Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-06
70 THE F|L|P|NOS'
Vrjta1t's Proclamation Pub
Nshed al Manila,
ILLUSTRATIONS POLICY
K One Of Benevolent ASSimlla-
tiOn."
~,,L MEASURE OF LIBERTY
Mission TO Substitute the miid
sway Of Justice "nd Right for ar
s.ary Ruis-The open-poor ir""e

....e,r1cTON. January 5.-The policy
,.n. odrinistration toward the Philip
go "a SHOWN in the following cable
,.s.s.rs made public at the War Depart
ment to-day -
r.,smber c7.-General Otis, Manila:
p.. direction OF the Secretary of War, 1
,.. che honor to transmit herewith in
.,-,.,iars Of the President, relative to the
....,r..,ratfon Of the Philippine Islands
CONQUEST OF ISLANDS.
ar,eertlye Mansion. December p. 1898.
r. ,ts Secretary Of War: Sir,-The de-
,....,..r of the Spanish fleet in the har-
,-ofNaniIa by the United states naval
s,mtraa commanded by Rear-Admiral
D.usy followed by the reduction OF the
~ an the surrender of the Spanish
t.-..s rrclicaly effected the conquest
NJ tbs Philippine Islands and the sus-
rasoa OF spanish sovereignty therein.
with the signature of the treaty Of
fsses between spain and the United
States by their respective plenipotentia-
r.s at Paris. on the 10th instant and as
result Of the victories Of American
arms the future control, disposition. and
government of the Philippine Islands are
oeIed to the United States In fulfill
ment Of the rights OF sovereignty thus
acquired. and the responsible obligations
Of government thus assumed. the actual
occupation and administration of the en-
tire group Of the Philippine Islands be-
comes Immediately necessary, and the
military government heretofore maintain
cd by the United States in the city, har-
bor. and bay of Manila is to be extended
with all possible dispatch to the whole of
the ceded territory.
WE COME AS FRIENDS.
"In performing this duty the military
commander OF the United states Is en-
Joined Go make known TO The inhabitants
OF The Philippine Islands that in succeed
iue t9 OBJ, sovereignty Of Spain, in sever
ink thl former political relations or the
Inhabitants. ana in establishing new
POLITICAL power. the authority Of the
United States Is o. be eXerted for the
security of the persons and property OF
the people of the island and Tor the con-
nrmation of an their private rights and
relations 10 Will be the duty Of the
commander Of the forces Of occupation
90 announce and proclaim in the most
public manner that we come not az in
yddcrs OF c0nquerors but as friends, to
protect tine natives i'm their homes, in
their tmploymcnts, aad in their personal
and religious rights.
"An persons who, either by active aid or
by honest submission, cooperate with the
Government of the United States to give
effect 20 these bcnefcent purposes. will
receive the reward OF It's support and pro-
lection. All others Will be brought with
300 the lawful rule we have assumed, with
lrmless II need be, but without severity,
sJ Gar as may be possible.
PRESENT LAWS CONTINUE.
"Within the absolute domain of military
authority, which necessarily is and must
remain in the ceded territory, and until
DE legislative authority of the United
States shall otherwise provide, the muni-
cpll laws in respect 10 private rights and
property, and the suppression OF crime,
ATE 90 Doe considered as continuing in
loicl. and % be- administered by the ordi-
niy tribunals, so far as practicable.
The operations 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
as may Doe practicable, from the inhabi-
tants OF the island.
TANES AND DUTIES.
while the control of all the public
property and the revenues OF the State
passes with the cession, and while the
use and management Of all public means
OF transportation are necessarily reserved
gf
private property. whether belonging to in
ovouals or corporations. is to be re-
spe.led, except for cause duly established.
The taxes and duties heretofore payable
ny tAc Inhabitants to the late government
become payable to the authorities of the
United States. unless II be seen fit to
substitute for them other reasonable
rates Or modes OF contribution TO the eX-
ltnses OF the government, whether gene
III or local. If private property be taken
Tor military use it shall be paid for, when
possible. in cash. at fair valuation, and
Eneu payment in cash is not practicable
receipts are 10 be given.
THE OPEN DOOR.
"Ah ports and places in the Philippine
Islands in the actual possession OF the
land and naval forces of the United
states will be open 10 the commerce Of all
hol prohibited for military reasons by
que announcement OF the military au-
'nouiy, will be- admitted upon payment
W. such duties and other charges as shall
BE- 10 force at the time of their impor-
tatiOn.
Finally IL should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military admins
ueuon 10 win The confidence, respect and
oHtcuon OF thc Inhabitants OF the Philip
pines by assuring % them IN every possl-
Oe way mat fun measure OF individual
HsLt ana liberty which Is the heritage
VI Iiee peoples and by proving TO them
"al The mission OF the United States IS
he OF benevolent assimilation. substi-
u-hs The mild sway Of justice and right
'or arbitrary rule.
ALL UNDER OUR FLAG.
IN the fuldlment Of this high mission
Importing a temperate administration
VI affairs for the greatest good OF tn,
s'ferned there must be zealOusly main.
rihed The strong arm Of authority. te
'eWess disturbance. and 10 overcome al
oostacles 20 the bestowal OF the blessing,
good and stable government upon IN,
'pls OF the Philippine Islands under IN,
"'e nag OF the United States.
" WILLIAM MKINLEY.
acknowledge receipt H. {. Corbin
Adjuiant-GeneraL"
Aslor-General Ots's proclamation con
ss snis 'he Presidents directions. which