New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-06

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General Otis. Manila.
Ry direction Of the Secretary oi W al nav,
,ha honor 10 transmit herewith instructions 81
the President relative 10 th" ADMINISTRATION vi
affairs in the Phnppr> Islands:
Executive Mansion.
Washington December u, 1S'S.
To the Secretary of War.
Sir. The destruction of the Spanish Meet III
,he barhor of Manila by the United states naNa'
SQUADRON commanded by Rear-Admiral Dewey
followed bv the reduction Of the city and the
surrender Of the Spanish forces, practically e.
fected the conquest Of the Philippine Islands and
the suspension Of Spanish sovereignty therein
With the signature Of the treaty Of peace be-
tween the United States and spain hy ther re
spective plenipotentiares at Paris on the I"lh
inst and as the result of the victories Of Amer
lean arms. the future control, disposition ana
government Of the Philippine Islands are ceheh
N the United States In fulflment Of the rights
~ sovereignty thus acquired and the response
HE obligations Of government thus assumed. the
actual occupation and administration OF the en-
tire group Of the Philippine Islands become
Immediately necessary, and the military govern
ment heretofore maintained by the Ohited
States in the city. harbor and bay Of Manila Is
10 be extended with all possible dispatch TO the
whole Of the Ceded territory.
IN performing this duty the military COM
rnander Of the lnlteO states ~ VhJ'il'' ~ '''''
known To the Inhabitants Of the Philippine ISL
ands that in succeeding to the sovereignty "i
spaln in severing the former political relations
ot the inhabitants and in establishing new
political power. the authority OF the United
states is 10 be exerted for the security 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 70 an
nounce and proclaim in the most pubic man
ner that we come not invaders or conquerorS'
but as friends 70 protect the natives IN theT
homes in their enuloyments and in their per-
sonal and religious rights. All persons "ho'
either by active aid or by honest submission CO.
operate with the Government or the Oh''e"
States N give effect to these benehcent pur-
poses will receive the reward Of its support ana
protection. All others will bc brought within
the lawful rule We have assumed. with hrInh"sS
II need he, but without severity so far as may DC
possible
Within the absolute domain Of military au-
thority. which necessarily is and must remain
supreme IN the ceded territory until the leglsia-
ton OF the United states shall otherwise pro-
vide, the municipal laws Of the territory III IT,
spect 10 private rights and property ana the re-
preston of crime 10 be considered as con-
tinung in force and TO be administered by the
ordinary tribunals so far as practicable. Inc
operations of civil and municipal government
are 10 be performed by such officers as may ac-
cept the supremacy Of the United States by
taking the oath Of allegiance or by o"cers
chosen far may be practicaDe lioih '"e
Inhabitants Of the islands
While the control OF all the public property
and the revenues Of the state passes with the
cesson and while the use and management vi
all public means Of transportation are heces
sariiy reserved 10 the authority OF the Ihiteu
States. private property whether belonging 10
individuals or corporations. Is 70 be resPeo'eu
except for cause duly established The taxes
and duties heretofore payable by the Inhabitants
70 the late Government become payable to 'he
authorities or the United states. unless IL De
seen Al 10 substitute for them other reasonable
rates or modes Of contribution TO the expenses
oi government. whether general or local. ii
private property be taken for military use IL
shall be paid for when possible IN cash at fair
valuation, and when payment in cash is not
practicable receipts are to be given.
All ports and places in the Philippine Islands
IN the actual possession OF the land and naval
forces Of the United States will be opened 10 the
commerce Of all friendly nations. All goods ana
wares not prohibited for military reasons by
cue announcement Of the military authority
VIII be admitted upon payment OF such duties
and other charges shall he in force at the
tine of their importation
Finally IT should be the earnest and para
mount aim Of the military administration TO
win the confidence respect and affection Of the
'hhapitants Of the Philippines by assuring 10
'nem IN every possible way that full measure OF
INDIVIDUAL rights and liberties which is the her
.,dee Of free peoples. and by proving to them
.'a' tne mission Of the United States Is one Of
"e'oient assimilation. substituting the mild
way OF justice and right for arbitrary rule. In
e iuihlment Of this nigh mission supporting
e temperate administration Of affairs for the
"oes' good Of the governed there must be
,.uousy maintained the strong arm of au-
'' TO repress disturbance and TO overcome
SSs'acles 10 the bestowal Of the blessings Of