The Bamberg Herald.
ESTABLISHED IS91. BAMBERG. S. C.. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7,1899. ONE DOLLAB PER YEAR. j
PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE.
* Many
Topics of Interest to the
Country Touched Upon.
1
HH IB CONTENTS SUMMARIZED.
^nKlArie a{ Wflc UnitMr onA Tnietc*
*rwmvw v* ? i vti f IIAVMV^ HUH a hv??
Discussed in Extenso?Gold
Standard Favored.
s-i-^ v.
-r?
Washington-, Dec. 5.?The president
today transmitted to congress his annual
message, as follows:
To the Senate and House of Bepresentatires:
At the threshold of your deliberations
you are called to mourn with your countrymen
the death of Yioe President Hobart,
who passed from this life on the
|pT morning of November 21st, last. His
great soul now rests in eternal peace.
His private life was pure and elevated,
while his public career was ever distinguished
by large capacity, stainless integrity
and exalted motives. He has
been removed from the high office which
he honored and dignified, bos his lofty
character, his devotion to duty, his honesty
of purpose and noble virtues remain
with us as a priceless legacy and
example.
The Fifty-sixth congress convenes in
its first regular session with the country
in a condition of unusual prosperity, of
universal good will among the people at
home and in relations of peace and
friendship with every government of
the world. Our foreign- commerce has
shown great increase in volume and
value. The combined imports and exBjgv
ports for the year are the largest eTer
Br* shown by a single year in all oar history.
Our exports for 1899 alone exoeeded
by more than1 $1.000,000,000 our
jg. imports and exports combined in 1S70.
The imports per capita are fcO per cent
less, than in 1870* while the exports per
capi ta axe 58 per cent more than in 1870,
showing the enlarged capacity of the
United States to satisfy the wants of its
own increasing population, as well as to
contribute to those of the peoples of
other imtionn. f '; f \
Exports and Imports.
Exports of agricultural products were
$784,778,143. Of manufactured products,
we exported in value $838,593,148,
being larger than any previous
year. It is a noteworthy fact that the
only ye^rs in all our history when the
products of our manufactories sold
abroad exceeded those bought abroad
were 1898 and 1899.
flftwnwftwt MMintt from all sources 1
banking act seemed to prove a reason*
able avenue through which needful additions
to the circulation could, from
time to time, be made. Changing conditions
have apparently rendered it inoperative
to that end. The high margin
in bond securities required, resulting
from the large premiums which
give the bonds command in the market
or the tax on note issues, or both operating
together, appear to be the influences
which impair its public utility.
The attention of congress is respect
fully invited to this important matter
with the view of ascertaining whether
or not such reasonable modifications
can be made in the national bank act
as will render its service in the particulars
here referred to more responsive to
the people's needs. I again urge that
nations il banks be authorized to organize
with a capital of $25,000.
I urgently recommend that to support
the existing gold standard and to
maintain "the parity in value of the
coins of the two metals (gold and silver),
and the eqnal power of every dollar
at all times in the market and in the
payment of debts," the secretary of the
treasury be given additional power and
? charged with the duty to sell United
States bonds and to employ snoh other
effective means as may be necessary to
these ends.
Our Merchant Marine*
The value a an American merchant
marine to the extension of our commercial
trade an* the strengthening of our
power upon the sea invites the iznmeMMBmem
iMffilf ri Ujj
for the fiscal year, ended Jane 80, 1894,
including $11,798,81414, part payment
Central Pacific railroad indebtedness,
aggregated $610,882,004.88. Customs regg>
ceipts were $206,128.461.75 and those
. from internal rerenne $278,437,151.61,
For the fi col year, the expenditures
wen $700,093,56103, leaving a deficit of
The secretary of the treasury estimates
that the receipts for the current
fiscal year will aggregate $640,958,112
and upon the basis of the present appropriation
the expenditures will aggregate
$800,958,112, leaving a surplus of
$40,000,000,000.
For the fiscal year ended June 80,
1899, the internal revenue receipts were
increased about $100,000,00a
The strong condition of the treasury
with respect to cash onvhand and the
favorable showing made by the revenues
have made it possible for the secretary
of the treasury to take action
. under the provisions of section 8694. revised
statutes, relating to the sinking
fund. Receipts exceeded expenditures
for the first five months of the current
fiscal year of $18,413,389.91 and. as men- I
tioned above, the secretary of the treasury
estimates that there will be a snr- I
phis of approximately $40,000,000 at the
Hg|p'^ end of the year. , ,
Under such conditions, it was deemed
advisable and proper to resume compliance
with the provisions of the sinking
fund law, which for 80 years has not I
been done because of deficiencies in the
revenues. The treasury department,
therefore, offered to purchase during
November $35,000,000 of the 5 per cent
loan of 1904, or the 4 per cent funded
loan of 1907 at the current market price.
The amount offered and purchased
during November was $18,408,600. The
premium paid by the government on
sach purchases was $3,263,521 and the
net saving in interest was about $2,885,00a
The success of this operation
was sufficient to induoe the government
to oontinue the offer to purchase bonds
to and including Dec. 213, lgw, unless
the remainder of the $25,000,000 called
: , for should be presented in the meantime
for redemption.
