The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 6, 1899, Page 4

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1899. PRESS COMMENTS ON THE MESSAGE. 1 rectiop and now look forward confidently to a speedy completion of thelr task. NEGROS COVERNMENT. The unfavorable circumstances con- nected with an active campaign have not been permitted to Interfere with the equally important work of reconstruction. Again I invite your attention to the re- port of the Commissioners for the inter- esting and encouraging detalls of the | work already accomplished in the estab- lishment of peace and order and the in- | auguration of self-governing municipal | life in many portions of the archipelago. | A notable beginning has been made in the | establishment of a Godvernment in the Island of Negros, which is deserving of special consideration. This was the first American sovereignty. Its people unre- servedly proclaimed allegiance to the United States, and adopted a constitution | looking to the establishment of a popular government. It was impossible to guar- antee to the people of Negros that the constitution so adopted should be the ulti- mate form of government. Such a ques- | tion, under the treaty with Spain and in sccordance with our own constitution end laws, came exclusively under the| jurisdiction of Congress. The Govern- ment actually set up by the Inbabitants of Negros eventually proved unsatisfac- tory to the natives themselves. A new system was put In force by order of the major general commanding the depart-| ment, of which the following are the most fmportant elements: | It was ordered that the Government of | tsland to accept | the Island of Negros should consist of & Military Governor appointed by the United States Military Governor of the Philippines, and a civil Governor and an Advisory Council elected by the people The Military Governor was authorized to appoint secretaries of the Treasury, In- terior, Agriculture, Public Instruction, an Attorney General and an Auditor, The weat of Government was fixed at Bacolor. The Military Governor exercises the su- preme executive power. He is to see that the laws are executed, appoint to office and 1l all vacancies in office not other- 'Iu.rovlaod for and may, with the ap- oval of the Military Governor of the lippines, remove any officer from ©flice. The civil Governor advises the Mil- | | ftary Governor on all public and eivil questions and presides over the Advisory Council. He, In general, performs the duties which are performed by secretaries of State in our own system of govern- ment The Advisory Counci]l consists of eight members e ed by the people within ter- ritorfal limits, which ie in the order of the comm al The times and § lding elec- tions are t the Military Gov- e fixed by ernc ' fications egros. The quali- | s follows: | ers are a | st be a male citizen of the 1 voter m Island of Negros 2-Of the age of 21 years. 3—He shall be able to speak, read and | write the English, panish or Visayan | language, or he must own real property | worth $50 or pay rental on real property of the value of 51000 4—He must have resided in the island | not less than one year preceding, and in the district in which he offers to register &8 & voter not less than three months im- mediately preceding the time he offers to register. 5—He must register at a time fixed by law before voting. 6—Prior to such registration he shall have paid all taxes due by him to the Government Provided, that no insane person shall be allowed to register or vote. The Military Governor has the right to veto all bills or resolutions adopted by | the Advisory Cou a his veto 1is final if @ot dlsapproved by the Military | Governor of the Philippines. The Ad-| visory Councll discharges all the ordinary duties of a Legislature. The usual duties | pertaining to sald officers are to be per- | formed by the Secretaries of the Treas- | ury, Interior, Agriculture, Public Instruc. | tion, the Attorney General and the Aud(-i tor. The judiclal power is vested in thres | Judges, who are to be appointed by the Miljtary Governor of the island. Inferior courts are to be established. Free public schools are to be established throughout the populous districts of the islands in which the English language £hall be taught, and this subject will re- celve the careful consideration of the | Advisory Council. The burden of government must be dis- tributed equally and equitably among | the people. The military authorities will | collect and receive the customs revenue | and will control postal matters and Phil- | ippines iInterisland trade and commerce. | The Military Governor, subject to the | approval of the Military Governor of the Philippines, determines all questions not | specifically provided for and which do| not come under the jurisdiction of the | Advisory Council. | THE JOVLO GROUP. The authorities of the Sulu islanas have | accepted the succession of the United | States to the rights of Spain, and our | flag floats over that territery. On 10th of August, 189, Brigadier General J. C. Bates, U. 8. V., negotiated an agroe- | ment with the Sultan and his principal | chiefs, which I transmit herewith, 8, article 1 the sovereignty of the United | Btates over the whole archipelago of Joio | and its dependencies is declared and uc- knowledged The 1'nlted States flag will be used in ' the archipelago and its dependencies, on sea. Plracy is to be suppress- ltan agrees to co-operate h the United States authori- ties to mend and to make every possi- ble effort to arrest and bring to Justice ged in piracy. All trade | in domestic products of the archipelago of Jolo carried on with any part of the Philippine Islands and under the | American flag shall be free, unlimited | and undutiable. The United States will | give full protection to the Sultan in case | any forelgn nation should attempt to | impose upon him. The United States will | not sell the island of Jolo or any other | fsland of the Jolo archipelago to any | the his | the the | amount of §760 & month. Article X prs. | 3 [ Pears’ Do you knOw the ’.QQ0.0’0.0.0 €04 06000004 . o most luxurious bath |3 in the world? Have you used Pears’ Soap? 1 e in the archipelago | he right to purchase freedom by payinz to the master the usual market value. The agreement by General Bates was made subject to con- firmation by the President and to futur modifications by the consent of the par- | ties In Interest. I have confirmed such agreement, subject to the actlon of Con- | grees and with the reservation, whicha | I have directed shall be communicated to the Bultan of Jolo, that this agreement is not to be deemed In any way to au- thorize or give the consent of the United States to the existence of slavery in the | Sulu archipelago. IMPROVED CONDITIONS. 1 communicate these facts to Con- gress for its Information and action. Everything indicates that with the speady suppression of the Tagalo rebellion, life in the archipelago will soon assume its | ordinary course under the protection of | our soverelgnty, and the people of those favored islands will enjoy a prosperity and a freedom which they have never before known. Already hundreds of | schools are open and filled with children. | Reltgious freedom is sacredly assured and | enjoyed. The courts are dispensing jus- | tice. Business is beginning to circulate | in {ts accustomed channels. Manila, whose inhabitants were fleeing to the country a few months ago, is now & populous and thriving mart of com-i merce. ‘lue earnest and unremitting en- deavors of the commission and the ad- miral and major general commanding the Department of the Pacific to assure the | govls of the beneficent intentions of this | vernment have had thelr legitimate ef- fect in convinelng the great mass of them | that peace and safety and prosperity and stable government can only be found in | & loyal acceptance of the authority of the | United States. PHILIPPINES’ FUTURE. The future government of the Phillp. pines rests with the Congress of the United States. Few graver responsibili- ties have ever been confided to us. If ‘we accept them in & spirit worthy of our | race and our traditions, a great opportu- nity comes with them. The islands lle 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, & golden apple of discord, among the rival powers, no one of which could per- mit another to seize them unquestioned. Their rich plains and valleys would be the scene of endless strife and bloodshed. The advent of Dewey's fleet in Manlla Bay, instead of being, as we hope, the dawn of @ new day of freedom and pro- gress, 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 | 1slands, and, giving them independence, could retan a protectorate over them. | This proposition will not be found, I am sure, worthy of your serious attention Such an arrangement would involve at the outset a cruel breach of faith. It would place the peaceable and loyal ma- Jority, who ask nothing better than to ac- cept our authority, at the mercy of armed Insurgents. It would make us responsi- ble for the acts of the Insurgent leaders &nd give us no power to control them. It would charge us with the task of protect- ing them against each other and defend- ing them against any forelgn power, with which they chose to quarrel. In short, it would take from the Congress of the United Btates the power of declaring war and vest that tremendous prerogative in the Tagalo leader of the hour. It does not seem desirable that 1 should recommend at this time a specific and final form of government for these isl- ands. When peace shall be restored it will be the duty of Congress to construct a plan of government which shall estab- lish and malntain freedom, order and peace In the Philippines. The insurrec- tion s still existing and when It termi- nates further Information will be required as to the actual condition of affairs before | inaugurating a permanent scheme of civil government. The report of the commis. slon, now In preparation, will contain formation and suggestions which will be of value to Congress, and ‘which I will transmit as soon as it is completed. As long as the insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily be su- preme. But there is no reason why steps should not be taken from time to time to inaugurate governments essentially popu- lar in their form as fast as territory is held or controlled by our troops. RETURN OF COMMISSION. To this end I am considering the ad- visabllity of the return of the commis- slon, or such of the members thereof as can be secured, to ald the existing au thorities and facilitate this work through out the island. I have belleved that re- construetions should not begin by the es- tablishment of one central civil govern- ment of all the islands, with its seat at Manila, but rather that the work should | be commenced by buflding up from the bottom, first establishing municipal gov- ernments and then provinclal govern- ments, a central government at least to | fdllow. Untll Congress shall have made known the formal expression of its will | I shall use the authority vested in me by the constitution and statutes to uphold the soverelgnty of the United States In those distant fislands and in all other places where our flag rightfully floats. shall put at the disposal of the army an navy all the means which the lberalit; of Congress and the people have provided to cause this unprovoked and wastefnl in- surrection to cease. If any orders of mine were required to secure