William McKinley: “You are therefore instructed to examine the existing Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes.”

The sum of two hundred thousand dollars is hereby allotted and set apart from the appropriation made for the benefit and Government of Puerto Rico by the Act of March 24, 1900

May it end without further bloodshed, and there be ushered in the reign of peace to be made permanent by a government of liberty under law!

Recommends modification of executive order of June 4, 1892

We are now at peace with the world, and it is my fervent prayer that if differences arise between us and other powers they may be settled by peaceful arbitration and that hereafter we may be spared the horrors of war.