The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-02
OUR OCCUPATION OF GUAM.
TINE PROCLAMATION or carr. LEARF
ON LsSUMISG CONTROL.

Uavy Department Thinks 1t Has Been Issued
by This Time and Hence Makes II Public
All Special Political Rights Of the ClerEy
Abolished 80 The TS1t of the Decree
WASHINGTON. Sept l. The Navy Department,
to-day made public proclauation which
Capt. Richard p. Leary. U. y. N. was directed
to issue on his arrival at the Island OF Guam to
assume the duties OF Governor. The depart
ment supposes that Oapt. Leary has reached
Guam by this time. Tho taxt Of the proclsma-
ton follows:
"Iroc,amdtion 10 as inAsbitrnu Of Guam. and 70
,ohom Il WAY
Pursuant TO the provisions OF . treaty OF peace
between the United States and Spain. concluded by
their respective PenipotentAries at PARIS. France.
the tsnth day Of December. Eighteen Hundred and
Ninety Eight, tho future control, disposition and
government of the Island OF Guam are coded 10 the
United States
Now, therefore, by virtue OF the authority vested
in me by HIS EScslcncy the President of the United
States ]. Richard p. Leary. Captain. United States
Navy. and Governor of the Island OF Guam, do
hereby announce and publicly proclaim my actual
occupation ad ninstraton OF this island. in tho
fulhlment OF tho rights of sovereignty thus ac-
quired and tho responsible obligations OF govern
ment thus assumed.
THAT you, inhabitants OF Guam, are hereby In
formed that in establishingA new political power.
the authority Of tho United states VIII Do eNefteu
for the security Of the persons and property Of the
people of tho island and for tho confirmation OF all
your private rights and relations.
"That all political rights heretofore exercised by
the clergy in dominating the people OF the island
are hereby abolished. and every one is guaranteed
absolute freedom Of worship and full protection in
the lawful pursuits Of hfe, long that protection
is deserved by actual submiSsion to and compliance
with the requirements Of the Government Of tho
United States.
That all public lands and property and all rights
and privileges on shore in the contiguous waters
of tho island that belonged TO Spain at tho time OF
tho surrendsr now belong to the United 5tates, and
all persons are warned against attempting to pur-
chase appropriate disposo of any of the Aforesaid
properties rights or privileges without the consent
Of the United States Government.
That for the present preservation Of law and
order the existing laws not conflicting with the pro-
visions of this proclamation will continue in force
until modified or annulled by competent authority.
and all persons enjoined to render prompt and
cheerful obedience to the came in order that tho bes
ngs Of good government with the benefits OF ciyili
ration and freedom. coupled with Happiness and
prosperity for the greatest good to the greatest
number may he tho heritage OF all residents Of the
island as worthy citizens Of the Island OF Guam,
under the free flag of tho United States.
"In witness whereof have hereunto set my hand
and caused tho seal Of the Tn ted States Naval sta
ton. Isle of Guam. to bo afIlIod.
Done at Agana, Isle of Guam, this day of in
the year Of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred
and ninety nine. and OF the independence Of the
United States of America tho hundred and
twenty third.
ORCHARD P. LEARY,
capt. United States Navy. Governor Of Guam"