Money Supply Too Small.
Increased activity in industry, with
its welcome attendant?a larger employment
for labor at higher wages?
gives to the body of the people a larger
power to absorb the circulating medium.
It is further true that year by
year, with larger areas of land under
cultivation, the increasing volume of
* agricultural products, cotton, corn and
wheat, calls for a larger volume of
money supply.* This is especially noticeable
at the crop harvesting and crop
moving period.
Tn its earlier history, the national
diate action of congress. Oar national
development will be one-sided and an*
satisfactory, so long as the remarkable
growth of our inland indnstries remains
unaccompanied by progress on the seas,
There is no laok of constitutional authority
for legislation which shall give
to the country maritime strength commensurate
with its industrial achievements
and with its rank among the
nations of the earth.
The past year has recorded exceptional
activity in our shipyards, and
promises of continual prosperity in ship
building are abundant. Advanced legislation
for the protection of oar seamen
has been enacted. Our coast trade,
under regulations wisely framed at the
beginning of the government and since,
shows results for the past year that are
unequalled in our rectrds and those of
any other power. Tfo shall fail to
realize our opportun ties, however, if
we complacently regard only matters
at home and blind oursei^a* to the necessitv
of secnrinfir onr share in the
valuable carrying trade of the world.
Last year American vessels trans*
ported a smaller share of our exports
and imports than during any former
year in all our history, and the measure
of our dependence upon foreign
shipping was painfully manifested to
our people. Without any choioe of our
own, but from necessity, the departments
of the government charged with
military and naval operations in the
East and West Indies had to obtain
from foreign flags merchant vessels
essential to these operations. *
The other great nations have not hesitated
to adopt the required means to
develop their shipping as a factor in
national defense, and as one of the
| surest and speediest means of obtaining
; for their producers a share in foreign
markets. Like vigilance and effort on
our part cannot fail to improve our situation,
which is regarded with humiliation
at home, and with surprise abroad.
Even the seeming sacrifices, which at
the beginning may be involved, will be
offset later by more than equivalent
gains.
Question of Trusts.
Combinations of capital organized
I into trusts to control the conditions of
trade among our citizens, to stifle competition,
limit production and determine
the prices of products used and consumed
by the people, are justly provoking,
public discussion and should early
claim the attention of the congress.
The industrial commission created by
the act of congress of Jnne lb, 1898. Has
been engaged in extended hearings upon
the disputed questions involved in the
subject of combinations in restraint of
trade and competition. > They bare not
yet completed their investigations of
this subject and the conclusion and
recommendations at which they may
arriTe are undetermined. The subject
is one giving rise to many divergent
views as to the nature and variety or
cause and extent of the injuries to the
publio which may result from large
combinations concentrating more or
less numerous enterprises and estalishments
which previously to the formation
of thev combination were carried
separately.
^ It is universally conceded that combinations
which engross or oontrol the
market of any particular kind of merchandise
or commodity necessary tathe
general community, by suppressing natr
ural and ordinary competition, whereby
prices are unduly enhanced to the general
consumer, are obnoxious not only
to the common law, bat also to the public
welfare. There must be a remedy
for the evils involved iu such organizations.
If the present law can be extended
more certainly to control or
check these monopolies or trusts, it
should be done without delay. Whatever
power the congress posesses over
this most important subject should be
promptly ascertained and asserted.
It is apparent that uniformity of leg'
islation upon this subjeot 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 lor the congress within the
limitations of its constitutional power
so as to supplement an effective code of
state legislation so to make a complete
system of laws' throughout the United
States adequate to compel a general observance
of the salutary rules to which
I hav8 referred.
i The whole question is so important
j- and farre&ching that I am sure no part
i of it will be lightly considered, bnt
every phase of it will have the studied
deliberation of congress resulting in
wise and judicious action.
The Nicaragua Canal.
The Nicaragua canal commission,
which had been engaged upon the work
of examination and survey for a route
across Nicaragua, having completed its
labors and made its reports, was dissolved
on May 81, and on Jnne 10 anew
commission, known as the isthmian
canal commission, was organized under
the terms of the act approved March 3,
1899, for the purpose of examining the
American isthmus with a view to determining
the most practicable and
feasible route for a ship canal across
that isthmus, with its probable cost and
other essential details.
-This commission, under the presidency
of Bear Admiral John G. Walker,
U. S. N., retired, entered promptly
upon the work intrusted to it and is
now carrying on examinations in Nicaragua
along the route of the Panama
canal and in Darien from the Atlantic,
from the neighborhood of the Atralto
river to the bay of Panama on the Pacific
side. Good progress has been
made, bnt under the law a comprehensive
and complete investigation is called
for, which will require much labor and
considerable time for its accomplishment.
The work will J>e prosecuted as
expeditiously as possible and a report
made at the earliest practicable dat8.
The great importance of this work
cannot be too often or too strongly
pressed upon the attention of the congress.
In my message of a year ago I
expressed my views of the necessity of
a caned which wonld link the two. great
oceans, to which I again invite your consideration.