the merciful | conduct of military. and naval operations, | they would not be lacking; but every step | of the progress of our troops has been | marked by a humanity which has sur-| prised even the misguided insurgents. The | truest kindness to them would be swift | and effective defeat of thelr present lead- | er.. The hour of victory will be the hour of clemency and reconstruction. No effort will be spared to bufld up the waste places desolated by war and by | long years of misgovernment. We shall not walt for the end of the strife to be- gin the beneficent work. We shall con- tinue, as we have begun, to open the sehools and the churches, to set the courts in operation, to foster Industry and trade and agriculture, and In every way in our power to make these people whom Providence has brought within our ju- risdiction feel that it is thelr Iliberty and not our power, their welfare and not our gain that we are seeking to enhance. Our flag has never waved over any com- munity but In blessing. T believe the Fil- ipinos will soon recognize the fact that ft has not lost its gift of benediction In its world wide journey to their shores. HAWAIL The Government of This Newly Ac- § quired Territory Under Federal Con- § stitution Should Be Provided For. @?0€0%04060 606040608060 Some embarrassment in administration 1! rlous needs of the people In the different territorfal organization should not be pro- government was provided for the recently | ported, and ordinances providing for po- factory to the people of the territory. It s probable that the area Is too vast and time to provide for an elective legislative has occurred by reason of the pecullar status which the Hawalian Islands at present occupy under the joint resolution of annexation approved July 7, 1898, While by that resolution the republic of Hawall as an Independent nation was ex- tinguished, its separate sovereignty de- | stroyed and its property and possessions vested in the United States, yet a com- plete establishment for its government under our system was not effected. While the municipal laws of the islands not en- acted for the fulfillment of treaties and not Inconsistent with the joint resolution or contrary to the constitution of the United States or of any of its treatles remain in force, yet these laws relate only to the soclal and international af- fairs of the islands and do not touch any subjects of importance which are of a broader national character. For exam- ple, the Hawailan republic was divested of all title to the public lands in the islands, and {s not only unable to dispose of lands to settlers desiring to take up homestead sites, but is without power to give complete title In cases whers lands have been entered upon on lease or other conditions which carry with them the right to the purchaser, lessee, or settler to have a full title granted to him upon compliance with the conditions prescribed by law or by his particular agreement of entry. Questions of doubt and difficulty have also, arlsen with reference to the collection of tonnage tax on vessels com- ing from Hawallan ports; with reference to the status of Chinese in the islands, their entrance and exit therefrom; as to patents and copyrights; as to the register of vessels under the navigation laws; as to the necessity of holding elections in accordance with the provisions of the Hawallan statutes for the cholce of va- rious officers and as to several other mat- ters of detall touching the interests both of the islands and of the Federal Gov- ernment. | _By the resolution of annexation the Prestdent was directed to appoint five ommissioners to recommend to Congress such legislation concerning the islands as they should deem necessary or proper. The commissioners were duly appointed and after a careful Investigation and tudy of the system of laws and govern- ment prevailing there, they prepared a bill to provide a government under the title of “The Territory of Hawail.” The report of the commission, with the bill which they prepared, was transmitted by me to Congress on December 6, 1898, but the bill etill awalts final action. The people of these islands are entitled to the benefits and privileges of our leg- islation, but In the absence of any act of Congress providing for Federal courts In the islands, and for a procedure by which appeals, writs of error and other judicial proceedings necessary for the enforce- ment of civil rights may be prosecuted, they are powerless to secure thelr e forcement by the judgment of the cour | of the United States. It is manifoldly { important, therefore, that an act shn!l‘ be passed as speedily as possible erect- | ing these islands into a judicial district, | providing for the appointment of a judge | and other proper officers and methods of procedure in appellate proceedings, and that the government of this newly ac-| quired territory under the Federal con-| stitution shall be fully defined and pro- vided for. action exists in the territory of Alaska. | Substantlally the only law providing a clvil-government for this territory is the | act of May 17, 1884. This Is meager in its | provisions, and it is fitted only for the| administration of affairs in a country | | sparsely inhabited by civillzed people and unimportant in trade and production, as | | was Alaska at the time this act was pass- | ed. The increase in population by fmm!