nt for many years, that they had taken on habits of industry
and husbandry, which entitled them to encouragement, and that it was
neither just nor possible to confine them to the limits of a reservation
which would not sustain their flocks and herds, an order was issued by
me January 8 last, extending the reservation boundaries as recommended.
The Indians have accepted this as an evidence of the good faith of the
Government toward them, and it is now the belief of those charged with
the administration of Indian affairs that further contention and
friction between the Indians and whites will be avoided, if this
arrangement is not disturbed.

The present bill proposes to open to miners and prospectors, and to the
operation of the mining laws, a substantial portion of this reservation,
including a part of the lands covered by the recent order. There has
been no effort to obtain from the Indians a concession of this
character, nor has any reason been presented why, if these lands are to
be taken from them--for that will practically result from this bill, if
it becomes a law, even though not so intended--it should not be done in
pursuance of negotiations had with the Indians as in other instances.

The Indians could not understand how lands given to them in January as
necessary for their use should be taken away without previous notice in
May of the same year. While the Indians are the wards of the Government,
and must submit to that which is deemed for their best interests by the
sovereign guardian, they should, nevertheless, be dealt with in a manner
calculated to give them confidence in the Government and to assist them
in passing through the inevitable transition to a state of civilization
and full citizenship. Believing that due consideration has not been
given to the status and interests of the Indians, I withhold my approval
from the bill.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 12, 1900_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In reply to the resolution of the Senate, dated March 2, 1900, I send
herewith copy of an order to the provost marshal general of Manila,
dated March 8, 1900, and the various endorsements and reports thereon,
whereby it appears that the traffic in wine, beer, and liquor in the
city of Manila is now controlled under a rigidly enforced high-license
system; that the number of places where the liquor is sold has greatly
decreased; that all such places are required to be c