The reasons then presented
for early action are even stronger now.
The Paris Expos!lion.
~ - A A*
Preparations for the representation
of the industries, arts and products of
the United States at the world's exposition,
to be held in Paris next year, continue
on an elaborate and comprehensive
scale, thanks to the generous appropriation
provided by oongress and to
the friendly interest the French government
has shown in furthering a typical
exhibit of American progress.
There has been allotted to the United
States a considerable addition of space
which, while placing our country in
the first rank among exhibitors, does
not suffice to meet the increasingly urgent
demands of our manufacturers.
The efforts of the commissioners general
are ably directed towards the securing
of a display of all that most charaoteristoically
marks American achievement
in the inventive arts and most adequately
shows the excellence of our
natural productions.
The United States government building
is approaching completion and no
effort will be spared to make it worthy
in beauty of architectural plan and in
completeness of display to represent our !
nation.
Boer-British Conflict.
This government has maintained an
attitude of .neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between'Great Britain and
the Boer states of Africa. We have remained
faithful to the precept of avoiding
entangling alliances as to affairs
not of our direct concern. Had circumstances
suggested that the parties to the
quarrel would have welcomed any
kindly expression of the hope of the
American people that war might be
averted, good offices would have been
gladly tendered.
The United States' representative at
Pretoria was early instructed to see that
all neutral American interests be respeoted
by the combatants. This has
been an easy task in view of the positive
declarations of both British and
Boer authorities that the personal and
property rights of our citizens should
be observed.
Upon the withdrawal of the British
agent from Pretoria, the United States
consul was authorized, upon the request
of the British government and with the
assent of the South African and Orange
Free State governments, to exercise the
customary good offices of a neutral for
the care of British interests. In the discharge
of this function, I am happy to
Bay mai auuuaaub uppuriuum/ uao
afforded to show th$ impartiality of this
government toward both the combatants.
Partition of Samoa.
Important events'have occurred in the
Samoan islands. The election, according
to the laws and cnstoms of Samoa,
of a successor to the late king, Malietoa
Laupepa, developed a contest as to the
validity of the result, which issue by
the terms of the general aot was to be
decided by the chief justice. Upon his
rendering a judgment in favor of Malietoa
Tann, the rival chief, Mataafa,
rook np arms. The active intervention
of American and British warships became
an imperative necessity to restore
order at the cost of sanguinary encounters.
In this emergency a joint commission
of representatives of the United
States, Germany and Great Britain was
sent to Samoa to investigate the situation
and provide a temporary remedy.
By its active efforts a peaceful solution
was reached for the tlm8 being, the
kingship being abolished and a provisional
government established.
Recommendations unanimously made
by the commission for a permanent adjustment
of the Samoan question were
taken under consideration by the three
powers parties to the general act. Bat
the more they were examined the more
evident it became that a radical ohange
was neoessary in the relations of the
powers to Samoa.
A satisfactory arrangement was concluded
between the governments of
Germany and of England, by virtue of
which England retired from Samoa in
view of compensations in other directions
and both powers renounced in
favor of the United States all their
rights and claims over and in respect to
that portion of the gronp lying to the
east of the one hundred and seventyfirst
degree of west longitude, embracing
the islands of Tntullla, Otoo, Olosonga
and Manna.
I transmit to the senate, for its constitutional
action thereon, a convention,
which, besides the provisions above
mentioned, also guarantees us the same
privileges and conditions in respect to
commerce and commercial vessels in all
of the islands of Samoa as those possessed
by Germany.
Cuban Administration.
My annual message of last year was
necessarily devoted in great port to a
consideration of the Spanish war and
of the results it wronght and the conditions
it imposed for the fnture. I am
gratified to announce that the treaty of
peace has restored friendly relations between
the two powers. Effect has been
given to its important provisions. The
evacuation of Porto Rico havipg already
been accomplished on Oct. 18, 1898,
nothing remained necessary there to
continue the provisional military control
of the island until the congress
should enact a suitable government
for the ceded territory. Of the
character and scope of the measures to
that end I shall treat in another part of
this message.
The withdrawal of the authority of
Spain from the island of Cuba was effected
by Jan. 1, so that the full re-establishment
of peace fonnd the relinquished
territory held by us in trust for
the innabitants, maintaining under the
direction of the executive such govern
? a?? 1 nan.
men if &UU UUU U U1 bUUl OUi no DttVUiu vw*
serve public order, restore the productive
conditions of peace so long disturbed
by the instability and disorder
which prevailed for the greater part of
the preceding three decades, and build
up that tranquil development of the do*
mestio state whereby alone can be real*
ized the high purpose as proclaimed in
the joint resolution adopted by the congress
on April 19, 1898, by which the
United States disclaimed any disposition
or intention to exercise sovereignty,
jurisdiction or control over Ouba, except
for the pacification thereof, and asserted
its determination when that was
accomplished to leave the government
and control of the island to its people.