- | gration during the past few years, conse- \quom upon the discovery of gold, has | produced such a condition as calls for ample facllities for local self-government and more numerous conveniences of civil ;and judiclal administration. Settlemen! ! have grown up in various places, const | tuting In point of population and business cities of thousands of Inhabitants, yet there is no provision of law under which a municipality can be organized or main- | tained. In some localities the inhabitants have met together and voluntarily formed a municipal organization for the purpose of local government, adopting the form | of a municipal constitution under which paid officials have been appointed, and ordinances creating and regulating a po- lice force, a fire department, a depart- ment of health, and making provision | for the care of the insane and Indigent poor and sick, and for public schools | have been passed. These proceedings and | ordinances passed by such municipality | are without statutory authority and have | no sanction, except as they are maintain- | ed by the popular sentiment of the com- | munity. | There 18 an entire absence of authority to provide the ordinary instrument of lo- | | cal police control and administration, the | population consisting of the usual per- | centage of lawless adventurers of the | class that always flock to new fields of | enterprise or discovery, and under ecfr- umstances which require more than or- dinary provision for the maintenance of peace, good order and lawful conduct. The whole vast area of Alaska com- prises but one judiclal district, with one judge, one marshal, and one district at- | torney, yvet the civil and eriminal business has more than doubled within the past | year, and is many times greater both in | volume and fmportance than it was in 1884. The duties of the judge require him | to travel thousands of miles to discharge | his judicial duties at the various places designated for that purpose. The terri- tory shouid be divided Into at least two districts and an additional judge, district attorney, marshal and other appropriate | officers be provided. There s practically | no organized form of government in the erritory. There 1s no authority except In Congress to pass any law, no matter how local or trivial, and the difficulty of conveying to Congress an adequate conception and understanding of the va- 9904060008090 0$00060606@ > Y S ALASKA. H o — o | | © Suggestions Offered for a More Com- & S plete Form of Territorial Sl |2 S | o Organization. ° bs f @P040904060$0 @0 & 02040604 Q ; | A necessity for mmediate legislativo | | communities is easlly understood. I see no reason why a more complete form of vided. Following the precedent estab- lished in the year 180G, when a temporary acquired territory, then known under the name of Loulsiana, it seems to me that it would be advantageous to confer greater executive power upon the Governor gnd to establish, as was done In the case of the Territory of Loulsiana, a legislative council, having power to adopt ordinances which shall extend to all the rightful subjects of local legislation, such ordin- ances not to take effect until reported to and approved by Congress, if In ses- slon, and If that body is not In session, then by the President. In this manner a system of laws providing for the incor- poration and government of towns and cities having a certain population, giving them the power to establish and maintain a system of education to be loeally sup- lice, sanitary and other such purpeses should be speedily provided. T believe a provision of this kind would he satis- the population too scattered and tran- sitory to make it wise at the present body, but the conditions calling for local self-government will undoubtedly very Lt sees To Cure La Grippe in Two Days Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All £00n exist and will be facilitated by the measures which I have recommended. 9908090604000 0 09090804 @ PORTO RICO. Organization of a Temporary Govern- ment Urged to Consist Partly of Porto Rlcans. | @#20€0909040 6090 ¢ 09020403@ I recommend that legislation to the| | same end be had with reference to the | | gBovernment of Porto Rico. The time is | ripe for the adoption of & temporary form of government for this island; and many | suggestions made with.reference to Alas- | ka are applicable also to Porto Rlco. The eystem of civil jurisprudence now | adopted by the people of this island s de- scribed by competent lawyers who are fa- | miliar with it as thoroughly modern and | sclentific, so far as it relates to matters | of internal business, trade, production and | sogial and private rights in general. The cities of the island are governed under | charters which probably require very lit- tle or no change. So that with relation to matters of local concern and private rights, It {8 not probable that much if any legislation {8 desirable; but with reference to public administration and the relations of the island to the Federal Government there are many matters which are of pressing urgency. The same necessity exists for legislation on the part of Con- gress to establish Federal courts and Federal jurisdiction in the island as has | been previously pointed out by me with | reference to Hawall. Besides the ad- ministration of justice there are subjects of public lands; the controi and improve- ment of rivers and harbors; the control of the waters or streams not navigable, which, under the Spanish law, belonged to the crown of Spa'n, and have by the | treaty of cession passed to the United States; the Immigration of people from foreign countries; the importation of con- tract labor; the imposition and collection | of Internal revenue; the application of the navigation laws; the regulation of the current money; the establishment of post- offices and post roads; the regulation of tariif rates on merchandise imported from the island Into the United States: the es- tablishment of ports of entry and deliv- ery; the regulation of patents and copy- rights—these, with various other sub- Jects which rest entirely within the