The age-herald., 1898-07-19

therefore, be the duty of the commander of the army of occupation to proclaim in the most public manner that we come not to make war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employmentS and in their personal and religious rights. All persons who either by active aid or by honest submis- sion cooperate with the United States in its efforts to give effect to this beneficient purpose will receive the reward of its sup port and protection.
 Powers of Military Occupant
 Though the powers of the military occu- pant are absolutely and supreme and inn mediately operative, the municipal laws of the conquered territory such affect private rights of persons and property and provide for the punishment of crime are considered as continuing in force far as they are compatible with the new order of things, until they are suspended or su- perceded by the occupants and in practice they are not usually abrogated but are allowed to remain in force and to be ad- ministered by the ordinary tribunals. sub stantally as they were before the occupa, ton.
 The judges and the other officials con- nected with the administration of justice may, under the supremacy of the United States, continue to administer the law of the land as between man and man under the supervision of the American command er-in-chief. The native constabulary will as far as may be practicable, be reserved. The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so..
 While the rule of conduct of the Amerl- can commanders will be such as has been defined. it is his duty to adopt measures of different kind if, unfortunately, the course of the people should render such ndispens- able to the maintenance of law and order. He will possess the power to remove or replace the native officials If necessary, or to create such new or supplementary tribunals as may be necessary. In the exercise of these high powers the com- mander must be guided by his judgment and his experience and a high sense of jus tice. It is conceded that all public funds and securities belonging to the government of the country and all arms and supplies and other movable property of such gov ernment may be seized by the military occupant and converted to his own use. The real property of the state he may hold and administer. at the same time en- joining the revenues thereof, but he is not to destroy it save in the case of military necessity. All public means of transpor- tation, such as telegraphs, railroads and boats belonging to the state may be ap- propriated to his use, but in case of mill
  All churches and buildings devoted to re- llgious worship, arts and sciences, all school houses, so far as possible to be protected and all destruction or intentional deface- ment of such places, of historical monu- ments or of works of science or art is pro- hibited. save when required by urgent mili- tary necessity.
 Private property, whether belengng to inc dfyfduals or corpora tions, is to be respect ed and can be conf1scated only as herein . after indicated. Means of transportation, such as telegraph lines and cables, rail- roads and boats, may, although they be- long to private Individuals or corporations be siezed by tlIe military occupants, but unless destroyed under military necessity. are not to be retained.
 Taxes and Duties
 While it Is held to be the right of the conaueror to levy contributions upon the enemy in their seaports, towns or prov inces which may be in his military possess sion and to apply the proceeds to defray the expenses of the war. this war is to be exercised within such limitations that it may not so saver of confiscation. As the result of military patton, the taxes and duties become payable to the military oceu- pant. unless he sees fit to substitute for them rates or other modes of contribution to the support of the government.
 Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when possible, and when payment in cash is not possible, re- ceipts are to be given.
 All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of our land and naval forces will be opened to the con- merce of all neutral nations, as we'll as our own, in articles not contraband of war upon payment of the prescribed rates of duty which may be in force at the time of the importation.
 (Signed.) WILLIAM MKINLEY.
 By order of the secretary of war.
 H. c. CORBIN. Adjt.-Gen.