The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1899-01-13
PRESIDENT TO FILrplNos.


Washington. Jan. 6.-The foliowip.
Is the tex; of the instructions sent (,
Gen. Oiis. ia command Of the United
States forces ID the Philippines, as ex
pressiyt Of the purposes Of the Unitet
States with respect 10 them:
Adju,ant Generals Office. Washington
- C., Dec. q, 1898. Seen. Otis, Manila. II,
direction Of the secretary OF war, ! hay
the honor 10 transmit herewith tBstruc
iions Of che president relative 10 the I'D
niniStrst.6n of affairs in the Philippine IL
iapds.
Executive Mansion. Washington. d. G.
Dec. y, iss-To the Secretary Of War
SIR; The destruction of the Spanish fee
il the harbor Of Manila by the Tnitet
states naval squadron. commanded b,
Rear Admiral Dewey. followed by the re,
suction of The city and the surrender Of
The Spanish forces. PRACTICAL y effected tn,
conquest Of the Philippine isls nd. and thu
suspension Of Spanish sovereignty therein
with The signature OF the treaty o.
peace between the United States and Spait
by their respective plenipctentiaries 81
Paris, on the 10th inst, and as the reauil
pf the victories at American arms. the fu.
lure control, disposition and government
of the Philippine islands are ceded to the
United States. In fulhllment OF the right.
OF sovereignty thus acquired and the re.
sp0naible obligations OF government thus
assumed the actual occupation and admin.
isiration of the entire group of the Philip.
Zine islands becomes Immediately neces-
gary, and the military government here
totore maintained by the United States In
the city, harbor and bay of Manila Ia to be
extended with all possible dispatch TO the
sYIplp of The ended tarpltory
IN performing this duty. the militar:
commander or the United States is en-
joined 10 make known TO the Inhabitants
Of tho Philippine Islands that, In succeed
ING TO The sovereignty Of Spain. IN sever
ing the former political relations OF the
inhabitants asld In establishing a new po-
1i.ical power. the authority Of the United
States IL TO he exerted for the sovereignty
Of the persons and property Of the people
o. the islands and for the confirmation
OF all their private rights and relations.
IL VIII be The duty Of the commander Of the
forces of occupation TO announce and pro-
cIaim In the most public M that we
come, not as invaders or coneuerors, but
rs fri6lids, to protect the natives In their
homes, In their employing nts and in their
p%cfRonal and religious rights. All per-
sons who, either by active aid or by hon.
est Submission. cooperate with the govern
inent of the United States to give effect
TO these beneficent purposes, Will receive
the reward OF Its support and protection.
All Others will be brought within the Ia W.
full rule we have assumed, with RIM SIS
II need be, but without severity so far as
may be possible.
within the absolute domain of military
authority. which necessarily Is and must
remain supreme In the cedcd territory I'M
III 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 10 be considered MS continuing In force.
and TO be administered by the ordinary
tribunals as far as possible. The opera
lions Of civil and municipal government
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 rs may be practi-
cable from the inhabitants OF the islands.
While the control Of all the public prop
ttfy and the revenues OF the state passes
with the ~cession. and while the use and
management OF all public mean of trans
rortaiion are necessarily reserved 10 the
authority Of the United States, private
property. whether belonging to Individuals
or corporations, is to be respected except
for cause fully established. The taxes and
duties heretofore payable by the inhabi.
aanfs to the late government become pay
able TO the authorities Of the United
States, unless II be seen 1T to substitute
for e OtIer reasonable rates or modes
OF contribution TO the expenses Of goy.
whether general or local. II pri-
waite property DO taken for military use, II
should be paid for when possible IN cash mt
a fair valuation. and when payment In
Ii not practicable. receipts are to be
given.
AN ports and places In the Philippine is +
lands In the actual possession of the land
md naval forces Of the United States will |
he opened TO tho commerce Of all friendly |
n aiions. All goods and wares, not prohib- |
lied for military reasons by due announce |
lnent OF the military authority. will be ad-
upon payment Of such duties and
other charges as shall be In force at the
lime OF their importation.
FINALLY. Il should be the earnest and |
para mount aim Of the military administra-
Ion 10 win the confide nee, respect and af-
OF the inhabitants of the Philip.
pines BY assuring to them In every possible
way that full measure OF individual rights
ind liberty which Is the heritage OF free
people and by proving 10 them that the
OF the United States Is ono Of
assimilation, substituting the
mild sway Of Justice and right for arb.
lrary rule. In the fulfllment Of this high
supporting the temperate admin.
ntration OF affairs for the greatest good
y the governed there must be s~edulously
maintained the strong arm OF authority,
70 repress disturbance and TO overcome ali
Obstacles to the bcstowal Of the blessIngsI
u good and stable government upon the
people OF the Philippine islands under the
'ree nag OF The United States.
WILLIAM M'k1NLEY."
Aeknow ledge receipt.
II. G. CORBiN, Adjutant General.