I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, and deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth, and hereby do call forth, volunteers to…

Time only enhances the lasting value and demonstrates anew the true significance of these inspiring patriotic observances.

This liberty-loving Nation is not, and never can be, forgetful of the immortal heroes of the Civil War.

Generations come and go, and the issues for which they fought and died soon pass into history.

No time could be more appropriate than the present to approach in a fitting spirit those sacred themes of the love of country and the rights of man.

For those who served as well as for those who fell at Gettysburg—now so peaceful and beautifully adorned with the highest creations of the sculptor’s art—our reunited fellow-countrymen, without regard to locality, creed, or political…

The debt of gratitude which we owe to the Nation’s defenders can never be completely repaid either by this or future generations.

Engagements here, the nature of which is well understood, will prevent my taking part in the Memorial Day ceremonies at Gettysburg this year, attendance upon which, under other circumstances, would have afforded me an especial…

But the living principles of undertakings worthily accomplished, for an unselfish purpose, abide forever and guide us to a nobler destiny and still greater achievements as a nation.

Your report is desired in order that I may be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of the Navy.

The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it necessary, in the further prosecution of…

It is held to be the right to levy contributions upon the enemy in all places which may be in military possession by conquest.

The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed occupations will he abridged only when it may be necessary to do so.

You are therefore instructed to examine the existing Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes.

Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated.

I have determined to order that all ports or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened.

This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on the present occasion.

I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines.