owever, must
be exercised that changes be not made too abruptly and that the history
and racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall be given due weight.
Systems of education in these new possessions founded upon common-sense
methods, adapted to existing conditions and looking to the future moral
and industrial advancement of the people, will commend to them in a
peculiarly effective manner the blessings of free government.

* * * * *

The love of law and the sense of obedience and submission to the
lawfully constituted judicial tribunals are embedded in the hearts of
our people, and any violation of these sentiments and disregard of their
obligations justly arouses public condemnation. The guaranties of life,
liberty, and of civil rights should be faithfully 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 criminal
offenses, and upon conviction the punishment should 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 for their crimes.

What I said in my inaugural address of March 4, 1897, I now repeat:

The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld.
Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like
the United States. Courts, not mobs, must execute the penalties of the
laws. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the
integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must
continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely
rests.

In accordance with the act of Congress providing for an appropriate
national celebration in the year 1900 of the establishment of the seat
of Government in the District of Columbia, I have appointed a committee,
consisting of the governors of all the States and Territories of the
United States, who have been invited to assemble in the city of
Washington on the 21st of December, 1899, which, with the committees of
the Congress and the District of Columbia, are charged with the proper
conduct of this celebration.

* * * * *

Congress at its last session appropriated five thousand dollars "to
enable the Chief of Engineers of the Army