The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-04-05
Assure the FiIipinOs that Our Object
is Their Prosperity.
CIVIL RIGHTS ARE GUARANTEED.
And the AmpIcst Liberty of Self Coy
ernment Compatible with the OBJ
legations OF the United states.
Religious Freedom, and, an
Honestly Administered
Civil Service.

amble or the proclamation OF the United
States Philippine Commission recitlng the
cession by the Peace Treaty Of the Phil
ippine Islands to the United States, re
fers to the appointment OF the commits
sion; assures the people Of the cordial
good will and fraternal good will Of the
President Of the United States and Amer
lean people and asserts that the object
which the United states government,
apart from the fulhlment OF its solemn
obligations, has assumed toward the fam
fly Of nations by the acceptance Of the
sovereignty over the iliands, is the we'll
being. prosperity and happiness Of the
Filipines and their elevation and advance
ment 10 position among the =. civil
lized peoples Of the world.
Continuing. the proclamation says:
THE President believes tins 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
Improvement Of means of internal com
munlcation and by the development OF
lile great resources ul lif diNHiII4@Dvs
ARE M1SREPRESENTED.
unfortunately these pure aims and
purposes of the American government
and people have been misinterpreted 10
SOME OF the inhabitants OF certain Islands,
and. IN consequence the friendly American
forces. without provocation or cause, have
been openly attacked. Why these hos
ti'ties? What do the best Filipinos de-
sire? Can II be more than the United
States is ready 10 give2 They say they
are patriots and want liberty"
The commi. sion emphatically asserts
that it Is willing and anxious 10 estab-
lish an enlightened system OF govern
ment under which tn people may enjoy
the largest measure Of home rule and the
amnlost liberty consonant with the SUI
prome ends Of the government and com
patible with those obligations which the
United States has assumed towards 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 70
furnish armies and navies and all the IN
finite resources of a great and powerful
nation 10 maintain its rlghtful supremacy
over the islands; so Il is even more So
licltous to spread peace and happiness
among the people and guarantee them
rightful freedom and 10 protect their just
privileges and immunities. to accustom
them TO free self-gOvernment I'm ever
increasing measure and to encourage
those Democratic aspirations. sentiments
and ideals which are the promise and
potency of fruitful national development.
TO CONSULT THE PEOPLE.
I'm conclusion. the proclamation an
nounces that the commission Will visit
the Philippine Provinces 10 ascertain the
enlightened natives opinion as 70 the
forms Of government adapted 10 the peo-
pie cOnformabe with their traditions and
ideals invites the leading representative
men TO meet the commission and declares
the policy of the United States IN the
establishment and maintenance Of gov
ernment Is 10 consult the wishes and
secure the advice and cooperation of the
people.
The proclamation contains eleven arti-
cles. declaring Americas Intentions, as
follows:
THE supremacy Of the United States
must and will be enforced throughout
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-
bic with just stable effective and eco
nonical administration and compatible
with the sovereign rights and obligations
Of the United States.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ASSURED.
s-The civil rights Of the Filipinos Will
be guaranteed and protected. their re-
lieious freedom will be assured and all
viii have equal standing before the law
4 Honor. Justice and friendship forbid
the exploitation OF the people of the
islands The purpose Of the American
IS the welfare and advance
men. OF the Philippine people.
3 Guarantees an honest and effective
civil service I'm which 10 the fullest ex-
tent practicable. natives shall be en-
ployed
8 Tho collection and application OF
taxes and other revenues will be put
upon a sound. honest and economical
basis. The public funds raised just
lv and collected honestly, will
he appiied only 20 defrayng the proper
EXPENSES Of the establishment and main
tenance Of the Philippine Government. |
and such general Improvement as public
interests demand. Local funds collected |
for local purposes shall not be diverted !
TO other ends. With such prudent and |
honest fiscal administration II Is believed |
the needs Of the government will I'm a |
short time become compatible with con
siderable reduction in taxation.
7 The establishment OF pure speedy |
,rd Elective administration Of Justice, by |
which the evils Of delay. corruption and |
axploitation will be effectually eradi-
,atod.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
9 The construction OF roads. railroads
mo other means OF communication and
and ther public works OF
manifest advantage 10 the people will be
promoted.
. Domestic and foreign trade and COM
nerce and other Industrial pursuits, and
he general development OF the country
- the interest Of its inhabitants will be
,onstant objects OF soiicitude and foster
ng care. ,-, III,
or the establishment OF elementary pub
=, schools I'm which the children OF the
,eonle will be educated. Appropriate IA
,iIitles will also be- provided for higher
ducation.
II Reforms In all departments of gov