pursued the cash balance including the present gold reserve of would be such balance november 30 1899 was in the general fund which is wholly separate from the reserve and trust funds there was on november 30 in gold coin and bullion to which should be added in gold certificates subject to issue against which there is held in the division of redemption gold coin and bullion making a total holding of free gold amounting to it will be the duty as i am sure it will be the disposition of the congress to provide whatever further legislation is needed to insure the continued parity under all conditions between our two forms of metallic money silver and gold our surplus revenues have permitted the secretary of the treasury since the close of the fiscal year to call in the funded loan of 1891 continued at 2 per cent in the sum of to and including november 30 of these bonds have been paid this sum together with the amount which may accrue from further redemptions under the call will be applied to the sinking fund the law of march 14 1900 provided for refunding into 2 per cent bonds payable principal and interest in gold coin of the present standard value that portion of the public debt represented by the 3 per cent bonds of 1908 the 4 percents of 1907 and the 5 percents of 1904 of which there was outstanding at the date of said law the holders of the old bonds presented them for exchange between march 14 and november 30 to the amount of the net saving to the government on these transactions aggregates another effect of the operation as stated by the secretary is to reduce the charge upon the treasury for the payment of interest from the dates of refunding to february 1 1904 by the sum of more than seven million dollars annually from february 1 1904 to july 1 11907 the annual interest charge will be reduced by the sum of more than five millions and for the thirteen months ending august 1 1908 by about one million the full details of the refunding are given in the annual report of the secretary of the treasury the beneficial effect of the financial act of 1900 so far as it relates to a modification of the national banking act is already apparent the provision for the incorporation of national banks with a capital of not less than in places not exceeding three thousand inhabitants has resulted in the extension of banking facilities to many small communities hitherto unable to provide themselves with banking institutions under the national system there were organized from the enactment of the law up to and including november 30 369 national banks of which 266 were with capital less than and 103 with capital of or more it is worthy of mention that the greater number of banks being organized under the new law are in sections where the need of banking facilities has been most pronounced iowa stands first with 30 banks of the smaller class while texas oklahoma indian territory and the middle and western sections of the country have also availed themselves largely of the privileges under the new law a large increase in circulation has resulted from the provision of the act which permits national banks to issue circulating notes to the par value of the united states bonds deposited as security instead of only 90 per cent thereof as heretofore the increase in circulating notes from march 14 to november 30 is the party in power is committed to such legislation as will better make the currency responsive to the varying needs of business at all seasons and in all sections our foreign trade shows a remarkable record of commercial and industrial progress the total of imports and exports for the first time in the history of the country exceeded two billions of dollars the exports are greater than they have ever been before the total for the fiscal year 1900 being an increase over 1899 of an increase over 1898 of over 1897 of and greater than 1896 by the growth of manufactures in the united states is evidenced by the fact that exports of manufactured products largely exceed those of any previous year their value for 1900 being against in 1899 an increase of 28 per cent agricultural products were also exported during 1900 in greater volume than in 1899 the total for the year being against in 1899 the imports for the year amounted to an increase over 1899 of this increase is largely in materials for manufacture and is in response to the rapid development of manufacturing in the united states while there was imported for use in manufactures in 1900 material to the value of in excess of 1899 it is reassuring to observe that there is a tendency toward decrease in the importation of articles manufactured ready for consumption which in 1900 formed per cent of the total imports against per cent in 1899 and per cent in 1896 i recommend that the congress at its present session reduce the taxes imposed to meet the expenses of the war with spain in the sum of thirty millions of dollars this reduction should be secured by the remission of those taxes which experience has shown to be the most burdensome to the industries of the people i specially urge that there be included in whatever reduction is made the legacy tax on bequests for public uses of a literary educational or charitable character american vessels during the past three years have carried about 9 per cent of our exports and imports foreign ships should carry the least not the greatest part of american trade the remarkable growth of our steel industries the progress of shipbuilding for the domestic trade and our steadily maintained expenditures for the navy have created an opportunity to place the united states in the first rank of commercial maritime powers besides realizing a proper national aspiration this will mean the establishment and healthy growth along all our coasts of a distinctive national industry expanding the field for the profitable employment of labor and capital it will increase the transportation facilities and reduce freight charges on the vast volume of products brought from the interior to the seaboard for export and will strengthen an arm of the national defense upon which the founders of the government and their successors have relied in again urging immediate action by the congress on measures to promote american shipping and foreign trade i direct attention to the recommendations on the subject in previous messages and particularly to the opinion expressed in the message of 1899 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 the attention of the congress is invited to the recommendation of the secretary of the treasury in his annual report for legislation in behalf of the service and favorable action is urged in my last annual message to the congress i called attention to the necessity for early action to remedy such evils as might be found to exist in connection with combinations of capital organized into trusts and again invite attention to my discussion of the subject at that time which concluded with these words 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 restraint upon such combinations as are injurious and which are within federal jurisdiction should be promptly applied by the congress in my last annual message i dwelt at some length upon the condition of affairs in the philippines while seeking to impress upon you that the grave responsibility of the future government of those islands rests with the congress of the united states i abstained from recommending at that time a specific and final form of government for the territory actually held by the united states forces and in which as long as insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be supreme i stated my purpose until the congress shall have made the formal expression of its will to use the authority vested in me by the constitution and the statutes to uphold the sovereignty of the united states in those distant islands as in all other places where our flag rightfully floats placing to that end at the disposal of the army and navy all the means which the liberality of the congress and the people have provided no contrary expression of the will of the congress having been made i have steadfastly pursued the purpose so declared employing the civil arm as well toward the accomplishment of pacification and the institution of local governments within the lines of authority and law progress in the direction has been favorable our forces have successfully controlled the greater part of the islands overcoming the organized forces of the insurgents and carrying order and administrative regularity to all quarters what opposition remains is for the most part scattered obeying no concerted plan of strategic action operating only by the methods common to the traditions of guerrilla warfare which while ineffective to alter the general control now established are still sufficient to beget insecurity among the populations that have felt the good results of our control and thus delay the conferment upon them of the fuller measures of local of education and of industrial and agricultural development which we stand ready to give to them by the spring of this year the effective opposition of the dissatisfied tagals to the authority of the united states was virtually ended thus opening the door for the extension of a stable administration over much of the territory of the archipelago desiring to bring this about i appointed in march last a civil commission composed of the hon william taft of ohio dean worcester of michigan the hon luke wright of tennessee the hon henry ide of vermont and bernard moses of california the aims of their mission and the scope of their authority are clearly set forth in my instructions of april 7 1900 addressed to the secretary of war to be transmitted to them in the message transmitted to the congress on the 5th of december 1899 1 said sneaking of the philippine islands 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 controlled 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 to give effect to the intention thus expressed i have appointed hon william taft of ohio dean worcester of michigan non luke wright of tennessee hon henry ide of vermont and bernard moses of california commissioners to the philippine islands to continue and perfect the work of organizing and establishing civil government already commenced by the military authorities subject in all respects to any laws which congress may hereafter enact the commissioners named will meet and act as a board and the hon william taft t is designated as president of the board it is probable that the transfer of authority from military commanders to civil officers will be gradual and will occupy a considerable period its successful accomplishment and the maintenance of peace and order in the meantime will require the most perfect between the civil and military authorities in the islands and both should be directed during the transition period by the same executive department the commission will therefore report to the secretary of war and all their action will be subject to your approval and control you will instruct the commission to proceed to the city of manila where they will make their principal office and to communicate with the military governor of the philippine islands whom you will at the same time direct to render to them every assistance within his power in the performance of their duties without hampering them by too specific instructions they should in general be enjoined after making themselves familiar with the conditions and needs of the country to devote their attention in the first instance to the establishment of municipal governments in which the natives of the islands both in the cities and in the rural communities shall be afforded the opportunity to manage their own local affairs to the fullest extent of which they are capable and subject to the least degree of supervision and control which a careful study of their capacities and observation of the workings of native control show to be consistent with the maintenance of law order and loyalty the next subject in order of importance should be the organization of government in the larger administrative divisions corresponding to counties departments or provinces in which the common interests of many or several municipalities failing within the same tribal lines or the same natural geographical limits may best be subserved by a common administration whenever the commission is of the opinion that the condition of affairs in the islands is such that the central administration may safely be transferred from military to civil control they will report that conclusion to you with their recommendations as to the form of central government to be established for the purpose of taking over the control beginning with the 1st day of september 1900 the authority to exercise subject to my approval through the secretary of war that part of the power of government in the philippine islands which is of a legislative nature is to be transferred from the military governor of the islands to this commission to be thereafter exercised by them in the place and stead of the military governor under such rules and regulations as you shall prescribe until the establishment of the civil central government for the islands contemplated in the last foregoing paragraph or until congress shall otherwise provide exercise of this legislative authority will include the making of rules and orders having the effect of law for the raising of revenue by taxes customs duties and imposts the appropriation and expenditure of public funds of the islands the establishment of an educational system throughout the islands the establishment of a system to secure an efficient civil service the organization and establishment of courts the organization and establishment of municipal and departmental governments and all other matters of a civil nature for which the military governor is now competent to provide by rules or orders of a legislative character the commission will also have power during the same period to appoint to office such officers under the judicial educational and systems and in the municipal and departmental governments as shall be provided for until the complete transfer of control the military governor will remain the chief executive head of the government of the islands and will exercise the executive authority now possessed by him and not herein expressly assigned to the commission subject however to the rules and orders enacted by the commission in the exercise of the legislative powers conferred upon them in the meantime the municipal and departmental governments will continue to report to the military governor and be subject to his administrative supervision and control under your direction but that supervision and control will be confined within the narrowest limits consistent with the requirement that the powers of government in the municipalities and departments shall be honestly and effectively exercised and that law and order and individual freedom shall be maintained all legislative rules and orders establishments of government and appointments to office by the commission will take effect immediately or at such times as they shall designate subject to your approval and action upon the coming in of the commission reports which are to be made from time to time as their action is taken wherever civil governments are constituted under the direction of the commission such military posts garrisons and forces will be continued for the suppression of insurrection and brigandage and the maintenance of law and order as the military commander shall deem requisite and the military forces shall be at all times subject under his orders to the call of the civil authorities for the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of their authority in the establishment of municipal governments the commission will take as the basis of their work the governments established by the military governor under his order of august 8 and under the report of the board constituted by the military governor by his order of january 29 1900 to formulate and report a plan of municipal government of which his honor cayetano arellano president of the audiencia was chairman and they will give to the conclusions of that board the weight and consideration which the high character and distinguished abilities of its members justify in the constitution of departmental or provincial governments they will give especial attention to the existing government of the island of negros constituted with the approval of the people of that island under the order of the military governor of july 22 1899 and after verifying so far as may be practicable the reports of the successful working of that government they will be guided by the experience thus acquired so far as it may be applicable to the condition existing in other portions of the philippines they will avail themselves to the fullest degree practicable of the conclusions reached by the previous commission to the philippines in the distribution of powers among the governments organized by the commission the presumption is always to be in favor of the smaller subdivision so that all the powers which can properly be exercised by the municipal government shall be vested in that government and all the powers of a more general character which can be exercised by the departmental government shall be vested in that government and so that in the governmental system which is the result of the process the central government of the islands following the example of the distribution of the powers between the states and the national government of the united states shall have no direct administration except of matters of purely general concern and shall have only such supervision and control over local governments as may be necessary to secure and enforce faithful and efficient administration by local officers the many different degrees of civilization and varieties of custom and capacity among the people of the different islands preclude very definite instruction as to the part which the people shall take in the selection of their own officers but these general rules are to be observed that in all cases the municipal officers who administer the local affairs of the people are to be selected by the people and that wherever officers of more extended jurisdiction are to be selected in any way natives of the islands are to be preferred and if they can be found competent and willing to perform the duties they are to receive the offices in preference to any others it will be necessary to fill some offices for the present with americans which after a time may well be filled by natives of the islands as soon as practicable a system for ascertaining the merit and fitness of candidates for civil office should be put in force an indispensable qualification for all offices and positions of trust and authority in the islands must be absolute and unconditional loyalty to the united states and absolute and unhampered authority and power to remove and punish any officer deviating from that standard must at all times be retained in the bands of the central authority of the islands in all the forms of government and administrative provisions which they are authorized to prescribe the commission should bear in mind that the government which they are establishing is designed not for our satisfaction or for the expression of our theoretical views but for the happiness peace and prosperity of tile people of the philippine islands and the measures adopted should be made to conform to their customs their habits and even heir prejudices to the fullest extent consistent with the accomplishment of the indispensable requisites of just and effective government at the same time the commission should bear in mind and the people of the islands should be made plainly to understand that there are certain great principles of government which have been made the basis of our governmental system which we deem essential to the rule of law and the maintenance of individual freedom and of which they have unfortunately been denied the experience possessed by us that there are also certain practical rules of government which we have found to be essential to the preservation of these great principles of liberty and law and that these principles and these rules of government must be established and maintained in their islands for the sake of their liberty and happiness however much they may conflict with the customs or laws of procedure with which they are familiar it is evident that the most enlightened thought of the philippine islands fully appreciates the importance of these principles and rules and they will inevitably within a short time command universal assent upon every division and branch of the government of the philippines therefore must be imposed these inviolable rules that no person shall be deprived of life liberty or property without due process of law that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation that in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial to be informed of the nature and because of the accusation to be confronted with the witnesses against him to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense that excessive bail shall not be required nor excessive fines imposed nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted that no person shall be put twice in jeopardy for the same offense or be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself that the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist except as a punishment for crime that no bill of attainder or facto law shall be passed that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the rights of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances that no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof and that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed it will be the duty of the commission to make a thorough investigation into the titles to the large tracts of land held or claimed by individuals or by religious orders into the justice of the claims and complaints made against stich landholders by the people of the island or any part of the people and to seek by wise and peaceable measures a just settlement of the controversies and redress of wrongs which have caused strife and bloodshed in the past in the performance of this duty the commission is enjoined to see that no injustice is done to have regard for substantial rights and equity disregarding technicalities so far as substantial right permits and to observe the following rules that the provision of the treaty of paris pledging the united states to the protection of all rights of property in the islands and as well the principle of our own government which prohibits the taking of private property without due process of law shall not be violated that the welfare of the people of the islands which should be a paramount consideration shall be attained consistently with this rule of property right that if it becomes necessary for the public interest of the people of the islands to dispose of claims to property which the commission finds to be not lawfully acquired and held disposition shall be made thereof by due legal procedure in which there shall be full opportunity for fair and impartial hearing and judgment that if the same public interests require the extinguishment of property rights lawfully acquired and held due compensation shall be made out of the public treasury therefore that no form of religion and no minister of religion shall be forced upon any community or upon any citizen of the islands that upon the other hand no minister of religion shall be interfered with or molested in following his calling and that the separation between state and church shall be real entire and absolute it will be the duty of the commission to promote and extend and as they find occasion to improve the system of education already inaugurated by the military authorities in doing this they should regard as of first importance the extension of a system of primary education which shall be free to all and which shall tend to fit the people for the duties of citizenship and for the ordinary avocations of a civilized community this instruction should be given in the first instance in every part of the islands in the language of the people in view of the great number of languages spoken by the different tribes it is especially important to the prosperity of the islands that a common medium of communication may be established and it is obviously desirable that this medium should be the english language especial attention should be at once given to affording full opportunity to all the people of the islands to acquire the use of the english language it may be well that the main changes which should be made in the system of taxation and in the body of the laws under which the people are governed except such changes as have already been made by the military government should be relegated to the civil government which is to be established under the auspices of the commission it will however be the duty of the commission to inquire diligently as to whether there are any further changes which ought not to be delayed and if so they are authorized to make such changes subject to your approval in doing so they are to bear in mind that taxes which tend 6 penalize or repress industry and enterprise are to be avoided that provisions for taxation should be simple so that they may be understood by the people that they should affect the fewest practicable subjects