The record-union., 1899-04-05
Pointing Out This Governments Aims To-
ward the People Of the Islands.
Has for It's Object the We11-Being,
Prosperity and Happiness of the
Filipinos and Their Elevation
and Advancement to a Position
Among the Most Civilized Peo-
pies of the World, But They
Must First Recognize Our
Sovereignty.

WASHINGTON, April 4-Only five
of the eight members of the Cabinet
were present at to-day's meeting, the
absentees being Secretaries Gage, Alger
and Long. The principal subject I'M
der discussion was long cablegram
from Mr.. Schurmann Chairman of the
Philippine Commission now at Manila,
which was read by Secretary Hay. The
part of the message which attracted
most attention was that which said
that Aguinaldo's power over his follow
ers was largely based on coercion and
fear of violence in case they opposed
him.
The commission says it desires to as
sure the people of the Philippine Islands
of the cordial good will and fraternal
feeling which is entertained for them
by the President of the United States
and by the American people.
1.-The present aim and object of the
United States, apart from the fulfill
ment of the solemn obligations it has
assumed toward the family of nations
by its acceptance of sovereignty over
the Philippine Islands, is the well-being,
prosperity and happiness of the Phil
ippine people and their elevation and
advancement to position among the
most civilized peoples of the world
Continuing, the proclamation says:
1.-THE President believes that this fe-
licity and perfection of the Philippine
people is to be brought about by the as
surance of peace and order; by the
guarantee of civil and religious liberty;
nv ba pcfo h icb, ant Of Inc 3, ~,
cultivation of letters, science and the
liberal and practical arts; by the en-
largement of intercourse with foreign
nations; by the expansion of industrial
pursuits; by trade and commerce; by
the multiplication and Improvement Of
the means of internal communication
by internal development, with the aid
of mechanical inventions, of the great
natural resources of the archipelago,
and, in a word, by the uninterrupted
devotion 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
purposes of the American Government
and people have been misinterpreted to
some Of the inhabitants of certain ISL
ands and, in consequence, the friendly
American forces, without provocation
or cause, have been openly attacked.
Why these hostilities? What do the
best Filipinos desire? Can it be more
than the United States is ready to give.
They say they are patriots and want
liberty
The commission emphatically asserts
that it is willing and anxious to es-
tablish an enlightened SYSTEM of Gov
eminent under which the people may
enjoy the largest measure of home rule
and the amplest liberty consonant with
the supreme ends of the Government
and compatible with those obligations
which the United States has assumed
towards the civilized nations of the
world.
The proclamation then says there can
be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liber-
ties of the Filipinos, for America is
ready to furnish armies and navies and
all the infinite resources of a great
and powerful nation to maintain its
rightful supremacy over the islands as
it is even more solicitouS to sprea d
peace and happiness among the people
and guarantee them rightful freedom
and to protect their just privileges and
immunities, to accustom them to free.
self government in eVer-increa 81 n q
measure and to encourage those dem
ocratic aspirations, sentiments and
ideals which are the promise and no
tency of fruitful national DEVELOPMENT.
In conclusion, the proclamation an
nounced that the commission will visit
the Philippine provinces to ascertain the
enlightened native opinion as to the
forms of government adapted to the
people conformable with their tradi-
lions and ideals, invites the leading
representative men to meet the com
mission and declares that the policy
of the United States in the establish
ment and maintenance of the Govern
ment is to consult wishes and secure the
advice and cooperation of the people.
The proclamation contains eleven ar
ticles, declaring American intentions. as
follows:
First The8supremac of the Tinted
States must and will be enforced
throughout every part of the archipel-
ago, and those who resist it can accom-
plish no end other than their own ruin.
"Second-To the Philippine peopIe
will be granted the most ample liberty
and selfgovernment reconcilable with
the maintenance of a wise, Just. stable
and effective economical administration
of public affairs and compatible with
the sovereign and International rights
and obligations of the United States
"Third-The civil rights of the Phil
ippine 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
in the eyes of the law.
"Fourth-Honor, justice and friend
ship forbid the use of the Philippine
people or of the islands they inhabit
as an object or means of exploitation.
The purpose of the American Govern
ment is the welfare and advancement
of the Philippine people.
''Fifth-There shall be guaranteed to
the Philippine people an honest and eff
fective civil service in which, to the
fullest extent to which it shall be prac-
teal, natives shall be employed.
'Sixth-The employment and collec-
ton of all taxes and other revenues