The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-01-06
PRESIDENTS INSTRUCTIONS
To General Otis Relative TO 'he
Administration of Affairs III inc
Philippine Islands.

't 100 :
Philippine Islands.
WASHINGTON. D. c., Jan. 5,-Tae
following Is the text OF the instructions
sent to General Otis in command OF the
United States forces In the Philippines
to DE proclaimed to the Philippines as
expressive OF the purposes OF the United
States with respect to them:
ADJCTANT GENERALS OFFICE,
WASHINGTON. Dec. q, 1898. s
General Otis, Manila.
Be direction Of the secretary OF war.
have the honor 10 transmit herewith
instructions OF the President relative 10
the administration OF affairs In the
Philippine Islands:
"EXEcUTIvE MANSION.
WASHINGTON. Dec. q, 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
maaded 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
Philippine Islands and the suspension
OF Spanish sovereignty therein. )
with the signature OF the treaty Of
peace between the United States and
Spain by their respective pleaiPotea-
tiarles at Paris. on the 10th inst. and
as the result Ut the victories OF Ameri-
can arms. the future contorl. DISPOSE
ton and government OF the Philippine
81 10 rn ra1aI IN no T-rttnl Ctntns
In fulhllment OF the rights OF sorer-
eighty thus acquired and the RESPONSE
BILE obligations Of government thus as
sumed the actual occupation and ad-
ADMINISTRATION OF the entire group OF the
Philippine Islands becomes Immediately
necessary and the military government
heretofore maintained by the UnIed
States In the city, liarbor and baS OF
Manila Is to be extended with all posi-
bic dispatch to the whole OF the coded
territory.
IA performing this duty. the military
commander Of the United States Is en-
Joined 10 make knO:"n TO the inhabi-
tlnts OF III: Philippine Islands that In
succeeding to the sovereignty OF Spain
in severinG the former political rela-
lions OF the inhabitants and in estab-
fishing n new political power the au-
thOrity OF the United States, is 10 be
cXerted for the security OF the persons
and property. OF the people of the Is
lands. and for the confirmation of all
their private rights and relations. 1t
will be the duty OF the commander OF
the forces OF occupation TO announce
and proclaim In the most public man
ner that we come. not as invaders or
1,ktk frtn L. -. fnnl
the natives In thci- homes. in their en-
ployment and In their personal and re-
lislous 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
beneficcnt purposes will receive the re-
ward OF its support and protection. All
others will be brought within the lawful
rule we have assumed. with firmness II
need be, but without severity go far as
may be possible.
Within the absolute domain OF mill
tary authority which necessarily must
remain coded territory until the legis-
lation OF the United States shall other
wise provide. the municipal laws OF the
territory In respect TO private rights
and property and the repression of
tIltHt ~ w as
ing in force and to be administered by
the ordinary tribupa!s so far as prac-
ticablc. The operations OF civil and
municipal government are to be per-
formed by such officers as mas accept
the supremacy OF the United States by
taking the oath of allegiance, or by Of
fice:s CHOSEN rs far as may be practical
bic from the Inhabitants Of the islands.
H"hitn tho ptraI .Nf oil =. J,n t,,1Itn
property and the revenues of the state
passes with the ccsslor. and while the
Use and 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 corporation
is to be respected except for cause
duly established. The taxes and duties
heretofore payable by the Inhabitants
10 the late government. become payable
TO the authorities of the United States
unless 1t be seen tit 10 substitute for
them other reasonable rates or modes o.
contribution to the expenses OF govern
ment whether general or local. II pri-
vate property be taken for military
use. 1t shall be paid for when possible
In cash at fair valuation. and when
payment In cash Is not practicable re-
ceipts are 10 " 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 by military rea-
sons By due announcement OF military
authority will be admitted upon pas
ment Of such duties and other charges
as shall he In force at the time of their
importation.
Finally It should be the earnest and
paramount aim OF the military admins
tration to win the confidence, respect
and affection OF the Inhabitants Of the
Philippines by assuring to them In ev-
cry possible way that full measure OF
individual rights and liberties which IS
the heritage of free peoples, and by
proving to them that the mission OF the
United States is one OF benevolent as
similation. substituting the mild swat.
OF justice and right for arbitrary rule.
In the fulfillmert of this high mission,
supporting the temperate adminlstra-
ton of affairs for the greatest good OF
the governed. there must be seduIouslv
maintained the strong arm OF authority
to represS disturbance and to overcome
all obstacles 70 the bestowal of the
blessings OF gSod and stable govern
ment upon the people OF the Philippine
islands under the free flag OF the United
States.
civilian MKINLEY."
Acknowledge receipt, II. c. Corbin,
n1{Iiupt pnnnrn1