of taxation which will serve for the general distribution of the burden the main body of the laws which regulate the rights and obligations of the people should be maintained with as little interference as possible changes made should be mainly in procedure and in the criminal laws to secure speedy and impartial trials and at the same time effective administration and respect for individual rights in dealing with the uncivilized tribes of the islands the commission should adopt the same course followed by congress in permitting the tribes of our north american indians to maintain their tribal organization and government and under which many of those tribes are now living in peace and contentment surrounded by a civilization to which they are unable or unwilling to conform such tribal governments should however be subjected to wise and firm regulation and without undue or petty interference constant and active effort should be exercised to prevent barbarous practices and introduce civilized customs upon all officers and employees of the united states both civil and military should be impressed a sense of the duty to observe not merely the material but the personal and social rights of the people of the islands and to treat them with the same courtesy and respect for their personal dignity which the people of the united states are accustomed w require from each other the articles of capitulation of the city of manila on the 13th of august 1898 concluded with these words this city its inhabitants its churches and religious worship its educational establishments and its private property of all descriptions are placed under the special safeguard of the faith and honor of the american army i believe that this pledge has been faithfully kept as high and sacred an obligation rests upon the government of the united states to give protection for property and life civil and religious freedom and wise firm and unselfish guidance in the paths of peace and prosperity to all the people of the philippine islands i charge this commission to labor for the full performance of this obligation which concerns the honor and conscience of their country in the firm hope that through their labors all the inhabitants of the philippine islands may come to look back with gratitude to the day when god gave victory to american arms at manila and set their land under the sovereignty and the protection of the people of the united states coincidently with the entrance of the commission upon its labors i caused to be issued by general macarthur the military governor of the philippines on june 21 1900 a proclamation of amnesty in generous terms of which many of the insurgents took advantage among them a number of important leaders this commission composed of eminent citizens representing the diverse geographical and political interests of the country and bringing to their task the ripe fruits of long and intelligent service in educational administrative and judicial careers made great progress from the outset as early as august 21 1900 it submitted a preliminary report which will be laid before the congress and from which it appears that already the good effects of returning order are felt that business interrupted by hostilities is improving as peace extends that a larger area is under sugar cultivation than ever before that the customs revenues are greater than at any time during the spanish rule that economy and efficiency in the military administration have created a surplus fund of available for needed public improvements that a stringent law is in preparation that railroad communications are expanding opening up rich districts and that a comprehensive scheme of education is being organized later reports from the commission show yet more encouraging advance toward insuring the benefits of liberty and good government to the filipinos in the interest of humanity and with the aim of building up an enduring and community in those far eastern seas i would impress upon the congress that whatever legislation may be enacted in respect to the philippine islands should be along these generous lines the fortune of war has thrown upon this nation an unsought trust which should be unselfishly discharged and devolved upon this government a moral as well as material responsibility toward these millions whom we have freed from an oppressive yoke i have on another occasion called the filipinos the wards of the nation our obligation as guardian was not lightly assumed it must not be otherwise than honestly fulfilled aiming first of all to benefit those who have come under our fostering care it is our duty so to treat them that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of luzon and the fertile zones of mindanao and negros than it is at home that there as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty enlightenment and progress in every avenue of development the filipinos are a race quick to learn and to profit by knowledge he would be rash who with the teachings of contemporaneous history in view would fix a limit to the degree of culture and advancement yet within the reach of these people if our duty toward them be faithfully performed the civil government of puerto rico provided for by the act of the congress approved april 12 1900 is in successful operation the courts have been established the governor and his associates working intelligently and harmoniously are meeting with commendable success on the 6th of november a general election was held in the island for members of the legislature and the body elected has been called to convene on the first monday of december i recommend that legislation be enacted by the congress conferring upon the secretary of the interior supervision over the public lands in puerto rico and that he be directed to ascertain the location and quantity of lands the title to which remained in the crown of spain at the date of cession of puerto rico to the united states and that appropriations necessary for surveys be made and that the methods of the disposition of such lands be prescribed by law on the 25th of july 1900 i directed that a call be issued for an election in cuba for members of a constitutional convention to frame a constitution as a basis for a stable and independent government in the island in pursuance thereof the military governor issued the following instructions whereas the congress of the united states by its joint resolution of april 20 1898 declared that the people of the island of cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent that the united states hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty jurisdiction or control over said island except for the pacification thereof and asserts its determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the island to its people and whereas the people of cuba have established municipal governments deriving their authority from the suffrages of the people given under just and equal laws and are now ready in like manner to proceed to the establishment of a general government which shall assume and exercise sovereignty jurisdiction and control over the island therefore it is ordered that a general election be held in the island of cuba on the third saturday of september in the year nineteen hundred to elect delegates to a convention to meet in the city of havana at twelve of the clock noon on the first monday of november in the year nineteen hundred to frame and adopt a constitution for the people of cuba and as a part thereof to provide for and agree with the government of the united states upon the relations to exist between that government and the government of cuba and to provide for the election by the people of officers under such constitution and the transfer of government to the officers so elected the election will be held in the several voting precincts of the island under and pursuant to the provisions of the electoral law of april 18 1900 and the amendments thereof the election was held on the 15th of september and the convention assembled on the 5th of november 1900 and is now in session in calling the convention to order the military governor of cuba made the following statement as military governor of the island representing the president of the united states i call this convention to order it will be your duty first to frame and adopt a constitution for cuba and whet that has been done to formulate what in your opinion ought to be the relations between cuba and the united states the constitution must be adequate to secure a stable orderly and free government when you have formulated the relations which in your opinion ought to exist between cuba and the united states the government of the united states will doubtless take such action on its part as shall lead to a final and authoritative agreement between the people of the two countries to the promotion of their common interests all friends of cuba will follow your deliberations with the deepest interest earnestly desiring that you shall reach just conclusions and that by the dignity individual and wise conservatism which shall characterize your proceedings the capacity of the cuban people for representative government may be signally illustrated the fundamental distinction between true representative government and dictatorship is that in the former every representative of the people in whatever office confines himself strictly within the limits of his defined powers without such restraint there can be no free constitutional government under the order pursuant to which you have been elected and convened you have no duty and no authority to take part in the present government of the island your powers are strictly limited by the terms of that order when the convention concludes its labors i will transmit to the congress the constitution as framed by the convention for its consideration and for such action as it may deem advisable i renew the recommendation made in my special message of february 10 1899 as to the necessity for cable communication between the united states and hawaii with extension to manila since then circumstances have strikingly emphasized this need surveys have shown the entire feasibility of a chain of cables which at each stopping place shall touch on american territory so that the system shall be under our own complete control manila once within telegraphic reach connection with the systems of the asiatic coast would open increased and profitable opportunities for a more direct cable route from our shores to the orient than is now afforded by the continental and lines i urge attention to this important matter the present strength of the army is men regulars and volunteers under the act of march 2 1899 on the 30th of june next the present volunteer force will be discharged and the regular army will be reduced to officers and enlisted men in 1888 a board of officers convened by president cleveland adopted a comprehensive scheme of fortifications which involved the outlay of something over one hundred million dollars this plan received the approval of the congress and since then regular appropriations have been made and the work of fortification has steadily progressed more than sixty millions of dollars have been invested in a great number of forts and guns with all the complicated and scientific machinery and electrical appliances necessary for their use the proper care of this defensive machinery requires men trained in its use the number of men necessary to perform this duty alone is ascertained by the war department at a minimum allowance to be there are or more military posts in the united states other than the fortifications the number of these posts is being constantly increased by the congress more than have been expended in building and equipment and they can only be cared for by the regular army the posts now in existence and others to be built provide for accommodations for and if fully garrisoned require troops many of these posts are along our frontier or at important strategic points the occupation of which is necessary we have in cuba between and troops for the present our troops in that island can not be withdrawn or materially diminished and certainly not until the conclusion of the labors of the constitutional convention now in session and a government provided by the new constitution shall have been established and its stability assured in puerto rico we have reduced the garrisons to which includes 879 native troops there is no room for further reduction here we will be required to keep a considerable force in the philippine islands for some time to come from the best information obtainable we will need there for the immediate future from to men i am sure the number may be reduced as the insurgents shall come to acknowledge the authority of the united states of which there are assuring indications it must be apparent that we will require an army of about and that during present conditions in cuba and the philippines the president should have authority to increase the force to the present number of included in this number authority should be given to raise native troops in the philippines up to which the taft commission believe will be more effective in detecting and suppressing guerrillas assassins and ladrones than our own soldiers the full discussion of this subject by the secretary of war in his annual report is called to your earnest attention i renew the recommendation made in my last annual message 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 i favor the recommendation of the secretary of war for the detail oil officers from the line of the army when vacancies occur in the department department quartermaster department subsistence department pay department ordnance department and signal corps the army can not be too highly commended for its faithful and effective service in active military operations in the field and the difficult work of civil administration the continued and rapid growth of the postal service is a sure index of the great and increasing business activity of the country its most striking new development is the extension of rural free delivery this has come almost wholly within the last year at the beginning of the fiscal year 1899 1900 the number of routes in operation was only 391 and most of these had been running less than twelve months on the 15th of november 1900 the number had increased to reaching into states and territories and serving a population of the number of applications now pending and awaiting action nearly equals all those granted up to the present time and by the close of the current fiscal year about routes will have been established providing for the daily delivery of mails at the scattered homes of about three and a half millions of rural population this service ameliorates the isolation of farm life conduces to good roads and quickens and extends the dissemination of general information experience thus far has tended to allay the apprehension that it would be so expensive as to forbid its general adoption or make it a serious burden its actual application has shown that it increases postal receipts and can be accompanied by reductions in other branches of the service so that the augmented revenues and the accomplished savings together materially reduce the net cost the evidences which point to these conclusions are presented in detail in the annual report of the which with its recommendations is commended to the consideration of the congress the full development of this special service however requires such a large outlay of money that it should be undertaken only after a careful study and thorough understanding of all that it involves very efficient service has been rendered by the navy in connection with the insurrection in the philippines and the recent disturbance in china a very satisfactory settlement has been made of the question of the manufacture of armor plate a reasonable price has been secured and the necessity for a government armor plant avoided i approve of the recommendations of the secretary for new vessels and for additional officers and men which the required increase of the navy makes necessary i commend to the favorable action of the congress the measure now pending for the erection of a statue to the memory of the late admiral david porter i commend also the establishment of a national naval reserve and of the grade of provision should be made as recommended by the secretary for suitable rewards for special merit many officers who rendered the most distinguished service during the recent war with spain have received in return no recognition from the congress the total area of public lands as given by the secretary of the interior is approximately acres of which acres are undisposed of and acres have been reserved for various purposes the public lands disposed of during the year amount to acres including acres of indian lands an increase of over the preceding year the total receipts from the sale of public lands during the fiscal year were an increase of over the preceding year the results obtained from our forest policy have demonstrated its wisdom and the necessity in the interest of the public for its continuance and increased appropriations by the congress for the carrying on of the work on june 30 1900 there were forest reserves created by presidential proclamations under section 24 of the act of march 3 1891 embracing an area of acres during the past year the olympic reserve in the state of washington was reduced acres leaving its present area at acres the prescott reserve in arizona was increased from acres to acres and the big horn reserve in wyoming was increased from acres to acres a new reserve the santa ynez in california embracing an area of acres was created during this year on october 10 1900 the crow creek forest reserve in wyoming was created with an area of acres at the end of the fiscal year there were on the pension roll names a net increase of over the fiscal year 1899 the number added to the rolls during the year was the amount disbursed for army pensions during the year was and for navy pensions a total of leaving an unexpended balance of to be covered into the treasury which shows an increase over the previous year expenditure of there were 684 names added to the rolls during the year by special acts passed at the first session of the congress the act of may 9 1900 among other things provides for an extension of income to widows pensioned under said act to 250 per annum the secretary of the interior believes that by the operations of this act the number of persons pensioned under it will increase and the increased annual payment for pensions will be between and the government justly appreciates the services of its soldiers and sailors by making pension payments liberal beyond precedent to them their widows and orphans there were letters patent granted including reissues and designs during the fiscal year ended june 30 1900 trademarks 682 labels and 93 prints registered the number of patents which expired was the total receipts for patents were the expenditures were showing a surplus of the attention of the congress is called to the report of the secretary of the interior touching the necessity for the further establishment of schools in the territory of alaska and favorable action is invited thereon much interesting information is given in the report of the governor of hawaii as to the progress and development of the islands during the period from july 7 1898 the date of the approval of the joint resolution of the congress providing for their annexation up to april 30 1900 the date of the approval of the act providing a government for the territory and thereafter the last hawaiian census taken in the year 1896 gives a total population of of which were native hawaiians the number of americans reported was the results of the federal census taken this year show the islands to have a total population of showing an increase over that reported in 1896 of or per cent there has been marked progress in the educational agricultural and railroad development of the islands in the territorial act of april 30 1900 section 7 of said act repeals chapter 34 of the civil laws of hawaii whereby the government was to assist in encouraging and developing the agricultural resources of the republic especially irrigation the governor of hawaii recommends legislation looking to the development of such water supply as may exist on the public lands with a view of promoting land settlement the earnest consideration of the congress is invited to this important recommendation and others as embodied in the report of the secretary of the interior the director of the census states that the work in connection with the twelfth census is progressing favorably this national undertaking ordered by the congress each decade has finally resulted in the collection of an aggregation of statistical facts to determine the industrial growth of the country its manufacturing and mechanical resources its richness in mines and forests the number of its agriculturists their farms and products its educational and religious opportunities as well as questions pertaining to sociological conditions the labors of the officials in charge of the bureau indicate that the four important and most desired subjects namely population agricultural manufacturing and vital statistics will be completed within the limit prescribed by the law of march 3 1899 the field work incident to the above inquiries is now practically finished and as a result the population of the states and territories including the hawaiian islands and alaska has been announced the growth of population during the last decade amounts to over a greater numerical increase than in any previous census in the history of the country bulletins will be issued as rapidly as possible giving the population by states and territories by minor civil divisions several announcements of this kind have already been made and it is hoped that the list will be completed by january 1 other bulletins giving the results of the manufacturing and agricultural inquiries will be given to the public as rapidly as circumstances will admit the director while confident of his ability to complete the different branches of the undertaking in the allotted time finds himself embarrassed by the lack of a trained force properly equipped for statistical work thus raising the question whether in the interest of economy and a thorough execution of the census work there should not be retained in the government employ a certain number of experts not only to aid in the preliminary organization prior to the taking of the decennial census but in addition to have the advantage in the field and office work of the bureau of trained assistants to facilitate the early completion of this enormous undertaking i recommend that the congress at its present session apportion representation among the several states as provided by the constitution the department of agriculture has been extending its work during the past year reaching farther for new varieties of seeds and plants more fully with the states and territories in research along useful lines making progress in meteorological work relating to lines of wireless telegraphy and forecasts for vessels continuing inquiry as to animal disease looking into the extent and character of food adulteration outlining plans for the care preservation and intelligent harvesting of our woodlands studying soils that producers may cultivate with better knowledge of conditions and helping to clothe desert places with grasses suitable to our and regions our island possessions are being considered that their peoples may be helped to produce the tropical products now so extensively brought into the united states inquiry into methods of improving our roads has been active during the year help has been given to many localities and scientific investigation of material in the states and territories has been inaugurated irrigation problems in our semiarid regions are receiving careful and increased consideration an extensive exhibit at paris of the products of agriculture has made the peoples of many countries more familiar with the varied products of our fields and their comparative excellence the collection of statistics regarding our crops is being improved and sources of information are being enlarged to the end that producers may have the earliest advices regarding crop conditions there has never been a time when those for whom it was established have shown more appreciation of the services of the department in my annual message of december 5 1898 1 called attention to the necessity for some amendment of the alien contract law there still remain important features of the rightful application of the law for the benefit of labor and of the principle of arbitration and i again commend these subjects to the careful attention of the congress that there may be secured the best service possible in the philippine islands i have issued under date of november 30 1900 the following order the united states civil service commission is directed to render such assistance as may be practicable to the civil service board created under the act of the united states philippine commission for the establishment and maintenance of an honest and efficient civil service in the philippine islands and for that purpose to conduct examinations for the civil service of the philippine islands upon the request of the civil service board of said islands under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the