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Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

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Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general

Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general

Brigadier General Smith delivers a speech upon taking office as the Governor-General of the Philippines. He praises the work of his predecessors Henry C. Ide, Luke E. Wright, and William H. Taft. He blames the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) on the Filipinos misunderstanding the motives of the United States’ policy to govern the Philippines while preparing the Filipinos for self-government rather than granting them independence immediately. Smith credits the United States for its restraint towards enemy combatants and in building in the Philippines municipal, judicial, educational, and taxation infrastructure while promoting a slate of liberal civil rights. He believes that to restore prosperity following the destructive war they will need to encourage new markets, American investment, the construction of railroads, and better training for the Philippines Constabulary. He particularly believes in broad education in the English language and in the trades. He recommends postponing the question of independence and addressing instead practical matters. He notes the importance of separating state functions from those of the Catholic church.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-20

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Letter from James Francis Smith to William H. Taft

Letter from James Francis Smith to William H. Taft

Governor-General of the Philippines Smith provides his analysis of the upcoming formal establishment of the Philippine Assembly to Secretary of War Taft. This includes a brief description of the history and political affiliations of the country’s governors, the party leanings of each province, and the number of votes for each party from the most recent election. Smith also reflects on how the United States can improve upon Spain to ensure better relations with the Philippines. Smith considers self-government to be the ultimate goal of American involvement in the Philippines, but cautions that granting independence too quickly could leave the country vulnerable to dictatorships or foreign invasion. Smith ends the letter with a report on the status of various government projects across the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-07

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Report from James F. Smith to the Philippine Commission and the Philippine Assembly

Report from James F. Smith to the Philippine Commission and the Philippine Assembly

Governor-General James F. Smith provides the Philippine Commission and the Philippine Assembly with a detailed report summarizing the administration of the Philippines and its economic standing. Smith is hopeful that the Assembly will rise to the challenge of governance, and exhorts them to fulfill their duties well.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-16

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Telegram from James Francis Smith to William H. Taft

Telegram from James Francis Smith to William H. Taft

Brigadier General Smith reports to Secretary of War Taft that he has assumed his duties as Governor General of the Philippines, and he thanks President Roosevelt and Taft for their well wishes. Dean C. Worcester’s heart problems have worsened, and although he continues to work, a replacement on the commission should be found as soon as possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-21

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Letter from James Francis Smith to Henry C. Ide

Letter from James Francis Smith to Henry C. Ide

Secretary of Public Instruction Smith writes to Governor General of the Philippines Ide to address issues raised by J. J. Harty, Archbishop of Manila, in regards to statements made by government officials that go against Church teaching. Smith suggests ways in which the Catholic Church and government officials can continue to cooperate.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-08

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Letter from James Francis Smith to Denis J. Dougherty

Letter from James Francis Smith to Denis J. Dougherty

Secretary of Public Instruction Smith responds to three recent letters from Bishop Dougherty. First, regarding payment for school textbooks, he cannot return the money for the books not used except by appropriation, which he did not wish to do. There is no need for the Bishop to pay for the books used, nor to return moneys for books not used. Second, he is waiting for an answer to his request that the Ranger might be authorized for use by the Nautical School, and until such time as a ship is authorized, no appointment of a commander can be made. Finally, he has written to Edward P. Sheehan regarding students’ attendance at parochial schools. He has no authority over municipal leaders, but has sent a letter to Governor General William H. Taft about the Bishop’s concern.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-25

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Letter from James Francis Smith to Edward P. Sheehan

Letter from James Francis Smith to Edward P. Sheehan

Brigadier General Smith, serving as Secretary of Public Instruction in the American-controlled Philippines, writes to Edward P. Sheehan, a teacher at the Bureau of Education in the municipality of Manaoag in the province of Pangasinan, regarding a claim made by Reverend Father Mariano Paris that Sheehan and Manuel Garcia, Presidente of Manaoag, prevented children from freely attending parochial school in the municipalities of Manaoag and San Jacinto. Smith reminds Sheehan that the American government’s policy is to encourage private and parochial schools, and asks Sheehan to encourage Garcia to do so also. The record contains a series of letters and endorsements following and related to this claim, which includes discussion of the Insular Government of the Philippines’ attitude towards truancy and their policy of reclaiming schoolbooks from students who cease attending school. The letters range in date from December 29, 1905 to February 5, 1906.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-29

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Letter from James Francis Smith to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from James Francis Smith to Theodore Roosevelt

James Francis Smith writes to President Roosevelt in receipt of his letter and those of Bishop McFaul, Father James T. Reilly, and Father O’Mahoney. Smith discusses grievances reported by Catholic officials about poor relations between the Catholic Church and Philippine government. Referencing the Spanish-American War and American colonization in the Philippines, Smith discusses the Cavite uprising of 1872, the Pact of Biac Na Bato, and Filipino blood pacts inspired by European secret societies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-10-24

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Memorandum from James Francis Smith to the Honorable Secretary of the Interior of Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

Memorandum from James Francis Smith to the Honorable Secretary of the Interior of Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

James Francis Smith, Secretary of Public Instruction, outlines paragraphs (e) and (f) of sections 43 and 45 of Act No. 82 to the Honorable Secretary of the Interior of Baguio, Benguet, Philippines. Smith explains that under section 43, a municipality can only derive income in four specific instances: taxation, services rendered, punishments, and property. Section 45 specifies “the income which the municipality may derive from its own property or from property in which it has an interest” and “gives no authority” to taxing those properties.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-01

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928