Evening star. [volume], December 03, 1900, Image 20

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the people of the Philippine Island. I
eharge 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 Phil
ippine Islands may come to look back with
gratitude to the day when God gave vic
tory 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.
100. a proclamation of amnesty in generons
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 geograph
ical and political interests of the country,
and bringing to their task the ripe fruits
of long and intelligent service In educa
tional. 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 be
fore the Congress, and from which It ap
pears that already the good effects of re
turning order are felt; that business, in
terrupted 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 &ny
time during the Spanish rule: that economy
and efficiency in the military adm!nistra
tion have created a surplus fund of $6,000,
000, available for needed public lmpr)ve
ments; that a stringent civil-serv!ce law is
In preparation; that railroad communica
tions are expanding, openi'ig up rich dis
tricts. anl that a comprehensive scheme of
educatioin is being organized.
Later rep.rts from the Commissiol show
yet more encouraging advance toward in
suring the benefits of liberty and good gov
ernmnt to the Filipinos, in the interest of
hurrznity and witn the aim of building up
an enduring, self-supporting, and self-ad
ministering 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 un
sought trust which should be unselfishly
discharged, and devolved upon this Gov
ernment a moral as well as material respon
sibility toward these millions whom we
have freed from an oppressive yoke.
I have on another occasion called the Fili
pinos "the wards of the nation." Our obli
gatio)n as guardian was not ligh-ly assumed;
it must not be otherwise than honestly
fdfilled, aiming first of all to benefit those
whc have come under our fostering care.
It is our duty so to treat them that our
flag may be no less beloved in the moun
tains of Luzon and the fertile zones of Min
danao and Negros than it is at home, that
there as here it shall be the revered sym
bol 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 contem
poraneous 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.
PORTO RICO AND CUBA.
The civil government of Porto Rico pro
vided for by the act of the Congress ap
proved April 12. 190), is In successful opera
tion. 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 Secre
tary of the Interior supervision over the
pub'ic lands in Porto Rico, and that he be
directed to ascertain the location and quan
tity of lands the title to which remained
in the Crown of Spain at the date of cession
of Porto tieo to the United States, and that
appropriations necessary for surveys be
nade, and that the methods of the disposi
tion of such lands be prescribed by law.
On the '_15th 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
Gcvernor Issued the fellowing instructions:
Whereas the Congress of the United
States by its joint resolution of April 20,
1.-s, declared
"That the people of the island of Cuba
are, and of right ought to be, free and in
dependent.
"That the United States hereby disclaims
any diSpositimr or intention to excise soy
ereignty. jurisdiction or control over said
island exc. pt for the pacification thereof,
awl ase'rts its determination, when that is
uteampldishedl, to leave the government and
conitrol of the island to its people.''
And whtr. as, the ltiei" of Cutba have es
tab li. hed mni uipial governments, de-riving
their aithority from the suzffrages of the
people given u'nder just and equal laws,
and are now ready, in like manner, to pro
ct*ed to the estab,lishnment of a general gov
ernent whi. h shall assume and exercise
sover.ignty, jurisdiction, and control over
the ianid:
Ther-*fore. It is orde-redl that a general
eiection be held in the island of Cuba on
the thirdl Saturday of ,Septe-mber, in the
year rnnteen hundred, to elect delegates
to a cenvention to meet in the city of Ha
van:t at twelve o'clock noon on the first
)I'#nday of November, In the year nineteen
hundred, to frame and adopt a constitution
for the people of C'uba, and as a part there
of to providIe for and agree with the Gov
ernm.' nt of the United States upon the re
lations to exist between that Government
and th:e government of Cuba, and to pro
vide for the election by the people of offi
cers tinder such constitution and the trans
fer of government to the officers so elected.
The elect ion will be held in the several
voting precinets of the island under, and
pursuant to, the provisions of the electoral
law of April 18, 1000t, and the amendments
thereof.
The election was held on tue 15th of Sep
tenmber, and the convention assembled on
the 5th of November, 1900, and Is now in
Session.
In calling the convention to order, the
Billitary Governor of Cuba made the fol
lowing statement:
As Alilitary Governor of the island, rep
resenti:1g the Pres:ient of the Unite'd
States. I call this convention to order.
It will be your duty, first, to frame and
adopt a constitution for Cuba, anid when
that has been done to formulate what in
your opinion ought to be the relations be
tween Cuba and the United States.
The constitution must be adequate to se
cure a stable, orderly, and free govern
snent.
When you have formulated the relations
which in your opinion ought to exist be
tween Cuba and the United States the
Governmenit 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 com
moon interests.
All friends of Cuba will follow your de
liberations with the deepest interest, earn
estly desiring that you shall reach just con
clusions. and that by the dignity, individ
nal self-restraint, and wise conservatism
which shall characterise your proceedings
the capacity of the Cuban people for rep
resentative government may be signally il
lustrated.
Tern fundamental distinction between true
representative goverumeat mng
is that In the former every represeItatve
of the people, ik whatever ofe. conIns
himself strictly within the limits of his de
fined powers. Without such restraint there
can be no free constitutional government.
Under the orper 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 la
bors 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 be
tween the United States and Hawaii, with
extension to Manila. Since then circum
stances have strikingly emphasized this
need. Surveys have shown the entire feas
ibility of a chain of cables which at each
stopping place shall touch on American ter
ritory, 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.