said board and the said united states civil service commission the civil service commission is greatly embarrassed in its work for want of an adequate permanent force for clerical and other assistance its needs are fully set forth in its report i invite attention to the report and especially urge upon the congress that this important bureau of the public service which passes upon the qualifications and character of so large a number of the officers and employees of the government should be supported by all needed appropriations to secure promptness and efficiency i am very much impressed with the statement made by the heads of all the departments of the urgent necessity of a hall of public records in every departmental building in washington so far as i am informed the space for official records is not only exhausted but the walls of rooms are lined with shelves the middle floor space of many rooms is tilled with tile cases and garrets and basements which were never intended and are unfitted for their accommodation are crowded with them aside from the inconvenience there is great danger not only from fire but from the weight of these records upon timbers not intended for their support there should be a separate building especially designed for the purpose of receiving and preserving the annually accumulating archives of the several executive departments such a hall need not be a costly structure but should be so arranged as to admit of enlargement from time to time i urgently recommend that the congress take early action in this matter i transmit to the congress a resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the american bar association concerning the proposed celebration of john marshall day february 4 1901 fitting exercises have been arranged and it is earnestly desired by the committee that the congress may participate in this movement to honor the memory of the great jurist the transfer of the government to this city is a fact of great historical interest among the people there is a feeling of genuine pride in the capital of the republic it is a matter of interest in this connection that in 1800 the population of the district of columbia was it is the population of the city of washington was then it is the congress having provided for an appropriate national celebration of the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the seat of the government in the district of columbia the committees authorized by it have prepared a programme for the 12th of december 1900 which date has been selected as the anniversary day deep interest has been shown in the arrangements for the celebration by the members of the committees of the senate and house of representatives the committee of governors appointed by the president and the committees appointed by the citizens and inhabitants of the district of columbia generally the programme in addition to a reception and other exercises at the executive mansion provides commemorative exercises to be held jointly by the senate and house of representatives in the hall of the house of representatives and a reception in the evening at the corcoran gallery of art in honor of the governors of the states and territories in our great prosperity we must guard against the danger it invites of extravagance in government expenditures and appropriations and the chosen representatives of the people will i doubt not furnish an example in their legislation of that wise economy which in a season of plenty husbands for the future in this era of great business activity and opportunity caution is not untimely it will not abate but strengthen confidence it will not retard but promote legitimate industrial and commercial expansion our growing power brings with it temptations and perils requiring constant vigilance to avoid it must not be used to invite conflicts nor for oppression but for the more effective maintenance of those principles of equality and justice upon which our institutions and happiness depend let us keep always in mind that the foundation of our government is liberty its superstructure peace
outgoing old incoming new century begin last session congress evidences every hand individual national prosperity proof growing strength increasing power good republican institutions countrymen join felicitation american liberty firmly established ever love determination preserve universal former period history republic never strong never strongly entrenched hearts people constitution amendments exists left hands authors additions made proclaim larger freedom extended citizenship popular government demonstrated one hundred years trial stability security efficiency best instrument national development best safeguard human rights sixth congress assembled november 1800 population united states sixteen states territory consisted square miles square miles education religion morality kept pace advancement directions extending power government adhered foundation principles abated none dealing new peoples possessions nation preserved blessed gives reverent thanks god invokes guidance continuance care favor foreign intercourse dominant question treatment chinese problem apart relations powers happy recent troubles china spring antiforeign agitation past three years gained strength northern provinces origin lies deep character chinese races traditions government taiping rebellion opening chinese ports foreign trade settlement disturbed alike homogeneity seclusion china meanwhile foreign activity made felt quarters alone coast along great river arteries remoter districts carrying new ideas introducing new associations among primitive people pursued centuries national policy isolation telegraph railway spreading land steamers plying waterways merchant missionary penetrating year year farther interior became chinese mind types alien invasion changing course national life fraught vague forebodings disaster beliefs several years present troubles resources foreign diplomacy backed moral demonstrations physical force fleets arms needed secure due respect treaty rights foreigners obtain satisfaction responsible authorities sporadic outrages upon persons property unoffending sojourners time time occurred widely separated points northern provinces case outbreaks posting antiforeign placards became daily occurrence repeated reprobation imperial power failed check punish inflammatory appeals ignorance superstition masses mendacious absurd accusations deeply hostile spirit could work cumulative harm aimed particular class foreigners impartial attacking everything foreign outbreak german missionaries slain natural result malevolent teachings posting seditious placards exhorting utter destruction foreigners every foreign thing continued unrebuked hostile demonstrations toward stranger gained strength organization sect commonly styled boxers developed greatly provinces north collusion many notable officials including immediate councils throne became alarmingly aggressive foreigner life outside protected treaty ports safe foreign interest secure spoliation diplomatic representatives powers peking strove vain check movement protest followed demand demand renewed protest met perfunctory edicts palace evasive futile assurances yamen circle boxer influence narrowed peking nominally stigmatized seditious felt spirit pervaded capital imperial forces imbued doctrines immediate counselors empress dowager full sympathy antiforeign movement increasing gravity conditions china imminence peril diversified interests empire well treaty governments soon appreciated government causing profound solicitude united states earliest days foreign intercourse china followed policy peace omitting occasions testify good extension lawful trade respect sovereignty government insure legitimate kindly earnest means fullest measure protection lives property citizens exercise beneficent callings among chinese people mindful felt appropriate purposes pronounced favor course would hasten united action powers peking promote administrative reforms greatly needed strengthening imperial government maintaining integrity china believed whole western world alike concerned ends caused addressed several powers occupying territory maintaining spheres influence china circular proposals 1899 inviting declarations intentions views desirability adoption measures insuring benefits equality treatment foreign trade throughout china gratifying unanimity responses coincided common policy enabling see successful termination negotiations proof friendly spirit animates various powers interested untrammeled development commerce industry chinese empire source vast benefit whole commercial world conclusion gratification announce completed engagement interested powers march 20 1900 hopefully discerned potential factor abatement distrust foreign purposes year past appeared inspire policy imperial government effective exertion power authority quell critical antiforeign movement northern provinces immediately influenced manchu sentiment seeking testify confidence willingness ability imperial administration redress wrongs prevent evils suffered feared marine guard sent peking autumn 1899 protection legation withdrawn earliest practicable moment pending questions remitted far concerned ordinary resorts diplomatic intercourse chinese government proved however unable check rising strength boxers appeared prey internal dissensions unequal contest antiforeign influences soon gained ascendancy leadership prince tuan organized armies boxers imperial forces affiliated held country peking coast penetrated manchuria russian borders emissaries threatened like rising throughout northern china attacks upon foreigners destruction property slaughter native converts reported sides yamen already permeated hostile sympathies could make effective response appeals legations critical juncture early spring year proposal made powers combined fleet assembled chinese waters moral demonstration cover exact chinese government respect foreign treaty rights suppression boxers united states participating joint demonstration promptly sent philippines ships could spared service chinese coast small force marines landed taku sent peking protection american legation powers took similar action four hundred men assembled capital legation guards still peril increased legations reported development seditious movement peking need increased provision defense preparations progress larger expedition strengthen legation guards keep railway open attempt foreign ships make landing taku met fire chinese forts forts thereupon shelled foreign vessels american admiral taking part attack ground war china hostile demonstration might consolidate antiforeign elements strengthen boxers oppose relieving column two days later taku forts captured sanguinary conflict severance communication peking followed combined force additional guards advancing peking checked langfang isolation legations complete siege relief legations passed undying history stirring chapter records heroism devoted band clinging hope face despair undaunted spirit led relievers battle suffering goal memory countrymen may justly proud honor flag maintained alike siege rescue stout american hearts set high fervent emulation true men race language indomitable courage ever strives right justice june 19 legations cut identical note yamen ordered minister leave peking promised escort within hours gain time replied asking prolongation time afterwards granted requesting interview yamen following day reply received morning 20th german minister baron von ketteler set yamen obtain response oil way murdered attempt legation guard recover body foiled chinese armed forces turned legations quarters surrounded attacked mission compounds abandoned inmates taking refuge british legation legations guards gathered effective defense four hundred persons crowded narrow compass two thousand native converts assembled nearby palace protection foreigners lines defense strengthened trenches dug barricades raised preparations made stand siege began june 20 july 17 writes minister conger scarcely hour firing upon part lines legations varying single shot general continuous attack along whole line artillery placed around legations palace walls thousands shot fired destroying buildings damaging thickly balls rain ammunition besieged ran low five quarts chinese bullets gathered hour one compound recast attempts made burn legations setting neighboring houses fire flames successfully fought although austrian belgian italian dutch legations subsequently burned aid native converts directed missionaries whose helpful conger awards unstinted praise british legation made veritable fortress british minister sir claude macdonald chosen general commander defense secretary american legation squiers chief staff save life ammunition besieged sparingly returned incessant fire chinese soldiery fighting repel attack make occasional successful sortie strategic advantage american british russian marines led captain myers united states marine corps resulted capture formidable barricade wall gravely menaced american position held last proved invaluable acquisition commanding water gate relief column entered siege defenders lost 65 killed 135 wounded 7 disease last children july 14 besieged first communication yamen message came inviting conference declined correspondence however ensued sort armistice agreed upon stopped bombardment lessened rifle fire time even protection whatever afforded aid given save send legations small supply fruit three sacks flour indeed communication chinese government related occasional delivery dispatch telegram demands yamen withdrawal legations coast escort protestations chinese government protected succored legations positively contradicted irresistible proof accumulates attacks upon made imperial troops regularly uniformed armed officered belonging command jung lu imperial commander chief decrees encouraging boxers organizing tinder prominent imperial officers provisioning even granting large sums name empress dowager known exist members yamen counseled protection foreigners beheaded even distant provinces men suspected foreign sympathy put death prominent among chang formerly chinese minister washington negotiation partial armistice july 14 proceeding doubtless promoted representations chinese envoy washington way opened conveyance conger test message sent secretary state kind offices minister wu conger reply dispatched peking july 18 channel afforded outside world first tidings inmates legations still alive hoping succor news stimulated preparations joint relief expedition numbers sufficient overcome resistance month organizing taku capital reinforcements sent governments constantly arriving united states contingent hastily assembled philippines dispatched country amounted men able command first lamented colonel liscum afterwards general chaffee toward end july movement began severe conflict followed tientsin colonel liscum killed city stormed partly destroyed capture afforded base operations make final advance began first days august expedition made japanese russian british american troops outset another battle fought yangtsun thereafter disheartened chinese troops offered little show resistance days later important position taken rapid march brought united forces populous city tung chow capitulated without contest august 14 capital reached brief conflict beneath walls relief column entered legations saved united states soldiers sailors marines officers men alike distant climes unusual surroundings showed valor discipline good conduct gave proof high degree intelligence efficiency distinguished every emergency imperial family government fled days city without visible control remaining imperial soldiery made night 13th last attempt exterminate besieged gallantly repelled fell occupying forces restore order organize provisional administration happily acute disturbances confined northern provinces relief recall pleasure record loyal conduct viceroys local authorities southern eastern provinces efforts continuously directed pacific control vast populations rule scrupulous observance foreign treaty rights critical moments hesitate memorialize throne urging protection legations restoration communication assertion imperial authority subversive elements maintained excellent relations official representatives foreign powers kindly disposition largely due success consuls removing many missionaries interior places safety relation action consuls highly commended eastern task difficult thanks energy cooperation american foreign naval commanders hundreds foreigners including nationalities rescued imminent peril policy united states trying period clearly announced scrupulously carried circular note powers dated july 3 proclaimed attitude treating condition north one virtual anarchy great provinces south southeast share regarded local authorities latter quarters representing chinese people sought remain peace friendship declared aims involved war chinese nation adhered legitimate office rescuing imperiled legation obtaining redress wrongs already suffered securing wherever possible safety american life property china preventing spread disorders recurrence said policy government united states seek solution may bring permanent safety peace china preserve chinese territorial administrative entity protect rights guaranteed friendly powers treaty international law safeguard world principle equal impartial trade parts chinese empire faithful professions proved reflected views purposes governments efforts directed toward ending anomalous situation china negotiations settlement earliest possible moment soon sacred duty relieving legation dependents accomplished withdrew active hostilities leaving legation adequate guard peking channel negotiation settlement course adopted others interested powers overtures empowered representatives chinese emperor considerately entertained russian proposition looking restoration imperial power peking accepted full consonance desires held hold effective reparation wrongs suffered enduring settlement make recurrence impossible best brought authority chinese nation reverences obeys forego jot undoubted right exact exemplary deterrent punishment responsible authors abettors criminal acts whereby nations suffered grievous injury real culprits evil counselors misled imperial judgment diverted sovereign authority guilty ends full expiation becomes imperative within rational limits retributive justice regarding initial condition acceptable settlement china powers said message october 18 chinese emperor trust negotiations may begin soon offended governments shall effectively satisfied majesty ability power treat sternness principal offenders doubly culpable alone toward foreigners toward majesty whose rule purpose china dwell concord world hitherto found expression welcome protection assured strangers taking point departure imperial edict appointing earl li hung chang prince ching plenipotentiaries arrange settlement edict september 25 whereby certain high officials designated punishment government moved concert powers toward opening negotiations conger assisted rockhill authorized conduct behalf united states general bases negotiation formulated government french republic accepted certain reservations details made necessary circumstances like similar reservations powers open discussion progress negotiations disposition emperor government admit liability wrongs done foreign governments nationals act upon additional designation guilty persons foreign ministers peking may position make gives hope complete settlement questions involved assuring foreign rights residence intercourse terms equality world regard one essential factors durable adjustment securement adequate guarantees liberty faith since insecurity natives may embrace alien creeds scarcely less effectual assault upon rights foreign worship teaching would direct invasion thereof matter indemnity wronged citizens question grave concern measured money alone sufficient reparation may prove beyond ability china meet powers concur emphatic disclaimers purpose aggrandizement dismemberment empire disposed think due compensation may made part increased guarantees security foreign rights immunities important opening china equal commerce world views earnestly advocated representatives government russia put forward suggestion event protracted divergence views regard indemnities matter may relegated court arbitration hague favorably incline believing high tribunal could fail reach solution less conducive stability enlarged prosperity china immediately beneficial powers ratifications treaty extradition argentine republic exchanged june 2 last government many cases reported arrest naturalized citizens alleged evasion military service faithfully observed provisions treaty released persons military obligations instances expelled whose presence community origin asserted pernicious influence representations made course whenever adoption appeared unduly onerous urgently solicited belgium ratify international convention june 1899 amendatory previous convention 1890 respect regulation liquor trade africa compliance necessarily withheld absence advice consent senate thereto principle involved cordial sympathy government reversionary negotiations advocated drastic measures would gladly see extension international agreement restriction liquor traffic uncivilized peoples especially western pacific conference held brussels december 11 1900 convention protection industrial property concluded paris march 20 1883 delegates country appointed lessening difficulties inventors encounter obtaining patents abroad inventions farmers manufacturers merchants may protection worthy careful consideration attention called results conference proper time interest expanding trade country south america efforts made past year conclude conventions southern republics enlargement postal facilities two agreements signed bolivia april 24 establishing system undergoing certain changes suggested department yet ratified government treaty extradition country signed day senate boundary dispute brazil bolivia territory acre fair way friendly adjustment protocol signed december 1899 agreed definite frontier provided demarcation joint commission conditions brazil weighed heavily export trade country marked contrast favorable conditions upon brazilian products admitted markets urgent representations made government subject amelioration effected rely upon reciprocal justice good government assure us improvement commercial relations convention signed may 24 1897 final settlement claims left abeyance upon dissolution commission 1893 length ratified chilean congress supplemental commission organized remains congress appropriate necessary expenses commission insurrectionary movement disturbed colombia latter part 1899 practically suppressed although guerrillas still operate departments executive power republic changed hands august last act marroquin assuming reins government absence president san clemente capital change met serious opposition following precedents cases united states minister entered relations new defacto government september 17 gratifying announce residual questions costa rica nicaragua growing award president cleveland 1888 adjusted choice american engineer general alexander umpire run disputed line task accomplished satisfaction contestants revolution dominican republic toward close last year resulted installation president jimenez whose government formally recognized january since final payment made american claim regard ozama bridge year exposition fruitful occasions displaying good exists country france great competition brought together every nation best natural productions industry science arts submitted generous rivalry judgment made searching rivalry extraordinary increase exportations country past three years activity inventions wares bad invaded new markets caused much interest center upon american exhibit every encouragement offered way space facilities permit comprehensive whole complete every part however easy task assemble exhibits could fitly illustrate diversified resources manufactures singularly enough national prosperity lessened incentive exhibit dealer raw materials knew user must come great factories contented phenomenal demand output alone home also abroad merit already profitable trade appeals made patriotism exhibitors induce incur outlays promising immediate return especially case became needful complete industrial sequence illustrate class processes one manufacturer another visited importuned times promise exhibit particular section bad obtained would withdrawn owing pressure trade orders new quest would made installation exhibits encountered many obstacles involved unexpected cost exposition far ready date fixed opening french transportation lines congested offered freight belated goods hastily installed unfinished quarters whatever labor could obtained prevailing confusion task commission lightened fact owing scheme classification adopted impossible entire exhibit one country building one group exhibits part building installations scattered sides seine widely remote suburbs paris additional assistants needed work supervision arrangement despite drawbacks contribution united states largest foreign display among earliest place orderly arrangement exhibits shown one hundred one one hundred classes completely covered entire classification nation total number ranked next france attractive form presented secured general attention criterion extent success participation