William McKinley: “emphasizing upon all occasions the just and beneficent intentions of the Government of the United States”

The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to enlist in the Insular Forte United States Navy, which is hereby established, not to exceed five hundred (500) Filipinos in the following ratings at the rates of pay indicated.

Now they are sufficient for all public needs, and we have a surplus instead of a deficit.

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested, do hereby declare and make known that the Executive Orders dated December 27, 1875, and December 29, 1891, are so far modified as to…

The Republic has marched on and on, and its step has exalted freedom and humanity.