The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-04-20
THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION
Issues Proclamation Declaring Ameri-
cas- Intentions and Attitude Toward
the Filipino People.

MANILA, Especial. The preamble
of the proclamation of the United
States Philippine commission, re-
citing the cession by the peace treaty
OF the Philippine Islands to the United
States, refers to the appointment OF
the commission, assures the people
of the cordial goodwill and fraternal
feeling Of the President of the United
States and the American people, and
asserts that the object which the
United States government, apart from
the fulfllment of its solemn obliga-
tions, has assumed toward the family
of nations by the acceptance OF the
sovereignty over the islands, is the
well being, prosperity and happiness
OF the Philippine people, and their
elevation and advancement to posi-
ton among the most civilized people
OF the world.
The proclamation contains eleven
articles, declaring Americas inten-
tions, as follows:
/. The supremacy of the United
States must and will be enforced
throughout every part of the archi-
pelago. Those who resist can accom-
plish nothing except their own ruin.
2. The amplest liberty OF self
government will be granted which is
reconcilable with justifiable, effective
and economical administration and
compatible with the sovereign rights
and obligations Of the United States.
3. The civil rights of the Filipinos
will be guaranteed and protected,
their religious freedom will be as
sured and all will have equal stand
ing before the law.
4. Honor, justice and friendship
forbid the exploitation of the people
of the islands. The purpose of the
American government is the welfare
and advancement of the Philippine
people.
5. Guarantees an honest and eff
fective civil service in which to the
fullest extent practible, natives will
be employed.
6. The collection and application
Of taxes and other revenues will be
put upon a sound, honest and eco
nomical basis. The public funds,
raised Justly and collected honestly,
will be applied only to defraying the
proper expenses of the establishment
and maintenance of the Philippine
government, and such general i'm
provements as public interests de-
mand. Local funds collected for
local purposes shall not be diverted
to other ends. With such prudent
and honest fiscal administration it is
believed that the needs Of the govern
ment will in a short time become
ompatible with considerable re-
duction in taxation.
I. The establishment Of a pure,
speedy and effective administration
of Justice by which the evils of delay,
corruption and exploitation will be
etfectually eradicated.
8. The construction of roads, rail-
roads and other means of commune
cation and transportation and other
public works of manifest advantage
to the people will be promoted.
.. Domestic and foreign trade and
commerce and other industrial pur-
suits and the general development
of the country in the interest of it's
inhabitants will be constant objects
Of solicitude and fostering care.
10. Effective provision will he
made for the establishment of ele-
mentery schools, in which the chill
dren of the people will be educated.
Appropriate facilities will also be
provided for higher education.
II. Reforms in all departments OF
the government, all branches OF the
public service and corporations close
ly touching the common life of the
people must be undertaken without
delay and effected conformably with
common right and Justice in way
to satisfy the well-founded demands
and the highest sentiments and
aspirations of the Philippine people.