thoroughness exhibits organized seen awards granted american exhibitors international jury namely grand prizes 240 gold medals 597 silver medals 776 bronze medals 541 honorable mentions 322 greatest total number given exhibit exhibiting nation well largest number grade significant recognition merit competition chosen exhibits nations hands juries almost wholly made tip representatives france competing countries gratifying especially valuable since sets us front international questions supply demand large proportion awards classes art artistic manufactures afforded unexpected proof stimulation national culture prosperity flows natural productiveness joined industrial excellence apart exposition several occasions showing international good occurred inauguration paris lafayette monument presented school children united states designing commemorative coin mint presentation first piece struck president republic marked appropriate ceremonies fourth july especially observed french capital good prevails relations german empire amicable adjustment question admission companies business prussia reached one principal companies already readmitted way opened others share privilege settlement samoan problem adverted last message accomplished good results peace contentment prevail islands especially tutuila convenient administration confidence esteem kindly disposed natives organized direction commander united states naval station imperial meat inspection law enacted germany may simplify inspections prohibits certain products heretofore admitted still great uncertainty whether extinguished german trade meat products revive tinder new burdens much depend upon regulations yet promulgated confidently hope free discriminations attended enforcement old statutes remaining link new lines direct telegraphic communication united states german empire recently completed affording gratifying occasion exchange friendly congratulations german emperor friendly relations great britain continue war southern africa introduced important questions condition unusual international wars presented one belligerent control seas ports shipping direct trade accessible territory neutral vexatious questions arose great britain action respect neutral cargoes contraband nature shipped portuguese south africa score probable suspected ultimate destination boer states consignments british ships alone direct trade kept ports southern africa seized application municipal law prohibiting british vessels trading enemy without regard contraband character goods cargoes shipped delagoa bay neutral bottoms arrested ground alleged destination enemy country appropriate representations part resulted british government agreeing purchase outright goods shown actual property american citizens thus closing incident satisfaction immediately interested parties although unfortunately without broad settlement question neutral right send goods contraband per se neutral port adjacent belligerent area work marking certain provisional boundary points convenience administration around head lynn canal accordance temporary arrangement october 1899 completed joint survey july last modus vivendi far worked without friction dominion government provided rules regulations securing citizens benefit reciprocal stipulation citizens subjects either power found arrangement within temporary jurisdiction shall suffer diminution rights privileges hitherto enjoyed however necessary expedient may tide grave emergencies situation best unsatisfactory makeshift suffered delay speedy complete establishment frontier line entitled treaty cession alaska relation may refer need definitely marking alaskan boundary follows one hundred meridian convention end senate two years action taken contemplate negotiating new convention joint determination meridian telegraphic observations believed give accurate unquestionable results sidereal methods heretofore independently followed known proved discrepant several points line although varying place 700 feet pending claim may guatemalan government settled arbitration george jenner british minister guatemala chosen sole arbitrator awarded gold claimant various american claims haiti advanced resort arbitration result negotiations government honduras regard indemnity demanded murder frank pears honduras government paid settlement claim heirs assassination king humbert called forth sincere expressions sorrow government people occasion fitly taken testify italian nation high regard felt memory lamented ruler last message referred considerable length lynching five italians tallulah notwithstanding efforts federal government production evidence tending inculpate authors grievous offense civilization repeated inquests set foot authorities state louisiana punishments followed successive grand juries failed indict representations italian government face miscarriage temperate setting principle issue high consideration merely pecuniary indemnification government made three previous cases italy solemnly invoked pledges existing treaty asked justice entitled shall meted regard unfortunate countrymen territory full measure would give american reciprocal treaty rights contemned renew urgent recommendations made last year congress appropriately confer upon federal courts jurisdiction class international cases ultimate responsibility federal government may involved invite action upon bills accomplish introduced ate house incumbent upon us remedy statutory omission led may lead untoward results pointed necessity precedent legislation character enactment simple measure previsory justice toward nations sovereign equal make treaties requiring reciprocal observance italian government naturally regards action primary indeed essential element disposal tallulah incident advise accordance precedent view improbability particular case reached bill pending congress make gracious provision indemnity italian sufferers form proportion heretofore inaugural address referred general subject lynching words lynching must tolerated great civilized country like united states courts mobs must execute penalties law preservation public order right discussion integrity courts orderly administration justice must continue forever rock safety upon government securely rests urgently reiterate invite attention countrymen reproach upon civilization closing year witnessed decided strengthening japan relations states development independent judicial administrative functions treaties took effect july 17 1899 proceeded without international friction showing competence japanese hold foremost place among modern peoples treatment difficult chinese problems japan acted harmonious concert powers generous cooperation materially aided joint relief beleaguered legations peking bringing understanding preliminary settlement issues powers china japan declarations favor integrity chinese empire conservation open world trade therewith frank positive factor promoting general interests peace order fair commerce far east influence japan hardly overestimated valuable aid kindly courtesies extended japanese government naval officers battle ship oregon gratefully appreciated complaint made last summer discriminatory enforcement bubonic quarantine japanese pacific coast interference travel california colorado health laws states latter restrictions adjudged federal court unconstitutional recurrence either complaint apprehended noteworthy incident occurred relations important southern neighbor commercial intercourse mexico continues thrive two governments neglect opportunity foster mutual interests practicable ways pursuant declaration supreme court awards late joint commission la abra weil claims obtained fraud sum awarded first case returned mexico amount weil award returned like manner convention indefinitely extending time labors united states mexican international water boundary commission signed satisfaction able announce formal notification hague september 4 deposit ratifications convention pacific settlement international disputes sixteen powers namely united states austria belgium denmark england france germany italy persia portugal roumania russia siam spain sweden norway netherlands japan also since ratified convention administrative council permanent court arbitration organized adopted rules order constitution international arbitration bureau accordance article xxiii convention providing appointment signatory power persons known competency questions international law arbitrators appointed members court hon benjamin harrison indiana united states hon melville fuller illinois chief justice united states hon john griggs new jersey attorney general united states hon george gray delaware judge circuit court united states incident brief revolution mosquito district nicaragua early 1899 insurgents forcibly collected american merchants duties upon imports restoration order nicaraguan authorities demanded second payment duties ground due titular government diversion aided revolt position accepted us prolonged discussion compromise effected amount second payments deposited british consul san juan del norte trust two governments determine whether first payments made compulsion de facto authority agreement reached point waived act nicaraguan government requesting british consul return deposits merchants menacing differences several central american states accommodated ministers rendering good offices toward understanding matter interoceanic canal assumed new phase adhering refusal reopen question forfeiture contract maritime canal company terminated alleged nonexecution october 1899 government nicaragua since supplemented action declaring styled option void nonpayment stipulated advance protests relation acts filed state department consideration deeming relieved existing engagements nicaraguan government shows disposition deal freely canal question either way negotiations united states taking measures promote waterway overtures convention effect building canal auspices united states consideration meantime views congress upon general subject light report commission appointed examine comparative merits various projects may awaited commend early attention senate convention great britain facilitate construction canal remove objection might arise convention commonly called treaty contention portugal growing seizure delagoa bay railway last determined favorable award tribunal arbitration berne submitted amount award deposited london awaiting arrangements governments united states great britain disposal recently paid two governments lately signed convention extradition peru amended senate ratified peruvian congress another illustration policy government refer international disputes impartial arbitration seen agreement reached russia submit claims behalf american sealing vessels seized bering sea determination asser distinguished statesman jurist netherlands thanks due imperial russian government kindly aid rendered authorities eastern siberia american missionaries fleeing manchuria satisfactory progress made toward conclusion general treaty friendship intercourse spain replacement old treaty passed abeyance reason late war new convention extradition approaching completion much pleased commercial arrangement follow feel suffer pass opportunity reaffirm cordial ties existed us spain time earliest independence enhance mutual benefits commercial intercourse natural two countries terms treaty peace line bounding ceded philippine group southwest failed include several small islands lying westward sulus always recognized spanish control occupation sibutu cagayan sulu naval forces elicited claim part spain essential equity could gainsaid order cure defect treaty removing possible ground future misunderstanding respecting interpretation third article directed negotiation supplementary treaty forthwith laid senate whereby spain quits title claim title islands named well islands belonging philippine archipelago lying outside lines described said third article agrees islands shall comprehended cession archipelago fully expressly included within lines consideration cession united states pay spain sum bill pending effect recommendation made last annual message appropriate legislation carry execution article vii treaty peace spain united states assumed payment certain claims indemnity citizens spain ask action taken fulfill obligation king sweden norway accepted joint invitation united states germany great britain arbitrate claims growing losses sustained samoan islands course military operations made necessary disturbances 1899 claims upon government sultan reparation injuries suffered american citizens armenia elsewhere give promise early satisfactory settlement majesty good disposition regard evinced issuance irade rebuilding american college harpoot failure action senate last session upon commercial conventions submitted consideration approval although caused great pressure legislative business caused much disappointment agricultural industrial interests country hoped profit provisions conventional periods ratification expired became necessary sign additional articles extending time purpose requested part governments interested concurred exception one convention respect formal reply received since last communication congress subject special commercial agreements third section tariff act proclaimed portugal italy germany commercial conventions tinder general limitations fourth section act concluded nicaragua ecuador dominican republic great britain behalf island trinidad denmark behalf island croix early communicated senate negotiations governments progress improvement security commercial relations policy reciprocity manifestly rests upon principles international equity repeatedly approved people united states ought hesitation either branch congress giving full effect government desires preserve amicable commercial relations foreign countries unmoved industrial rivalries necessarily developed expansion international trade believed foreign governments generally entertain purpose although instances clamorous demands upon legislation specifically hostile american interests demands prevail shall communicate congress view advising legislation may necessary meet emergency exposition resources products western hemisphere held buffalo next year promises important results united states participating countries gratifying states evinced liveliest interest fact international american congress held city mexico exposition progress encourages hope larger display buffalo might otherwise practicable work preparing exhibit national resources making satisfactory progress direction different officials federal government various states union shown disposition toward liberal participation enterprise bureau american republics continues discharge happiest results important work promoting cordial relations united states countries active members international union bureau instrumental bringing agreement another international american congress meet city mexico october 1901 bureau future another term ten years assured international compact congress doubtless much shaping new lines work general policy usefulness interests trade widely appreciated shows gratifying development practical utility consular service obtaining wide range information industries commerce countries opportunities thereby afforded introducing sale goods kept steadily advance notable expansion foreign trade abundant evidence furnished home abroad fact consular reports including many diplomatic representatives considerable extent pointed ways means disposing great variety manufactured goods otherwise might found sale abroad testimony foreign observers commercial efficiency consular corps seems conclusive manufacturers exporters highly appreciate value services rendered printed reports also individual efforts consular officers promote american trade increasing part work bureau foreign commerce whose primary duty compile print reports answer inquiries trade organizations business houses conditions various parts world notwithstanding smallness force employed work systematized responses made promptitude accuracy elicit flattering encomiums experiment printing consular reports daily immediate use trade bodies exporters press begun january 1898 continues give general satisfaction gratifying able state surplus revenues fiscal year ended june 30 1900 six preceding years deficits aggregate 1894 1899 inclusive amounted receipts year sources exclusive postal revenues aggregated expenditures purposes except administration postal department aggregated receipts customs increase preceding year receipts internal revenue increase 1899 receipts miscellaneous sources previous year gratifying also note year considerable reduction shown expenditures government war department expenditures fiscal year 1900 reduction 1899 navy department expenditures year 1900 preceding year decrease expenditures account indians decrease 1900 1899 civil miscellaneous expenses 1900 reduction excess revenues expenditures secretary treasury enabled apply bonds securities sinking fund amount details sinking fund set forth report secretary treasury invite attention secretary treasury estimates receipts current fiscal year aggregate expenditures leaving excess revenues expenditures present condition treasury one undoubted strength available cash balance november 30 form statement prior financial law march 14 last would included statement available cash gold coin bullion held redemption united states notes form pursued cash balance including present gold reserve would balance november 30 1899 general fund wholly separate reserve trust funds november 30 gold coin bullion added gold certificates subject issue held division redemption gold coin bullion making total holding free gold amounting duty sure disposition congress provide whatever legislation needed insure continued parity conditions two forms metallic money silver gold surplus revenues permitted secretary treasury since close fiscal year call funded loan 1891 continued 2 per cent sum including november 30 bonds paid sum together amount may accrue redemptions call applied sinking fund law march 14 1900 provided refunding 2 per cent bonds payable principal interest gold coin present standard value portion public debt represented 3 per cent bonds 1908 4 percents 1907 5 percents 1904 outstanding date said law holders old bonds presented exchange march 14 november 30 amount net saving government transactions aggregates another effect operation stated secretary reduce charge upon treasury payment interest dates refunding february 1 1904 sum seven million dollars annually february 1 1904 july 1 11907 annual interest charge reduced sum five millions thirteen months ending august 1 1908 one million full details refunding given annual report secretary treasury beneficial effect financial act 1900 far relates modification national banking act already apparent provision incorporation national banks capital less places exceeding three thousand inhabitants resulted extension banking facilities many small communities hitherto unable provide banking institutions national system organized enactment law including november 30 369 national banks 266 capital less 103 capital worthy mention greater number banks organized new law sections need banking facilities pronounced iowa stands first 30 banks smaller class texas oklahoma indian territory middle western sections country also availed largely privileges new law large increase circulation resulted provision act permits national banks issue circulating notes par value united states bonds deposited security instead 90 per cent thereof heretofore increase circulating notes march 14 november 30 party power committed legislation better make currency responsive varying needs business seasons sections foreign trade shows remarkable record commercial industrial progress total imports exports first time history country exceeded two billions dollars exports greater ever total fiscal year 1900 increase 1899 increase 1898 1897 greater 1896 growth manufactures united states evidenced fact exports manufactured products largely exceed previous year value 1900 1899 increase 28 per cent agricultural products also exported 1900 greater volume 1899 total year 1899 imports year amounted increase 1899 increase largely materials manufacture response rapid development manufacturing united states imported use manufactures 1900 material value excess 1899 reassuring observe tendency toward decrease importation articles manufactured ready consumption 1900 formed per cent total imports per cent 1899 per cent 1896 recommend congress present session reduce taxes imposed meet expenses war spain sum thirty millions dollars reduction secured remission taxes experience shown burdensome industries people specially urge included whatever reduction made legacy tax bequests public uses literary educational charitable character american vessels past three years carried 9 per cent exports imports foreign ships carry least greatest part american trade remarkable growth steel industries progress shipbuilding domestic trade steadily maintained expenditures navy created opportunity place united states first rank commercial maritime powers besides realizing proper national aspiration mean establishment healthy growth along coasts distinctive national industry expanding field profitable employment labor capital increase transportation facilities reduce freight charges vast volume products brought interior seaboard export strengthen arm national defense upon founders government successors relied urging immediate action congress measures promote american shipping foreign trade direct attention recommendations subject previous messages particularly opinion expressed message 1899 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 attention congress invited recommendation secretary treasury annual report legislation behalf service favorable action urged last annual message congress called attention necessity early action remedy evils might found exist connection combinations capital organized trusts invite attention discussion subject time concluded words 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 restraint upon combinations injurious within federal jurisdiction promptly applied congress last annual message dwelt length upon condition affairs philippines seeking impress upon grave responsibility future government islands rests congress united states abstained recommending time specific final form government territory actually held united states forces long insurrection continues military arm must necessarily supreme stated purpose congress shall made formal expression use authority vested constitution statutes uphold sovereignty united states distant islands places flag rightfully floats placing end disposal army navy means liberality congress people provided contrary expression congress made steadfastly pursued purpose declared employing civil arm well toward accomplishment pacification institution local governments within lines authority law progress direction favorable forces successfully controlled greater part islands overcoming organized forces insurgents carrying order administrative regularity quarters opposition remains part scattered obeying concerted plan strategic action operating methods common traditions guerrilla warfare ineffective alter general control established still sufficient beget insecurity among populations felt good results control thus delay conferment upon fuller measures local education industrial agricultural development stand ready give spring year effective opposition dissatisfied tagals authority united states virtually ended thus opening door extension stable administration much territory archipelago desiring bring appointed march last civil commission composed hon william taft ohio dean worcester michigan hon luke wright tennessee hon henry ide vermont bernard moses california aims mission scope authority clearly set forth instructions april 7 1900 addressed secretary war transmitted message transmitted congress 5th december 1899 1 said sneaking philippine islands long insurrection continues military arm must necessarily supreme reason steps taken time time inaugurate governments essentially popular form fast territory held controlled troops end considering advisability return commission members thereof secured aid existing authorities facilitate work throughout islands give effect intention thus expressed appointed hon william taft ohio dean worcester michigan non luke wright tennessee hon henry ide vermont bernard moses california commissioners philippine islands continue perfect work organizing establishing civil government already commenced military authorities subject respects laws congress may hereafter enact commissioners named meet act board hon william taft designated president board probable transfer authority military commanders civil officers gradual occupy considerable period successful accomplishment maintenance peace order meantime require perfect civil military authorities islands directed transition period executive department commission therefore report secretary war action subject approval control instruct commission proceed city manila make principal office communicate military governor philippine islands time direct render every assistance within power performance duties without hampering specific instructions general enjoined making familiar conditions needs country devote attention first instance establishment municipal governments natives islands cities rural communities shall afforded opportunity