The herald., 1898-07-19

McKinley's Message to the People Of the
City Of Santiago
The First Document Of Its Kind Ever Issued by Pres
dent Of the United States-Promses Them
Full Protection in Their Rights

WASHINGTON. July IA state paper
that will be historic, marking an epoch In
American history, was issued tonight by
direction of President Mckinley. 1t pro-
vides in general terms for the government
Of the province of Santiago de Cuba, and
Is the first document OF the kind ever pro-
posed by q president OF the United States.
by order of Secretary Alger, AdJutart
General Corbin tonight 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 procla-
nation to the people Of the terri
tory Of the intentions of the United
States regarding them and their in
terests. It marks the formal establish
ment of new political power In the island
of Cuba, and insures to the people of the
territory over which the power extends 40
sclutely security in the exercise Of their
private rights and relations as we'll as So
curity to their persons and property. The
full text Of the document is as follows:
McKinley's Proclamation
Adjutant Generals office, July 10, 1893.
Gen. 6hafter, Santiago. Cuba:
The following Is sent you for your In
formation and guidance. 1t will be pub
lished In euch manner In both English and
Spanish Is will give 1t the widest circula-
ton in the territory under your control:
Executive Mansion, Washington, D. c.,
July 49, 1S9S.!To the Secretary of War:
Sir: The equalization Of the Spanish forces
in Santiago de Cuba and in the eastern part
Of the province Of Santiago andthe occupa-
ton Of the territory by the forces OF the
United States render it necessary to in
struct the military commander OF the
United States as to the conduct which he
Is to observe during military occupation.
The first effect of the military occupation
Of the. enemys territory Is the severance of
the former political relations of the inhab-
itants and the establishment of a new polit-
ical power.
In this changed condition Of things, the
Inhabitants, so long as they perform their
duties, are entitled to security in their per-
sons and property and In all their private
rights and relations. 1t is my desire that
the Inhabitants OF Cuba should be ac-
quainted with the purpose Of the United
States to discharge to the fullest extent It's
obligations in this regard.
To Protect the People
It will therefore be the duty Of the COM
mander Of the army OF occupation to an
nounce and proclaim In the most public
manner that we come not to make war
upon Inhabitants of Cuba nor upon any
party or faction among them, but to pro-
tect them in their homes, in their employ
ments and in their personal and religious
rights. All persons who either by active
aid or by honest submission cooperate
with the United States in its efforts to give
effect TO this benefcent purpose will re-
ceive the reward Of it's support and protec-
tion. Our occupation should be as free
from severity a. possible.
Though the powers Of the military occu-
patton are absolute and supreme and I'm
mediately operate on the political condition
Of the Inhabitants, the municipal laws Of
the conquered territory, such as affect pri-
vate rights Of person and property. and
provided 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 super
seeded 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 ordinary tribunals,
substantially as they wero before the ocau
patton. This enlightened practice Is, so far
as pOSSlUlc, " 10 CA " VII pAAo ~ oSSA's
occasion. The judges and the other off,
Gals connected with the administration of
Justice may, If they accept the supremacy
of the United States. continue to admins
ter the ordinary law ofthe land, as between
man and man, under the supervision of the
American commander-in-chief. The ma
tive constabulary will. so FAR a. may be
practicable. be preserved.
Will Maintain Law and Order
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 American
commando r-in-chie will be such as has
lust been defined. 1t will be his duty to adopt
measures of different kind If. unfortunate
". the course Of the people should rem
der such measures indispensable to the
maintenance OF law and order. He will
then possess the power to replace or expel
the native officials, In part or altogether to
substitute new courts Of his own construc-
tion for those that now exist or to create
such new or supplementary tribunals as
may be necessary. In the exercise OF these
high powers, the commander must be
guided by his judgment and his experience
and high sense Of Justice.
One of the most important and most prac-
tical problems with which 1t will be neces-
sary to deal ID that Of tina treatment of
property and the collection and admins
tration of the revenues 1t Is conceded that
all public funds and securities belonging to
the government of the country in Its own
right, and all arms and supplies and other
movable property OF such government, may
be seized by the military occupants and
converted to his own use. The real prop
srty Of the state he may hold and admins
ter, at the same time enjoying the revenues
thereof. but he IL not to destroy 1t save in
the case Of military necessity. All public