power | of Congress, call for careful consid- eration and Immediate action. It must Le borne In mind that since the cession Porto Rico has been denied the principal markets she had long enjoyed and our tariffs have been continued against her products as when she was under Spanish soverelgnty. The markets of Spaln are closed to her products except upon terms to which the commerce of all nations is subjected. The Island of Cuba, which used to buy her cattle and tobacco with- out customs duties, now imposes the same duties upon these products as from any other country entering her ports. She | has therefore lost her free intercourse | with Spain and Cuba without any com- pensating benefits in this market. Her coffee was little known and not in use by our people, and therefore there was no | demand here for this, one of her chief | products. The markets of the United | States should be opened up to her pro- | ducts. Our plain duty is to abolish all customs tariffs between the United States and Porto Rlco and give her products free access to our markets. | As a result of the hurricane which | swept over Porto Rico on the 1Sth of | August, 1809, over 100,000 people were re- duced to absolute destitution, without homes, and deprived of the necessaries of | life. To the appeal of the War Depart- ment the people of the United States made prompt and generous response. In ad- dition to the private charity of our peo- ple, the War Department has expended for the relief of the distressed $392,342 63, which does not include the cost of trans- portation. It is desirable that the government of the Island under the law of belligerent right, now maintained through the exe- cutive department, should be superseded by an administration entirely civil in its nature. For present purposes I recom- mend 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 administra- tion of the island may require and that for legislative purposes on subjects of a local nature not partaking of a Federal character a legislative council, composed partly of Porto Ricans and partly of cit- izens of the United States, shall be nom- inated and appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate, thelr acts to be subject to the approval of Congress or the President prior to going into effect. In the municipali- ties and other local subdlvisions I recom- mend that the principle of local self-gov- ernment be applied at once so as to en- able the Intelligent citizens of the island to participate in thelr own government and to learn by practical experience the duties and requirements of a self-con- tained and a self-governing people. I have not thought it wise to commit the entire government of the island to officers se- lected by the people, because 1 doubt whether in habits, tralning and experience they are such as to fit them to exerclse at once so large a degree of self-govern- ment, but it is my judgment and expec- tation that they will soon arrive at an attainment of experlence and wisdom and self-control that will justify confer- ring upon them a much larger participa- tion in the cholce of their insular officers. The fundamental requirement for these people, as for all people, is education. The free school house is the best pre ceptor for citizenship. In the introduc- tion of modern educational methods care, however, must be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history and raclal peculiarities of the in- habitants shall be given due weight. Sys- tems of education In these new posses- sions founded on common sense methods, adapted to existing conditions and look- ing to the future movement and {ndus- trial advancement of the people will com- mend to them in a peculiarly effective manner the blessing of free government. MOB LAW. The love of law and sense, obedience and submission to the lawfully consti- tuted judiclal tribunals are embedded in the hearts of our people, and any viola- tion of these sentiments and disregard of thelr obligations justly arouses pubilc condemnation, The guaranties of life, liberty and civil rights should be faith- fully upheld, the right of trial by jury respected and defended. The rule of the courts should assure the public of the prompt trial of those charged with crim- inal offense and upon conviction the pun- ishment ghould be commensurate with the enormity of the crime. Those who, In disregard of law, and the public peace, .unwilling to await the judgment of court and jury, constitute themselves judges and executioners, should not escape the severest penalties of their crimes. ‘What I sald in my Inaugural address of March 4, 1897, I now repeat: *“The con- tituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchigs must not be tolerated in a great and elv- ilized country Itke the United States. Courts, not mobs, must execute the pen- altjes of the laws. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts and the orderly admin- istration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our na- tional security rests.” DISTRICT CELEBRATION, In accordance with the act of Congress providing for an appropriate natfonal cel- ebration in the year 1980 of the establish- ment of the seat of government in the $09#040060@ 0909009 0® druggists refund the money if It falls to cure, B. W. Grove's signature is on each box, ¢, Distriet of Columbia, T have appointed a committee, consisting of the Governors of all the States and Territorles of the United Btates, who have been invited to assemble in the city of Washington on the first of December, 139, which, with the committees from Congress and the District of Columbla, is charged with the proper conduct of the celebration. MEMORIAL BRIDGE. Congress at its last session appropriated $5000 “to enable the chlef of