New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-07
THE COMMISSIONS DUTIES.
DEFINED BY PRESIDENT MKINLEY-
LARGELY OF AN ADVISORY
CHARACTER

Washington March (speciaD.-Renewed in
terest in the situation in the Philippines is
awakened by the establishment at Manila OF the
civilian members of the Commission which has
been designated by the President TO represent
him in the archipelago The speculation regard
ing the duties Of this Commission and the au-
thcrity il will have in the colonial government
are set at rest by the publication below of the
order issued by the President on January 20 TO
the Secretary Of STATE. 1t will be noted that the
military governm mt Of the islands under Gen
eral Otis will be continued without Interference
until Congress makes other provision and that
the Commissions powers while important are
largely advisory. The order reads as follows:
Executive Mansion Washington
January 20 1899
To the Secretary Of State
My communication to the Secretary Of War
dated December u, 1895 declares the necessity
Of extending the actual occupation and admin
istration Of the city. harbor and bay OF Manila
10 the whole of the territory which, by the
Treaty Of Paris signed on December 10 1SgS
passed from the sovereignty Of Spain TO the
sovereignty IF the United States and the con-
sequent establishment Of military government
throughout the entiO group OF the Philippine
Islands.
While the treaty has not yet been ratified. II
Is believed that il Will be by the time Of the
arrival at Manila of the Commissioners named
below. In order 10 facilitate the most humane
SPECIFIC and effective extension OF authority
throughout these Islands. and 20 secure with
the least possible delay the benefits of wise
and generous protection Of life and property
to the inhabitants. l have named Jacob q.
Schurman, Rear-Admiral George Dewey. Major
General Elwell :. Otis, Charles DENLY and Dean
{. Worcester TO constitute a commission to aid
in the accomplishment Of these results
In the performance Of this duty the Commits
sloners are enJoined 10 meet at the earliest pos
slble day in the city Of Manila. and to an
nounce by public proclamation their presence
and the mission intrusted to them carefully set
ting forth that, while the military government
already proclaimed is 10 be maintained and con-
tinued SO long necessity may require, efforts
Will be made TO alleviate the burdens OF taxa
ton. to establish industrial and commercial
prosperity, and 10 provide for the safety Of per
sons and Of property by such means as may
be found conducive to these ends
The Commissioners will endeavor, without in
reference with the military authorities Of the
United States now in control of the Philippines.
To ascertain what amcloratiOn in the condition
Of the inhabitants and what improvements In
public order may he pra cticable, and for this
purpose they viii study attentiVely the existing
social and political state n the various popula-
tons, particularly as regards the forms OF local
government, the administration or justice, the
collection Of customs and other taxes. the means
Of transportation. and the need II public I'M
proVements.
They viii report through the State Depart
ment. according 10 the forms customary or
hereafter prescribed for transmitting and pre-
serving such communications. the results OF
their observations and reflections ana VIII
recommend such executive action % may from
time to time seem 20 them wise and useful.
The Commissioners are hereby authorized 10
confer authOritatvely with any persons resi-
dent in the islands from whom they may be-
lieve themselves able 10 derive Information or
suggestions valuable for the purposes Of their
Commission. or whom they may choose 10 en-
ploy as agents. may be necessary for this
pui rose.
The temporary government Of the islands IS
instrusted 10 the military authorities. as already
provided for by my Instructions 10 the Score
tary of War of December Il. l>9>. ana VIII
continue until Congress shall determine other
wise The Commission may render he ser
vices by cXaminirg with special care the legis-
itants. and by reporting with recommenda-
tons the measures which should be instituted
TO- he maintenance Of order. peace and public
Welfare eiiher a. temporary steps To be taken
Immediately for The perfection Of present ad-
ntuistraton. or as suggestions for future legis-
lstion.
In 50 far &c Immediate personal changes In
the civil administration may seem to be ad-
vsable the Commissioners are empowered 10
recommend suitable persons for appointment 70
islands who have previously Acknowledged their
allegiance 20 this Government
IL is nv desire that in all their relations with
the Inhabitants o. the Island the COMM ssioner5
exercise due respect for all the ideals. customs
and institutions o. the tribes and races which
compose the population emphasizing upon all
occasions the Just and henefcent intentions ~
the Government OF the United States.
II is also nay wish and expectation that the
Commissioners may be- received in a manner
due 10 the honored and authorized representa-
tives OF the American Republic duly commits
stoned on account Of their knowledge, skill and
integrity as bearers ~ The goodwill. the pro-
lection and the richest blessings OF a hberating
rather than a conquering Nation.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.