The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1898-07-21
A HISTORIC PAPER.
Shsfter In the Santiago Government
New Epoch In History.


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WASHINGTON, July IA state paper
that will be historic, marking an
epoch in American history. was issued
Monday night by direction Of Presi.
dent Mckinley.
By order OF Secretary Alger, Gen.
Corbin Monday night cabled the docu-
ment to Gen. Shafter, in command OF
the military forces at Santiago The
paper is not only an authorization
and instruction of Gen. Shafter for the
government Of the captured territory.
but also a proclamation TO the people
of the territory of the intentions OF
the government of the United States
regarding them and their interests. 1t
marks the formal establishment OF
new political power in the island of
Cuba and insures 10 the people Of the
territory over which the power ex-
tends absolute security in the exercise
Of their private rights and relations, as
we'll as security TO their persons and
property.
The first effect OF the military occu.
patton OF the enemys territory is the
severance OF the former political rela-
tions of the iuha btants, aud the es-
tabliShment Of a new political power
Under this changed condition of
things, the inhabitants so long as they
perform their duties, are entitled 10
security in their persons and property
and in all their private rights and re.
Iations.
The United States docs not make
war upon the inhabitants OF Cuba, nor
upon any party or faction among them,
but to protect them I'm their homes, in
their employm nts and in their per-
sonal and religious rights. All per
sons who, either by active aid or by
honest submission. cooperate with the
United States in its efforts to give ef.
feet TO this bene ficent purpose, will re-
ccive the reward OF its support and
protection.
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
Of person 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 OF things, until they are
suspended or superseded by the occu-
pying belligerent, and in practice they
are not usually abrogatcd, but are al.
lowed TO remain in force and To be al.
ministered by the ordinary tribunal.
substantially as they were before the
occupation.
1t is conceded that all public funds
and securities belonging to the gov
right, and all arms and supplies and
other movable property OF such gov
ernment may be seized by the mil
itary occupant and converted TO his
own use. The real prope rty of thJ
state he may hold and administer,
At the same time en- 10 ying the revenue
thereof, but he is not TO destroy IL
save in the case of military necessity.
All public means Of transportation,
such as telegraph lines, cables, rail-
ways and boats be longing TO the stat
may be appropriated to his use, but,
unless in case Of military necessity,
they are not to be destroyed.
All churches and buildings devoted
TO religious worship and 10 the arts
and sciences, all school houses, are, 50
far as possible, TO he protected and all
or intentional defscement
Of such places of historical monu'
ments or archives or Of works OF
science or art is prohibited, save when
required by urgent military necessity.
As the result OF military occupation,
the taxes and duties payable by tha
inhabitants TO the former government
become payable to the military occu.
pant, unless he sees fit To substitute
for them other rates or modes OF con.
tribution to the expenses OF the gov.
ernment. The moneys so collected are
to be used for the purpose OF paying
the expenses OF government under the
occupation, such as the SAL
aries OF the judges and the police, and
for the payment OF the expenses OF the
army
Private property taken for the uss
Of the army is to be paid for when pos
Sible in cash at a fair valuation and
when payments 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 ma
tions, as well 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 i'm.
portation.
Poor Diggings In Copper River.
SEATTLE, Wash, July 10 Over 100
Copper river miners have arrived here
from Port ValdeS They found no goll