STRENGTH OF THE ARMY.
The present strength of the Army Is 100,
00 men-65.000 tegulars and 35,000 volun
teers. Under the act of March 2. 1899. on the
W0th 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 188 a Board .of Officers convened by
President Cleveland adopted a comprehen
sive 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 progre:sed.
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 ap
pliances necessary for their use. The proper
are of this defensive machinery requires
men trained in its use. The number of
men necessary to perform this duty alone is
iscertained 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
oast-defense fortifications.
The number of these posts is being con
tantly increased by the Congress. More
than $22,000,000 have been expended in
Dulding and equipment, and they can only
be cared for by the Regular Army. The
posts now in existence and others to be
uilt provide for accommodations for, and
if fully garrisoned require. 26,000 troops.
4any of these posts are along our frontier
r at Important strategic points, the occu
pation 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
liminished, and certainly not until the con
lusion of the labors of the constitutional
onvention now in session and a govern
ment provided by the new constitution shall
ave been established and Its stability as
sured.
In Porto Rico we have reduced the garri
ions to 1,636, which includes 879 native
roops. There is no room for further reduc
on here.
We will be required to keep a considerable
lorce in the Philippine Islands for some
ime to come. From the best Information
)btainable we will need there for the Imme
liate futuri from 45,000 to 00,000 men. I
m sure the number may be reduced as the
insurgents shall come to acknowledge the
iuthority of the United States, of which
there are assuring indications.
It must be apparent that we will require
in army of about 60.000, and that during
resent condftions in Cuba and the Philip
)nes the Prtsident should have authority
o increase the force to the present number
>f 100,000. Included in this number author
ty should be given to raise native troops in
he Philippines up to 15,000, which the Taft
'ommission believe will be more effective
n detecting and suppressing guerrillas,
issassins, and ladrones than our own sol
liers.
The full discussion of this subject by the
ecretary of War in his Annual Report is
:alled to your earnest attention.
I renex the recommendation made in my
ast Annual Message that the Congress pro
vide a special medal of honor for the vol
unteers, regulars, sailors, and marines on
uty in the Philippines who voluntarily re
rnained in. the service after their terms of
nlistment had expired.
I favor the recommendation of the Secre
ary of Wgtr for the detail of officers from
the line of the Army when vacancies occur
in the Adjut.int-General's Department, in
ipector-General's Department, Quartermas
er's Department, Subsistence Department,
Pay Depart.nent, Ordnance Department,
and1 Signal Cot PS.
The Army can not be too highly com
nended fur Its faithful and effective service
in active military operations in the field
nd the dIfficult work of civil admninistra
tion.
The continued and rapid growth of the
postal service is a sure index of the great
end increasing business activity of the
:ountry. Its most striking new develop
ment is the extension of rural free delivery.
'his has come almost wholly within the
last year At the beginning of the fiscal
rear 1899-1900 the number of routes in ope
ation was only 391, and most of these had
een running less than twelve months. On
the 15th of November, 1900, the number had
ncreased to 2,614. reachIng into forty-four
States and Territories, and serving a pop
ulation of 1,801,524. The- number of appli
ations now pending and kwaiting action
nearly equals all those granted up to the
present time, and by the close of the cur
rent fiscal year about 4,000 routes will have
been established, providing for the daily de
livery of mails at the scattered homes of
bout three and a half millions of rural
population.
This service an.eliorates the isolation of
arm life,. onduces to good roads, and
lickens and extends the dissemination of
gneral InformatIon. Experience thus far
bas tended to allay the apprehension that
it would be so expensive as to forbid Its
general adoption or make It a serious bur
ien. Its actual application has shown that
it increases postal receipts, and can be ac
iompaned by reductions In other branches
cf the service, so that the augmented reve
cnes and the accomplished savings together
materially reduce the net cost. The evi
:ences which point to these conclusions are
pesented in detail in the Annual Report of
the Postmaste--GEneral, which with its rec
cimmendations is commended to the consid
eration of the Congress. The full develop
ment of this special service, however, re
uires such ra large outlay of money that it
should be undertaken only after a careful
study and thorough understanding of all
that it involves.
EFFICIENCY OF THE NAVY.
Very efficient service has been rendered
by the Navy in connection with the insur
rection in the k'alippines and the recent
disturbance in China. -.
A very satisfactory setitlement has been,
made of the -long-pending question of the
manufacture . of armor plate. A reason
able price has aeen securee and the neces
sity for a Government ermor plant avoideL,
I approve of the runeemen4=ans of the
Secretary for new vese ad for addition
al officers and men which the required in
comarew the ms I epensapgt fi ja
erection of a state to the memer of the
late Admiral David D. Porter. I ommead
also the establishment of a national naval
reserve and of the grade of vice admhaL
rrovision should be made, as recommended
by the Seeretary. for suitable rewards tr
special merit. Many officers who rendered
the most distinguished service during the
recent war with Spain have received in re
turn no recognilton from the Congress.