engineers of the army to continue the examinations of | the subject and to make or secure de- signs, caleulations and estimates for a memorial bridge from the most conven- | lent point of the naval observatory ground, or adjacent thereto, across the | Potomac River to the most convenlent | point of Arlington estate property.” In| accordance with the provisions of this act | the chief of engineers has selected four | eminent bridge eontractors to submit plans for a bridge combining the ele- ments of strength and durability and | such architectural embellishments and | ornamentation as will fitly apply | to the dedication, “A memorial to American patriotism.” The designs are now being prepared and as soon as com- pleted will be submitted to Congress by the Secretary of War. The proposed bridge would be a convenience to all the people from every part of the country who visit the National Cemetery, an or- nament to the capital of the nation, and forever stand as a monument to Ameri- can patriotism. I do not doubt that Con- gress will give to the enterprise still further proof of its favor and approval CIVIL SERVICE ORDER. The executive order of May 6, 15%, ex- tending the limits of the classified ser- vice, brought within the operation of the civil service law and rules nearly all of the executive civil service not previously classified. Some of the inclusions wers found wholly illogical and unsuited to the work of the several departments. The ap- plication of the rules to many of the places so included was found to result in friction and embarrassment. After long | and very thorough consideration it be- came ‘evident to the heads of the depart- ments responsible for their efMclency that In order to remove these difficulties and promote an efficient and harmonious ad- ministration certailn amendments were necessary. These amendments were pro- mulgated by me in executive order dated May 29, 18%9. The principal purpose of the order was to except from competitive ex- | amination certain places involving fidu- clary responsibilities or duties of a strict- ly confidential, sclentific or executive character, which it was thought might better be filled elther by non-competitive examination or In the discretion of the appointing officer than by open competi- | tion. These places were comparatively | few In number. The order provides for the | filling of @ much larger number of places, | mainly In the outside service of the War | Department, by what {s known as the | registration system, under regulations to be approved by the President, similar to those which have produced such admir- able results In the navy yard service. All of the amendments had for thelr main object a moype efficlent and satis- factory administration of the system of appointments established by the civil ser- vice law. The results attained show that | under their operation the public service has fmproved and that the civil service system Is relleved of many objectionable features which heretofore subjected it to Just eriticism and the administrative of- ficers to the charge of unbusiness-like methods {n the conduct of public affairs, It is believed that the merit system has been greatly strengthened and its perma- nence assured. It will be my constant alm in the administration of government in our new possessions to make fitness, character and merit essential to appoint- ment to office, and to give to the capable | and deserving Inhabitants preference in | appointments. WASHINGTON ANNIVERSARY. The 1ith of December will be the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Washington. For a hundred years the republic has had the priceless advantage of the lofty standard of character and conduct which he bequeathed to the American people. It {s an Inheritance which time, Instead of wasting, contin- ually Increases and enriches. We may Justly hope that in the years to come the benignant Influence of the father of his country may be even more potent for good In the century which 1s drawing to a close. I have been gled,to learn that in many parts of the country the people wiil fittingly observe this historic anniversary. CONGRESS' OPPORTUNITIES. Presented to this Congress are great opportunitles. With them come great re- sponsibilities. The power confided to us increases the welght 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. Alming only at the public good, we eannot err. A right interpretation of the people’s will and of duty cannot fail to insure wise measures for the welfare of the islands which have come under the authority of the United States and inure to the common interest and lasting honor of our country. Never has this nation had more abund- ant cause than during the past year for thankfulness to God for manifold bless- ings and mercles, for which we make reverent acknowledgment. WILLIAM McKINLEY, Executive Mansion, December 5, 1399, VARIED COMMENT OF THE ENGLISH PRESS LONDON, Dec. 6—All the morning papers have editorials on President Mc- Kinley's message to Congress. The Dally Telegraph says: “What differentiates the present from preceding messages Is its all but formal admission that the United States have been drawn into the eddies of Eastern politics. It is the Far East which is the real reason for this par- tial abandonment of Monrceism. So far as Great Britain s concerned there is no apprehension, but rather unqualified satis- faction at the new departure.” The Daily Mail says: “Commercial ex- pansion is the domi) t note of the mes- sage. Shipping subsidies are plainly hint- ed at. If Congress carries these into ef- rect British shipowners and shippi; firms will have to break throu.g :fi rings and enter upon a new epoch of en- terprise.” e Dally News says dent that the United gut of the great naval powers of the world. Mr. Chamberlain will find but cold eom- fort if he reads between the lines of the “It i3 quite evi- es is become one message. While it urges a good under- slandlnf with all countries, it {s not ef- fusive toward our own. If it sins any- where In that way it is for the benefit of Germany, and Americans will do all In thelr power to make the two countries the best of friends.” The Morning Post, after noting that President McKinley's language regarding Great Britain is “cordial but cautious,’ says: ‘““We are surprised to find his statements In relation to the new posses- slons of the United States much less em- phatic than those which he used during the !umme& and autumn in the speeches h[e delivered in various parts of the repub- o The Standard says: “The message is comprehensive, but’ not exciting, especial- —_——— OPEN EVERY EVENING UNTIL XMAS. Santa’s automobile route to-day. in the morning: Hale's store to 6th st, to Howard, to 12th, to Folsom, to 20th, to Treat ave., to 26th, to Shotwell, to 22d, to Capp, to 15th, to Guer- rero, to 14th, to Valencia, to Hale's. in the afternoon: Hale's store to McAllister. to City Hall ave, to Grove, to Gough, to Fzll, to Buchanan, to Waller, to Scott, to Oak, to Ashbury, to Haight, to Stanyan, to Waller, to Cole, to Page, to Masonic, to Oak, to Baker, to Fu'ton, to Devisadero, to Eddy, to Hale's. i | BLANKETS. | | o making ény fancy work ? if you are we've the needed fixings—perhaps some peculiar shade—try Hale's. embroidery silks. filo floss, royal floss, rope silk or wash silk, 40 a skein... Vega sitk finish, embrofdery silk twist, 2%¢ skein Orion silk finish rope embroidery twiat, 5c a skein 3-yard spool embroldery silk 10-yard spools embroide: $0-yard spool knitting sil slipper so'es, baby’s siz children’s size. misses’ size.. German knitt! Germantown Germantown Spanish yarn Suanyg' rn, 12 Shetland floss, § g yarn in every wanied color. n, 16 skeins to tha pound. 12 skeins to the pcund. eins to the pound keins to the pound skeins to the poun more toys than we can tell about. leather goods===particularly purses. an interesting line—easy choosing. Alligator pocketbook, chamols Iined, modest little present ...... grain combination pocketbooks with card case, seal can b double combination se: . 480. metal corners, neat as .3c. grained purse and card case combined... genuine alligator combination pocketbook and card case. genuline seal pocketbook and card case, oblong or square. . (NAME ENGRAVED FREE ON ALL PURSES COSTING $L00 OR M millinery ORB.) pricelets. substantial savings in hats you need right now. fur felt golf hat, white silk, ladies’ fedora hat, trimmed with nea child’s cloth Tam o' Shanter with qul uill, swell little creation, }x quill, popular to 9385, 937, 939, 941, 943, 945, 947 Market St, frains from a specific allusion to Chinese affairs. Here we have an explanation of the unusual warmth with which he dwells | on American friendship for Oermnn{. | This is not prompted solely by a desire to | vindicate the character of canned meats. | He justly appreciates the co-operation of England, Germany and America in pre- | serving those conditions of commercial rivalry which, as he says, make it gen- | erous and open. We wish the message | had laid stress upon that principle, In-| stead of rejecting an alllance which ne- body except My. Chamberlain, perhaps, really seeks, and rejecting it in a way to make it appear to the section of American opinfon that s not well disposed toward us that we have recelved a rebuff." The Times says: ‘“The President shows the best spirit in touching upon the rela- tions between the United States and the United Kingdom. The delicate nature of | the negotiatio: ending with Canada, re- rding the Ala n boundary, does. not | allow him to go beyond the expression of a hope that these will end in an agree- | ment for the establishmenf and delimita- | tion of a rmanent boundary. Apart | from this, however, a most friendly dis- | position marks the discussion of the num- | erous matters of Intercourse between the United States and Great Britain. The be- nevolent neutrality which has been ob- | served by the United States during our conflict with the Boers is only what might | be expected from a nation with whom in- ternational law has always been a favor- ite study. The President is looking in the right direction when he contends for the | gradual creation of a constitutional sys- tem for the Philippines. To Insist on a ut and dried constitution at this stage n the history of the Philippines would be no less absurd than to demand, before the | war with the Boers had been fought out, that we should settle the future of the Transvaal in accordanoe with the views of some political theorists at home."” GALENA LEDGE FOUND IN THE KLONDIKE | Prospectors Make a Rich Strike, the Vein Showing Free Gold Even to the Naked Eye. VICTORIA, B. C,, Dec. 5.