Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general
Subject(s): Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Cebu (Philippines), Colonial administrators, Colonization, Economic development--Effect of education on, English language, Ide, Henry C. (Henry Clay), 1844-1921, Independence movements, McKinley, William, 1843-1901, Non-self-governing territories, Philippine American War (Philippines : 1899-1902), Philippines, Police, Police--Legal status, laws, etc., Railroads, Rebellion, Religion and state, Rizal, José, 1861-1896, Self-determination, National, Spanish-American War (1898)--Peace, Speeches, addresses, etc., American, Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930, Tariff, Trade schools, United States. Bureau of Insular Affairs, United States. War Department, United States. War Dept., Wright, Luke E. (Luke Edward), 1846-1922
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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
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
15
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general. [September 20, 1906]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o187231. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928. Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general. [20 Sep. 1906]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 6, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o187231.
APA:
Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928., [1906, September 20]. Inaugural address of the Hon. James Francis Smith, governor-general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o187231.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. February 6, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