The total area of public lands as given
by the Secretary of the Interior Is approxi
mately 1,071.881.42 acres, of whie.- 917,135,
880 acres are undisposed of and 154.745,782
acres have been reserved for various pur
poses. The public lands disposed of during
the year amount to 13.458,887.96 acrei, in
cluding 62,423.00 acres of Indian lands, an
Increase of 4,271,474.80 over the preceding
year. The total receipts from the sale of
public Ir-- 4s during the fiscal year were
$4.379,758.10, ar. increase of $1,309,620.76
over the preceding year.'
The results obtained from our forest'poli
cy have demonstrated its wisdom and the
necessity in the interest oi the public for
its continuance and increased appropria
tions 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 --tion 24
of the act of March 3, 1891, embracing an
area of 46,425,529 acres.
During the past year the Olyi.rpic Re
serve, in the State of Washington, was re
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 1,127.6"0
acres to 1,180,800 acres. A new reserve, the
Santa Ynes, 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 in
crease of 2,010 over the fiscal year 1899. The
number added to the rolls during the year
was 45,844. The amount disbursed for army
pensions during the year was $134,700,597.24,
and for navy pensions $3,761,538.41, 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 $Itq,
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 Con
gress.
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 pay
ment for pensions will be between $3,u00,000
and $4,000,000.
The Government justly appreciates the
services of its soldiers and sailors by mak
ing pension payments liberal beyond prece
dent 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 trade
marks, 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 Inte
rior touching the necessity for the further
establishment of schools in the Territory
of Alaska, and favorable action is invited
thereon.
TERRITORY OF HAWAII.
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, 188, the
date of the approval of the joint resolution
of the Congress providing for their annexa
tion, up to April 30. 1900. the date of the ap
proval 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 in
crease over that reported in 1896 of 44,981,
or 41.2 per cent.
There has been marked progress In the
educational, agricultural and railroad de
velopment 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, especialiy irrigation. The
Governor of Hawaii recommends legisla
tion looking to the development of such
water supply as may exist on the public
lands, with a view of promoting land set
tlement. The earnest consideration of the
Congress is invited to this important rec
ommendation and others, as embodied in
the report of the Secretary of the Ints
rior.
The Director of the Census states that
the work in connection with the Twelfth
Census is progressing favorably. This na
tional undertaking, orLered by the Con
gress each decade, has finally resulted in
tihe collection of an aggregation of statis
tical facts to determine the industrial
growth of' the country, its manufacturing
and mechanical resOurces, its richness in
mines and forests, the number of its agri
culturist., 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 law of March
3, 1899, requiring the completion of the
four important and most-desired subjects,
namely, population, agricultural, manufac
turing and vital statistics, will be dom
pleted within the prescribed limit.
The field work incident to the above in
quiries is now practically finished, and as a
result the population of the States and Ter
ritories, including the Hawaiian Islands and
Alaska, has been announced. The growth
of population during the last decade
amounts to over 13,000,000, a greSter nur
merical increase than in any previous cen
sus in the history of the country.
Bulletins will be issued as rapidly as pog
sible giving the population by States and
Territories, by minor civii divisions. Sev
eral announcements of this kind have al
ready been made, and it is hoped that the
list will be completed by January 1. Other
bulletins giving the results of the manu
facturing and agricultural inquiries will be
given to the public as rapidly as circum
stances will admit.
The Director, while confident of his abLi
ty to complete the different branches of the
undertaking in the dllotted time, finds him
self 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 ex
ecution of the census work there should not~
be retained in the Government employ a
certain umber of experts not only to aid
in tieprelimnary organization prior to the
takiiof the decennial census, but in- addi-.
tion to have the advantage in the field and
office work of the Bureau of trained assist
ants to facilitate the early completion of
this enorunous undertaking.
I recommend that the Congress at its
present session apbortion representation
among the several state. as provided by
the Constitution.
The Department of Agriculture has been
extending' its work durbfthe past year.
reacngu farther for new varleties of aeds
ad plants; oo-operatIg mtore ft0y writh
the States sid Territories In research ales"
usfies; nmag progress in aleteoro
logloal work relating to lim= e ftmlan...
eas aeo .-do af"x ana-4144
tor of tocainmevita; oudkoff via" for
the car% Prtsraten and lablfit tar
Vesting of eur neaNea-s; logui ,r.li
that prodCer may oultive with betti
knowledge of eonditins, &ag- bupag to
clothe desert please with gapes
to our arid regions. Our island pomhwsso*s
are being considered that their peopleoa ma
be helped to- produce the tropWeal groducts
now so eitensively brought into tho United
States, Inquiry into methods of hmproving
our roads has bdon active during the year:
help has been given to many localties, and
scientific Investigation of material in the
States and Territories has been Inaugurated.
Irrigation problems In our semi-add regions
are receiving careful md Increased consid
eration.
An extensive exhibit at Paris of the pro
ducts of agriculture has made the peoples
of many countries- mor familiar with she
varied products of ow fields and their com
parative excellence.
The collection of sintistics regarding our
crops is being improved and sources vf In
formation are being enlarged. to the end
that producers may Inve the eaiedt ad
vices regarding crop alnditlons. There has
never been a time when those for whom it
was established have3 shown more appre
ciation of the service of the department.
In my Annual Mewage of Dcember 5,
18,. I called attention to the necessity fQr
some amendment of ,Me 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 com
mend these subjects to the careful attention
of the Congress.