manage local affairs fullest extent capable subject least degree supervision control careful study capacities observation workings native control show consistent maintenance law order loyalty next subject order importance organization government larger administrative divisions corresponding counties departments provinces common interests many several municipalities failing within tribal lines natural geographical limits may best subserved common administration whenever commission opinion condition affairs islands central administration may safely transferred military civil control report conclusion recommendations form central government established purpose taking control beginning 1st day september 1900 authority exercise subject approval secretary war part power government philippine islands legislative nature transferred military governor islands commission thereafter exercised place stead military governor rules regulations shall prescribe establishment civil central government islands contemplated last foregoing paragraph congress shall otherwise provide exercise legislative authority include making rules orders effect law raising revenue taxes customs duties imposts appropriation expenditure public funds islands establishment educational system throughout islands establishment system secure efficient civil service organization establishment courts organization establishment municipal departmental governments matters civil nature military governor competent provide rules orders legislative character commission also power period appoint office officers judicial educational systems municipal departmental governments shall provided complete transfer control military governor remain chief executive head government islands exercise executive authority possessed herein expressly assigned commission subject however rules orders enacted commission exercise legislative powers conferred upon meantime municipal departmental governments continue report military governor subject administrative supervision control direction supervision control confined within narrowest limits consistent requirement powers government municipalities departments shall honestly effectively exercised law order individual freedom shall maintained legislative rules orders establishments government appointments office commission take effect immediately times shall designate subject approval action upon coming commission reports made time time action taken wherever civil governments constituted direction commission military posts garrisons forces continued suppression insurrection brigandage maintenance law order military commander shall deem requisite military forces shall times subject orders call civil authorities maintenance law order enforcement authority establishment municipal governments commission take basis work governments established military governor order august 8 report board constituted military governor order january 29 1900 formulate report plan municipal government honor cayetano arellano president audiencia chairman give conclusions board weight consideration high character distinguished abilities members justify constitution departmental provincial governments give especial attention existing government island negros constituted approval people island order military governor july 22 1899 verifying far may practicable reports successful working government guided experience thus acquired far may applicable condition existing portions philippines avail fullest degree practicable conclusions reached previous commission philippines distribution powers among governments organized commission presumption always favor smaller subdivision powers properly exercised municipal government shall vested government powers general character exercised departmental government shall vested government governmental system result process central government islands following example distribution powers states national government united states shall direct administration except matters purely general concern shall supervision control local governments may necessary secure enforce faithful efficient administration local officers many different degrees civilization varieties custom capacity among people different islands preclude definite instruction part people shall take selection officers general rules observed cases municipal officers administer local affairs people selected people wherever officers extended jurisdiction selected way natives islands preferred found competent willing perform duties receive offices preference others necessary fill offices present americans time may well filled natives islands soon practicable system ascertaining merit fitness candidates civil office put force indispensable qualification offices positions trust authority islands must absolute unconditional loyalty united states absolute unhampered authority power remove punish officer deviating standard must times retained bands central authority islands forms government administrative provisions authorized prescribe commission bear mind government establishing designed satisfaction expression theoretical views happiness peace prosperity tile people philippine islands measures adopted made conform customs habits even heir prejudices fullest extent consistent accomplishment indispensable requisites effective government time commission bear mind people islands made plainly understand certain great principles government made basis governmental system deem essential rule law maintenance individual freedom unfortunately denied experience possessed us also certain practical rules government found essential preservation great principles liberty law principles rules government must established maintained islands sake liberty happiness however much may conflict customs laws procedure familiar evident enlightened thought philippine islands fully appreciates importance principles rules inevitably within short time command universal assent upon every division branch government philippines therefore must imposed inviolable rules person shall deprived life liberty property without due process law private property shall taken public use without compensation criminal prosecutions accused shall enjoy right speedy public trial informed nature accusation confronted witnesses compulsory process obtaining witnesses favor assistance counsel defense excessive bail shall required excessive fines imposed cruel unusual punishment inflicted person shall put twice jeopardy offense compelled criminal case witness right secure unreasonable searches seizures shall violated neither slavery involuntary servitude shall exist except punishment crime bill attainder facto law shall passed law shall passed abridging freedom speech press rights people peaceably assemble petition government redress grievances law shall made respecting establishment religion prohibiting free exercise thereof free exercise enjoyment religious profession worship without discrimination preference shall forever allowed duty commission make thorough investigation titles large tracts land held claimed individuals religious orders justice claims complaints made stich landholders people island part people seek wise peaceable measures settlement controversies redress wrongs caused strife bloodshed past performance duty commission enjoined see injustice done regard substantial rights equity disregarding technicalities far substantial right permits observe following rules provision treaty paris pledging united states protection rights property islands well principle government prohibits taking private property without due process law shall violated welfare people islands paramount consideration shall attained consistently rule property right becomes necessary public interest people islands dispose claims property commission finds lawfully acquired held disposition shall made thereof due legal procedure shall full opportunity fair impartial hearing judgment public interests require extinguishment property rights lawfully acquired held due compensation shall made public treasury therefore form religion minister religion shall forced upon community upon citizen islands upon hand minister religion shall interfered molested following calling separation state church shall real entire absolute duty commission promote extend find occasion improve system education already inaugurated military authorities regard first importance extension system primary education shall free shall tend fit people duties citizenship ordinary avocations civilized community instruction given first instance every part islands language people view great number languages spoken different tribes especially important prosperity islands common medium communication may established obviously desirable medium english language especial attention given affording full opportunity people islands acquire use english language may well main changes made system taxation body laws people governed except changes already made military government relegated civil government established auspices commission however duty commission inquire diligently whether changes ought delayed authorized make changes subject approval bear mind taxes tend 6 penalize repress industry enterprise avoided provisions taxation simple may understood people affect fewest practicable subjects taxation serve general distribution burden main body laws regulate rights obligations people maintained little interference possible changes made mainly procedure criminal laws secure speedy impartial trials time effective administration respect individual rights dealing uncivilized tribes islands commission adopt course followed congress permitting tribes north american indians maintain tribal organization government many tribes living peace contentment surrounded civilization unable unwilling conform tribal governments however subjected wise firm regulation without undue petty interference constant active effort exercised prevent barbarous practices introduce civilized customs upon officers employees united states civil military impressed sense duty observe merely material personal social rights people islands treat courtesy respect personal dignity people united states accustomed w require articles capitulation city manila 13th august 1898 concluded words city inhabitants churches religious worship educational establishments private property descriptions placed special safeguard faith honor american army believe pledge faithfully kept high sacred obligation rests upon government united states give protection property life civil religious freedom wise firm unselfish guidance paths peace prosperity people philippine islands charge commission labor full performance obligation concerns honor conscience country firm hope labors inhabitants philippine islands may come look back gratitude day god gave victory american arms manila set land sovereignty protection people united states coincidently entrance commission upon labors caused issued general macarthur military governor philippines june 21 1900 proclamation amnesty generous terms many insurgents took advantage among number important leaders commission composed eminent citizens representing diverse geographical political interests country bringing task ripe fruits long intelligent service educational administrative judicial careers made great progress outset early august 21 1900 submitted preliminary report laid congress appears already good effects returning order felt business interrupted hostilities improving peace extends larger area sugar cultivation ever customs revenues greater time spanish rule economy efficiency military administration created surplus fund available needed public improvements stringent law preparation railroad communications expanding opening rich districts comprehensive scheme education organized later reports commission show yet encouraging advance toward insuring benefits liberty good government filipinos interest humanity aim building enduring community far eastern seas would impress upon congress whatever legislation may enacted respect philippine islands along generous lines fortune war thrown upon nation unsought trust unselfishly discharged devolved upon government moral well material responsibility toward millions freed oppressive yoke another occasion called filipinos wards nation obligation guardian lightly assumed must otherwise honestly fulfilled aiming first benefit come fostering care duty treat flag may less beloved mountains luzon fertile zones mindanao negros home shall revered symbol liberty enlightenment progress every avenue development filipinos race quick learn profit knowledge would rash teachings contemporaneous history view would fix limit degree culture advancement yet within reach people duty toward faithfully performed civil government puerto rico provided act congress approved april 12 1900 successful operation courts established governor associates working intelligently harmoniously meeting commendable success 6th november general election held island members legislature body elected called convene first monday december recommend legislation enacted congress conferring upon secretary interior supervision public lands puerto rico directed ascertain location quantity lands title remained crown spain date cession puerto rico united states appropriations necessary surveys made methods disposition lands prescribed law 25th july 1900 directed call issued election cuba members constitutional convention frame constitution basis stable independent government island pursuance thereof military governor issued following instructions whereas congress united states joint resolution april 20 1898 declared people island cuba right ought free independent united states hereby disclaims disposition intention exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control said island except pacification thereof asserts determination accomplished leave government control island people whereas people cuba established municipal governments deriving authority suffrages people given equal laws ready like manner proceed establishment general government shall assume exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control island therefore ordered general election held island cuba third saturday september year nineteen hundred elect delegates convention meet city havana twelve clock noon first monday november year nineteen hundred frame adopt constitution people cuba part thereof provide agree government united states upon relations exist government government cuba provide election people officers constitution transfer government officers elected election held several voting precincts island pursuant provisions electoral law april 18 1900 amendments thereof election held 15th september convention assembled 5th november 1900 session calling convention order military governor cuba made following statement military governor island representing president united states call convention order duty first frame adopt constitution cuba whet done formulate opinion ought relations cuba united states constitution must adequate secure stable orderly free government formulated relations opinion ought exist cuba united states government united states doubtless take action part shall lead final authoritative agreement people two countries promotion common interests friends cuba follow deliberations deepest interest earnestly desiring shall reach conclusions dignity individual wise conservatism shall characterize proceedings capacity cuban people representative government may signally illustrated fundamental distinction true representative government dictatorship former every representative people whatever office confines strictly within limits defined powers without restraint free constitutional government order pursuant elected convened duty authority take part present government island powers strictly limited terms order convention concludes labors transmit congress constitution framed convention consideration action may deem advisable renew recommendation made special message february 10 1899 necessity cable communication united states hawaii extension manila since circumstances strikingly emphasized need surveys shown entire feasibility chain cables stopping place shall touch american territory system shall complete control manila within telegraphic reach connection systems asiatic coast would open increased profitable opportunities direct cable route shores orient afforded continental lines urge attention important matter present strength army men regulars volunteers act march 2 1899 30th june next present volunteer force discharged regular army reduced officers enlisted men 1888 board officers convened president cleveland adopted comprehensive scheme fortifications involved outlay something one hundred million dollars plan received approval congress since regular appropriations made work fortification steadily progressed sixty millions dollars invested great number forts guns complicated scientific machinery electrical appliances necessary use proper care defensive machinery requires men trained use number men necessary perform duty alone ascertained war department minimum allowance military posts united states fortifications number posts constantly increased congress expended building equipment cared regular army posts existence others built provide accommodations fully garrisoned require troops many posts along frontier important strategic points occupation necessary cuba troops present troops island withdrawn materially diminished certainly conclusion labors constitutional convention session government provided new constitution shall established stability assured puerto rico reduced garrisons includes 879 native troops room reduction required keep considerable force philippine islands time come best information obtainable need immediate future men sure number may reduced insurgents shall come acknowledge authority united states assuring indications must apparent require army present conditions cuba philippines president authority increase force present number included number authority given raise native troops philippines taft commission believe effective detecting suppressing guerrillas assassins ladrones soldiers full discussion subject secretary war annual report called earnest attention renew recommendation made last annual message congress provide special medal honor volunteers regulars sailors marines duty philippines voluntarily remained service terms enlistment expired favor recommendation secretary war detail oil officers line army vacancies occur department department quartermaster department subsistence department pay department ordnance department signal corps army highly commended faithful effective service active military operations field difficult work civil administration continued rapid growth postal service sure index great increasing business activity country striking new development extension rural free delivery come almost wholly within last year beginning fiscal year 1899 1900 number routes operation 391 running less twelve months 15th november 1900 number increased reaching states territories serving population number applications pending awaiting action nearly equals granted present time close current fiscal year routes established providing daily delivery mails scattered homes three half millions rural population service ameliorates isolation farm life conduces good roads quickens extends dissemination general information experience thus far tended allay apprehension would expensive forbid general adoption make serious burden actual application shown increases postal receipts accompanied reductions branches service augmented revenues accomplished savings together materially reduce net cost evidences point conclusions presented detail annual report recommendations commended consideration congress full development special service however requires large outlay money undertaken careful study thorough understanding involves efficient service rendered navy connection insurrection philippines recent disturbance china satisfactory settlement made question manufacture armor plate reasonable price secured necessity government armor plant avoided approve recommendations secretary new vessels additional officers men required increase navy makes necessary commend favorable action congress measure pending erection statue memory late admiral david porter commend also establishment national naval reserve grade provision made recommended secretary suitable rewards special merit many officers rendered distinguished service recent war spain received return recognition congress total area public lands given secretary interior approximately acres acres undisposed acres reserved various purposes public lands disposed year amount acres including acres indian lands increase preceding year total receipts sale public lands fiscal year increase preceding year results obtained forest policy demonstrated wisdom necessity interest public continuance increased appropriations congress carrying work june 30 1900 forest reserves created presidential proclamations section 24 act march 3 1891 embracing area acres past year olympic reserve state washington reduced acres leaving present area acres prescott reserve arizona increased acres acres big horn reserve wyoming increased acres acres new reserve santa ynez california embracing area acres created year october 10 1900 crow creek forest reserve wyoming created area acres end fiscal year pension roll names net increase fiscal year 1899 number added rolls year amount disbursed army pensions year navy pensions total leaving unexpended balance covered treasury shows increase previous year expenditure 684 names added rolls year special acts passed first session congress act may 9 1900 among things provides extension income widows pensioned said act 250 per annum secretary interior believes operations act number persons pensioned increase increased annual payment pensions government justly appreciates services soldiers sailors making pension payments liberal beyond precedent widows orphans letters patent granted including reissues designs fiscal year ended june 30 1900 trademarks 682 labels 93 prints registered number patents expired total receipts patents expenditures showing surplus attention congress called report secretary interior touching necessity establishment schools territory alaska favorable action invited thereon much interesting information given report governor hawaii progress development islands period july 7 1898 date approval joint resolution congress providing annexation april 30 1900 date approval act providing government territory thereafter last hawaiian census taken year 1896 gives total population native hawaiians number americans reported results federal census taken year show islands total population showing increase reported 1896 per cent marked progress educational agricultural railroad development islands territorial act april 30 1900 section 7 said act repeals chapter 34 civil laws hawaii whereby government assist encouraging developing agricultural resources republic especially irrigation governor hawaii recommends legislation looking development water supply may exist public lands view promoting land settlement earnest consideration congress invited important recommendation others embodied report secretary interior director census states work connection twelfth census progressing favorably national undertaking ordered congress decade finally resulted collection aggregation statistical facts determine industrial growth country manufacturing mechanical resources richness mines forests number agriculturists farms products educational religious opportunities well questions pertaining sociological conditions labors officials charge bureau indicate four important desired subjects namely population agricultural manufacturing vital statistics completed within limit prescribed law march 3 1899 field work incident inquiries practically finished result population states territories including hawaiian islands alaska announced growth population last decade amounts greater numerical increase previous census history country bulletins issued rapidly possible giving population states territories minor civil divisions several announcements kind already made hoped list completed january 1 bulletins giving results manufacturing agricultural inquiries given public rapidly circumstances admit director confident ability complete different branches undertaking allotted time finds embarrassed lack trained force properly equipped statistical work thus raising question whether interest economy thorough execution census work retained government employ certain number experts aid preliminary organization prior taking decennial census addition advantage field office work bureau trained assistants facilitate early completion enormous undertaking recommend congress present session apportion representation among several states provided constitution department agriculture extending work past year reaching farther new varieties seeds plants fully states territories research along useful lines making progress meteorological work relating lines wireless telegraphy forecasts vessels continuing inquiry animal disease looking extent character food adulteration outlining plans care preservation intelligent harvesting woodlands studying soils producers may cultivate better knowledge conditions helping clothe desert places grasses suitable regions island possessions considered peoples may helped produce tropical products extensively brought united states inquiry