Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-05
TO THE F|L|P|N0S'
Proclamation Made BY the
Schurman Commission
UNCLE SANS INTENTIONS.
An Assurance Of His Cordial and Fra
ternal Good Will.
OUR SUPREMACY TO DE ENFORCED.
Those Who Resist VIII Accomplish
Nothing But Their Own Ruin-Rc-
bells Preparing for Further De-
fence-HongkOng Junta Tales.
OUR SUPREMACY TO DE ENFORCED.

MANILA, April 4.--12:i0 p. M-The pre-.
amble TO the proclamation of the United
States Philippine Commission, reciting
the cession by the peace treaty Of the
Philippine Islands to the United States,
refers 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 the
American people, and asserts that the
object which the United States Govern
ment. apart from the fulhment Of the
solemn obligations it has assumed to-
ward the family of nations by the ac-
ceptance of the sovereignty over the is
lands. is the we'll being, prosperity, and
happiness Of the Filipinos, and their ele-
vation and advancement to a position
among the most civilized peoples of the
world.
Continuing. the proclamation says:
FELICITY AND PERFECTION.
"The President believes this felicity and
perfection of the Philippine people will
be brought about by the cultivation of
letters, science and the liberal and prac-
tical arts; by the enlargement of inter-
course with foreign nations, the expan-
sion of Industrial pursuits, by trade and
commerce. the multiplication and i'm
provement of means of internal commu-
nication. and the development of the
great natural resources Of the archpe-
| lago.
unfortunately, these pure aims and
purposes of the American Government
and people have b-en misinterpreted TO
some of the inhabitants Of certain is
| lands, and, in consequence, the friendly
American forces, without provocation or
cause. have been openly attacked. Why
these hostlities? What do the best Fill
pinos desire? Can 1t be more than the
United States is ready to give? They say
they are patriots and want liberty"
AN ENLIGHTENED SYSTEM.
The commission emphatically asserts
that it Is willing and anxious to establish
an enlightened system Of government,
under which the people may enjoy the
largest measure of home rule. and the
amplest liberty cOnsonant with the su-
preme ends of the government, and COM
patible with those obligations which the
United States has assumed toward 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 as America Is ready
TO furnish armies and navies, and all
the infinite resources or great and pow
erful nation, to maintain its rightful su-
premacy over the islands, so it is even
more sOlicitous TO spread peace and hap
pness among the people, and guarantee
them rightful freedom and to protect
their just privileges and immunites. TO
accustom them TO free self-government
in ever-increasing measure, and 10 en-
courage those democratic aspirations, SEN
timents, and ideals which are the pro-
mise and potency OF fruitful national de-
VelOpment.
VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE DESIRED.
In conclusion, the proclamation an
nOunces that the commission will visit |
the Philippine provinces TO ascertain the |
enlightened native opinion as TO the form |
Of government best adapted to the people |
and most cOnformable with their tradi- |
tions and ideals invites the leading and |
representative men to meet the commits |
sion, and declares that the policy of the |
United States. in the establishment and |
maintenance Of a government. is to con-
suit the wishes and secure the advice and |
cooperation of the people.
The proclamation contains eleven arti-
cles. declaring Americas intentions, as
follows:
OUR SUPREMACY IMPERATIVE.
|. 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.
2 The amplest liberty of self-govern-
ment will be granted. which is reconcila-
BILE with just. stable, effective, and econo-
mical administration, and compatible
with the sovereign rights and obligations
Of the United States.
g. The civil rights Of the Filipnos will
be- guaranteed and protected, their rei-
,ious freedom will be assured, and all will
nave equal standing before the law.
T. Honor, justice, and friendship forbid
he exploitation of the people of the is
ands. The purpose of the American Gov
rnment is the welfare and advancement
If the Philippine people.
8. Guarantees an honest and effective |
vil service in which. to the fullest ex-
ent practicable, natives shall be employ
d.
PROMISE OF LOWER TAXES.
V. |
$ and other revenues will be put upon a
ound honest, and economical basis. The
ublic funds, raised justly and collected
onestly, will be applied only 10 defray-
lg the proper expenses OF the establish
1ent and maintenance OF the Philippine
government, and such general improve
lents as public interests demand. Local |
nnds collected for local purposes shall
OF be diverted to other ends. With such
rudent and honest fiscal administration.
IS believed the needs Of the government
,ill I'm a short time become compatible |
ith a considerable reduction in taxation. ,
7. The establishment of a pure, speedy.
nd effective administration of justice. S
v which the evils OF delay, corruption.
nd exploitation will be effectually eradi-
atad.
4. The construction of roads, railroads. u
nd other means OF communication and ;
and other public works OF o
.anifest advantage TO the people. will y
e promoted.
TRADE AND COMMERCE..
Q. Domestic and foreign trade and COM -
cree, and other Industrial pursuits. and
ie general development OF the country
|, the interest OF It's inhabitants, will be