Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-30

acquisition OF the Hnlllpplne IsldnuS. 1t
also brought a supplementary conflict with
the insurgent forces of that country in sub
shutting American rule for that of Spain.
At the close of the year Great Britain
finds herself with a war on her hands to
enforce respect for the English flag in
South Africa. Many predict that these two
wars will be the turning point In the his
tory of both countries.
HOstiIities Began by n Premeditated
Plan of the FiIipinos.
AS a result of the with Spain the
United States government found itself con-
fronted at the beginning of the present
year with the task of providing suitable
government foc the colonies which had been
wrested from that country. In the case Of
Cuba. over which the trouble with Spain
primarily began. there was little difficulty
There had been a definite procurement
of the government in the very beginning as
TO its purposes in regard to this colony.
And this pronouncement had been reiterat-
ed by President Mckinley on several &C
CaSiors before and after the beginning OF
the year. The same was true with regard
10 Puerto Rico
Ii the case of the Philippines, however
mistrust on the part Of the natives and
alleged misulda-s1& nding began almost i'm
nlediately after the Spanish surrender OF
the islands. With view to securing data
on which TO inteEigently formulate def
mite policy regarding these islands, and to
mullify the restless element as TAR pos
sible by impresslng upon them the we'll
meaning OF the United States regarding
them. President Mckinley. or January II.
announced the appointment of the follow
ing commission Tor the purpose of can
NaSSing the entire situation in the Islands ::
Jacob Gould Schurman, president Of
Cornell University; Admiral George
Dewey of the United States navy;
Mai Gen E. S. Otis. United States
army; Charles DENLY of Indiana. ex-
minister to China, and Prof Dean c. " or
ceSter Of the University OF Michigan. The
scope Of the duties Of the commissioners
Indicated in a letter of instruction is
sued by the President to the Secretary OF
State a few days later. In this letter the
President outlines the object of the COM
mission as follows: To facilitate the most
humane specific and effective extension OF
authority throughout these islands and TO
secure with ihe least possible delay the
benefits of wise and generous protection
OF life and property to the Inhabitants.
The letter further says that while the
military government previously proclaimed
was to be maintained and continued as long
necessity might require, efforts would bt.
made to alleviate the burdens of taxa tion,
10 establish industrial and commercial pros
ptrity and to provide for the safety of per-
sens and of property by such means as
might be found conducive to these ends.
The commission was given wide scope as to
its authority 20 seek the desired informa-
ton They were to report TO the State De
pGrtment the result Of their observations
and reflections.
Armed Resistance Begins.
Before this commission reached the Phil
ippines on their benefcent mission armed
resistance TO the authority of the United
States on the part of the natives had be-
gun
On January >. Gen. Otis, military COVER
Tor, and commander Of the United States
forces in the Philippines, in conformity
with instructions received from President
Mckinley. published at Manila a proclama-
lion outlining the purposes Of the govern
msnt and its intention to extend its au-
thority over all the islands. The natives
were informed that the American forces
came, not as an army of invasion con-
Querurs. but as friends to protect the ma
tives in their homes, In their employments
and III their personal and religious rights.
All persons who accepted the professions of
me American government We're immediate
y 10 come under the beneiicent influence of
these high purposes Those who refused to
submit to the authority of the United States
We're warned that they would be brought
into submission with hrmness. if need be
but without severity. so far might be
possible In conclusion, President MCkin-
ley thus defined the aim OF the military adj
nlniSt ration of the Islands: ITO win the
Confidence, respect and affection of the in
habitants Of the Philippines. by assuring
IL tn m In every possible way that full
M assure of individual rights and liberties
which is the heritage of free people and
BY proving to them that the mission of the
United States Is one OF benevolent assim-
ilatior. substituting the mild sway of JUS
tCe and right for arbitrary rule. In the
fulnllment of this high mission. supporting
the temperate administration of affairs for
the greatest good of the governed. there
must seduOusly be maintained the strong
arm Of authority 10 repress disturbance and
To overcome all obstacles to the bestowal of
the blessings OF good and stable govern
ment upon the people of the Philippine. Is
lands. under the free flag of the United
States"
Aguinaldo. who styles himself the mill.
tary governor of the Philippine Islands, is
sued manifesto in reply to this procIaua-
ton, accusing the American government of
bad faith. He said in substance that when
he returned to the Philippine Islands in an
American warship. his purpose. which was
known TO all. was To conquer the Spanish
and to win independence He quoted uroc-
lamatiOns issued by him on Nav u and
june II OF the previous year in proof OF
his assertion He also claimed in his proc
lamation that Gen Merritt had confirmed
ms position by a proclamation before the
Sl'anlards capitulatcd, stating clearly and
o"HhIte4S that the American forces came To
overthrow the Spanish government and lib
crate the Filipinos. His manifesto CON
Guided with a solemn protest against r.
intrusion OF the American government =
AMI an appeal TO his countrymen to resis,
Relations With Filipinos Become
Strained.
The relations between the government
established by the United States and the
pretensions Of the Filipino leader became
more and more strained. until an actual
clash Of arms took place at Manila on the
night Of February 4. A short time previous
TO this the so-called congress of the Phil
ippine republic. at Malolos, had passed a
confidence nd
powered him to declare war on the Ameri-
cans whenever he might deem 1t advisa BILE
The first clash of arms was brought about
by some Filpinos deliberately crossing the
Anglican line al Santa Mesa They. had