Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-01-06
THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Executive Mansion.

CNCSOliNS MdHSlOAp
Washington, d. c., Dec. 81, 1893.
ITO the Secretary OF War:
"Sir-The destruction of the Spanish
fleet in the harbor of Manila by the
United States naval squadron COM
manded by Rear Admiral Dewey, fol-
lowed by the reduction OF the city and
the surrender of the Spanish forces,
practically effected the conquest of the
Philippine Islands and the suspension
of Spanish sovereignty therein.
with the signature of the treaty of
peace between the United States and
Spain by their respective plenipoten-
tiaries at Paris on the 10th instant, and
as result of the victories of AmerI-
can arms, the future control, DISPOSE
ton and government of the Philippine
Islands are coded to the United States
In fulfllment of the rights Of sover-
eighty thus acquired and the RESPONSE
Die obligations OF government thus as
sumed, the actual occupation and ao-
ministration Of the entire group OF the
Philippine Islands becomes Immediately
necessary, and the military government
heretofore maintained by the United
States in the city, harbor and Bay OF
Manila is to- be extended with all pos
sible dispatch to the whole Of the coded
territory.
AMPLE PROTECTION PROMISED.
"In performing this duty the military
commander of the United States is en-
Joined to make known to the inhabi-
tants of the Philippine Islands that in
succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain,
In sevcring the former political rela-
tons OF the inhabitants and in estab-
fishing n new political power, the au-
thority OF the United States Is to be
exerted for the security of the persons
and property of the people OF the island
ana for the confirmation of all their
private rights and relations. 1t will be
the duty of the commander of the forces
of occupation to announce and proclaim
In the most public manner that we
come, not as invaders or conquerers
but as friends, to protect the natives
in their homes, in their eniployments
ana in their personal and religious
rights. All persons who, either by ac-
aid or by honest submission, CO.
operate with the Government of the
United States to give effect to these
Denehc1ent purposes, will receive the re-
ward of it's support and protection. All
others will be brought within the law
full rule we have assumed, with firm
ness If need be, but without severity so
FAR as may be possible.
MUNICIPAL LAWS IN FORCE.
within the absolute domain of mil
ilary authority, which necessarily is
and must remain supreme in the coded
territory until the legislation of the
United states shall otherwise provide,
the municipal laws OF the territory, in
respect to private rights and property
and the repression of crime are to be
considered as continuing in force, and
to be administered by the ordinary
tribunals so far as practicable. The
operations of civil and municipal gov
eminent are to be performed by such
oihcers as may accept sthe supremacy
OF the United States by taking the
oath OF allegiance or by officers chosen
as FAR as may be practicable from the
inhabitants OF the islands.
PRIVATE PROPERTY RESPECTED.
While the control OF all the public
passes with the cesslon, and while the
use and management OF all public
means of transportation are necessari-
~ reserved to the authority OF the
u Uhn.sa, S States private property,
"hether belonging to individuals or
for cause duly established. The taxes
and duties heretofore payable by the
inhabitants to the late government he
come payable to the authorities OF the
United States unless 1t be seen fit to
substitute for them other reasonable
rates or modes of contribution to the
expenses Of government, whether gene
raj or local If private property be ia
ken for military use, 1t shall be paid
for when possible in cash at a fair
valuation, and when payment in cash
IS not practicable, receipts are to be
given.
All ports and places in the Philip
pine Islands in the actual possession of
the land and rHval forces of the Uni
ted States Will be opened to the COM
MERGE of al! friendly nations. All goods
and wares, not prohibited for military
reasons by due announcement OF the
military authority. will be admitted up
on payment OF such duties and other
charges as shnH be in force al the time
OF their Importation.
MISSION OF UNITED STATES.
Finally, 1t should be the earnest and
paramount. esm of The military admin
istration IL win the confidence, respect
and affection of the inhabitants of the