When these islands shall be ceded to us, it is his desire that peace and tranquillity shall be restored and as kind and beneficent a government as possible given to the people, that they may be encouraged in their industries and made…

The fullest suggestions are invited.

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby declare, proclaim, and make known that the following described lots or plats of land be and the same are hereby…

I do therefore invite all my fellow-citizens, as well those who may be at sea or sojourning in foreign lands as those at home, to set apart and observe Thursday, the 24th day of November, as a day of national thanksgiving, to come together…

The skies have been for a time darkened by the cloud of war, but as we were compelled to take up the sword in the cause of humanity we are permitted to rejoice that the conflict has been of brief duration and the losses we have had to…

We have been blessed by abundant harvests; our trade and commerce have wonderfully increased; our public credit has been improved and strengthened; all sections of our common country have been brought together and knitted into closer bonds…

We may laud and magnify His holy name that the cessation of hostilities came so soon as to spare both sides the countless sorrows and disasters that attend protracted war.

Few years in our history have afforded such cause for thanksgiving as this.

In an age of expositions they have added yet another magnificent example.

We have avoided the temptations of conquest in the spirit of gain.

Right action follows right purpose.

The problems will not be solved in a day.

No deliberation can be too mature, or self-control too constant, in this solemn hour of our history.

Peace, with whose blessings we have been so singularly favored, is the national desire and the goal of every American aspiration.

Who will dim the splendor of their achievements!

One of the great laws of life is progress.

We never enter upon a war until every effort for peace without it has been exhausted.

If there have been wrongs committed, the wrong doers must not escape conviction and punishment.

I cannot impress upon you too strongly my wish that your investigation shall be so thorough and complete that your report, when made, shall fix the responsibility for any failure or fault, by reason of neglect, incompetency, or…

It is my earnest desire that you shall thoroughly investigate these charges.

The records of the War Department and the assistance of its officers shall be subject to your call.

I put upon you no limit to the scope of your investigation.

Receive for yourself and for the officers, sailors, and marines of your command my thanks and congratulations and those of the nation for the gallant conduct all have again so conspicuously displayed.

In my own behalf and for the nation I extend to you and the officers and men of your command sincere thanks and congratulations for the conspicuously gallant conduct displayed in your campaign

All law-abiding people must be treated alike.