The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-19
A NEW POWER


mander OF the United states as 10 the
conduct which he is 20 observe during
the military occupation
a NEW POWER.
The first effect Of the military occupa-
ton Of the cnemys territory Is the sew
erance Of the former political relations OF
the inhabitants and the establishment OF
"A new political power. Under changed
conditions of things. the inhabitants. so
long as they perform their duties. are
entitled 10 security in their persons and
property and in ali, their private rights
and relations
1t IS my desire that the inhabitants Of
Cuba should be acquainted with the pur-
pose of the United states 90 discharge
20 the fullest extent its obligations I'm this
regard. 1t will therefore be the duty Of
the commander of the army Of occupation
10 announce and proclaim in the most
public manner that We come not 20 make
war upon the inhabitants Of Cuba. nor
upon any party or faction among them,
but TO protect them I'm rheir homes. their
employments. and en- their personal and
religious rights
FREE FROM SEVERITY.
All persons who. either by active aid
or by honest submission, cooperate with
the United States in It's efforts 20 give
cWect 10 TINS heNtIttNA lAi N|""f Nl4i A'-
ceive the reward Of its support and pro-
lection. Our occupation Will bee as free
from severity as possible though the
powers Of the military occupant are alb
solute and supreme and Immediately OPP
crate upon tho political condition OF the
| inhabitants the municipal laws OF me
conquered territory. such AS affect pri-
waite rights and property and provide for
| the punishment Of crime. are considered
as continuing in force so FAR as they are
compatible with the new order oi Things.
until they are suspended or superseded
by the occupying belhgerent; and IN prac-
tice they are not usually abrogated but
are allowed 10 remain I'm force and 10 be
administered by the ordinary tribunals.
substantially as they were before the oc-
cupation. This enlightened practice IS,
so far as possible. 20 be adhered 10 on
| the present occasion.
RETAIN THEIR OFFICERS.
The Judges and other officials connected
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 ma
| tive constabulary will. so FAR as may be
| practicable be preserved. The freedom
| Of the people 10 pursue their accustomed
| occupations will be abridged only when
| il may Doe necessary Co 60 so.
| While the rule for the conduct OF the
| American commandments will be-
| such as has just been defined. 80 will boz
| his duty 10 adopt measures Of a different
! kind. 81 unfortunately the course of the
| people should render such measures in
| dispensable tO the maintenance OF Jaw
! and order. He win then possess the
| power 90 replace. or eXpeu. the native
| officials I'm part or altogether 10 substi-
| tute new courts of his own constitution
| for those that now exist or TO create
| such new or supplementary tribunals as
may be necessary. I'm the exercise Of
these high powers the commander must
be- guided by his judgment and his eX-
perience and a high sense OF justice.
AN IMPORTANT PROBLEM.
one Of the most important and most
practical problems with which IL
| Will be necessary to deal Us
that OF the trcatmcn, OF propreyt
! and the collection ana administration OF
| the revenues. IL is conceded that all pub
| lie funds and securities belonging TO the
| government of the country iu ITS own
| right AMI all arms and supplies and other
| movable property of SUCH government
| may be seized by the military occupant
| and converted 10 his own use. Tho real
| property Of the state Doe may hold and
| administer at the same time enjoying the
| revenues thereof but Doc s not 10 destroy
| 10 save In the case of military necessity
| All public means of transportation, such
| as telegraph lines. cables. railways and
| boats belonging 10 the state may be ape
| propriated 20 his use, hut unless TN case
| of military necessity they arc not 20 be-
| destroyed All churches and buildings
| devoted 10 religious woreHp ana To tne
| arts and sciences. an school houses, are,
| so far as possible. 10 he projected and an
| destruction or intentional DETACHMENT OF
! such placcs. Of historical monuments or
archives. or of works OF .ence or art is
prohibited. save when required by urgent
| military necessity.
PRIVATE PROPERTY RESPECTED.
Private property. whether belonging TO
, individuals or corporation. Us 90 be re-
| spected. and can be conIscaied only as
| hereafter indicated.
While it is held to be The right ~ the
conducror 10 levy contributions UPON the
enemy I'm their seaport towns Of prov
| inces which may be in his military pos
session by conquest and 20 apply the urO-
ceeds 10 defray the expense ri The war
| this right Is 20 be exerai s.i witnin such
| limitations that il may Iot sa'os OF con-
| fscatiOn.
As the result OF military occupation the
taxes and duties payable oy the inhabi-
tants 10 the former government become
payable TO the military occupant unless
he sees iii 10 substitute for them other
rates or modes Of coSrbluon TO the eN-
penses Of the government me moneys
so collected are 10 be used Tor the pur-
pose OF paying the expenses OF govern
ment under the military occupation. such
as the salaries OF the judges ana the po-
lice and for the payment OF the ex-
| penses Of the army
TO PAY FOR PROPERTY TAKEN.
Private property taken FOR the use OF
the army is TO be paid for "heh possible
i'm cash. at a fair valuation. ana when
payment I'm cash Is not possible receipts
are 20 be given.
All ports and places In cuba which
may be I'm the actual possession OF our
land and naval forces. viii DE opened 10
the commerce Of all neutral nations as
well as our own in articles not contraband
Of war. upon payment OF the prescribed
rates OF duty which may De In force at
the tim, OF the Importation.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.