That there may be secured the best ser
vice possible in the Philippines, I have Is
sued, under date of November 30, 1900, the
following order:
"The United States Civil Service Conig
sion 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 es
tablishment and maintenance of an honest
and efficient civil service in the Philippine
Islands, and for that purpose to conduct ex
aminatiltX for- the clvil service of- the -Phil
ippine Ilands, 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 Gommisoion.isgreatly
embarrassed in Its work for want of an
adequate permanent force for clerical and
other ass:stanee - - its needs - are -fully- met
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 quali
fications and character of so large a num
ber of - the offoers and employees.of- the
Government, should be supported by all
needed appropriations to secure prompt
ness and efficiency.
I am very much impressed with the state
ment made by the heads of all the Depart
ments of the urgent necessity of a hall of
public records. In every departmental
building In Washington, so far as I am In
formed, 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 i filled with file cases, and
garrets and basements, which were never
Intended and are unfitted for their accom
modation, 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 preserv
ing 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 en
largement 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 Araeri
can Bar Association concerning the pro
posed 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 moiement to honor the
memory of the great jurist.
The transfer of the Government to this
city is a fact of great historigal interest.
Among the people there is a feeling of
genuine pride In the Capital of the Repub
lic.
It is a matter of Interest In this connec
tion that In 1800 the population of the Dis
trict 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
218,190.
The Congress having provided for "an ap
propriate natIonal celebration of the Cen
tennIal Anniversary of the Establishment
of the Seat of Government In the District
of Columbia," the committees authorized
by It have prepared a programme for the
12th of December. 1900, whIch date hasi
been selected as the anniversary day. .Deep
interest has been shown In the arrange
ments for the celebration by the members
of the committees of the Senate and House
of Representatives, the committee of Gov
ernors appointed by the President, and the
committees appointed by the citizens an,d
Inhabitants of the District of Columbia gen
erally. The. programme, in additton to a
reception and other exercises at the Axecu
tive Mansion, provides commemorative ex
ercises to be held jointly by the Senate and
House of Representatives in the Hall of
the House of Representatives, and a re
ception In the evening at the Corcoran Gal
lery 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 ~extrava
gance in Government expenditures and ap
propriations; and the chosen representa
tives of the people -will, I doubt -note fur
nish an example In the legislation of that
wise economy which in a season of pldnty
husbands- for.. the -future' In -this -era of
great business activity and opportunity cau
tion is not untimely. It will not abate, but
strengthen, confidence. It will not, retard.
but promote, legitimate industrial and com
mercial expansion, Our growing pow'er
brings with. It temptations and periLs re
quIring constant vigilance to avoid. It
must not be used to Invite conflicts, nor. for
oppression, but for the more effective main
tenance 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 Govern
ment is liberty; Its superstructure pe~Ace.
- WILLIAM McKIN,.ijy.
Eixecutive Mansion,.
December 8, 1900.
TURKE:Y ORDERS A Cf.UISER.
Contract Price Imoades Indemity to
Amerien Citineas.
A dispatch from Cntantinople yesterday
says:
Hassan Psam Ottoman minister-of ma
rine, and Ghen. Wiluims, representing the
Cramps' Shipbuilding Company of Philadeb
phia, have signed a:eentract for'- the eon
struction of a cruJse#for the Ottoman navy.
The price to be paid 3 380,000, which in
cludes f23,060 as Inosuf to the United
State. for losses saMlSd by Americans
during the Armeimflrem.
Capt. 0.M. ChetinO thi. United States
battle s1,Kentnehydr*Ith numhew of the
eirs the ba**tt"i"l5' expected hem.
He will probabig resbin sw- ays,
Uncle Mirain-"DS WenO feed this hwe
mumK OF-PAST YEAR
Anal Ohm. -f d r& twm,
1iden:j --of- th W. 0 T. U.
MEL InD In
The Evidence of Progress of the
Women's Societies.
CAUSE FOR REJOICING
Mrs. Lillian 3. N. Stevens of Maine. na
tional president of the W. C. T. U.. deliv
ered her annual address before the conven
tion of the union in the Lafayette Square
Opera House this morning. In the course
of her remarks she said:
" 'The happiest place I know of is the Har
vest Home of our Old Mother Nationall'
It was with these words that Frances Wil
lard opened her annual address at the Buf
falo convention In 1897, adding, 'Every face
smiles on every other, and all voices are
kind, while each one's glance is upward as
If the hills of hope were sighted fair and
beautiful on the horizon's rim.' As we
asmble here this morning, at the crossing
of the centuries, these words come to us as
a precious memory, asvan inspiring proph
ecy.
"For more than a quarter of a century
just closing we have each year been com
ing to these annual gatherings. The city
of Washington was chosen as our meeting.
place this year for several reasons. Among
seven invitations that were given this con
vention Washington was the most easterly
point, and inasmuch as the conventorr of
189 was held in the far west it seemed
best to meet next in the east, and again,
Washington, the seat of our governmental
interests for one hundred years, is a most
interesting place to visit. But the chief
reason that influenced our decisions was
Miss Willard's hope that the convention
nearest the dawning of the twentieth cen
tury might meet In the capital city of the
United States, and we were profoundly
grateful when the hearty invitation to come
to Washington was extended to us. And
thinking of her who hoped that this might
come to pass, there are golden gleams from
the Invisible world and she does not seem
so far away.
