The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1898-07-21
A Proclamation.

President Mckinley has issued a proc
lamation to the people of Santiago, and
other captured portions of Cuba, and it
has been promulgated by Gen. Shafter
in that country.
1t recites the situation very clearly
and comprehensively and states the pur-
pose of the United States government.
1t states that; Though the powers Of
the military occupant are absolute and
supreme, and Immediately operate upon
the political condition of the inhabitants.
the municipal laws OF the conquered
territory such as affect private rights or
persons or property, and provide for the
punishment Of crime are considered as
continuing in force so far as they are
compatible with the new condition of
things, until they are suspended or SUI
perseded by the occupying belligerent,
and in practice they are not usually
abrogated, but are allowed to remain in
force and TO be administered by the ordi-
nary tribunals. substantially as they
were before the occupation. The en-
lightened practice is, so far as possible to
be adhered TO on the present occasion.
The judges and the other officials COM
nected with the administration of justice
may if they accept the supremacy of the
United States continue 10 administer the
ordinary law of the land, as between
man and man, under the supervision of
the American commander in chief. The
native constabulary will so far as prac-
ticable. be preserved. The freedom of
the people to pursue their accustomed
occupations will be abridged only when
it be necessary to do so.
while it is held to be the right of the
conqueror to levy contributions upon the
enemy in their seaports. towns or prov
inces, which may be in his military pos
session by conquest and TO apply the
proceeds to detray the expenses of the
war, this right is to be exercised within
the limitations that it may not SAVIOR of
confiscation."
''As the result of military occupation
the taxes and duties payable by the in
habitants To the former government be
come payable 10 the military occupant
unless he sees fit TO substitute for them
other rates or modes of contribution to
the expenses of the government. The
moneys so collected are TO be used for
the purpose of paying the expenses of
government under military occupation,
such as the salaries of the Judges and the
police, and the payment of the expenses
of the army.
Private property taken for the use of
the army is TO be paid for when possible
in cash at a fair valuation, and when
payment in cash is not possible receipts
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 commerce of all neutral powers, as
well as our own, in articles not contra
band of war upon payment of the pre-
scribed rates of duty which may be in
force at the time of the importation.
These quotations indicate that Pres-
dent Mckinley will give the people of
this unfortunate island country, as fast
as it comes into his hands, adequate
security and all the personal freedom
and property rights practicable. They
will undoubtedly enjoy the best govern
ment they ever have had. while under
the military occupation of the United
States, preparatory to the establishment
of civil rule.