The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-04-05

Ma1lla. Apfll f.-lZ.fO L. Nj Hc
preamble of the proclamation of the
United States Philippine commission. re-
citing the cession by the peace treaty
of the Philippine Islands to the United
States. refers to the appointment of the
commission, assures the people of the
cordial good will and fraternal feeling
of the President of the United States
and the American people, and asserts
that the object which the United States
Government, apart from the fufillment
of its solemn obligations, has assumed
toward the family of nations by the ac-
ceptancc of the sovereignty over the
islands, is the well being. prosperity and
happiness of the Philippine people and
their elevation and advancement TO Il
position among the most civilized peo-
pie of the world.
Continuing, the proclamation says;
The President believes this felicity
and perfection of the Philippine people
will be brought about by the cultivation
of letters, science and the liberal and
practical arts by the enlargement of in
tercourse with foreign nations, the ex-
pansion of industrial pursuits by trade
and commerce. by the multiplication and
improvcmS of means Of internal conn
iliuihcatiVli ItiA ~ hatt AtNtA3l1fft4fA vi
the great natural resources OF the ARCH
ipelago.
Unfortunately these pure aims and
purposes OF the American Government
and people have heen misinteTpreted 10
some of the Inhabitants of certain is
lands. and in consequence. the friendly
American forces, without proyocatlon
or cause. have been openly attacked.
Way these hostilifieSs What do the
hest FiEpinos desire: Can III ba more
than the United States is ready TO
give? They say they are patriots and
want liberty"
The commission emnhafically asserts
that il is willing and anxious TO estab-
lish AN enlightened. system of government
under which the people may enjoy the
largest measure of home rule and the
amplest liberty consonant with the su-
prems ends of the government and COM
patible with those obligations which the
United States has assumed toward the
civilized nations of the world.
The proclamation then says there can
be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liberties
of the Filipinos, for America is ready TO
furnish armies and nayies and all the
infinite resources of a great and power
ful nation to maintain its rightful SUI
preinacy over the islands: so it is even
more solicitious to spread peace and hap
pineSs among the people and guarantee
them rightft1l freedom and to protect
their just privileges and immunitles,
accustom them to free, self-g0vernnent
in ever increasing measure and to en-
courage those democratic aspirations,
sentiments and ideals which are the
promise and potency of fruitful national
development. ~
In conclusion the proclamation an
nounces that the commission will visit
the Philippine provinces to ascertain the
enlightened native opinion as to the
forms of government adapted to the peo-
ple. confor1nable with their traditions
and ideals, invites the leading represen-
tative men to meet the commission and
declares the policy of the United States,
in the establishment and maintenance
Of the government, is TO consult the
wishes and secure the advice and CO.
operation Of the people.
The proclamation contains eleven arti-
cles. declaring Americas intentions, as
follows:
l. The supremacy of the United
States must and will be enforced through
ont every part of the archipelago.
Those who resist can accomplish nothing
except their own ruin.
= The amplest liberty of self-govern-
ment will be granted which is reconcila-
BILE with just stable, effective and eco
nonlical administration and compatible
with the sovereign rights and obligations
of the United States.
3. The civil rights of the Filipinos
will be guaranteed and protected. their
religious freedom will be assured and
all will have equal standing before the
law.
t. Honor justice and friendship forbid
the exploitation of the people OF the IS
lands. The purpose of the American
Government is the welfare and advance
ment of the Philippine people.
>. Guarantees an honest and effective
civil service in which to the fullest eX-
tent practicable, natives shall be en-
ployed
q. The collection and application of
taxes and other revenues will be put
upon sound, honest and economical
basis. The public funds, raised Justly
and collected honestly, will be applied
only TO defraying the expenses of the
establishment and maintenance Of the
Philippine Government, and such gene
raj improvements as public interests
demand. Local funds collected for local
purposes shall not be diverted to other
ends. With such prudent and honest
fiscal administration it is believed tho
needs of the government will in a short
time become compatible with consider
able reduction in taxation.
Z. The establishment of pure, speedy
and effective administration of justice.
by which the evils of delay, corruption
and exploitation will be effectually eradi-
Gated
&. The construction of roads, railroads