The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-04-05
THE PROCLAMATION
Issued by the American Commission
RccitinG the Intentions ofthe Unit
cd States Towards the Filipinos.

AsstltiHr Liic lulGltlOIiS VI tllt- Onlt-
cd States Towards the Filipinos. ~
MANILA. April 4.-The preamble OF
the proclamation of the United States
Philippine commission, recltes the ces-
sion by the peace treaty Of the Philip
pine islands 10 the United States, refers
to the appointment of the commission.
assures the people of the cordial good
viii and fraternaf feelings OF the Presi-
dent OF the heunited States and the Amer
lean people and asserts the object which
The United States government apart
from the fuliillment Of Its solemn oblI-
cations, has assumed towards the fam
iy OF nations by the acceptance OF the
sovereignty over the Islands. is the well
being prosperity and happiness OF the
Philippine people. and their elevation
and advancement to 4 position among
the most civilized people Of the world.
Continuing. the proclamation says:
The President believes this felicity
and perfection of the Philippine people
VII! be brought about by the cultivation
OF letters. science and the liberal and
practical arts, BY the enlargement Of
Intercourse with foreign nations, the
expansion Of industrial pursuits, by
trade and commerce, by the multiplicn-
ton and improvement OF means OF in
ternal communication and by the de-
reopment OF the great natural re-
Sources Of the archipelago.
Unfortunately these pure aims and
purposes of the American government
and people have been misinterpretcd to
some of the inhabitants of certain is
lands. and, In consequence, the friendly
American forces. without provocation
or cause. have been openly attacked.
Why these hostIlities? What do the
best Fillpinos desire? Can IL be more
than the United States Is ready to give?
They say they are patriots and want
liberty"
To Establish Good Government.
The commission emphatcally asserts
that It is willing and anxious to estab-
iish an enlightened system of govern
ment under which the people may enjoy
the largest measure OF home rule and
the amplest liberty consonant with the
supreme ends of the government aud
The United States has assumed toward
the civilized nations OF the world. .
The proclamation then says there cnn
be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liberties
OF the Fllplnos. for America Is ready
TO furnish armies and navies and nll the
Infinite resources OF u great and power
lul nation to maintain It's rightful su-
prcmacy over the Island; so 1t Is even
more solicltous to spread peace md
happiness among the people and guar
hhtee them rightful freedom and to pro-
,ect their Just privileges and immunl-
''ea. TO accustom them to free, self gov
eminent In ever-lncrcusing measure and
10 encourage these democratic nsplrn-
lions, sentiments and ideals which are
ihe promise and potency Of fruitful ma
tionhl development.
IN conclusion the proclamation an
nounces that the commission will visit
inc Philippine provinces to ascertain the
thl'ghtcned native opinion as to the
iormg OF government adapted 10 the
people, conformablc with their tradi-
lIohS and Ideals. Invites the leading
rrSsprcacntatlvc men to meet the commits
..,on. and declares the policy OF the
United States, IN the establishment and