River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1899-01-12
PRESIDENT TO FILIPINOS.
Text of the Instructions Sent to
American Commander at Man
Tia, Gen. Otis.

Washington. Jan. 6.-The following
is the text of the instructions sent to
Gen. Otis. in command of the United
States forces in the Philippines, as ex-
pressive of the purposes of the United
States with respect TO them:
Adjufant Generals Office. Washington,
d. G., Dec. n. 1888 Gen. Otis. Manila: BY
direction of the secretary OF war. / have
the honor to transmit herewith instruc-
lions OF the president relative to the adj
ministration OF affairs In the Philippine is
lands:
Executive Mansion, Washington, ID. C.,
Dec. q. 1898. the Secretary OF War
Sir: The destruction OF the Spanish fleet
In the harbor of Manila by the United
States naval squadron, commanded by
Rear Admiral Dewey. followed by the re-
duction OF the city and the surrender OF
the Spanish forces, practically effected the
conquest of the Philippine islands and the
suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein.
with the signature Of the treaty of
peace between the United States and Spain
by their respective plenipotentiaries at
Paris, on the 10th inst. and as the result
OF the victories of American arms the fu-
ture control. disposition and government
OF the Philippine islands are ceded TO the
United States. In fulfillment of the rights
of sovereignty thus acquired and the re-
assumed the actual occupation and admin
istration OF the entire group OF the Philip
pine islands becomes Immediately neces-
sary, and the military government here
tofore maintained by the United States In
the city, harbor and bay of Manila is to be
extended with all possible dispatch to the
whole of the ceded territory.
In performing this duty, the military
commander of the United States lis en-
Joined TO make known to the inhabitants
of the Philippine islands that, in succeed
ing to the sovereignty of Spain, in sever
ing the former political relations of the
inhabitants and in establishing a new po-
litical power. the authority OF the United
States is TO be eXerted for the sovereignty
of the persons and property OF the people
OF the islands and for the confirmation
of all their private rights and relations
1t will be the duty of the commander of the
forces of occupation TO announce and pro-
claim in the most public manner that we
come. not as invaders or conquerors, but
as friends. to protect the natives in their
homes. in their employments and in their
personal and religious rights. All per-
sons who, either by active aid or by hon
est submission, cooperate with the govern
ment of the United States to give effect
to these beneficent purposes, will receive
the reward OF it's support and protection.
All others will be brought within the law
full rule we have assumed. with firmness
may be possible.
within the absolute domain of military
authority, which necessarily Is and must
remain supreme In the ceded territory I'M
til the legislation of the United States shall
otherwise provide, the municipal laws OF
the territory, in respect to private rights
and property and the repression of crime,
are to be considered as continuing In force,
and TO be administered by the ordinary
tribunals as far as possible The opera
lions of civil and municipal government
are to be performed by such officers as
may accept the supremacy OF the United
States by taking the oath OF allegiance, or
by officers chosen as far as may be practi-
cable from the inhabitants of the Islands.
while the control of all the public prop
erty and the revenues OF the state passes
with the cession, and while the use and
management of all public means of trans
portation are necessarily reserved TO the
authority of the United States, private
property whether belonging to individuals
or corpora lions. is to be respected except
for cause fully established. The taxes and
duties heretofore payable by the tnhabi-
tants to the late government become pay
able TO the authorities of the United
States, unless 1t be seen fit to substitute
for them other reasonable rates or modes
of contribution to the expenses Of gov
eminent, whether general or local. If pri-
vate property be taken for military use. It
SnOuiu De pdlQ lot WntH pOSSlDtS III Sdsh d.
a fair valuation, and when payment in
cash is not practicable, receipts are to be
given
''AlI ports and places in the Philippine is
lands in the actual possession of the land
and naval forces Of the United States will
be opened to the commerce of all friendly
nations. All goods and wares, not prohib-
tied for military reasons by due announce
ment OF the military authority, will be adj
mitted upon payment of such duties and
other charges as shall be in force at the
time of their importation.
Finally, 1t should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military administra-
ton to win the confidence, respect and af-
lection of the Inhabitants OF the Philip
pines by assuring 10 them In every possible
way that full measure of individual rights
and liberty which is the heritage of free
people and by proving to them that the
mission of the United States is one of
benevolent assimilation, substituting the
mild sway OF justice and right for arbi-
trary rule. In the fulhllment of this high
mission supporting the temperate admin
istration of affairs for the greatest good
of the governed, there must be sedulously
maintained the strong arm OF authority,
to repress disturbance and to overcome all
obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings
of good and stable government upon the
people of the Philippine islands under the
free flag of the United States.
WILLIAM MKINLEY."
Acknowledge receipt
H c. CORBIN, Adjutant General.