The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1899-04-11
FAIR PROMISES TO FILlPINos.

F hilippines Commission Issues a Procla-
nation to the People Of the Islands,
Determination of United States to Re-
tain Severe. enty Asserted Good Gov
eminent, Peace and Order Promised.
MANILA, April The United States
Philippines commission has promul-
gated a proclamation to the people of
the islands. The proclamation is
divided into ten paragraphs contain
ing in all 1 500 words.
The first paragraph declares that a
treaty has been ratified ceding to the
United States the sovereignty of the
Philippines, complete and indefeasible
The second paragraph explains the
appointment of the commission.
The third paragraph assures the peo'
pie of the American governments
good will, and explains the govern
ment's aim for the prosperity and hap.
piness of the Philippine people and
their advancement with the most civ
ilized peoples.
The fourth paragraph declares that
President Mckinley believes their ad
vancement is possible by the assur
ance of peace and order. It guaran
tees civil and religious liberty, estab
lishment of justice, cultivation of let
ters and practical arts, and intercourse
with foreign nations and finally, by
uninterrupted pursuit Of useful objects,
the realization of the noble ideals con
stituting civiliz alton.
The fifth paragraph say that uufor-
~tunately the pure aims of the Ameri
cans have been misinterpreted by the
inhabitants of certain islands.
The sixth paragraph asks why there
are any hostilities on the part of FIJI
pinos, and also asks what the F~ilipinos
desire. The commission asserts that
the United States are willing and anx'
ious to establish an enlightened system
of government Oy which the people
may enjoy the greatest measure OF
home rule and most ample liberty con
sonant with the aims of the govern
ment and compatible with the obligR.
tioDs which the United States assume
to ward civilized nations.
The commission declares in the sew.
enth paragraph that the United States
Government stands ready to furnish
armies and navies to maintain it's
righEful supremacy over the islands, Sd
that it is even more solicitous to spread
peace and protection among the Fill,
pinoe, ustoming them to self gov
ernment,
The eighth paragraph says it is the
intention of the commission to visit the
people in their respective provinces,
learning the forms of government best
adapted to their customs and condi
tions. The policy of the commission
will be to consult the wishes and secure
the advice and co operation of the Fill
pinos. In the meantime attention is
invited to the regulative principles
guiding United States supremacy,
which must and will be enforced in
every part of the archipelago. Those
resisting can accomplish only their
own ruin The most ample liberty OF
self government will be granted that is
~recopcilable with the maintenance OF
q wise, just. effective and economical
administration Of public affairs com.
pa tible with the sovereign and inter.
national rights of the United States.
The civil rights of Flipinos are guar.
anteed and will be protected, and re-
Hligious freedom ia assured and honest
and effective civil service guaranteed.
Natives will be employed and q fiscal
system established upon a sound basis.
Local funds will be used for local pur
poses. Reduction of taxation is prob
able, and pure administration of jus
tice will be established. Public works
will be promoted, development of
trade and commerce fostered and ele-
mentery schools established. Reforms
are promised in all institutions touch
ing the common life Of the people.
Such, the commission declares, is the
spirit in which the government comes
to the Filipinos.
While arranging the proclamation
the commissioners carefully reviewed
the Maloloa constitu ion of the Fill
pinos, giving special attention to spe'
cifc evils.
THR MURDERS AT LAKE CITY.