Former Convention Here.
"October 26-29, 1881, our national conven
tion met in the Foundry M. E. Church in
thib city. At the first executive commit
tee meeting only fourteen responded to the
roll call. The names of nine of that num
ber are now written in the book of the life
immortal. When we were here in 1881 the
treasurer reported receipts from all sources,
including dues from twenty-eight states and
the District of Columbia, to be $2,557.00.
Today she will report, including dues from
forty-five states, the territories and the Dis
trict of Columbia, at least ten times that
amount, and our membership is eight times
as large. Of those who were then state
presidents but two are here today, and only
one of them still holds the same office.
"Mrs. Thompson of Ohio was actively
with us in that convention, often speaking
and sometimes taking the chair; today
we think of her in her Tillsboro' home, and
we waft her loving thoughts, freighted with
gratitude, for all she has been, is and will
ever be to the Woman's Christian Temper
ance Union. And here in 1881 many of us
saw for the first time the woman of whom
it was said, 'Behold, here is an explanation
of Miss Willard!' and those of us who
knew Frances Willard's mother can but
think of her as the embodiment of the sen
timent which is carved In granite above the
mound at Rosehill, for she did 'pronounce a
benediction upon the whole world.' And we
werc received in those old days after much
the same fashion as today. I recall that in
addition to the cordial welcome on behalf
of the local unions, Bishop Andrews said
he was glad we had come, for while we
might differ in regard to woman's suffrage
(remember this was nineteen years ago)
and in regard to working in political par
ties, we were sure to leave behind precious
influences and forces which would tend to
the regeneration of the United States cap
ital.
Gains of the W. C. T. U.
"At that convention we had but twenty
six departments of work; now we have
thirty-six, all built upon our fundamental
principles of purity, total abstinence, pro
hibition. Then in no state was the age of
protection for girls-above ten years; now,
largely through the efforts of white ribbon
ers, it Is raised to an average of fifteen
years, and in some states as high as eigh
teen, and there is a growing senti
ment in favor of legally protecting woman
hood at any age as well as girlhood in her
minority.
"Then there was only one police matron
in the country (at Portland, Me.); now this
office is well established and well flilled ir.
many of our cities. When we werb herc
before there w;ere no compulsory temper
ance educational laws: now they exist in
every state save Georgia and Utah, also in
the territories and in the District of Co
lumbia. Then temperance was not system
atically taught in the Sunday school; now
there are quarterly temperance lessons as a
part of the international lesson system.
"Since 1881 eight round the world mis
sionarIes have gone out to carry the gospel
of temperance, as we understand it, to all
people in all lands. Miss Willard was the
founder of the World's Woman's Christian
Tcmperance Union, and at its organizing
cohvention, held in Boston. November, 1881,
delegates were present from twenty-one
countries. At the, fifth biennial convention
of the World's WV. C. T. U., held in Edin
burgh last June, -fifty-seven countries were
represented by delegates and auxiliaryship,
and yet the beloved, honored, gracious pres
ident of this great society today was un
kr.own to us when we were here before.
Let us at this hour send across the ocean
to Lady Henry Somerset an expression of
our loving loyalty.
"Since 1881 marked progress has been
made' in that great movement looking to
ward a real republic, the enfranchisement
of woman. Last May, at the Methodist
general conference, a church constitution.
was adopted which removes the traditional
objection to women .delegates and makes
them eligible for election to the general
conference. So at last woman is to have
her place in the highest councils of that
great church, to the work and success of
which women have so largely contributed
ever since the days of Susanna Wesley.
Wroman's Vote.
"Not long ago in Idaho we were in a W.
C. T. U. convention, to which some of the
delegates came late, because, as they ex
plained, they. could not leave home until
they had cast their votes for the temper
ance candidate for mayor, while the nomi
nee on the other ticket was a well-known
brewer; and In Colorado we were present at
a temperance meeting when a fine, manly
looking man was introduced as mayor, and
hu openly and apparently proudly stated
that he owred his election to the White Rib
bcners of this city, and this year 145,000
women registered to vote for President of
the United States.
Mrs. Stevens said that during the last
twenty years total abstinence and prohibi
tion sentiment has greatly advanced. She
recounted the steps recently ta1ken in sev
eral states toward legislative prohibition,
and, continuiing, said:
"Within two years the sale or .use of
liquor has been prohibited on board the
ships of the United States navy, or within
the lImits of naval stationS, and as lately
as Februairy. 190, Congress passed a law
prohibiting Lhe sale of Intoxicating liquor.
in army camps, posts, exchanges or can
teens, be on any premises used for military
nrposes by the United States. To be sure,
Ibhis hsbeen declared null and void,
but- the end Is not yet. Within a twelve
month a polygamist has seen rejected as a
member of the United States Congress, and
White Ribboners rejoice that they had a
bend in bringing about this 'righiteous ao
tion. Tle sama publ conseienee that pre
veted Brighsa a berts having a seat in'
~1United States Congress wilB yet -as
to be eacMe $1be antienteum bill now
pending, or som~e kindred msurm"e. If the
aetion be not so p*oespt as it wans anemee'
ing that other great hime so just re
fb,s in, we sou o dssaraes
fer it in- esty about afty yea th
sod he . je%,ft de044=4 the
Om % . te this
The~ queen a mes to a this mseening
with =ao emghais: What can we'do
toward righting the atrocious conditions in
the Philkpies? Latters received from Mrs.