The pledge contained in this resolution
is of the highest honorable obligation
and must be sacredly kept. I believe
that substantial progress has been
made in this direction. All the administrative
measures adopted in Ouba have
aimed to fit for a regenerated existence
by enforcing the supremaoy of law and
justice; by placing wherever practicable
the machinery of administration in the
hands of the inhabitants; by instituting
needed sanitary reforms; by spreading
education; by fostering industry and
trade; by inculcating publio morality,
and, in short, by taking every rational
step to aid the Cuban people to attain
to that plane of self conscious respect
and self reliant unity which fits an enlightened
oommunity for self government
within its own sphere, while enabling
it to fulfill all outward obligations.
Claims Against Turkey.
The United States minister to Turkey
oontinues under instructions to
press lor a money payment in aanamotion
of the just claims for injuries suffered
by American citizens in the disorders
of several years past, and for
wrongs done to them by the Ottoman
authorities. Some of these claims are
of many years standing. This government
is hopefnl of a general agreement
in this regard.
In the Turkish empire the situation
of our citizens remains unsatisfactory.
Our efforts during nearly forty years to
bring about a convention of naturalization,
seems on the brink of national
failure through the announced policy of
Ottoman Dorte to refuse recognition
of the alien statutes of native Turkish
subjects naturalized abroad since 1867.
The arbitrary treatment, in some instances,
of American productions in
Turkey has attracted attention of Jate,
notably in regard to our flour. In
these, as in all instances, wherever occurring,
when American * products may
be subjected in a foreign country, upon
specious pretexts, to discrimination
compared to the like products of another
country, this government will use its
earnest efforts to secure fair and equal
treatment for its citizens and their
goods. Failing this, it will not hesitate
to apply whatever corrective may be
provided by the statutes.
Recent Peace Conference
In response to the invitation of his
majesty, the emperor of Rnssia, delegates
from 26 countries were assembled
at The Hague on May 18 as members of
a conference in the interest of peace.
The occasion seemed to be opportune
for the serious consideration of a plan
for the pacific adjustment of international
difficulties; a subject in which
the American people Have been deeply
interested for many years, and a definite
project for a permanent international
tribunal was included in the instructions
to the delegates of the United
States.
The final act of the conference includes
conventions upon the amelioration
of the laws and customs of war on
land, the adaptation to maritime warfare
of the principles of the Geneva
convention of 1864 and the extension of
judicial methods to international cases.
The convention for the pacific settlement
of international conflicts embodies
the leading features of the American
plan with such modifications as were
rendered necessary by the great diversity
of views and interests represented
I*'* f AO
vjr buo uoicgabta.
The four cities of the convention provide
for the maintenance of the general
peace; the exercise of good offices and
mediation; the formation of commissions
of inquiry and international arbitration.
Army Statistics.
' Since my last annual message and in
obedience to acts of congress of April 22
and 26, 1898, the remaining volunteer
force enlisted for the Spanish war. consisting
of 84,831 regulars and 110,202
volunteers, with over 5,000 volunteer
officers, have been discharged from the
military service I recommend that the
congress provide a special medal of
honor for the volunteers, regulars, sailors
and marines on duty in the Philippines
who voluntarily remained in the
service after their terms of enlistment
had expired.
By the act of March 22,1899, congress
gave authority to increase the regular
army to a maximum not exceeding 65,000
enlisted men and to enlist a force of
85,000 volunteers, to be recruited from
the country at large. By virtue of this
authority the regular army has been increased
to the number of 61,999 enlisted
men and 2,248 officers, and new
volunteer regiments have been organized
aggregating 33,050 enlisted men
and 1,524 officers. The new troops to
take the places of those returning from
the Philippines have been transported
to Manila to the number of 581 officers
and 26,322 enlisted men of the regular
army and 594 officers and 15,388 ehlisted
men of the new vclnnteer force, while
504 officers and 14.189 men of the volunteer
force are on the ocean enronte to
Marti 1^.
The force now in Manila consists of
905 officers and 80,578 regulars and 594
officers and 15,888 of the volunteers,
making an aggregate of 1,499 officers
and 45,968 men. When the troops now
nnder orders shall reach Manila the
force in the archipelago will comprise
8,051 officers and 83,483 men;
Daring the past year we hare reduced
onr force in Cuba and Porto Rica In
Cuba we now have 834 officers and 10,796
enlisted men; in Porto Rico 87 officers
and 2,855 enlisted men and a battalion
of 400 men composed of native
Porto Ricans, while stationed throughout
the United States are 910 officers
and 17,317 men, and in Hawaii 122
officers and 453 men.
Philippines Problem.
On the 10th of December, 1899 'the
treaty of peace between the. United
States and Spain was signed. It provided.
amohg other things, that Spain
should cede to the United States the
archipelago known as the Philippine
islands; that the United States should
pay to Spain the sum of twenty millions
of dollars, and that the civil rights and
political status of the native inhabitants
of the territories thus ceded to the
United States shonld be determined by
the congress. The treaty was ratified
by the senate on the 6th of February,
1899. and by the government of Spain
on the 19th of March following. The
ratifications were exchanged on the 11th
of April, and the treaty pnblicly proclaimed.
On the 2nd of March the congress
voted the snm contemplated by
the treaty and the amonnt was paid
over to the Spanish government on the
1st of May.
