The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1899-12-09
SELF.GOVERNMENT.
A Notable Beginning In the Island
of NegrOs.

The unfavorable circumstances connected
mitted to interfere with the equally important
work of reconstruction. Again l invite your
attention Of The report of the commissioners
giving interesting and encouraging details OF
the work already accomplished in the estab-
ashment of peace and order and the inaugura-
portions Of the archipelago. 4 notable be-
ginning has been made in the establishment Of
a government in the island of Negros. which
is deserving of special consideration. This
was the first island to accept American SOY,
e%reignty. Its people unreseryedly proclaimed
Of a popular government. 1t was impossible
Go searahaes so % a ans ed0p Should Is S be the Ultimate
form Of government. Such q question under
the treaty with Spain and in accordance with
our own constitution and laws came exclusive
ly within the jurisdiction OF congress. The
A New System
was nut into force by order of the major gen
eral commanding the department. OF which
the following are the most important ele-
ments: ouo, tho. tho government Of the
island Of Negroes should consist Of a military
E m;;;,arH ga;er anpr9xed Of b 9Se t Ps,,, ppinsa s snd :
e s1se.ed FG By the eeo aSs T%s l @iiissiy govern;
the treasury, interior. agriculture. public IN
struction, an attorney general and an audito..
The seat of government was nxed at n nc o~.
ecutive power. He Is to see tnat 'ne iaws aae
executed. appoint to offices and M az W
cancies in office not otherwise provided Tor.
and may with the approval of the military
governor of the Philippines remove any officer
military governor on all public questions and
presides over the advisory council. He, IN gen,
eral, performs the duties which are performed
NV secretaries OF state in our own system OF
The advisory council consists Of eight mem
torial limits which are defined in the order OF
the commanding general. The times and places
Of holding elections are to be nxed by the
- Voting Qualifications.
The uralihcsttc1s OF voters are as follows:
~ A voter must be a citizen OF the is'ano
t21 81 the age of twenty-one years.
Tax He shall be able to speak. read and
write the English, Spanish or Vizayan tano
or pay a rental on real property OF the Vatue
M He must have resided in the island not
less than one year preceding and the district
in which he offers to register as a voter MOI
less than three months Immediately preceding
the time he offers to register. a..
() He must register at q place nxeo py
law before voting. 49,
maid ali taxes due by hi INTO the government.
Provided that no insane perosn shall be al
lowed to register or vote. -
MI Ellis or resoll items adopted by the advisory
council. and his veto is final II not dixuI,proved
~ rh ese a %,iisasy council ,diseharsss ali the or.
binary duties Of a legislature. The usual du-
ties pertaining to said Offices are to be per-
formed by the secretary Of the treasury. in
terior. agriculture. public instruction, the at
torney. general and the auditor.
The judicial powe is vested in three Judges.
Who are to be appointed by the military gov
ernor Of the island. Inferior courts are to be
established. Free public schools are to be
established throughout the populous districts
Of the island, in which the English t,,i angnage
shall be taught, and this sui tect, Will receive
the careful consideration OF the advisory coun'
The burden Of the government must be dis
tributed equally and equitably ameEg the PEG
ME. The military authorities will collect ant
receive customs revenue and Will control posta
matters and Philippine inter-island trade and
The military, governor. subject to. the ap
prevail OF the military governor Of the Phil
innines. determines all question: not specih
csiiy provided for and which do not coiu,
under the Jurisdiction Of the advisory council