methods improving roads active year help given many localities scientific investigation material states territories inaugurated irrigation problems semiarid regions receiving careful increased consideration extensive exhibit paris products agriculture made peoples many countries familiar varied products fields comparative excellence collection statistics regarding crops improved sources information enlarged end producers may earliest advices regarding crop conditions never time established shown appreciation services department annual message december 5 1898 1 called attention necessity amendment alien contract law still remain important features rightful application law benefit labor principle arbitration commend subjects careful attention congress may secured best service possible philippine islands issued date november 30 1900 following order united states civil service commission directed render assistance may practicable civil service board created act united states philippine commission establishment maintenance honest efficient civil service philippine islands purpose conduct examinations civil service philippine islands upon request civil service board said islands regulations may agreed upon said board said united states civil service commission civil service commission greatly embarrassed work want adequate permanent force clerical assistance needs fully set forth report invite attention report especially urge upon congress important bureau public service passes upon qualifications character large number officers employees government supported needed appropriations secure promptness efficiency much impressed statement made heads departments urgent necessity hall public records every departmental building washington far informed space official records exhausted walls rooms lined shelves middle floor space many rooms tilled tile cases garrets basements never intended unfitted accommodation crowded aside inconvenience great danger fire weight records upon timbers intended support separate building especially designed purpose receiving preserving annually accumulating archives several executive departments hall need costly structure arranged admit enlargement time time urgently recommend congress take early action matter transmit congress resolution adopted recent meeting american bar association concerning proposed celebration john marshall day february 4 1901 fitting exercises arranged earnestly desired committee congress may participate movement honor memory great jurist transfer government city fact great historical interest among people feeling genuine pride capital republic matter interest connection 1800 population district columbia population city washington congress provided appropriate national celebration centennial anniversary establishment seat government district columbia committees authorized prepared programme 12th december 1900 date selected anniversary day deep interest shown arrangements celebration members committees senate house representatives committee governors appointed president committees appointed citizens inhabitants district columbia generally programme addition reception exercises executive mansion provides commemorative exercises held jointly senate house representatives hall house representatives reception evening corcoran gallery art honor governors states territories great prosperity must guard danger invites extravagance government expenditures appropriations chosen representatives people doubt furnish example legislation wise economy season plenty husbands future era great business activity opportunity caution untimely abate strengthen confidence retard promote legitimate industrial commercial expansion growing power brings temptations perils requiring constant vigilance avoid must used invite conflicts oppression effective maintenance principles equality justice upon institutions happiness depend let us keep always mind foundation government liberty superstructure peace
outgo old incoming new century begin last session congress evidence every hand individual national prosperity proof grow strength increase power good republican institution countryman join felicitation american liberty firmly establish ever love determination preserve universal former period history republic never strong never strongly entrench heart people constitution amendment exist leave hand author addition make proclaim large freedom extend citizenship popular government demonstrate one hundred year trial stability security efficiency best instrument national development best safeguard human right sixth congress assemble november 1800 population unite state sixteen state territory consist square mile square mile education religion morality keep pace advancement direction extend power government adhere foundation principle abate none deal new people possession nation preserve bless give reverent thanks god invokes guidance continuance care favor foreign intercourse dominant question treatment chinese problem apart relation power happy recent trouble china spring antiforeign agitation past three year gain strength northern province origin lie deep character chinese race tradition government taiping rebellion open chinese port foreign trade settlement disturb alike homogeneity seclusion china meanwhile foreign activity make felt quarter alone coast along great river artery remoter district carry new idea introduce new association among primitive people pursue century national policy isolation telegraph railway spread land steamer ply waterway merchant missionary penetrating year year far interior become chinese mind type alien invasion change course national life fraught vague foreboding disaster belief several year present trouble resource foreign diplomacy back moral demonstration physical force fleet arm need secure due respect treaty right foreigner obtain satisfaction responsible authority sporadic outrage upon person property unoffending sojourner time time occur widely separate point northern province case outbreaks post antiforeign placard become daily occurrence repeat reprobation imperial power fail check punish inflammatory appeal ignorance superstition mass mendacious absurd accusation deeply hostile spirit could work cumulative harm aim particular class foreigner impartial attack everything foreign outbreak german missionary slay natural result malevolent teaching post seditious placard exhort utter destruction foreigner every foreign thing continue unrebuked hostile demonstration toward stranger gain strength organization sect commonly style boxer develop greatly province north collusion many notable official include immediate council throne become alarmingly aggressive foreigner life outside protect treaty port safe foreign interest secure spoliation diplomatic representative power peking strove vain check movement protest follow demand demand renew protest meet perfunctory edict palace evasive futile assurance yamen circle boxer influence narrow peking nominally stigmatize seditious felt spirit pervade capital imperial force imbue doctrine immediate counselor empress dowager full sympathy antiforeign movement increase gravity condition china imminence peril diversify interest empire well treaty government soon appreciate government cause profound solicitude united state earliest day foreign intercourse china follow policy peace omit occasion testify good extension lawful trade respect sovereignty government insure legitimate kindly earnest mean full measure protection live property citizen exercise beneficent calling among chinese people mindful felt appropriate purpose pronounce favor course would hasten united action power peking promote administrative reform greatly need strengthen imperial government maintain integrity china believe whole western world alike concerned end cause addressed several power occupy territory maintain sphere influence china circular proposal 1899 invite declaration intention view desirability adoption measure insure benefit equality treatment foreign trade throughout china gratify unanimity response coincide common policy enable see successful termination negotiation proof friendly spirit animate various power interested untrammeled development commerce industry chinese empire source vast benefit whole commercial world conclusion gratification announce complete engagement interested power march 20 1900 hopefully discern potential factor abatement distrust foreign purpose year past appear inspire policy imperial government effective exertion power authority quell critical antiforeign movement northern province immediately influence manchu sentiment seek testify confidence willingness ability imperial administration redress wrong prevent evil suffer feared marine guard send peking autumn 1899 protection legation withdrawn early practicable moment pending question remit far concerned ordinary resort diplomatic intercourse chinese government prove however unable check rise strength boxer appear prey internal dissension unequal contest antiforeign influence soon gain ascendancy leadership prince tuan organize army boxer imperial force affiliate held country peking coast penetrate manchuria russian border emissary threaten like rise throughout northern china attack upon foreigner destruction property slaughter native convert report side yamen already permeate hostile sympathy could make effective response appeal legation critical juncture early spring year proposal make power combine fleet assembled chinese water moral demonstration cover exact chinese government respect foreign treaty right suppression boxer united state participate joint demonstration promptly send philippine ship could spar service chinese coast small force marine land taku send peking protection american legation power take similar action four hundred men assemble capital legation guard still peril increased legation report development seditious movement peking need increase provision defense preparation progress large expedition strengthen legation guard keep railway open attempt foreign ship make land taku meet fire chinese fort fort thereupon shell foreign vessel american admiral take part attack ground war china hostile demonstration might consolidate antiforeign element strengthen boxer oppose relieve column two day later taku fort capture sanguinary conflict severance communication peking follow combined force additional guard advance peking check langfang isolation legation complete siege relief legation pass undying history stir chapter record heroism devote band cling hope face despair undaunted spirit lead reliever battle suffer goal memory countryman may justly proud honor flag maintain alike siege rescue stout american heart set high fervent emulation true men race language indomitable courage ever strive right justice june 19 legation cut identical note yamen order minister leave peking promise escort within hour gain time reply ask prolongation time afterwards grant request interview yamen follow day reply receive morning 20th german minister baron von ketteler set yamen obtain response oil way murder attempt legation guard recover body foil chinese armed force turn legation quarter surround attacked mission compound abandon inmate take refuge british legation legation guard gather effective defense four hundred person crowd narrow compass two thousand native convert assemble nearby palace protection foreigner line defense strengthen trench dug barricade raise preparation make stand siege begin june 20 july 17 writes minister conger scarcely hour fire upon part line legation vary single shot general continuous attack along whole line artillery place around legation palace wall thousand shot fire destroying building damage thickly ball rain ammunition besiege run low five quart chinese bullet gather hour one compound recast attempt make burn legation set neighbor house fire flame successfully fight although austrian belgian italian dutch legation subsequently burn aid native convert direct missionary whose helpful conger award unstinted praise british legation make veritable fortress british minister sir claude macdonald choose general commander defense secretary american legation squiers chief staff save life ammunition besiege sparingly return incessant fire chinese soldiery fight repel attack make occasional successful sortie strategic advantage american british russian marine lead captain myers united state marine corp result capture formidable barricade wall gravely menace american position hold last proved invaluable acquisition command water gate relief column enter siege defender lose 65 kill 135 wound 7 disease last child july 14 besiege first communication yamen message come invite conference decline correspondence however ensue sort armistice agree upon stop bombardment lessen rifle fire time even protection whatever afforded aid give save send legation small supply fruit three sack flour indeed communication chinese government relate occasional delivery dispatch telegram demand yamen withdrawal legation coast escort protestation chinese government protect succored legation positively contradict irresistible proof accumulate attack upon make imperial troop regularly uniform armed officered belonging command jung lu imperial commander chief decree encourage boxer organize tinder prominent imperial officer provision even grant large sum name empress dowager know exist member yamen counsel protection foreigner behead even distant province men suspect foreign sympathy put death prominent among chang formerly chinese minister washington negotiation partial armistice july 14 proceed doubtless promote representation chinese envoy washington way open conveyance conger test message send secretary state kind office minister wu conger reply dispatched peking july 18 channel afford outside world first tidings inmate legation still alive hop succor news stimulate preparation joint relief expedition number sufficient overcome resistance month organize taku capital reinforcement send government constantly arrive united state contingent hastily assemble philippine dispatch country amount men able command first lament colonel liscum afterwards general chaffee toward end july movement begin severe conflict follow tientsin colonel liscum kill city storm partly destroyed capture afford base operation make final advance begin first day august expedition make japanese russian british american troop outset another battle fight yangtsun thereafter dishearten chinese troop offer little show resistance day later important position take rapid march bring united force populous city tung chow capitulate without contest august 14 capital reach brief conflict beneath wall relief column enter legation save united state soldier sailor marine officer men alike distant clime unusual surroundings show valor discipline good conduct give proof high degree intelligence efficiency distinguish every emergency imperial family government flee day city without visible control remain imperial soldiery make night 13th last attempt exterminate besiege gallantly repel fell occupy force restore order organize provisional administration happily acute disturbance confine northern province relief recall pleasure record loyal conduct viceroys local authority southern eastern province effort continuously direct pacific control vast population rule scrupulous observance foreign treaty right critical moment hesitate memorialize throne urge protection legation restoration communication assertion imperial authority subversive element maintain excellent relation official representative foreign power kindly disposition largely due success consuls remove many missionary interior place safety relation action consuls highly commended eastern task difficult thanks energy cooperation american foreign naval commander hundred foreigner include nationality rescue imminent peril policy united state try period clearly announce scrupulously carry circular note power date july 3 proclaimed attitude treat condition north one virtual anarchy great province south southeast share regard local authority latter quarter represent chinese people seek remain peace friendship declare aim involve war chinese nation adhere legitimate office rescuing imperil legation obtain redress wrong already suffer secure wherever possible safety american life property china prevent spread disorder recurrence say policy government unite state seek solution may bring permanent safety peace china preserve chinese territorial administrative entity protect right guarantee friendly power treaty international law safeguard world principle equal impartial trade part chinese empire faithful profession prove reflected view purpose government effort direct toward end anomalous situation china negotiation settlement early possible moment soon sacred duty relieve legation dependent accomplish withdrew active hostility leave legation adequate guard peking channel negotiation settlement course adopt others interested power overture empower representative chinese emperor considerately entertain russian proposition look restoration imperial power peking accept full consonance desire hold hold effective reparation wrong suffer endure settlement make recurrence impossible best bring authority chinese nation reverence obey forego jot undoubted right exact exemplary deterrent punishment responsible author abettors criminal act whereby nation suffer grievous injury real culprit evil counselor mislead imperial judgment divert sovereign authority guilty end full expiation become imperative within rational limit retributive justice regard initial condition acceptable settlement china power say message october 18 chinese emperor trust negotiation may begin soon offended government shall effectively satisfied majesty ability power treat sternness principal offender doubly culpable alone toward foreigner toward majesty whose rule purpose china dwell concord world hitherto find expression welcome protection assure stranger take point departure imperial edict appoint earl li hung chang prince ching plenipotentiary arrange settlement edict september 25 whereby certain high official designate punishment government move concert power toward open negotiation conger assist rockhill authorize conduct behalf united state general base negotiation formulate government french republic accept certain reservation detail make necessary circumstance like similar reservation power open discussion progress negotiation disposition emperor government admit liability wrong do foreign government national act upon additional designation guilty person foreign minister peking may position make give hope complete settlement question involve assure foreign right residence intercourse term equality world regard one essential factor durable adjustment securement adequate guarantee liberty faith since insecurity native may embrace alien creed scarcely less effectual assault upon right foreign worship teach would direct invasion thereof matter indemnity wrong citizen question grave concern measure money alone sufficient reparation may prove beyond ability china meet power concur emphatic disclaimer purpose aggrandizement dismemberment empire dispose think due compensation may make part increased guarantee security foreign right immunity important open china equal commerce world view earnestly advocate representative government russia put forward suggestion event protract divergence view regard indemnity matter may relegate court arbitration hague favorably incline believe high tribunal could fail reach solution less conducive stability enlarge prosperity china immediately beneficial power ratification treaty extradition argentine republic exchange june 2 last government many case report arrest naturalized citizen allege evasion military service faithfully observe provision treaty release person military obligation instance expel whose presence community origin assert pernicious influence representation make course whenever adoption appear unduly onerous urgently solicit belgium ratify international convention june 1899 amendatory previous convention 1890 respect regulation liquor trade africa compliance necessarily withhold absence advice consent senate thereto principle involve cordial sympathy government reversionary negotiation advocate drastic measure would gladly see extension international agreement restriction liquor traffic uncivilized people especially western pacific conference hold brussels december 11 1900 convention protection industrial property conclude paris march 20 1883 delegate country appoint lessen difficulty inventor encounter obtain patent abroad invention farmer manufacturer merchant may protection worthy careful consideration attention call result conference proper time interest expand trade country south america effort make past year conclude convention southern republic enlargement postal facility two agreement sign bolivia april 24 establish system undergo certain change suggest department yet ratify government treaty extradition country sign day senate boundary dispute brazil bolivia territory acre fair way friendly adjustment protocol sign december 1899 agree definite frontier provide demarcation joint commission condition brazil weigh heavily export trade country mark contrast favorable condition upon brazilian product admit market urgent representation make government subject amelioration effect rely upon reciprocal justice good government assure u improvement commercial relation convention sign may 24 1897 final settlement claim leave abeyance upon dissolution commission 1893 length ratify chilean congress supplemental commission organize remain congress appropriate necessary expense commission insurrectionary movement disturb colombia latter part 1899 practically suppress although guerrilla still operate department executive power republic change hand august last act marroquin assume reins government absence president san clemente capital change meet serious opposition follow precedent case united state minister enter relation new defacto government september 17 gratify announce residual question costa rica nicaragua grow award president cleveland 1888 adjusted choice american engineer general alexander umpire run dispute line task accomplish satisfaction contestant revolution dominican republic toward close last year result installation president jimenez whose government formally recognize january since final payment make american claim regard ozama bridge year exposition fruitful occasion display good exists country france great competition bring together every nation best natural production industry science art submit generous rivalry judgment make search rivalry extraordinary increase exportation country past three year activity invention war bad invaded new market cause much interest center upon american exhibit every encouragement offer way space facility permit comprehensive whole complete every part however easy task assemble exhibit could fitly illustrate diversified resource manufacture singularly enough national prosperity lessen incentive exhibit dealer raw material know user must come great factory content phenomenal demand output alone home also abroad merit already profitable trade appeal make patriotism exhibitor induce incur outlay promise immediate return especially case become needful complete industrial sequence illustrate class process one manufacturer another visit importuned time promise exhibit particular section bad obtain would withdraw owe pressure trade order new quest would make installation exhibit encounter many obstacle involve unexpected cost exposition far ready date fix open french transportation line congest offer freight belated good hastily instal unfinished quarter whatever labor could obtain prevail confusion task commission lighten fact owe scheme classification adopt impossible entire exhibit one country build one group exhibit part building installation scatter side seine widely remote suburb paris additional assistant need work supervision arrangement despite drawback contribution united state large foreign display among early place orderly arrangement exhibit show one hundred one one hundred class completely cover entire classification nation total number rank next france attractive form present secured general attention criterion extent success participation thoroughness exhibit organize see award grant american exhibitor international jury namely grand prize 240 gold medal 597 silver medal 776 bronze medal 541 honorable mention 322 great total number give exhibit exhibit nation well large number grade significant recognition merit competition choose exhibit nation hand jury almost wholly make tip representative france compete country gratify especially valuable since set u front international question supply demand large proportion award class art artistic manufacture afford unexpected proof stimulation national culture prosperity flow natural productiveness join industrial excellence apart exposition several occasion show international good occur inauguration paris lafayette monument present school child united state design commemorative coin mint presentation first piece struck president republic mark appropriate ceremony fourth july especially observed french capital good prevails relation german empire amicable adjustment question admission company business prussia reach one principal company already readmitted way open others share privilege settlement samoan problem advert last message accomplish good result peace contentment prevail island especially tutuila convenient