William McKinley

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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…

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.

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…

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

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.

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.

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

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

In the exercise of these high powers the commander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high sense of justice.

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

You are instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided.

All public means of transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed.

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

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.

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

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.

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…

I fail to see any reason in the facts connected with these claims for granting to these parties relief of this extraordinary nature.