The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-03-07
TO ACT AS MISSIONARIES.
Is Part of the Duty of the Philippine
Commission.

New York, March IA dispatch to
the Tribune from Washington says:
Renewed interest in the situation in
the Philippines is awakened by the es-
tablishment at Manila of the civilian
members of the commission which has
been designated by the president to
represent him in the archipelago. The
speculation regarding the duties of this
commission and the authority 1t Will
have in the colonial government is set
at rest by the publication of the order
issued by the president to the secre-
tary of state. 1t will be noted that the
military government OF the ISLANDS un.
der Gen. Otis will be continued without
it's interference until congress makes
other provision and that the commits
sion's powers, while important, are very
largely advisory. The order says:
I'm order to facilitate the most hu
name specific and effective extension of
authority throughout these islands and
to secure with the least possible delay
the benefits of a wise and generous pro-
lection of life and property to the in
habitants. I have named Jacob G.
Schurman, Rear Admiral George
Dewey Mai. Gen. Elwell S. 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
commissioners are enjoined to meet at
the earliest possible day in the city of
Manila and to announce by a public
proclamation their presence and the
mission entrusted to them, carefully
setting forth that, while the military
government already proclaimed is to be
maintained and continued so long as
necessity may require, efforts will be
made to alleviate the burden of taxa
ton, to establish industrial and COM
mercial prosperity and to provide for
the safety of persons and of property
by such means as may be 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 inha bitantS and what improvements
in public order may be practicable and
for this purpose they will study atten-
lively the existing social and political
state of the various populations, par
ticularly as regards the forms of local
government, the administration of jus
tice, the collection of customs and other
taxes, the means Of transportation and
the need of public Improvements.
"They will report through the state
department according to the forms Gus
tomary or hereafter prescribed for
transmitting and preserving such com
munications, the results of their obser-
vations and reflections and will recon-
mend such executive action as may
from time to time seem to them wise
and useful.
The commissioners are hereby au-
thorized to meet and confer au-
thoritatively with any persons resident
in the islands from whom they may be-
lieve themselves able to derive informa-
ton or suggestions valuable for the
purposes of their commission, or whom
they may choose to employ as agents
as may be necessary for this purpose.
THE temporary government of the
islands is entrusted to the military au-
therities and will continue until con-
gress shall determine otherwise. The
commission may render valuable ser
vices 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
maintenance of order, peace and public
welfare. either as temporary steps to
be taken Immediately for the perfection
of the present administration or as sug-
gestions for future legislation
I'm so far as Immediate personal
changes in the civil administration may
seem to be advisa BILE the commissioners
are empowered to recommend suitable
persons for appointment to these offices
from among the inhabitants of the is
lands who have previously acknowl-
edged their allegiance to this govern
ment
1T is my desire that in all their rela-
tions with the inha bitantS of the Islands
the commissioners exercise due respect