We Cannot Gamble With Anything So Sacred

Cuba Ought To Be Free And Independent, And The Government Should Be Turned Over To The Cuban People.

The Army Of Grant And The Army Of Lee Are Together. They Are One Now In Faith, In Hope, In Fraternity, In Purpose, And In An Invincible Patriotism. And, Therefore, The Country Is In No Danger. In Justice Strong, In Peace Secure, And In Devotion To The Flag All One.

Strong Hearts And Helpful Hands Are Needed, And, Fortunately, We Have Them In Every Part Of Our Beloved Country.

I Have Already Transmitted To Congress The Report Of The Naval Court Of Inquiry On The Destruction Of The Battleship Maine In The Harbor Of Havana During The Night Of The Fifteenth Of February. The Destruction Of That Noble Vessel Has Filled The National Heart With Inexpressible Horror. Two Hundred And Fifty-eight Brave Sailors And Marines And Two Officers Of Our Navy, Reposing In The Fancied Security Of A Friendly Harbor, Have Been Hurled To Death, Grief And Want Brought To Their Homes And Sorrow To The Nation.

Finally It Should Be The Earnest Wish And Paramount Aim Of The Military Administration To Win The Confidence, Respect, And Affection Of The Inhabitants Of The Philippines By Assuring Them In Every Possible Way That Full Measure Of Individual Rights And Liberties Which Is The Heritage Of Free Peoples, And By Proving To Them That The Mission Of The United States Is One Of Benevolent Assimilation Substituting The Mild Sway Of Justice And Right For Arbitrary Rule.