In this manner the Philippines came
to the United States. The islands were
ceded by the government of Spain,
which had been in nndispnted possession
of them far centuries. They were
accepted, not merely by onr authorized
agents in Paris nnder the direction of
the executive, but by the constitutional
and well considered action of the representatives
of the people in both houses
of congress. I had every reason to believe,
and I still believe, that this transfer
of sovereignty was in accordance
with the wishes and the aspirations of
ftia moo f moon nf. thA Filinino naonle.
From the earliest moment, no opportunity
was lost of assnriiig the people
of the islands of our ardent desire for
their welfare, and of the intention of
this government to do everything possible
to advance their interests.
Aguinaldo*s Claim.
The claim of the rebel leader that he
was promised independence by any officer
of the United States in return for
his assistance has no foundation in fact
and is categorically denied by the very
witnesses who were called to prove it.
The most the insurgent leader hoped
for when he came to Manila was the
liberation of the islands from the Spanish
control, which they had been laboring
for years without success to throw
off.
The prompt accomplishment of this
work by the American army and navy
gave him other ideas and ambitions,
and insidious suggestions from various
quarters perverted the purposes and intentions
with which he had taken up
.arms.
No sooner had our army captured Manila
than the Filipino forces began to
assume an attitude of suspicion and
hostility which the utmost efforts of
our officers and troops were unable to
disarm or modify. Their kindness and
forbearance were taken as a proof of
cowardice. The aggressions of the Filipinos
continually increased until finally,
just before the time set by the senate of
the United States for a vote upon the
treaty, an attack, evidently prepared in
advance, was made all ?long the American
lines, which resulted in a terribly
destructive and sanguinary repulse of
j the rebels.
With a devotion and gallantry worthy
of its most brilliant history, the army,
ably and loyally assisted by the navy,
has carried on this unwelcome but most
righteous campaign with richly deserved
success. Although their operations
have been somewhat interrupted
and checked bv a rainy season of unusual
violence and duration, they have
gained steadily in every direction and
now look forward confidently to a speedy
completion of their task. ?
Treaty With Sulug.
The authorities of the Sain islands
have accepted the succession of the
tJnited States to the rights of Spain,
and our flag floats over that territory.
On Aug. 10, 1899, Brigadier General J.
C. Bates, U. S. V., negotiated an agreement
with the sultan and his principal
chiefs, which I transmit herewith. By
articlo 1, the sovereignty of the United
States over the whole archipelago of
Jolo and its dependencies is declared
and acknowledged.
( The United States flag will be used in
the archipelago and its depencie3 on
land and sea. Piracy is to be suppressed
and the sultan agrees to co-operate
heartily with the United States authorities
to that end and to make every possible
effort to arrest and bring to justice
all persons engaged in piracy. All trade
in domestic products of the archipelago
of Jolo. when carried on with any mart
of the Philippine islands and under the
American flag, shall be free, unlimited
and undutiable.
The United States will give full protection
to the sultan in case any foreign
nation should attempt to impose upon
him. The United States will not sell
the island of Jolo or any other island of
the Jolo archipelago to any foreign nation
without the consent of the sultan.
Salaries for the sultan and his associates
- - ? ?-a-.
in the administration 01 me ismuus
have been agreed upon to the amount
of $760 monthly.
Article 10 provides that any slave in
the archipelago of Jolo shall have the
right to purchase freedom by paying to
the master the usual market vadue.
The agreement by General Bates was
made subject to confirmation by the
president and to future modifications by
the consent of the parties in interest. I
have confirmed said agreement, subject
to the action of the congress and with
the reservation which I have directed
shall be communicated to the sultan of
Jolo, that this agreement is not to be
deemed in any way to use or. give the
consent of the United States to the existence
of slavery in the Sulu archipelago.
I communicate these facts to the
congress for its information and action.
Everything indicates that with the
speedy suppression of the Togalo rebellion,
life in the archipelago will soon
resume its ordinary conrsa under the
protection of our sovereignty and the
people of those favored islands will enjoy
a prosperity and a freedom which
they have never before known.
Cannot lie Abandoned.
The future government of the Philippines
rests with the congress of the
United States. Fewer graver responsi
bilities have ever been confided to us.
If we accept thfim in a spirit worthy of
our race and our traditions a great opportunity
comes with them.
The islands lie under the shelter of
our flag. They are ours by every title
of law and equity. They cannot be
abandoned If we desert them, we
leave them at once to anarchy and
finally to barbarism. We fling them, a
golden apple of discord, among the rival
powers, no one of which could permit
another to seize them unquestioned.
Their rich plains and valleys would be
the scene of. endless strife and bloodshed.
The advent of Dewey'a fleet in Manila
bay instead of being, as we hope,
the dawn of a new day of freedom and
progress, will have been the beginning
of an era of misery and' violence worse
than any which has darkened their unhappy
past.
The suggestion has been made that
we could renounce our authority over
the islands and giving them independence
conld retain a protectorate over
them. ' This proposition will not be
fonnd, I am sure, worthy of your serious
attention. Such an arrangement
would invoive at the outset a cruel
breach of faith. It would place the
peaceable and loyal majority, who ask
for nothing better than to acoept our
authority, at the mercy of the minority
armed insurgents.
