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…

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.

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

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

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…

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

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.

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

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

I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may seem expedient.

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…

In order that there may be no conflict of authority between the army and the navy in the administration of affairs in the Philippines you are instructed to confer with the Secretary of the Navy so far as necessary for the purpose of…

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.

For the command of this expedition I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt.

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

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.

It is my desire that the people of the Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard.

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.