—The steamer Tees, which arrived this evening from Skaguay, included among her passengers John C. Russell, who left the Klondike capital on November Sth in company with | two companions. Near Thistle Creek the | two broke through the ice and Russell | had a narrow escape from death. He was | saved by his companions, who had| scrambled out and dragged him from the fcy water. According to Russell quite a number of | people, who have been going to Dawson | over the ice, have been drowned. He| heard of a number of accidents and five drownings came under his observation. He was, however, unable to get the names or find out anything concerning the unfortunates who lost their lives. Mr. Russell tells of a new danger which threatens the miners who are now work- ing at Dawson. With the introduction of | the thawing machines, tunnels are put in | speedily and In few cases is the earth shored 'up with timbers, the miners rely- ing on the frost to solidify and hold the earth above in position. ‘With the coming of the thaw there were | a number of cave-ins and many accidents | oceurred. There were at least three deaths because of this, He did not make any note of the victims and was unable to recall their names. Just before he left a census of Dawson was taken, showing 4500 people there. | A glg quartz find has been made, says | Mr. Rugsell. at the back of Bonanza Creek. The property was bonded early In November to Eastern capitalists for The Tees also brought news of a bl points as may be designated by the com- meanding general of that fllg‘nmnnt. Ona company of the Seventh Infantry, now at lattsburg Barracks, is ordeéred to Fort Wayne, near Detroit. This s the headquarters of that regiment, and It Is the intention to gradually concentrate there the various detachments of the g:vlemh now scattered over the United ates ! BANK PRESIDENT GETS A NEW TRIAL KANSAS CITY, Mo.. Dec. 5.—J. C. Dar- ragh, former president of the Kansas City Safe Deposit and Savings Bank, who was convicted in 1897 of wrecking that insti- tution and sentenced to two years In the penitentiary, was to-day granted a new trial by Judge Bruce in the State Supremao Court at Jefferson City, the decision turn- ing on a technicality. The bank failed in the panic of 1 owing eight thousand depositors $2,000,000, and since then the assignee has pald de- positors but 15 per cent. President Dar- ragh and Cashler Elmer C. Sattley were indicted for llleg‘ll banking. Sattley was convicted In 184 and given four yea He applled for a new trial and pending actlon on the motion engaged in the real estate business in Chicago. He was finally sent to the penitentlary, but was par- doned by Governor Stephens In May, 1598, going to Los Angeles to live. Darragh was tried twice, the first trial resulting In a divided jury. He was convicted in No- vember, 1597, 'and sentenced to two years in the penitentiary, but immediately ap- ealed, At the time of the failure the eeling against the bank officlals was very bitter. i Pickpocket Arrested. SAN RAFAEL, Dee. 5.—Wesson Wandy, the person who has given the authorities 80 much trouble, was again landed in jail to-day on a charge of larceny. Wandy tried to pick the pockets of a number of persons on the Sausalito ferry-boat. Tho man seems to be an incorrigible thief and mischief-maker, and will probably be sent to San Quentin before he ceases to make trouble, Dependable Drugs Prescription Prices The practice of chargin, all the fuffic will bc:'g;ug never characterized The Owl Drug Company's stores. Dependable drugs at reasonable prices have made our business grow from one store to three thriving stores. We were the first to cut the price of patent medi- cines. We are still selling patent medicines at cut prices, saving medicine buy- ers from ten to forty per ly so far as external relations are con- cerned. President McKinley's language is carefully good on Anglo-American rela- tions. e is friendly, but does not mean to be fervid. Toward Ge on the other hand, he 1s \'er{ cordial. The refer- ence to ‘entangling alliances' would prob- ably have been omitted if a certain speech at Leicester had not been delivered. Probably Mr. McKinley's part; 3“533’3'1"“’1‘" eonxnlscl us nterest are anxious to promote glose relations with 't‘zr'éut rn-m,pnl:f‘cfi. s| ers an e antl-expansion| LG Vpiimgnmngd o ronicie 2 ow: Germany McKinley's * friendly :;‘! nr-lon. have quite a noteworthy em- phasis, and, 1f his tone is a shade cooler with reference to this country, we owe It to the unlucky exaggerations of r. Chamberlain. President McKinley re- Isle, near Port Simpson. A. 8. Astell d H. C. Robertson have found a ledge | of galena thirty-two feet wide, and they | are of the opinion that there is millions | in ft. No assay has yet been made, but free gold can be seen with the naked eye. There is some anxiety for the steame Boscowlitz, which was a week overdue a Pn? Simpson from Queen Carlotte Isl- ands, Buan: strike _on Dundas Island, A bk cent. So it is with our prescrip- tion business. The character of the dmf' used and the amount of labor required regulate the cost of each prescrip- tion. ; There are so few alike it would be impossible to quote general prices, but we are pleased to give a price on any particular pre- scription presented. Free delivery to raliroad 100 miles on erders —_——— ORDERS DECREASING THE FORCE IN CUBA Eight Companies of Infantry and a Squadron of Cavalry Are Re- called. WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.—Formal orders were issued from the War Department to-day to give effect to the recently an- nounced decision of Secretary Root to re- duce the force of United States troops in Cuba. The headquarters and eight companies of the |nlnn|r¥ now at San- tiago and Puerto Prinel Provinee, Cuba, are ordered home. Of these, the head- quarters and four L‘nmp-nla.!nfn to Platts- burg Barracks and the re| nlnqrbnn.l- jon te Governors Island, N. Y. The lat- ter will relieve the battery of the Fifth Artiliery, at present stationed at Gov- ernors Tviand, making It available for ser- vice at some other point on the coast. One squadron of the Eighth Cavalry, also stationed at Puerto Pflldg.c, is or- dered to Fort Rlle{. Kans. his will leave eight troops of the Eighth Cavalry in Puerto Prlncflrle. and one squadron of the Tenth Cavalry, the latter beln’ or- dered to Texas, from which State it was originally drawn. 1t will relleve three roops of the Ninth Cavalry now in ‘exas, who in turn will be sent k to the Department of the Colorado, to such within ¥ or up. 1128 MARKET ST, SAN FAANCISOO 10TH AnD BROADWAY, ounians