The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-04-07

by the peace treaty of the Philippine is
lands to the United States, refers to the
appointment Of the commission, as
sures the people of the cordial good will
n fraternal feeling of the president
Of the United States and the American
people and asserts that the object
which the United States government,
apart from the fulfillment of it's SOL
emn obligations, has assumed toward
the family of nations by the acceptance
of the sovereignty v the islands, is
the we'll being, prosperity and happi-
I ness of the Philippine people and their
elevation and advancement to a posi-
| ton among the most civilized peoples
of the world. Continuing, the procla-
nation says:
The president believes this felicity
and perfection of the Philippine people
will be brought about by the cultivation
Of letters, science and the liberal and
practical arts; by the enlargement of
intercourse with foreign nations; the
expansion of industrial pursuits by
trade and commerce.; by the multiple
cation and by the development of the
great natural resources Of the archi-
pelago.
Unfortunately the pure aims and
pAA BODS0 ~ LIN - q 6O Z L
and people have been misinterpreted to
some of the inhabitants of certain is
lands, and, in consequence, the friendly
American forces, without prOvOcatiOn
or cause, have been openly attacked.
Why these hostilities? What do the
best Philippines desire? Car 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 estab-
liSh an enlightened system of govern
ment under which the people may enjoy
the largest measure of HON rule and
the amplest liberty consonant with the
supreme ends of the government and
compatible with those obligations
which the United States has assumed
toward the civilized nations of the
world.
DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN SU-
PREMACY.
The proclamation then says there can
be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liberties
of the Philippines, for America is ready
to furnish armies and navies and all
1.-THE infinite of a great and
Epowerful nation to maintain it's right
supremacy over the ,oppositions, sc
is even more solicitious to spread
and happiness among the people
and guarantee them rightful freedom
and to protect their just privileges and
immunitieS, to accuStom them to free,
measure and to encourage those demo-
cratic aspirations, sentiments and ideals
which are the promise and potency OF
fruitful national development.
In conclusion the proclamation an
nOunceS 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-'
tons and ideals, invites the leading
representatives men to meet the COM
mission, and declares that the policy of
the United States, in the establishment
and maintenance of the government, Is
to consult the wishes and secure the
advice n cooperation of the people.
DECLARATION OF AMERICAS IN
TENTIONS.
The proclamation contains eleven
articles, declaring Americas intentions,
as follows:
States must and will be enforced
throughout every part of the archipel-
ago. Those who resist can accomplish
nothing except their own ruin.
,. The amplest liberty of self-gov-
m will be granted, which is rec
oncilable with just, stable, effective
and economical administration Inc
compatible with the sovereign rights
and obligations of the United States.
3. The civil rights of the Philippines
will be guaranteed and protected; their
religious freedom will be assured, and
all will have equal standing before the
Nav.
IA Honor, justice and friendship for
the exploitation of the people of the
Ands. The purpose of the American
government is the welfare and adj
vancement of the Philippine people.
Go 80 ~ hnnh-t o~I fA
tive civil service in which, to the fullest
extent practicable, natives shall be
employed.
6. The collection and application of
taxes and other will be put
upon q sound, honest and economical
basis. The public funds, raised justly
and collected honestly, will be applied
only to defraying the proper expense OF
the establishment and maintenance OF
the Philippine government, and such
general Improvements as public inter
ests demand. Local funds collected fol
local. purposes shall not be diverted tC
other ends With such prudent anc
honest fiscal administration, it is be
lieved the needs of the government vii
in a short time become compatible with
q considerable reduction in taxation.
Z. The establishment of a pure
speedy and effective administration q
Justice, by which the evils of delay
corruption and exploitation will be eff
~fectually eradicate6
8. The construction of roads, rail
roads and other means of communica
ton and transportation and other pub
lie works of manifest advantage to tn
people will be promoted.
8. Domestic and foreign trade an,
and Other Industrial pursuit.
and the general development Of III
country in the interest of it's inhab.
tants will be constant objects of solici
tude and fostering care.
10, Effective provision will be mad
for the establishment of elementar
schools, in which the children will b
Educated. Appropriate facilities wi
Sso be provided for higher education.
II. Reforms in all departments
pvernment, all branches OF the publ
krvices and all corporations closel
Touching the common life of the peopl
must be undertaken without delay an