It would make us responsible for the
acts of the insurgent leaders and give
us no power to control them. It wonld
charge us with the task of protecting
tbem against each other and defending
them against any foreign power with
which they chose to quarreL In short,
it would take from the congress of the
United States the power of declaring
war and vest that tremendous prerogative
in the Tagal leader of the honr.
It does not seem desirable that I
.nnnmmond ot thin HmA A RTM>
OUUUiU APWli lltWMVfc WW w?*w ? -rcific
and final form of government for
these islands. When peace shall be re*
stored it will be the duty of congress to
construct a plan of government which
shall establish and maintain freedom
and order and peace in the Philippines.
The insurrection is still existing and
when it terminates further information
will be required as to the actual condition
of affairs before inaugurating a
permanent scheme of civil government
Until congress shall have made known
the formal expression of its will* I shall
nse 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.
Our flag has never waived over any
community but in blessing. I believe
the Filipinos will soon recognize the
fact that it has not lost its gift of benediction
in this worldwide journey to
their shores.
Porto Rlcan Affairs..'
I recommend that legislation be had
with reference to the government of
Porto Rica The time is ripe for the
adoption of a temporary form of government
for this island.
It is desirable that the government of
the island* under the law of belligerent
right, now maintained throngh the executive
department, should be superseded
by an administration entirely
civil in its natnre. For the present purpose
I recommend that congress pass a
law for the organization of a temporary
government which shall provide for the
appointment by the president, subject
to confirmation by the senate, of a governor
and such other officers as the general
administration of the island may
require and for legislative purposes, on
subjects of a local nature not partaking
of a federal oharacter.
A legislative council, composed partly
of Porto Bicans and partly of citizens
of the United States, shall be nominated
and appointed by the president.
Lynch Law Condemned.
The love of law and the sense of obedience
and submission to the lawfully
constituted judicial tribunals, are embedded
in the hearts of our people, and
any violation of these sentiments and
disregard of their obligations, justly
arouses public condemnation. The
guarantees of life, liberty, and of civil
rights, should be faithfully upheld, the
right of trial by jury respected and defended.
Those who, in disregard of law and
the public peace, unwilling to await
the judgment of court and jury, constitute
themselves judges and executioners
should not escape the severest penalties
for their crimes.
What I said in my inaugural address
of March 4, 1897, 1 now repeat:
"The constitutional authorities should
be cheerfully upheld. Lynchings should
not be tolerated in a great and civilized
country like/he United States; "courts,
not mobs, must execute the penalties of
the laws. The preservation of public
order, the right of discussion, the integrity
of courts, and the orderly adminis
tration 01 jnstice, must commas lurever
[ the rock of safety upon which our gov-!
ernment securely rests."
National Celebration.
In accordance with the act of congress
providing for an appropriate national
celebration in the year 1900 of
| the establishment of the seat of governI
ment in the District of Columbia, I
have appointed a committee consisting
of the governors of all the states and
territories of the United States, who
have been invited to assemble in the
cit^r of Washington on Deo. 21, 1899,
which, with the eommittee of congress
and the District of uommDia, are
charged with the proper condnot of the
celebration.
Congress, at its last session, appropriated
$5 000 "to enable the chief engineer
of the army to conticne the examination
of the subject and to make or secure
designs, calculations and estimates
for a memorial bridge from the most
convenient point of the naval observatory
grounds or adjacent thereto, across
the Potomac river *co the most convenient
point of the Arlington estate
? ?
piuucifcjr.
Iu accordance with the provisions of
this act the chief of engineers has selected
four eminent bridge engineers to
submit competitive designs for a bridge
combining the elements of strength and
durability and such architectural embellishment
and ornamentation as will
fitly apply to the dedioation, "a memorial
of American patriotism." The designs
are now being prepared and as
soon as completed will be submitted to
the congress by the secretary of war.
Civil Service Changes.
Thq executive order of May 6. 1896,
extending the limits of the classified service,
brought within the operation of
the civil service law and rules nearly all
of the executive civil servioe not previously
classified
Some of the inclusions were found
wholly illogical and unsuited to the
work of the several departments. The
application of the rules to many of the
places so included ware found to result
m friction and embarrassment. After
long and careful consideration it became
evident to the heads of the departments
responsible for their efficiency that in
order to remove these difficulties and
promote an eIndent and harmonious administration
certain amendments were
necessary. These amendments were
promulgated by me in executive order
dated May 29, 1899.
The principal purpose of the order
was to except from competitive examination
certain places involving fiduciary
responsibilities or duties of a
strictly confidential scientifical or executive
character. These places were
comparatively few in number. The order
provides for the filling of a mucn
larger number of places, mainly in the
outside service of the war department,
by what is known as the registration
system, under regulation to be approved
by the president, similar to those which
have produced sncn aamiraoie moiM
in the navyyard service.
Great Opportunities.
