The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-10

A Proclamation ny Rres10eot WcAH4
ley-They are Assured Of Proseesios
Of Rights of Person and Properly.
Must submit 60 Authority Of = Unis.
ed states
Washington, January 5.-The policy
OF the administration toward the Phil
ippines is shown in the following cable
message made public at the wal de-
partment today:
Adjutant Generals Once.
Washington. December 81. 1858
General Otis, Manila:
BY direction of the secretary OF war.
/ have the honor TO transmit herewith
instructions of the president relative To
the administration of affairs in the
Philippine islands:
Executive Mansion.
Washington. December Fl. 1898.
ITO The Secretary OF War:
"Sir:-The destruction OF the Spanish
fleet in the harbor OF Manila by the
United States naval squadron COM
manded by Rear Admiral Dewey. fol-
lowed by the reduction OF the city and
the surrender OF the Spanish forces.
practically effected the conquest OF the
Philippines and the suspension Of Span
ish sovereignty therein.
With the signature OF the treaty OF
peace between the United States and
Spain by their respective plenipoten-
tiaries at Paris. on the 1eth instant,
and as a result OF the victories OF Amer
lean arms. the future control. DISPOSE
ton and government OF the Philippine
islands are ceded TO the United States.
In fulhllment OF the rights and sover-
eighty thus acquired and the respon-
sible obligations of government thus
assumed, the actual occupation and adj
ministration Of the entire group OF h
Philippine islands becomes~ Immediately
necessary and the military govern
ment heretofore maintained by the
United States in the city. harbor and
bay of Manila is to be extended with
all possible dispatch to the whole OF the
coded territory.
I'm performing this duty, the military
commander of the United States Is en-
Joined to make known to the inhabi-
tants of the Philippine islands. that ic
succeeding TO the sovereignty Of Spain,
in severing the former political rela-
tons of the inhabitants and In estab-
fishing a new political power. the au-
thority OF the United States Is to be
exerted from the security OF the per-
sons and property of the people of the
islands and for the confirmation OF all
their private rights and relations. IL
will be the duty OF the commander OF
the forces of occupation to
and proclaim In the mos public man,
ner that We come, not as invaders or
conquerors, but as friends. to protect
the natives in their homes, in their en-
pigments and in their personal and
religious rights. All persons. who either
by active aid or by honest submission.
cooperate with the government OF the
United States to give effect to these
beneficent purposes. will receive the
rewards of its support and protection.
All others will be brought within the
lawful rule we have assumed, w.
firmness If need be, but without TSser-
ity so far as may be possible.
Within the absolute domain OF mill
itary authority, which necessarily is
and must remain supreme in the coded
territory until the legislation OF the
United States shall otherwise provide,
the municipal laws of the territory. In
respect to private rights and property
and the repression Of crime are to be
considered as continuing in force. a1d
to be administered by the ordinary
tribunals so far as practicable. The
operations of civil and municipal gov
; eminent are to be performed by such
; officers as may accept the supremacy
: of the United States by taking the oath
Of allegiance or by officers chosen as
far as may be practicable from the in
habitants Of the islands.
while the control of al the public
, property and the revenues of the state
passes with the c~ession. and while the
I, use n management of all public
means of transportation are necessarily
reserved to the authority OF the United
States, private property. whether be-
longing to individuals or corporations
is to be respected, except for cause duly
/. established. The taxes and duties here
to fore payable by the inhabitants To
the late government become payable to
the authorities of the United States,
unless it be seen fit to substitute for
them other reasonable rates or modes
of contribution to the expenses OF gov
. eminent, whether general or local. III
private property be taken for military
use. 1t shall be paid for when possible
Z is cash at a fair valuation, and when
j payment in cash Is not practicable, re-
: ceipts are to be given.
"All ports and places. In the Philip
: pine islands in the actual Possession OF
! the land and naval forces OF the United
. States will be opened to the commerce
= of all friendly nations. All goods and
! wares, not prohibited for military rea-
. sons by due announcements Of the mil
itary authority, will be admitted upon
payment of such duties and other
charges as shall be in force at the time
of their importation.
Finally. il should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military admin
: istration to win the confidence, respect
j and affection of the inhabitants of the
Philippines by assuring to them in
/ every possible way that full measure