The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-08
DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS.
Powers Conferred on Schurman,
Dewey. Otis. DENLY md WOrCester.

NEW YORK, March THE Washington
correspondent of the Tribune says the specu-
lation regarding the duties and authority of
the Philippine commission has been set at
rest by the publication of the order issued
by the President to the secretary of state.
Ii will be noted that the military govern
ment of the islands under General Otis will
be continued without interference until Con-
gress makes other provision, and that the
commissions powers. while important, are
largely advisory. The order says:
In order to facilitate the most humane.
specific and effective extension of authority
throughout these islands and TO secure with
the least possible delay the benefits of
wise and generous protection of life and
property to the Inhabitants, l have named
Jacob G.. Schurman, Fear Admiral George
Dewey, Mai. Gen. Elwell S. Otis, Charles
DENLY and Dean c. Worcester to constitute
a commission TO aid in the accomplishment
of these results.
I'm the performance of this duty the COM
missioners are enjoined to meet at the
earliest possible day in the city of Manila,
and TO announce by public proclamation
their presence and the mission intrusted TO
them, carefully setting forth that while the
military government already proclaimed Is
to be maintained and continued so long as
necessity may require, efforts will be made
TO relieve the burdens of taxation; to estab-
lish industrial and commercial prosperity,
and provide for the safety of persons and of
property conducive to these ends.
The commissioners will endeavor, without
interference with the military authorities Of
the United States now in control of the
Philippines, to ascertain what amelioration
in the condition of the inhabitants and what
cable. and for this purpose they will study
attentvely the existing social and political
state of the various populations, particularly
as regards the forms of local government,
the administration of justice, the collection
of customs and other taxes, the means of
transportation and the need of public i'm
provements.
They will report through the State De-
partment. according to the forms customary.
or hereafter prescribed for transmitting and
preserving such communications, the results
of their observations and reflections. and
Will recommend such executive action as
may from time to time. seem to them wise
and useful
The commissioners are hereby authorized
to confer authoritatively with any persons
resident in the islands from whom they may
believe themselves able TO derive informa-
tIon or suggestions valuable for the public
purposes of their commission, or whom they
may choose to employ as agents as may he
necessary for this purpose.
THE temporary government of the islands
is intrusted to the military authorities. and
Will continue until Congress shall determine
otherwise The commission may render
valuable services by examining with special
care the legislative need of the groups Of
the inhabitants and by reporting. with rec
concentrations the measures which should
be instituted for the maintenance of order,
peace and public welfare. either as tempor-
airy steps 10 be taken Immediately for the
perfection of the present administration or
as suggestions for future legislation.
I'm so far as immediate personal changes
in the civil administration may seem 10 be
advisable the commissioners are empowered
To recommend suitable persons for appoint
msnt TO those offices from among the in
habitants OF the islands who have previously
acknowledged their allegiance 10 this coun-
try.
1T Is my desire that in all their relations
with the inhabitants Of the islands the COM
missoners exercise due respect for all the
ideals. customs and institutions OF the tribes
and races which compose the population,
emphasizing upon all occasions the Just and
benefieent intentions OF the government OF
the United States"