Presented to this congress are. great
opportunities; with them come great
responsibilities. The power confided to
us increases the weight of our obligations
to the people, and we must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate
the new and grave problems which
confront us. Aiming only at the publie
good, we cannot err. A right interpretation
of the people's will, and of
dnty, cannot fail to insure wise measures
for the welfare of the islands whioh
have come under the authority of the
United States, and to inure to the common
interest and lasting honor of our
country. Never has this nation had
more abundant cause than during the
past year fpr thankfulness to God for
manifold blessings and mercies, for
which we make reverent acknowledgment.
William McKinlet.
Executive Mansion, Dec. o, 1899.
Harpers insolvent.
Well Known Publishing Firm to
Go Into the Hands of
a Receiver.
A New York dispatch says; The
business and assets of the publishing
firm of Harper & Bros, have been
taken possession of, as a preliminary
to the appointment of a receiver, by
the State Trust company, acting in
behalf of the first mortgagees of the
property. Althongh the proceeding
was in the nature of a mortgage foreclosure,
the step was taken upon the
suggestion of the directors of the firm
and with the friendly concurrence of
J. Pierpont Morgan, the largest creditor.
It has been known for some
time that Harper & Bros, were in
financial difficulties.
From statements made public, it appears
that the action of the State Trust
company was taken at the instance of
Colonel Harvey himself, who, as a result
of a personal investigation of the
affairs of the firm, frankly admitted
that to attempt to put the. corporation's
finances upon a sound and durable
basis while staggering under so
heavy a load of indebtedness, without
beginning to build up the business
again from the bottom, would be 'little
short of insane." In taking the
course he did, Colonel Harvey acted
with the consent and approval of the
members of the Harper family and of
the principal creditors.
Although J. Pierpont Morgan was
willing to advance more money to the
firm, Colonel Harvey, in a statement
given out, made it plain that he was
unwilling to assume any responsibility
for the payment of interest upon
the $3,500,000 mortgage which rests
upon the property, and the settlement
of unsecured claims amounting ap$9
000.000. without
[71 UAimawij w ,
first a thorough readjustment of the
company's finances.
A special clause in the mortgage
held upon the property enabled the
State Trust company, as trustee under
the mortgage, to take possession of
the assets and operate the business at
any time. It was under this clause
that it stepped in and ap-pointed
Colonel Harvey to manageand control
the firm.
ONE LONE HIGHWAYMAN
Holds Up Two Express Messengers
and Levants With Loot.
An unknown white masked man
robbed a Southern Express company
car pear Branchville, S. C., on the
Southern railway Friday night.
The train had just left the station
when Messengers Ramsey and Rhodes
were covered with two revolvers held
in the hands of the stalwart robber.
One messenger was made to stand with
his hands over his head and the other
was commanded to hand over the
money packages in the safe. $1,700
was secured and the robber, after
warning the messengers not to put a
foot outside the car until the train had
got under headway again, pulled the
bell cord and jumped off as the train
slowed up.
One of the safes in !the car, which
escaped the robber's notice, contained
$8,000. The sheriff of Dorchester,
with six men and two hounds, were
hurried to the scene of the robbery
and took up the chase.
The train robbed was from Columbia
and Augusta for Charleston.
A special from Branchville says that
two men' committed the robbery, but
the messengers, Bhodes and Bamsey,
who arrived in ^Charleston, says that
there was only one robber.
SOUTH CAKUUNA ;
STATE GLEANINGS
Motes of Interest Culled
From Various Sources. 1
Governor Acted Promptly. '
Governor McSvreeny received re- j
cently a letter from Governor Can- (
dler, of Georgia, in regard to keeping
smallpox ont of Augusta. Governor j
McSweeney will do everything in his .
power' to have the disease not only (
kept ont of the Georgia city, but to
stamp it ont in this state. Governor ,
Candler says in part:
"It has been reported to me by JDr.
Foster, the health officer of the city of (
Angnsta, that smallpox exists on the ,
Southbound railroad, in Hampton
connty, and at Allendale and other 1
points in that vicinity, and Dr. Foster
has asked me to communicate with
yonr excellency and ask your co-operation
in an effort to prevent the spread
of the disease. Augusta is peculiarly
exposed. Smallpox exists in some
twenty-five counties in this state already,
but they are all in the western
and southern part of the state. We
have no board of health in Georgia,
but I have an expert in the field all the
time to aid local authorities in the arrest
and suppression of the disease
and we think we are making very
good headway. Any assistance you
may render us through your health officers
in the neighborhood contiguous
to Georgia will be greatly appreciated
by me and by the people of this state."
Governor McSweeney immediately
wired instructions to the state board
of health as soon as the cases were reported
to him and ah expert has been
sent to take charge of them at every
point. The governor wrote Governor
Candler, assuring him of the hearty
co-operation of himself and the South
Carolina board of health.
X?v Charters Granted.
A commission for a charter was issued
recently to the Southern Harrow
company,- of Bo<?k Hill. The corporators
named are J. B. Johnson, A. F.
Ruff, J. B. Barron, S. D. Cross, E. E.
Poag. The capital stock of the company
is to be $100,000. The purpose
of the company is to manufacture harrows
and agricultural implements.
