Our Government in the Philippine Islands.--The Philippines
constitute the largest part of "our insular possessions," and are
not classed as Territories. The word "colonies" better expresses
their relations to the United States. They are governed by a
commission of nine members: the governor, four heads of departments
(Americans), and four Filipinos. All are appointed by the President
with the consent of the Senate. This commission constitutes the
upper house of the legislative body; the lower house or assembly is
elected from certain districts of the islands where the people are
considered civilized and are at peace. Voters must be
property-owners and be able to read and write English or Spanish.

The entire group of islands is divided into provinces. In some of
these the people have local self-government; in others there is
military government under the United States army. In many cities
the government is similar to that of American cities.

Besides numerous other small islands the United States possesses
Tutuila in the Samoan group, Guam, and Wake Island. These are
governed directly by the naval authorities of the government.

The Panama Canal Zone is governed by the Isthmian Canal Commission,
consisting of seven men appointed by the President. The commission
is subordinate to the War Department at Washington.

Political Relations with Cuba.--Cuba was under the control of
our military authority between the time when our troops occupied
the island, during the Spanish-American War, and the announcement
of its independence in May, 1902. Although Cuba is now an
independent republic, it is considered as a "protectorate" of the
United States, and is subject to the influence of this nation in
its dealings with other nations.

The Admission of Territories to Statehood.--While Territories
depend to a greater or less extent upon the nation for their government,
it has always been the policy of the United States to admit them into
the Union as States when conditions became right for this action. That
the power to admit States into the Union belongs exclusively to Congress
is evident from the language of the Constitution:

Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1. _New States may be admitted by the
Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected
within the jurisdiction of