MOOts of Mchgan, a missionary at Ma
nia and a loyal White Ribboner, go to
rV that the statements made by the New
vofe correspondent, and by other reliable
newspaper men and individuals, are not
overdrawn.
"Under supervision and sanction of Amer
can authorities the brothel and saloon
flourIsh in Manila. We are told on reliable
authority that there are in the Philippines
about 200 army canteens, where liquor Is
sold, and about 400 American saloons, the
principal support of which comes from the
American soldier now in the Philippines.
I - -the W.000 American soldiers wl- have
been In the hospitals, one of the ch-ef sur
geons declared that 15,000 of these cases
were caused directly by drink. This esti
mate Is corroborated by other testimony.
We are reliably informed that nine out of
the eleven suicides among the soldiers in
the Philippines, of which we read with
such pathetic Interest, were caused directly
by drink. We also learn that the liquor
sold In the canteens has the same effect as
liquor sold from the regular saloon, and
that instead of reducing the number of sa
loons they multiply in the canteen districts.
Is all this of no Interest to the modiers of
boys? And how can they refrain from
uniting with and helping the National W.
C. T. U. and every other agency which is
endeavoring to right this awful wrong?
"Early In October the general officers, on
behalf of the National Woman's Christian
Temperance Union, sent this petition to the
President of the United Stites and Secre
tary of War:
-" 'Statements are appearing in the public
press to the effect that houses of prostitu
tion are being established, maintained and
inspected in the Philippine Islands for the
use of our soldiers, by the consent of the
army authorities of those Islands or under
their direct supervision. We are unwilling
to believe that our government will allow
to be Introduced among the soldiers that
infamous system which brought such just
contempt upon England when the condition
of affairs in India became known to the
world. We beg the President of these
United States and the Secretary of War to
see to it that no such stigma is allowed to
attach itself to our beloved land. To this
end the prayer of the three hundred thou
sand members of the National Woman's
Christian Temperance Union Is that Imme
diate steps may be taken to prohibit the
licensing of such houses, or the making of
any provision whatever for their existence
in any of the territory under the Jurisdic
tion of the United States. We protest with
all possible emphasis against our govern
ment's regulating vice in any form, and
more especially, if that were possible.
against anything calculated to foster that
crime which degrades its citizens, destroys
the purity of the family and deteriorates
the race.'
"This response was promptly received
from Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn:
"'Replying to your communication to the
President concerning conditions in Manila,
I have the honor to inform you, so far as
this- department is advised, no such condi
tions obtain as set forth in your letter, but
in order that the subject may have the
most thorough consideration, and the con
sideration that its importance demands, in
structions have been sent to General Mac
Arthur, commanding tne division of the
Philippines, to investigate the subject fully
and to make a full report on the subject
matter of your resolutions.'
Words of Courage.
"We may sometimes be impatient, but we
should never be discouraged. To be sure,
we have arrayed against us the solidly
combined liquor business of the country.
In its arrogance It sometimes dictates to
judge and jury. It is numerically strong
and financially rich, but It is spiritually
bankrupt and morally poorer than poverty
itself. We have with us the same class of
people that has always led In all the just
reforms of the past. We have on our side
the testimony of science, of law and the
Gospel, and the Lord of Hosts is.our lead
er. Are we not sure to win?
"It is lamentable that in the closing year
of the century there should be wars and
famine, pestilence and massacre. We have
not yet reached ideal Christianity, but the
nineteenth has been the best century the
world has ever known. And we confident
ly believe that there will be established be
fore the twentieth century has gone far on
its march an international court of arbi
tration, and so the day shall be hastened
when there will be 'peace on earth.'"
Mrs. Stevens said the progress of other
temperance societies than the W. C. T. U.
had been marked and encouraging.
The W. C. T. U. Still Needed.
"We believe." she said, "that the need
which called for separate organization of
women still exists, and that the training,
and experience which come to worran
through the W. C. T. U. methods are fitting
her as nothing else fitted her to take her
place side by~side with man in all relations
of life. For this and many other reasons
the W. C. T. U. is likely to go on and on,
always in harmony with the trumpet call
to the defense of principle, which rang out
in 1s73-'74. We welcome all wh,, join our
ranks under Its constitutional pr,vi>t)ns.
Within a month we have had an interest
ing addition: A woman on her one hun
dredth birthday, In full possession of all
her faculties, for the first time put on the
white ribbon, and she regrets .hat she had
not sooner belonged."
Mrs. Stevens next referred to the work of
the various departments of the National
W. C. T. U., which will be more fully re
ported by the respective superintendents
during the convention. Then, regarding na
tional headquarters, she said:
"Since May 1, 1900, the national offices of
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
have been In Evanston, Ill., a prosperous
city of 20,0010 inhabitants, only three miles
from the city limits of Chicago and twelve
miles from its business center. Our head
quarters are now under the same roof that
she:ters the sacred home of Frances E.
Willard, and so admirably adapted for of
fice work has the national half of Rest
Cottage proved to be that it could scarcely
suit us better had we planned its construc
tion ourselves."