A commission for a charter has been
issued to the Monarch Cotton Mills, of
Unipn. . The capital stock of the new;
mill is to be $200,009. The corpora- [
tors named are John A. Fant, T. 0.
Duncan, A. ?L Foster, F. M. Farrand
E. N. Nicholson. The mill, it is
stated, is an assured fact v Mr. Fant
is at the head of the enterprise.
1 ?%
Bobber Still at Large.
At last accounts the "highwayman"
who stole the money of the Southern
Express Company was still in possession
of his liberty as well as the 'long
green." The indications are that the
gentleman will continue in a state of
untrammelled freedom if the joint reward
of the Southern Express Com-,
pany and the Southern Railway is expected
to effect his capture. Thereward
is $500, with several very strong
strings attached to it The thief must
be captured, proof to convict must be
furnished and the stolen money recovered.
The messengers in the ear were
Messrs. Rhodes and Senders, not
Ramsey, as was reported. The name
of one of the gentlemen was given incorrectly
in the excitement just subsequent
to the loss. A. thorough checking'up
of the accounts showed that
the money stolen amounted to $1,470,
most of which was consigned to the
Bank of Charleston.
Mr. O. M. Sadler, superintendent of
the Southern Express Company, and
Mr. A. M. Richardson, route agenfe
are working diligently on the caae.
It is the opinion of the express people
that the robber was a professional of
large calibre. ; *%
.
Soon Tired of BU Job,
' Magistrate 0. E. Dozier,of Britton's
Neck, Marion oounty,has tendered bis
' resignation as magistrate. He baa not
been an office-bolder for over a week
or two.
Removed For Cmm.
Governor McSweeny bas removed
"for conduct unbecoming a State officer"
J. H. Austell, wbo bas been on
the constabulary force for some time.
Governor McSweeney said that charges
had been preferred against Mr. Aus-.
tell and that the removal was made
only after a careful investigation bad
been made into the reports.
%
A Row Compromised.
Governor McSweeney has received
a letter from Governor Bussell, of
North Carolina, in which he states
that he understands that the Lancaster
case, which resulted in the issuance
of a requisition for James A.
Donahue and the two Hares, has been
compromised, and upon the assurance
of the compromise being agreeable to
all sides he has released the two
prisonefs, on condition that they carry
oat their agreement, and to is is acceptable
to all parties. They were
charged with kipnapping a child and
assault and battery. . It is stated th**
the compromise is agreeable to the
prosecutor, McManus.
Governor McSweeney has referred
all the papers and the whole matter to
Solicitor Henry, and has indicated
that it will be entirely agreeable to
him if the case be dropped, as agreed
upon.
**?
Short On Cotton Receipt*.
The Charleston Hews and Courier
remarks: "The figures posted at the
Cotton Exchange and the empty docks
along the water front testify to the
falling off of the cotton business in
Charleston. The statement of cotton
received to date since September 1, of
the present year, shows a shortage of
a little more than 120,000 bales, and
this with a price of two and one-fourth.
cents advance in price over last year.
The figures for the present year were
147,271, for the corresponding Saturday
a year ago 267,280. The quotation
for middling was 7? cents and ior the
corresponding Saturday of last year 5
cents. And the worst of it is that the
cotton meado not now expect business
to pick up to any great extent. It was
AJU) ftUU UUIb kUCIC WU?UU w wm
for factors and exporters when the f
mill men were satisfied, but that time
seems as far away as ever."
Death of Cad wall atler Jones.
Colonel Cadwallader Jones, a colonel in
the confederate army and onoe a
prominent politician, died in Colnadh,
t>ia the past week. Colonel Jone* 7 % : ?
graduated, 1832, at the University of ^
Sorth Carolina. Two of his sons *?ti|| ?|
jolonels in the Spanish war?Willir?
Tones of Sonth Carolina and JefeavM m
stone Jones of California. The grand-. M
father of the deceased was an aidea&j -'||
Oeneral Lafayette. % j|
The funeral services were held^y
Trinity church, in Colombia, the ~|?
rices being conducted by Dr. Eya^aj^J|
The members of Camp ^amptont, ^ v
C. Y., turned oat in a bodytoatt?*dp M
the services and the Confederate
it Book Hill sent an honorary deleg*^
tion.
. Wm
Will Bring: Bodies Homo.
At the recent convention of Z&m |1 '
? - ..... ? . n_a n ..tliamH
regiment (Spanish tw)
members of the regiment who
Cuba be brought home at th?ero?M '-'|
of the government. CoL Willie Jofcj J-S
aa chairman of the special oomittf | cjjl
took the matter ap at once; and^M , .
and the var department ha^^K^I^
the neoessary orders for bringi^lfca^^
bodies home. ' ""^|g
sonPmade an eathiiiil^e^^^^^B
against the praetfee of
ations to state colleges and
correspondingly eai^v
to common schools.
the education of 1^,0^ rpi?|
appropriated for the ., adnjiffift
year. 1
pressing sentiment against th#|
of affairs were referred
to report later in the
??to
It is.more than
tee to prepare for
the oreation of the Disfa-ict c
The state hoard
McCreary r
passing of IIt* 'eoisties
indicates that the