The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-05
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and. in word. by the uninterrupted devo-
lion OF the people TO the pursuit OF useful
objects and the realization OF those noble
ideas which constitute the higher civilization
of mankind.
unfortunately these pure aims and pur-
poses of the American government and peo-
pie have been misinterpreted TO some of the
Inhabitants OF certain islands. and as a con-
sequence the friendly American forces
have. without provocation or cause. been
openly attacked. And why these hostiities?
What do the best Filipinos desire? Can II
be more than the United States is ready 10
give? They are patriots and want liberty.
The commission emphatically asserts that
il is willing and anxious TO establish an en-
ligftened system OF government under
which the people may enjoy the largest
measure of home rule and the amplest lib
erty consonant with the supreme ends of the
government and compatible with those obli-
cations which the United States has
sumed towards the civilized nations OF the
world. The proclamation then says there
can be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liberties OF
the Filipinos. for America is ready 10 fur
nish armies and navies and all the infinite
resources of a great and powerful nation to
maintain its rightful supremacy over the
islands, so 1t is even more solicitous to
spread peace and happiness among the peo-
and TO protect their just privileges and i'm
munities, TO accustom them TO free, self
government in ever-increasing measure and
TO encourage those democratic aspirations,
sentiments and ideals which are the promise
and potency of the fruitful national devel-
opment.
In conclusion, the proclamation announces
that the commission will visit the Philippine
provinces TO ascertain the enlightened ma
tive opinion as TO the forms OF government
adapted TO the people, conformable with
their traditions and ideals, invite the leading
representative men to meet the commission
and declares the policy of the United States
In the establishment and maintenance of the
government is TO consult the wishes and
secure the advice and cooperation of the
people. The proclamation contains eleven
articles declaring Americas intentions as
follows:
"First-The supremacy of the United
states must and will be enforced throughout
every part of the archipelago. and those who
resist 1t can accomplish no end other than
their own ruin.
''Second-To the Philippine people will be
granted the most ample liberty and self
government reconcilable with the main
tenance OF "A wise, just stable, effective and
economical administration of public affairs
and compatible with the sovereign and in
ternational rights and the obligations OF the
United States.
''Third-The civil rights of the Philippine
people will be guaranteed and protected to
the fullest extent; religious freedom will be
assured, and all persons shall be equal and
have equal standing I'm the eyes of the law.
''Fourth-Honor, justice and friendship for
bid the use by the Philippine people Of the
Islands they inhabit as an object of means
of exploitation. The purpose Of the Amer
lean government is the welfare and the ad
vancement of the Philippine people.
"Fifth-There shall be guaranteed TO the
a "a
civil service, in which, to the fullest extent
to which it is practical, natives shall be en-
ployed.
all taxes and other revenues will be placed
on a sound, economical basis and the public
funds. raised justly and collected honestly,
will be applied only 10 defray the regular
and proper expenses incurred by and for the
establishment and maintenance of the Phil
ippine government, and such general i'm
provements as the public interests may de-
mand. Local funds collected VIII be used for
local purposes and not be devoted TO other
ends With such prudent and honest fiscal
administration IL Is believed that the needs
of the government will in a short time be-
come compatible with considerable reduc-
tiOn in taxation.
.'Seventh-A pure speedy and effective ad-
minstration Of justice will he established.
whereby may he eradicated the evils arising
from delay corruption and exploitation.
"Eighth-The construction of roads, rail-
roads and similar means OF communication
and transportation. and OF other public
Philippine people, will be promoted.
''Ninth-Domestic and foreign trade and
commerce, agriculture and other industrial
pursuits tending toward the general develop
ment OF the country, IN the interests or the
inhabitants. should be objects OF constant
socitude and fostering care.
''Tenth-Efective provision Will be made
for the establishment of elementary schools
i'm which the children of the people may be
educated and appropriate faculties VIII be
provided for a higher education.
observation-disclosures in all departments OF
the government, all branches Of the public
service and all corporations closely touching
the common life of the people, Will be under
taken without delay and effected conforma-
bly, with right and justice in way 10 satisfy
the well-founded demands and the highest
sentiments and aspirations OF the people
such Is the spirit in which the United
States comes to the people of the islands
and the President has instructed the COM
mission TO make this publicly known.
I'm obeying his behest. the commissioners
desire TO Join the President in expressing
their good will toward the Philippine peo-
pie and TO extend to the leading representa-
tive men an invitation TO meet them Tor the
purpose Of personal acquaintance ana the
exchange of views and opinions.
JACOB GOULD SCHURMAN,
United States Commissioner.
United States Navy.
'ELWELL S. OTIS,
major General, United States Army.
CHARLES DENNY,
United States Commissioner.
DEAN c. WORCESTER,
United States Commissioner