Some Recommendations.
Under the head of recommendations Mrs.
Stevens said:
"We should not only be vigilant in help
ing to secure desirable legislation, but we
should help toward the enforcement of good
laws that already exist. The chairman of
the educational committee of one of the
state legislatures has recently declared that
a great responsibility rests upon white-rib
boners. We should protest against the ap
pointment of school superintendents and se
lection of teachers who use alcoholics. They
may be tolerated for a while, but the con
science of the people concerning the right
example set for their children in the public
schools will, sooner or later, have right of
way.
"We should be more active In trying to
banish impure literature, Indecent pictures,
exhibitions and advertisements. Usually the
municipal officers, when properly appealed
to. will help in the suppressIon of all these,
and in most states there are helpful laws
bearing upon these subjects which should
be enforced. We should be watchful, too,
that good laws are not mutilated or re
pealed.
"May 1 to November 1, 1901, there will
be the Pan-American exposition in Buffalo,
N. Y. Plans are under way for an exhibit
by the National Woman's Christian Tem
perance Union similar to that which we had
at the world's fair, Chicago, 1893. I hope
the proposition will be carried out and will
meet with the hearty co-operation of the
various state unions. There 'were good rea
sons why wre did not have a W. C. T. U.
exhibit In Paris, and -because we did not
we are the more desirous to have a good
exhibit in Buffalo. Some of the states
which had made an alppropriation for Paris
have already directed that it shall go to
help at-Buffalo. We hope state prgsldents,
superintendents and organisers will take an
early and active interest in this matter,
and that we may by la,nners, drinkin foun
tains, literature, meetings, etc., give the
visitors a clear idea of what our society
does and; alms to do.
'"How I wish that our members would
always wear the white ribbon, the pure,
simple .badge, snakirngr modestly but ser-i-.
ously to. the wor'ld, p'onainter in a silent
but potent, manner thatt the wearer stands
for the protectio .and purity of the home
and for the overthraw of the home's great
est enemy. It speeas of mother, hoe and
heaven to many a womaering bog and enlls
him back to ways of safety, PMann==
and peawe) and again I sag ef1 n
-em it alWwys -
-EMQM & CM
af the Dba&et of iaMa, which, it is
dalmok has as capable a eara eoas
as any state, terrtorial or foreign union.
Mrs, c3n, Smith, the preadent, was
born ta Verment, and Is the dasgwter of
Charles G. White. a geolog:st and dicov
erer of some of the most valuable marble
quarries in Rutland county. Vt. ,She was
educated in Middleburg, in the old institu
tion known as the "Female Seminary."
where Mrs. Emma Willard inaugurated her
successful experiment in the educat.on of
girls. It Is one of Mrs. Smith's dearest
reminiscences that she was educated In
that ichool and a pupil of that distin
guished pioneer.
Mrs. Smith has served the W. C. T. U.
of this city as superintendent of the legis
lative department, and has done effective
work before committees of Congress. She
was the originator of the great petition
called the "voice of the churci es." whicn
approved the proffibition of the liquor traffic
in the D1str1ct of Columbia. Mrs. Smith
was for tw, years superintendent of the Y
branch of the local W. C. T. U., and is vice
president of the Anti-Saloon League. a
member of the National Woman's Press
Association, as well as chapl!n of Colonial
Chapter. D. A. R. Mrs. Smith Is serving
her third term as pres.dent of the District
W. C. T. U., and to her is due tPe greatest
credit In arranging details connected with
the national convention. She will give the
address of welcome for that body this
evening at Lafayette Square Opera House.
Mrs. Hartnock, Vice President.
Mrs. S. M. Hartsock. vice president and
evangelistic superintendent, was born In
Genesee county. New York; was graduated
from a southern school and married Rev.
S. M. Hartsock of the Baltimore M. E.
conference while he was stationed at Jack
son Square M. E. Church. Baltimore. in
1869. For nearly thirty years she has re
sided In Baltimore and Washington. and
for a large part of the time was the con
ference president of the Ladies' and Pas
tors' Christian Union. of which Mrs. Whit
tenmeyer was the founder. Eighteen years
ago, when the District Union was in its
Infancy, Mrs. Hartsock was corresponding
secretary. While living in Baltimore she
redistricted the W. C. T. U. of the city and
was organizer of the western section, sus
taining a large kindergarten, mothers'
meetings and systematic relief for the poor.
Mrs. Hartsock has an ancestral lineage
traced through various noble and royal
lines, back to the house of Charlemagne.
She is a woman of tact and strong Chris
tian sympathy; has been a helpful pastor's
wife, always ready to help In any com
mendable enterprise.
The Recording Secretary.
Mrs. Emma Sanford Shelton, the record
ing secretary 6f the District organization,
Is the daughter of Charles T. Sanford. a
lawyer of Montrose, Westmoreland county,
Va.. where she was born. She was gradu
ated from the public schools of this city
and joined the W. C. T. U. in the year of
the crusade, just after the birth of her
only son. Believing in Christian temperance
example, she dedicated her life to the
cause.
