"You are therefore instructed to examine the existing Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes."
"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..."
"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 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 nec..."
"For these reasons I am constrained to withhold my approval from this bill."
"The Government can only defend itself against claims of this nature through its public officers and with the use of such public records as the Departments may furnish."
"To permit such an action to be brought now is simply, without any reason of a special nature, to grant a privilege to these claimants which is denied to all other citizens of the United States."
"I fail to see any reason in the facts connected with these claims for granting to these parties relief of this extraordinary nature."
"The magnitude of this victory can hardly be measured by the ordinary standard of naval warfare."
"I now recommend that, following our national precedents and expressing the fervent gratitude of every patriotic heart, the thanks of Congress be given Acting Rear-Admiral George Dewey, of the United S..."
"Feeling as our people feel, and speaking in their name, I at once sent a message to Commodore Dewey thanking him and his officers and men for their splendid achievement and overwhelming victory and in..."