The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-03-08
PHILIPPINE COMMISSIONERS.
Their Duties as Defined in the Order of
President Mckinley.

Their Duties as Defined in the Order of
President Mckinley.
New York, March IA dispatch to
the Tribune from Washington says:
Renewed interest in the situation in the
Philippines is awakened by the estab-
lshment at Manila of the civil members
of the commission which has been des-
ignated by the president to represent
him in the archipelago. The specula-
tion regarding the duties of this COM
mission and the authority it will have
in the colonial government are set at
rest by the publication of the order is
sued by the president. 1t will be noted
that the military government of the
island under General Otis will be con-
tinued without interference until con
gress makes other provision and that
the commissions powers, while import
ant, are very largely advisory. The or
der says:
I'm order to facilitate the most hui
name. specific and effective extension
Of authority throughout these islands
and to secure with the least possible
delay the benefits of wise and gener-
GUS protection of life and property to
the inhabitants, l have named Jacob
G.. Schurman, Rear Admiral George
Dewey, Major General ElWell 5. OTIS,
Charles DENLY and Dean c. Worcester
to constitute commission to aid in the
accomplishment of these results. In the
performance of this duty the commits
sioners are enjoined to meet at the
earliest possible day in the city or
Manila and to announce by a pubic
proclamation their presence and the
mission intrusted to them, carefully
setting forth that. while the military
government proclaimed is to be MAIN
tanned and continued so long as neces-
sity may require efforts will be made
toh Itch inl lstrill and cDmnlprclal
prosperity and to provide for the safety
Of persons and property by such means
as may be found 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 improvements
in public order may be practicable, ana
for this purpose they will study atten-
lively the existing social and political
state of the various populations, partic-
ularly as regards the forms OF LEGAL gov
ernment, the administration of justice,
the collection of customs and othef
taxes, the means of transportation ana
the needs of public Improvements. They
will report through the state depart
ment, according to the forms customary
or hereafter prescribed for transmitting
and preserving such communications.
the results of their observations and re-
Elections. 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
information or suggestions valuable for
the purposes of their commission or
whom they may choose to employ as
agents as may be necessary for this pur-
pose
THE temporary government of the
islands is entrusted to the military au-
thorities and will continue until con-
gress shall determine otherwise. The
commission may render valuable sarv-
ices by examining with special care the
legislative needs of the various groups
of inhabitants and by reporting, with
| recommendations, the measures which
should be instituted for the maint5ns nee
of order and peace and pubic welfare,
| either after temporary steps TO De
taken, after the perfection of the pres
ent administration or as Suggestions
| for future legislation. In so far as i'm
mediate personal changes in the civil
| administration may seem to be advis-
| able, the commissioners are empowered
| to recommend suitable persons for ap-
| pointment to these offices from among
the inhabitants of the islands who have
| previously acknowledged their allegi-
ance to this government. 1t is my de-
sire that in all the relations with the
| inhabitants of the islands the commits.
| sioners exercise due respect for all the
| ideals, customs and institutions of the
tribes and races which compose the
population, emphasizing upon all occa
| siOns the lust and beneficent intentions
| of the government of the United States.