The sun., 1899-01-06

Text of the Instructions Which Were Sent
by the President to Gen. Otis.

Text of the InstructionB Which Were Sent
by tho President to Gen. Otis.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 5.-Presdent McKiney's
instructions regarding the government of the
Philippines. which have been sent to Gen. Otis
by cable. are as follows:
ADJuTANr-GESERAL's OFFICE. /
WASHINGTON. d. O.. Dec n.
GEN. Otis Manila.
BY direction OF the Secretary OF War have
the honor to transmit herewith instructions Of
the President relative to tho administration Of
affairs in the Philippine Islands:
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Il.
TO this Sscrttdrv Of War.
SIR: The destruction OF the Spanish feet in
the harbor OF Manila by the United States naval
squadron commanded by Rear Admiral Dewey.
followed by the reduction OF the city and the
surrender OF the Spanish forces. practically
effected the conquest OF the Philippine Islands
ana the suspension of Spanish sovereignty
therein. With the signature OF the treaty
Of peace between the United States and
Spain by their respective Plenipotentaries
at Paris. on the 10th inst. and as the re-
suit OF the victories OF American arms. the
future control, disposition and government OF
the Philippine Islands are ceded to the United
States. In fulhment Of the rights OF sover-
eighty thus acquired. and the responsible
obligations Of government thus assumed, the
actual occupation and administration of the
entire group OF the Philippine Islands be-
come Immediately necessary. and the mill
tary government heretofore maintained by the
United States in the city. harbor and bay OF
Manila Is to be ATTENDED with all possible de-
spatch to the v e OF the ceded territory.
In performing pthis duty the military COM
mander OF the United States Is enJoined to
make known to the inhabitants of the Philip
pine Islands that, in succeeding to the sover-
eighty OF Spain. in severng the former
political relations OF the inhabitants and in
establishing new political power. the author
ity Of the United States is to be exerted for the
security OF the persons and property of the
people OF the islands. and 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 conquerors. but as friends to pro-
tect the natives in their homes, in their employ
ments and in their personal and religious
rights Ali persons who. either by active aid
or by honest subm ission, cooperate with the
Government OF the United States TO give effect
to these benehcent purposes. will receive the
reward OF its support and protection. All
others will be brought within the lawful rule
we have assumed. with firmness IL need be.
but without severity so far as may be possible.
Within the absolute domain of military au-
thority. which necessarily Is and must remain
supreme in the ceded territory until tho legis-
lation OF the United States shall otherwise pro-
vide. the municipal laws OF the territory. in
respect 10 private rights and property and the
repression Of crime. are to be considered as
continuing in force, and to be adm IN s.ered by
thA ordinary tribunals so far as practicable
The operations of civil and municipal govern
ment are to be performed by such officers as
may accept the 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.
While the control OF all the public property
and the revenues OF the State passes with the
cession, and while tho use and management
are necessarily reserved to the authority OF the
United States, private property. whether be-
longing to individuals or corporations. is to be
respected. except for cause duly established
The taxes and duties heretofore payable by tho
Inhabitants to the late Government become
payable to the authorities of the United States.
unless II Is seen ht to substitute for them
other reasonable rates or modes OF contribu-
ton to the expenses Of government. whether
general or local II private property be taken
for military use, IL shall be paid for when pos
sihle In cash at fair valuation. and when pay
ment IN cash is not practicable. receipts are to
be given.
All ports and places in the Philippine Islands
In the actua possession of the land and naval
forces OF the United States will be opened TO
the commerce Of all friendly nations, All goods
aud wares not prohibited for military reasons
ty due announcements OF the military author
ity will be admitted upon payment of such du-
ties and other charges as shall be in force at
the time OF their importation.
Finally, II should he the earnest and para
mount aim OF the military administration to
win the confidence, respect and affection OF the
inhabitants Of the Philippines by assuring