administration confidence esteem kindly disposed native organize direction commander united state naval station imperial meat inspection law enact germany may simplify inspection prohibit certain product heretofore admit still great uncertainty whether extinguished german trade meat product revive tinder new burden much depend upon regulation yet promulgate confidently hope free discrimination attend enforcement old statute remain link new line direct telegraphic communication unite states german empire recently complete afford gratify occasion exchange friendly congratulation german emperor friendly relation great britain continue war southern africa introduce important question condition unusual international war present one belligerent control seas port ship direct trade accessible territory neutral vexatious question arise great britain action respect neutral cargo contraband nature ship portuguese south africa score probable suspected ultimate destination boer state consignment british ship alone direct trade keep port southern africa seize application municipal law prohibit british vessel trade enemy without regard contraband character good cargo ship delagoa bay neutral bottom arrest ground allege destination enemy country appropriate representation part result british government agree purchase outright good show actual property american citizen thus close incident satisfaction immediately interested party although unfortunately without broad settlement question neutral right send good contraband per se neutral port adjacent belligerent area work mark certain provisional boundary point convenience administration around head lynn canal accordance temporary arrangement october 1899 complete joint survey july last modus vivendi far work without friction dominion government provide rule regulation secure citizen benefit reciprocal stipulation citizens subject either power find arrangement within temporary jurisdiction shall suffer diminution right privilege hitherto enjoy however necessary expedient may tide grave emergency situation best unsatisfactory makeshift suffer delay speedy complete establishment frontier line entitle treaty cession alaska relation may refer need definitely mark alaskan boundary follow one hundred meridian convention end senate two year action take contemplate negotiate new convention joint determination meridian telegraphic observation believe give accurate unquestionable result sidereal method heretofore independently follow know proved discrepant several point line although vary place 700 foot pending claim may guatemalan government settle arbitration george jenner british minister guatemala choose sole arbitrator award gold claimant various american claim haiti advanced resort arbitration result negotiation government honduras regard indemnity demand murder frank pear honduras government pay settlement claim heirs assassination king humbert call forth sincere expression sorrow government people occasion fitly take testify italian nation high regard felt memory lament ruler last message refer considerable length lynch five italian tallulah notwithstanding effort federal government production evidence tend inculpate author grievous offense civilization repeat inquest set foot authority state louisiana punishment follow successive grand jury fail indict representation italian government face miscarriage temperate set principle issue high consideration merely pecuniary indemnification government make three previous case italy solemnly invoke pledge exist treaty ask justice entitle shall meted regard unfortunate countryman territory full measure would give american reciprocal treaty right contemn renew urgent recommendation make last year congress appropriately confer upon federal court jurisdiction class international case ultimate responsibility federal government may involve invite action upon bill accomplish introduce ate house incumbent upon u remedy statutory omission lead may lead untoward result point necessity precedent legislation character enactment simple measure previsory justice toward nation sovereign equal make treaty require reciprocal observance italian government naturally regard action primary indeed essential element disposal tallulah incident advise accordance precedent view improbability particular case reach bill pending congress make gracious provision indemnity italian sufferer form proportion heretofore inaugural address refer general subject lynching word lynch 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 urgently reiterate invite attention countryman reproach upon civilization closing year witness decide strengthen japan relation state development independent judicial administrative function treaty take effect july 17 1899 proceed without international friction show competence japanese hold foremost place among modern people treatment difficult chinese problem japan act harmonious concert power generous cooperation materially aid joint relief beleaguer legation peking bring understanding preliminary settlement issue power china japan declaration favor integrity chinese empire conservation open world trade therewith frank positive factor promote general interest peace order fair commerce far east influence japan hardly overestimate valuable aid kindly courtesy extend japanese government naval officer battle ship oregon gratefully appreciate complaint make last summer discriminatory enforcement bubonic quarantine japanese pacific coast interference travel california colorado health law state latter restriction adjudge federal court unconstitutional recurrence either complaint apprehend noteworthy incident occur relation important southern neighbor commercial intercourse mexico continue thrive two government neglect opportunity foster mutual interest practicable way pursuant declaration supreme court award late joint commission la abra weil claim obtain fraud sum award first case return mexico amount weil award return like manner convention indefinitely extending time labor unite state mexican international water boundary commission sign satisfaction able announce formal notification hague september 4 deposit ratification convention pacific settlement international dispute sixteen power namely united state austria belgium denmark england france germany italy persia portugal roumania russia siam spain sweden norway netherlands japan also since ratify convention administrative council permanent court arbitration organize adopt rule order constitution international arbitration bureau accordance article xxiii convention provide appointment signatory power person know competency question international law arbitrator appoint member court hon benjamin harrison indiana united state hon melville fuller illinois chief justice unite state hon john griggs new jersey attorney general united state hon george gray delaware judge circuit court unite state incident brief revolution mosquito district nicaragua early 1899 insurgent forcibly collect american merchant duty upon import restoration order nicaraguan authority demand second payment duty ground due titular government diversion aid revolt position accept u prolonged discussion compromise effect amount second payment deposit british consul san juan del norte trust two government determine whether first payment make compulsion de facto authority agreement reach point waive act nicaraguan government request british consul return deposit merchant menace difference several central american state accommodate minister render good office toward understand matter interoceanic canal assume new phase adhere refusal reopen question forfeiture contract maritime canal company terminate alleged nonexecution october 1899 government nicaragua since supplement action declare style option void nonpayment stipulate advance protest relation act file state department consideration deem relieve exist engagement nicaraguan government show disposition deal freely canal question either way negotiation united state take measure promote waterway overture convention effect building canal auspex united state consideration meantime view congress upon general subject light report commission appoint examine comparative merit various project may await commend early attention senate convention great britain facilitate construction canal remove objection might arise convention commonly call treaty contention portugal grow seizure delagoa bay railway last determine favorable award tribunal arbitration berne submit amount award deposit london await arrangement government united state great britain disposal recently pay two government lately sign convention extradition peru amend senate ratify peruvian congress another illustration policy government refer international dispute impartial arbitration see agreement reach russia submit claim behalf american sealing vessel seize bering sea determination asser distinguish statesman jurist netherlands thanks due imperial russian government kindly aid rendered authority eastern siberia american missionary flee manchuria satisfactory progress make toward conclusion general treaty friendship intercourse spain replacement old treaty pass abeyance reason late war new convention extradition approach completion much pleased commercial arrangement follow feel suffer pas opportunity reaffirm cordial tie exist u spain time early independence enhance mutual benefit commercial intercourse natural two country term treaty peace line bound cede philippine group southwest fail include several small island lie westward sulus always recognize spanish control occupation sibutu cagayan sulu naval force elicit claim part spain essential equity could gainsay order cure defect treaty remove possible ground future misunderstand respect interpretation third article direct negotiation supplementary treaty forthwith laid senate whereby spain quits title claim title island name well island belong philippine archipelago lie outside line describe say third article agree island shall comprehend cession archipelago fully expressly include within line consideration cession united state pay spain sum bill pending effect recommendation make last annual message appropriate legislation carry execution article vii treaty peace spain united state assume payment certain claim indemnity citizen spain ask action take fulfill obligation king sweden norway accept joint invitation unite state germany great britain arbitrate claim grow loss sustain samoan island course military operation make necessary disturbance 1899 claim upon government sultan reparation injury suffer american citizen armenia elsewhere give promise early satisfactory settlement majesty good disposition regard evince issuance irade rebuild american college harpoot failure action senate last session upon commercial convention submit consideration approval although caused great pressure legislative business cause much disappointment agricultural industrial interest country hop profit provision conventional period ratification expire become necessary sign additional article extend time purpose request part government interested concur exception one convention respect formal reply receive since last communication congress subject special commercial agreement third section tariff act proclaim portugal italy germany commercial convention tinder general limitation fourth section act conclude nicaragua ecuador dominican republic great britain behalf island trinidad denmark behalf island croix early communicate senate negotiation government progress improvement security commercial relation policy reciprocity manifestly rest upon principle international equity repeatedly approve people united state ought hesitation either branch congress give full effect government desire preserve amicable commercial relation foreign country unmoved industrial rivalry necessarily develop expansion international trade believe foreign government generally entertain purpose although instance clamorous demand upon legislation specifically hostile american interest demand prevail shall communicate congress view advise legislation may necessary meet emergency exposition resource product western hemisphere hold buffalo next year promise important result united state participate country gratify state evince lively interest fact international american congress hold city mexico exposition progress encourage hope large display buffalo might otherwise practicable work prepare exhibit national resource make satisfactory progress direction different official federal government various state union show disposition toward liberal participation enterprise bureau american republic continue discharge happiest result important work promote cordial relation united state country active member international union bureau instrumental bringing agreement another international american congress meet city mexico october 1901 bureau future another term ten year assure international compact congress doubtless much shape new line work general policy usefulness interest trade widely appreciate show gratify development practical utility consular service obtain wide range information industry commerce country opportunities thereby afford introducing sale good keep steadily advance notable expansion foreign trade abundant evidence furnish home abroad fact consular report include many diplomatic representative considerable extent point way mean dispose great variety manufacture good otherwise might find sale abroad testimony foreign observer commercial efficiency consular corp seem conclusive manufacturer exporter highly appreciate value service render printed report also individual effort consular officer promote american trade increase part work bureau foreign commerce whose primary duty compile print report answer inquiry trade organization business house condition various part world notwithstanding smallness force employ work systematize response make promptitude accuracy elicit flattering encomium experiment print consular report daily immediate use trade body exporters press begin january 1898 continue give general satisfaction gratify able state surplus revenue fiscal year end june 30 1900 six precede year deficit aggregate 1894 1899 inclusive amount receipt year source exclusive postal revenue aggregate expenditure purpose except administration postal department aggregate receipt custom increase precede year receipt internal revenue increase 1899 receipt miscellaneous source previous year gratifying also note year considerable reduction show expenditures government war department expenditures fiscal year 1900 reduction 1899 navy department expenditure year 1900 precede year decrease expenditures account indian decrease 1900 1899 civil miscellaneous expense 1900 reduction excess revenue expenditures secretary treasury enable apply bond security sink fund amount detail sink fund set forth report secretary treasury invite attention secretary treasury estimate receipt current fiscal year aggregate expenditure leave excess revenue expenditures present condition treasury one undoubted strength available cash balance november 30 form statement prior financial law march 14 last would include statement available cash gold coin bullion hold redemption united state note form pursue cash balance include present gold reserve would balance november 30 1899 general fund wholly separate reserve trust fund november 30 gold coin bullion add gold certificate subject issue hold division redemption gold coin bullion make total hold free gold amount duty sure disposition congress provide whatever legislation need insure continue parity condition two form metallic money silver gold surplus revenue permit secretary treasury since close fiscal year call fund loan 1891 continue 2 per cent sum include november 30 bond pay sum together amount may accrue redemption call apply sink fund law march 14 1900 provide refund 2 per cent bond payable principal interest gold coin present standard value portion public debt represent 3 per cent bond 1908 4 percent 1907 5 percent 1904 outstanding date say law holder old bond present exchange march 14 november 30 amount net save government transaction aggregate another effect operation state secretary reduce charge upon treasury payment interest date refund february 1 1904 sum seven million dollar annually february 1 1904 july 1 11907 annual interest charge reduce sum five million thirteen month end august 1 1908 one million full detail refund give annual report secretary treasury beneficial effect financial act 1900 far relate modification national banking act already apparent provision incorporation national bank capital less place exceed three thousand inhabitant result extension banking facility many small community hitherto unable provide banking institution national system organize enactment law include november 30 369 national bank 266 capital less 103 capital worthy mention great number bank organize new law section need bank facility pronounce iowa stand first 30 bank small class texas oklahoma indian territory middle western section country also avail largely privilege new law large increase circulation result provision act permit national bank issue circulate note par value united state bond deposit security instead 90 per cent thereof heretofore increase circulate note march 14 november 30 party power commit legislation well make currency responsive varying need business season section foreign trade show remarkable record commercial industrial progress total import export first time history country exceed two billion dollar export great ever total fiscal year 1900 increase 1899 increase 1898 1897 great 1896 growth manufacture united state evidence fact export manufacture product largely exceed previous year value 1900 1899 increase 28 per cent agricultural product also export 1900 great volume 1899 total year 1899 import year amount increase 1899 increase largely material manufacture response rapid development manufacturing united state import use manufacture 1900 material value excess 1899 reassure observe tendency toward decrease importation article manufacture ready consumption 1900 form per cent total import per cent 1899 per cent 1896 recommend congress present session reduce tax impose meet expense war spain sum thirty million dollar reduction secure remission tax experience show burdensome industry people specially urge include whatever reduction make legacy tax bequests public us literary educational charitable character american vessel past three year carry 9 per cent export import foreign ship carry least great part american trade remarkable growth steel industry progress shipbuilding domestic trade steadily maintain expenditure navy create opportunity place united state first rank commercial maritime power besides realize proper national aspiration mean establishment healthy growth along coast distinctive national industry expand field profitable employment labor capital increase transportation facility reduce freight charge vast volume product bring interior seaboard export strengthen arm national defense upon founder government successor rely urge immediate action congress measure promote american shipping foreign trade direct attention recommendation subject previous message particularly opinion express message 1899 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 attention congress invite recommendation secretary treasury annual report legislation behalf service favorable action urge last annual message congress call attention necessity early action remedy evil might find exist connection combination capital organize trust invite attention discussion subject time conclude word 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 restraint upon combination injurious within federal jurisdiction promptly apply congress last annual message dwell length upon condition affair philippine seek impress upon grave responsibility future government island rest congress united state abstain recommend time specific final form government territory actually hold united state force long insurrection continue military arm must necessarily supreme state purpose congress shall make formal expression use authority vested constitution statute uphold sovereignty united state distant island place flag rightfully float place end disposal army navy mean liberality congress people provide contrary expression congress make steadfastly pursue purpose declare employ civil arm well toward accomplishment pacification institution local government within line authority law progress direction favorable force successfully control great part islands overcome organize force insurgent carry order administrative regularity quarter opposition remain part scatter obey concerted plan strategic action operate method common tradition guerrilla warfare ineffective alter general control establish still sufficient beget insecurity among population felt good result control thus delay conferment upon fuller measure local education industrial agricultural development stand ready give spring year effective opposition dissatisfy tagals authority united state virtually end thus open door extension stable administration much territory archipelago desire bring appoint march last civil commission compose hon william taft ohio dean worcester michigan hon luke wright tennessee hon henry ide vermont bernard moses california aim mission scope authority clearly set forth instruction april 7 1900 address secretary war transmit message transmit congress 5th december 1899 1 say sneak philippine island long insurrection continue military arm must necessarily supreme reason step take time time inaugurate government essentially popular form fast territory hold controlled troop end consider advisability return commission member thereof secure aid exist authority facilitate work throughout island give effect intention thus express appoint hon william taft ohio dean worcester michigan non luke wright tennessee hon henry ide vermont bernard moses california commissioner philippine island continue perfect work organize establish civil government already commence military authority subject respect law congress may hereafter enact commissioner name meet act board hon william taft designate president board probable transfer authority military commander civil officer gradual occupy considerable period successful accomplishment maintenance peace order meantime require perfect civil military authority island directed transition period executive department commission therefore report secretary war action subject approval control instruct commission proceed city manila make principal office communicate military governor philippine islands time direct render every assistance within power performance duty without hamper specific instruction general enjoin make familiar condition need country devote attention first instance establishment municipal government natives islands city rural community shall afford opportunity manage local affair full extent capable subject least degree supervision control careful study capacity observation working native control show consistent maintenance law order loyalty next subject order importance organization government large administrative division correspond county department province common interest many several municipality fail within tribal line natural geographical limit may best subserve common administration whenever commission opinion condition affair islands central administration may safely transfer military civil control report conclusion recommendation form central government establish purpose take control begin 1st day september 1900 authority exercise subject approval secretary war part power government philippine island legislative nature transfer military governor island commission thereafter exercise place stead military governor rule regulation shall prescribe establishment civil central government island contemplate last foregoing paragraph congress shall otherwise provide exercise legislative authority include make rule order effect law raise revenue tax custom duty impost appropriation expenditure public fund islands establishment educational system throughout island establishment system secure efficient civil service organization establishment court organization establishment municipal departmental government matter civil nature military governor competent provide rule order legislative character commission also power period appoint office officer judicial educational system municipal departmental government shall provide complete transfer control military governor remain chief executive head government island exercise executive authority possess herein expressly assign commission subject however rule order enact commission exercise legislative power confer upon meantime municipal departmental government continue report military governor subject administrative supervision control direction supervision control confine within narrow limit consistent requirement power government municipality departments shall honestly effectively exercise law order individual freedom shall maintain legislative rule order establishments government appointment office commission take effect immediately time shall designate subject approval action upon coming commission report make time time action take wherever civil government constitute direction commission military post garrison force continue suppression insurrection brigandage maintenance law order military commander shall deem requisite military force shall time subject order call civil authority maintenance law