ny time during the Spanish rule;
that economy and efficiency in the military administration have created
a surplus fund of $6,000,000, available for needed public improvements;
that a stringent civil-service law is in preparation; that railroad
communications are expanding, opening up rich districts, and that a
comprehensive scheme of education is being organized.

Later reports from the Commission show yet more encouraging advance
toward insuring the benefits of liberty and good government to the
Filipinos, in the interest of humanity and with the aim of building up
an enduring, self-supporting, and self-administering community in those
far eastern seas. I would impress upon the Congress that whatever
legislation may be enacted in respect to the Philippine Islands should
be along these generous lines. The fortune of war has thrown upon this
nation an unsought trust which should be unselfishly discharged, and
devolved upon this Government a moral as well as material responsibility
toward these millions whom we have freed from an oppressive yoke.

I have on another occasion called the Filipinos "the wards of the
nation." Our obligation as guardian was not lightly assumed; it must not
be otherwise than honestly fulfilled, aiming first of all to benefit
those who have come under our fostering care. It is our duty so to treat
them that our flag may be no less beloved in the mountains of Luzon and
the fertile zones of Mindanao and Negros than it is at home, that there
as here it shall be the revered symbol of liberty, enlightenment, and
progress in every avenue of development.

The Filipinos are a race quick to learn and to profit by knowledge.
He would be rash who, with the teachings of contemporaneous history in
view, would fix a limit to the degree of culture and advancement yet
within the reach of these people if our duty toward them be faithfully
performed.

The civil government of Puerto Rico provided for by the act of the
Congress approved April 12, 1900, is in successful operation. The courts
have been established. The Governor and his associates, working
intelligently and harmoniously, are meeting with commendable success.

On the 6th of November a general election was held in the island for
members of the Legislature, and the body elected has been called to
convene on the first Monday of December.

I recommend that legislation be enacted by the Congress conferring upon
the Secretary of the Interior supervisio