The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-11-07
Three Days Feastlng Was Brought 10
Close by a Brilliant Ball.
SENIOR SEVERINO CHOSEN GOVERNOR.
Oath Administered TO Judge Of Supreme Court by
G,nsral Smith He n Turn SWors In the
Other Officials Elsc,si.

Manila, Nov. AT Bacolor, in the
Island of Negros, the first autonomous
government OF the FiHfpnos was estab-
lished yesterday. Gen. Smith, Cover
nor OF the Island of Negros. admins
tered the cath of office 10 the Judge of
the Supreme Court, who in turn swore
in the Governor, three Judges, II Coun-
cilmen, the Auditor and the Secretary
OF the Interior. The natives Of the en-
tire Island attended the ceremony. The
officers from Iloilo We're also present.
There have been three days feasting
in celebration of the new Government.
ana the INST anniversary or the sur
render OF the Sp9I.4aTds TO the NegIos
aevolutionists ended w4th a ball the
Government House last night. Amerl-
cam ndgs are llspIayed in the Village.
1ne celebration consisted of horse rae
ing ami ouner sports, music. religious
functions and an illumination. The
BAR attracted the wives OF the wealthy
planters, and there was as great dis
play OF T.ch costumes and costly jewels
as would be seen ait a simllar affair in
America or Europe.
Elections were held oct. 2 the num-
ber OF votes cast being 5,24S. There
were 40 candidates for the various OFF,
ces. Senor Melec.o Severino was elec-
ted Governor, receiving SO5 votes.
Senior Jaimo received 1,277 votes. Suf-
frage was determined by property quail
ification and ability to read and write.
Col. Miner welcomed the officials on
behalf OF the United States. In the
course OF his remarks he said:
"Negros leads in the val OF civil gov
ernment i'm the Philippines. Your
honor lies i'm adding a new star to free
doms flag"
Gen Smith during a speech which he
delivered said:
your future promises as brightly as
Japan's, which. today, is recognized as
among the civilized nations OF the
world"
Senior Severino In replying said that
the best thing for the future OF Negros
was the Continuance OF close relations
with the United States.
Gen. Smith then announced the grant
ing of freedom to the political prison
ers in commemoration of the event.
Gen. Hughes, in command at Iloilo.
telephoned a congratulatory speech
over the Eastern cable from that place
Gen Smith. I'm an interview, re-
marked that IL was OF the most import
ance that the FIhpnos should be taught
10 recognize the sovereignty of the
United States. The graVest danger,
istuation. was intrigue among the In
sufar- -frrii itit-ttfffs, -afr-i-he declared that
the United States Government must for
years keep control OF the Filipinos. i'm
order to prevent such conditions from
cX sting.
The members Of the Sixth Infantry.
which is divided into 80 garrisons
throughout the island OF Negros, are
undergoing great hardships.
A recent organized revolutionary
movement has been discovered in
northern Negroes. and the leaders have
been forced to w wth6raw TO Panay A
number Of banolts, under the leader
ship Of Papa-Issio. a religious charla-
tan. nave been driven into the noun
taius. but IL is expected that thev will
give more trouble. a force OF $50 ma
tive soldiers. armed with Springfield RI
fes. are heloing the Americans and are
found to be valuable as scouts.
Gen. L9wton's operatiors have been
tempora rily suspended owing 10 heavy
rairs. The country around Caboratuan
is fo01ed The river, however has he
gun falling rapidly. and probably the
country In th"t section WI soon re-
sumo its normal condition.