order enforcement authority establishment municipal government commission take basis work government establish military governor order august 8 report board constitute military governor order january 29 1900 formulate report plan municipal government honor cayetano arellano president audiencia chairman give conclusion board weight consideration high character distinguish ability member justify constitution departmental provincial government give especial attention exist government island negros constitute approval people island order military governor july 22 1899 verify far may practicable report successful working government guide experience thus acquire far may applicable condition exist portion philippine avail full degree practicable conclusion reach previous commission philippine distribution power among government organize commission presumption always favor small subdivision power properly exercise municipal government shall vested government power general character exercise departmental government shall vested government governmental system result process central government island follow example distribution power state national government united state shall direct administration except matter purely general concern shall supervision control local government may necessary secure enforce faithful efficient administration local officer many different degree civilization variety custom capacity among people different island preclude definite instruction part people shall take selection officer general rule observe case municipal officer administer local affair people select people wherever officer extend jurisdiction select way native island prefer found competent willing perform duty receive office preference others necessary fill office present american time may well fill native island soon practicable system ascertain merit fitness candidate civil office put force indispensable qualification office position trust authority island must absolute unconditional loyalty united state absolute unhampered authority power remove punish officer deviate standard must time retained band central authority island forms government administrative provision authorize prescribe commission bear mind government establish design satisfaction expression theoretical view happiness peace prosperity tile people philippine island measure adopt make conform custom habit even heir prejudice full extent consistent accomplishment indispensable requisite effective government time commission bear mind people island make plainly understand certain great principle government make basis governmental system deem essential rule law maintenance individual freedom unfortunately deny experience possess u also certain practical rule government find essential preservation great principle liberty law principle rule government must establish maintain island sake liberty happiness however much may conflict custom law procedure familiar evident enlighten thought philippine island fully appreciate importance principle rule inevitably within short time command universal assent upon every division branch government philippine therefore must impose inviolable rule person shall deprive life liberty property without due process law private property shall take public use without compensation criminal prosecution accuse shall enjoy right speedy public trial informed nature accusation confront witness compulsory process obtain witness favor assistance counsel defense excessive bail shall require excessive fine impose cruel unusual punishment inflict person shall put twice jeopardy offense compel criminal case witness right secure unreasonable search seizures shall violate neither slavery involuntary servitude shall exist except punishment crime bill attainder facto law shall pass law shall pass abridge freedom speech press right people peaceably assemble petition government redress grievance law shall make respect establishment religion prohibit free exercise thereof free exercise enjoyment religious profession worship without discrimination preference shall forever allow duty commission make thorough investigation title large tract land hold claimed individual religious order justice claim complaint make stich landholder people island part people seek wise peaceable measure settlement controversy redress wrong cause strife bloodshed past performance duty commission enjoin see injustice do regard substantial right equity disregard technicality far substantial right permit observe follow rule provision treaty paris pledge united state protection right property island well principle government prohibits take private property without due process law shall violate welfare people islands paramount consideration shall attain consistently rule property right become necessary public interest people islands dispose claim property commission find lawfully acquire hold disposition shall make thereof due legal procedure shall full opportunity fair impartial hearing judgment public interest require extinguishment property right lawfully acquire hold due compensation shall make public treasury therefore form religion minister religion shall force upon community upon citizen island upon hand minister religion shall interfere molest follow call separation state church shall real entire absolute duty commission promote extend find occasion improve system education already inaugurated military authority regard first importance extension system primary education shall free shall tend fit people duty citizenship ordinary avocation civilize community instruction give first instance every part islands language people view great number languages speak different tribe especially important prosperity island common medium communication may establish obviously desirable medium english language especial attention give afford full opportunity people islands acquire use english language may well main change make system taxation body law people govern except change already make military government relegate civil government establish auspex commission however duty commission inquire diligently whether change ought delay authorize make change subject approval bear mind tax tend 6 penalize repress industry enterprise avoid provision taxation simple may understand people affect few practicable subject taxation serve general distribution burden main body law regulate right obligation people maintain little interference possible change make mainly procedure criminal law secure speedy impartial trial time effective administration respect individual right deal uncivilized tribe island commission adopt course follow congress permit tribe north american indian maintain tribal organization government many tribe live peace contentment surround civilization unable unwilling conform tribal government however subject wise firm regulation without undue petty interference constant active effort exercise prevent barbarous practice introduce civilize custom upon officer employee united state civil military impressed sense duty observe merely material personal social right people islands treat courtesy respect personal dignity people united state accustom w require article capitulation city manila 13th august 1898 conclude word city inhabitant church religious worship educational establishment private property description place special safeguard faith honor american army believe pledge faithfully keep high sacred obligation rest upon government unite state give protection property life civil religious freedom wise firm unselfish guidance path peace prosperity people philippine island charge commission labor full performance obligation concern honor conscience country firm hope labor inhabitant philippine island may come look back gratitude day god give victory american arm manila set land sovereignty protection people united state coincidently entrance commission upon labor cause issue general macarthur military governor philippine june 21 1900 proclamation amnesty generous term many insurgent take advantage among number important leader commission compose eminent citizen represent diverse geographical political interest country bring task ripe fruit long intelligent service educational administrative judicial career make great progress outset early august 21 1900 submit preliminary report lay congress appear already good effect return order felt business interrupt hostility improve peace extends large area sugar cultivation ever custom revenue great time spanish rule economy efficiency military administration create surplus fund available need public improvement stringent law preparation railroad communication expand open rich district comprehensive scheme education organize later report commission show yet encouraging advance toward insure benefit liberty good government filipinos interest humanity aim build endure community far eastern sea would impress upon congress whatever legislation may enact respect philippine island along generous line fortune war throw upon nation unsought trust unselfishly discharge devolve upon government moral well material responsibility toward million free oppressive yoke another occasion call filipinos ward nation obligation guardian lightly assume must otherwise honestly fulfil aim first benefit come foster care duty treat flag may less beloved mountain luzon fertile zone mindanao negros home shall revere symbol liberty enlightenment progress every avenue development filipino race quick learn profit knowledge would rash teaching contemporaneous history view would fix limit degree culture advancement yet within reach people duty toward faithfully perform civil government puerto rico provide act congress approve april 12 1900 successful operation court establish governor associate work intelligently harmoniously meet commendable success 6th november general election hold island member legislature body elect call convene first monday december recommend legislation enact congress confer upon secretary interior supervision public land puerto rico direct ascertain location quantity land title remain crown spain date cession puerto rico united state appropriation necessary survey make method disposition land prescribed law 25th july 1900 direct call issue election cuba member constitutional convention frame constitution basis stable independent government island pursuance thereof military governor issue follow instruction whereas congress united state joint resolution april 20 1898 declared people island cuba right ought free independent united state hereby disclaims disposition intention exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control say island except pacification thereof assert determination accomplish leave government control island people whereas people cuba establish municipal government derive authority suffrages people give equal law ready like manner proceed establishment general government shall assume exercise sovereignty jurisdiction control island therefore order general election hold island cuba third saturday september year nineteen hundred elect delegate convention meet city havana twelve clock noon first monday november year nineteen hundred frame adopt constitution people cuba part thereof provide agree government unite state upon relation exist government government cuba provide election people officer constitution transfer government officer elect election hold several voting precinct island pursuant provision electoral law april 18 1900 amendment thereof election hold 15th september convention assemble 5th november 1900 session call convention order military governor cuba make follow statement military governor island represent president united state call convention order duty first frame adopt constitution cuba whet do formulate opinion ought relation cuba united state constitution must adequate secure stable orderly free government formulate relation opinion ought exist cuba united states government unite state doubtless take action part shall lead final authoritative agreement people two country promotion common interest friends cuba follow deliberation deepest interest earnestly desire shall reach conclusion dignity individual wise conservatism shall characterize proceeding capacity cuban people representative government may signally illustrate fundamental distinction true representative government dictatorship former every representative people whatever office confines strictly within limit define power without restraint free constitutional government order pursuant elect convened duty authority take part present government island power strictly limit term order convention conclude labor transmit congress constitution frame convention consideration action may deem advisable renew recommendation make special message february 10 1899 necessity cable communication unite state hawaii extension manila since circumstance strikingly emphasize need survey show entire feasibility chain cable stop place shall touch american territory system shall complete control manila within telegraphic reach connection system asiatic coast would open increase profitable opportunity direct cable route shore orient afford continental line urge attention important matter present strength army men regulars volunteer act march 2 1899 30th june next present volunteer force discharge regular army reduce officer enlist men 1888 board officer convene president cleveland adopt comprehensive scheme fortification involve outlay something one hundred million dollar plan receive approval congress since regular appropriation make work fortification steadily progress sixty million dollar invest great number fort gun complicate scientific machinery electrical appliance necessary use proper care defensive machinery require men train use number men necessary perform duty alone ascertain war department minimum allowance military post unite state fortification number post constantly increase congress expend building equipment care regular army post existence others build provide accommodation fully garrison require troop many post along frontier important strategic point occupation necessary cuba troop present troop island withdraw materially diminish certainly conclusion labor constitutional convention session government provide new constitution shall establish stability assure puerto rico reduce garrison include 879 native troop room reduction require keep considerable force philippine islands time come best information obtainable need immediate future men sure number may reduce insurgent shall come acknowledge authority united state assure indication must apparent require army present condition cuba philippine president authority increase force present number include number authority give raise native troop philippine taft commission believe effective detect suppress guerrilla assassins ladrones soldier full discussion subject secretary war annual report call earnest attention renew recommendation make last annual message congress provide special medal honor volunteer regulars sailor marine duty philippine voluntarily remain service term enlistment expire favor recommendation secretary war detail oil officer line army vacancy occur department department quartermaster department subsistence department pay department ordnance department signal corp army highly commend faithful effective service active military operation field difficult work civil administration continue rapid growth postal service sure index great increase business activity country strike new development extension rural free delivery come almost wholly within last year begin fiscal year 1899 1900 number route operation 391 run less twelve month 15th november 1900 number increase reach state territory serve population number application pending await action nearly equals grant present time close current fiscal year route establish provide daily delivery mail scatter home three half million rural population service ameliorate isolation farm life conduces good road quickens extend dissemination general information experience thus far tended allay apprehension would expensive forbid general adoption make serious burden actual application show increase postal receipt accompany reduction branch service augment revenue accomplish saving together materially reduce net cost evidence point conclusion present detail annual report recommendation commend consideration congress full development special service however require large outlay money undertake careful study thorough understand involves efficient service render navy connection insurrection philippine recent disturbance china satisfactory settlement make question manufacture armor plate reasonable price secure necessity government armor plant avoid approve recommendation secretary new vessel additional officer men require increase navy make necessary commend favorable action congress measure pending erection statue memory late admiral david porter commend also establishment national naval reserve grade provision make recommend secretary suitable reward special merit many officer render distinguished service recent war spain receive return recognition congress total area public land give secretary interior approximately acres acre undisposed acre reserve various purpose public land dispose year amount acre include acre indian land increase precede year total receipt sale public land fiscal year increase precede year result obtain forest policy demonstrate wisdom necessity interest public continuance increase appropriation congress carry work june 30 1900 forest reserve create presidential proclamation section 24 act march 3 1891 embrace area acre past year olympic reserve state washington reduce acre leave present area acre prescott reserve arizona increase acre acres big horn reserve wyoming increase acre acres new reserve santa ynez california embrace area acre create year october 10 1900 crow creek forest reserve wyoming create area acre end fiscal year pension roll name net increase fiscal year 1899 number add roll year amount disburse army pension year navy pension total leave unexpended balance cover treasury show increase previous year expenditure 684 name add roll year special act pass first session congress act may 9 1900 among thing provide extension income widow pension say act 250 per annum secretary interior believe operation act number person pension increase increase annual payment pension government justly appreciate service soldier sailor make pension payment liberal beyond precedent widow orphan letter patent grant include reissue design fiscal year end june 30 1900 trademark 682 label 93 print register number patent expire total receipt patent expenditures show surplus attention congress call report secretary interior touch necessity establishment school territory alaska favorable action invite thereon much interesting information give report governor hawaii progress development islands period july 7 1898 date approval joint resolution congress provide annexation april 30 1900 date approval act provide government territory thereafter last hawaiian census take year 1896 give total population native hawaiian number american report result federal census take year show islands total population show increase report 1896 per cent mark progress educational agricultural railroad development islands territorial act april 30 1900 section 7 say act repeal chapter 34 civil law hawaii whereby government assist encourage develop agricultural resource republic especially irrigation governor hawaii recommend legislation look development water supply may exist public land view promote land settlement earnest consideration congress invite important recommendation others embody report secretary interior director census state work connection twelfth census progress favorably national undertaking order congress decade finally result collection aggregation statistical fact determine industrial growth country manufacture mechanical resource richness mine forest number agriculturist farm product educational religious opportunity well question pertain sociological condition labor official charge bureau indicate four important desire subject namely population agricultural manufacturing vital statistic complete within limit prescribe law march 3 1899 field work incident inquiry practically finish result population state territory include hawaiian island alaska announce growth population last decade amount great numerical increase previous census history country bulletin issue rapidly possible give population state territory minor civil division several announcement kind already make hoped list complete january 1 bulletin give result manufacture agricultural inquiry give public rapidly circumstance admit director confident ability complete different branch undertake allotted time find embarrassed lack train force properly equip statistical work thus raise question whether interest economy thorough execution census work retain government employ certain number expert aid preliminary organization prior take decennial census addition advantage field office work bureau train assistant facilitate early completion enormous undertake recommend congress present session apportion representation among several state provide constitution department agriculture extend work past year reach farther new variety seed plant fully state territory research along useful line make progress meteorological work relate line wireless telegraphy forecast vessel continue inquiry animal disease look extent character food adulteration outline plan care preservation intelligent harvest woodland study soil producer may cultivate good knowledge condition help clothe desert place grass suitable region island possession consider people may help produce tropical product extensively bring united state inquiry method improve road active year help give many locality scientific investigation material state territory inaugurate irrigation problem semiarid region receive careful increase consideration extensive exhibit paris product agriculture make people many country familiar varied product field comparative excellence collection statistic regard crop improve source information enlarge end producer may earliest advice regard crop condition never time establish show appreciation service department annual message december 5 1898 1 call attention necessity amendment alien contract law still remain important feature rightful application law benefit labor principle arbitration commend subject careful attention congress may secure best service possible philippine island issue date november 30 1900 follow order united state civil service commission direct render assistance may practicable civil service board create act united state philippine commission establishment maintenance honest efficient civil service philippine island purpose conduct examination civil service philippine islands upon request civil service board say island regulation may agree upon say board say united state civil service commission civil service commission greatly embarrassed work want adequate permanent force clerical assistance need fully set forth report invite attention report especially urge upon congress important bureau public service pass upon qualification character large number officer employee government support needed appropriation secure promptness efficiency much impressed statement make head department urgent necessity hall public record every departmental building washington far inform space official record exhaust wall room line shelf middle floor space many room till tile case garret basement never intend unfitted accommodation crowd aside inconvenience great danger fire weight record upon timber intend support separate building especially design purpose receive preserve annually accumulate archive several executive department hall need costly structure arrange admit enlargement time time urgently recommend congress take early action matter transmit congress resolution adopt recent meeting american bar association concern propose celebration john marshall day february 4 1901 fitting exercise arrange earnestly desire committee congress may participate movement honor memory great jurist transfer government city fact great historical interest among people feel genuine pride capital republic matter interest connection 1800 population district columbia population city washington congress provide appropriate national celebration centennial anniversary establishment seat government district columbia committee authorize prepared programme 12th december 1900 date select anniversary day deep interest show arrangement celebration member committee senate house representative committee governor appoint president committee appoint citizen inhabitant district columbia generally programme addition reception exercise executive mansion provide commemorative exercise hold jointly senate house representative hall house representative reception even corcoran gallery art honor governor state territory great prosperity must guard danger invite extravagance government expenditure appropriation choose representative people doubt furnish example legislation wise economy season plenty husband future era great business activity opportunity caution untimely abate strengthen confidence retard promote legitimate industrial commercial expansion grow power brings temptation peril require constant vigilance avoid must use invite conflict oppression effective maintenance principle equality justice upon institution happiness depend let u keep always mind foundation government liberty superstructure peace