Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1899-04-13
PROMISES 70 THE F|L|P|NOS..
OUR GOVERNMENT ISSUES a PR9cLaMA
TiON DECLARING ITS INTENTION.
Tho People Assured OF tho Cordial Good viii
Of tho American Citizens.

MANILA, April 6.-The preamble
of the proclamation of the United
States Philippine commission, reoit.
ing tho oession by tho peace treaty
Of the Philippine Islands to the
United States, refers to the appoint
ment 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 govern
ment, apart from the fultillmont of
its solemn obligations, has assumed
toward the family of nations by the
acceptance of the sovereignty over
the islands, is tho well being, pros
perity and happiness of the Philip
pine people and their elevation and
advancement TO a position among
the most civilized people Of tho
world.
Continuing, the proclamation says ::
"1,he President believes this fclic-
ity and perfectich Of the Philippine
people will be brought about by the
cultivation of letters, science and tho
liberal and practical arts, by the en-
largement of intercourse with for
eign nations, the expansion of indus
trial pursuits by trade and commerce,
by the multiplication and improve
ment of means of internal communi-
cation and by the development of
the great natural resources of the
archipelago.
"Unfortunately these pure aims
and purposes of the American gov-
ernment and people have been mis-.
interpreted to some of the inhabi.
tants of certain islands, and, in con-
sequence, the friendly American
forces, without provocation or cause,
have been openly attacked. Why
these hostilities ? What moro do
the best Filipinos desire ? Can it be
more than the United States is ready
to give? They say they are patriots
and want liberty"
The commission cmphatically as
serts that it is willing and anxious
to establish an enlightened system
of government under which the peo-
pie may enjoy tho largest measure Of
home rule and the amplost liberty
consonant with the supreme ends of
the government and compatible with
those obligations which the United
States has assumed toward the civil
lied nations of the world.
The proclamation then says thoro
oan be no roal conflict between
American sovereignty and the rights
and liberties Of the Filipinos, fol
America is ready to furnish armies
and navics and ali the infinite re-
sources OF great and powerful ma
ton to maintain its rightful suprem.
acy over the islands; 30 it is even
more solicitous to spread peace and
happiness among the people and
guarantee them rightful freedom and
to protect their Juat privileges and
immunitics, to accustom them to
free self-governmcnt in ever incrcas-
ing measure and to encourage those
democratic aspirations, sentiments
and ideals which are the promise and
potency of fruitful national develop,
ment.
In conclusion the proclamation an
nounces that the commission will
visit the Philippine provinces to as,
certain the enlightened native opin.
ion as to the forms of government
adapted to the people, conformable
with their traditions and ideals, in
vites the leading representative men
to meet the commission and declare
the policy of the United States, in
the establishment Snd maintenance
of the government, to consult the
wishes and secure the advice and
cooperation of the people.
The proclamation contained eleven
articles, declaring Americas inten.
tions as follows!
|. The supremacy of the United
States must and will be enforced
throughout every part Of the .rchi
pclago. Those who resist can &C
complish nothing except their owl
ruin.
9. Tho ampleat liberty of self
government will be granted, which
is rcconcilable with just, stable, Of
fective and economical administra
tlon and compatible with tho sover.
oign rights and obligations Of tn.
United States,
3. The civil rights of tho Filipino.
will bo guaranteed and protcotpd
their religious freedom will no aa
pured and all will have equal stand