Mrs. Shelton was appointed superintend
ent of narcotics for the District of Colum
bia In 1889 and In 1891 presented to the
House and Senate the petitions of the su
perintendent of public schools, all the trus
tees, all the supervising principals and the.
names of 551 teachers, praying for -the
passage of a bill prohibiting the sale of
cigars, cigarettes. etc., to minors under six
teen years of age. This petition was also
signed by the medical society. 231 physi
clans, and by every pastor In the city save
one. The effect of that which became a
law was rendered non-effective by the
striking out of the clause fining the boy,
or user. This bill was passed-in February,
1891.
Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Vermont
Avenue Christian Church. known as the
"white ribbon church." She has done effec
tive work In planning for the convention,
directing committees, arranging receptions.
etc., and has been for many years the re
cording secretary.
Assistant Secretary.
Mrs. Clayton Ely Emig. the assistant re
cording secretary, has been most untiring
ir her work in aid of the recording secre
tary. Mrs. Emig, formerly Miss Lelia
Dromgold, is the daughter of W. A. Drom
gold, a prominent manufacturer of York,
Pa. She was educated in the public schools
and the Collegiate Institute of her native
city. Mrs. Emig's connection with the W.
C. T. U. dates from June. 1891, when she
accompanied the "Y's" to distribute flowers
among the prisoners at the jail. This arous
ed her interest in the temperance cause,
and she has devoted much of her time to
the work. She is president of "Headquar
ters Y," and for more than two years has
been assistant recording secretary. She is
a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Miss Weightma, Corresponding See
retary.
Miss Louise E. Weightman. the corre
sponding secretary, is a daughter of R.
Hanson Weightman and Susan B. Coxe.
Although born in Missouri. she proclaims
herself and family old Washingtonians.
Miss Weightman's duties have been ardu
ous in connection with the correspondence
required with every state and territorial
W. C. T. U. She came into the W. C. T. U.
during the national convention here in 1881
and has ever since been an active worker.
This Is her tenth year of service as corre-a
sponding secretary. Her maternal grand
father, Richard S. Coxe, came to Washing
ton from Burlington. N J., when a young
man and was a member of the bar, prac
ticing before the Supreme Court. Her pa
ternal grandfather, Gen. Ryce Chew
Weightman, came to this city as a boy from
Alexandria. He was one of the first print
ers of the city and was for years one of the
owners of the National Intelligencer; was
one of the first mayors of the city and gen
eral of militia for many years up to the
breaking out of the civil war.
The Treasurer.
Mrs. Theresa A. Williams, treasurer of
the District W. C. T. U., is better known
to the White Ribboners as the "Sherman
fh-r.ncier" of the W. C. T. U. of the Dis
trict. Mrs. Williams, since 1889, with the
eAception of two years, has guarded the
nmcneyed Interests of the local union, and,
wh2ile never desiring an empty treasury,.
has always been inclined to furnish to su
pcrintendents and committees sufficient
funds for their work, and this is espe
cially true in connection with the financial
affairs of the national convention, she hav
lng approved liberal appropria,tions to the
chairmen of all committees.
Mrs. Wiliams was born in Detroit, Mich.
She is a descendant on her mother's side
from the Clements of New England,
through whom she has common ancestry
with the late Miss Francis E. Willard. Her
father, J. A. Riopelle, belonged to the old
and well-known French family of Riapelles
of Detroit. Mrs. Wimlams is the wife of
Mr. H. E. Williams of the weather bureau
of this city. She has been the president of
Northwest Union, W. C. T. U., and is now
president of the Eckington Union; is con
nected with the Universalist Church; Is
treasurer of the National Missionary So
ciety of that denomination, and was for
five years superintendent of the Sunday
school lg the Church of Our Father here.
Ereka Lodge Bauquets Jewel Teame.
The members of Eureka Lodge, NTo. 5,
F. A. A. M., assembled Friday evening in
the banquet room at Odd Fellows' Hall, M
street northwest, where a banquet had been
prepared in honor of the oflcers%nd mem
bers whc 'telk part in the recent "jewel
contest" with Prince Hal Lodge, No. 14.
The invited guests were the grand man
tr, Robert H. Terrell; the five juddes,
Messrs. W. H. J. Malvin, J. W. Cole, J. T.
Layton,- J. I'. Beason and J. W. Hunt, and
offcers of Prince Hail Lodge, Dr. F. J.
Cardoso, Fred T. Henry, Dr. W. A. War
feld and Rev. 0. M. Wailer. Covers were
spread for one hundred.
After the collation had been served Mr.
Eugene Brooks, toastmaster, introduced
Grand MalrTerreli, who delivered an
eloquent areas on the present condition
of the craft. Past Grand Master John F.
Cook spoke on "TIhe Origin of Negro Mason
ry;" Past Grand Master L. C. Bailey, --.i.e
Mason in Business;" Past Grand Master
J. W. Mays, ''Our Foreign Relation;" Past
Grand Master &. R. Watts, "symbrolieo -
Masonry." Addresses wer also -'elivered
by the judges and oacers of .3rlnce Hall
Dr. oln P. worshipfui master of
Dreka Ledge, o.,spoke en "The Con
test,.or th ewel.- and. ed th e s
fr the 1.e1 ua or given him, cxpresslhg
the hesthatat Lodge, No. ~m
.ueiffy defend the jewel a-inst
e=mm=== The contest was in the -inferring
f.the third degree.
gesad UiU ohn F. Chok, in aretIt
msehpe -th fast- and