The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-06

United States is to be exerted for the
security of the persons and property of
the people of the islands and for the con-
frmation of all their private rights and
relations 1t will be the duty of the COM
mander of the forces of occupation to an
nounce and proclaim in the most public
manner that we come, not as invaders or
conquerors, but as friends, to protect the
natives in their homes, in their employ
ments and in their personal and religious
rights. All persons, who, either by active
aid or honest submission cooperate with
the Government of the United States to
give effect to these benefits and purposes,
will receive the reward of its support and
protection. All others will be brought
within the lawful rule we have assumed,
with firmness if need be, but without Sc
verify, as far as may be possible.
Within the absolute domain of mill
tary authority, which necessarily is and
must remain supreme in the coded ter
ritory until the legislation of the United
States shall otherwise provide, the mu-
nicipal laws of the territory, in respect
to private rights and property and the
repression of crime are to be considered
as continuing in force and to be admin
istered by the ordinary tribunals, as far
as possible. The operations of civil and
municipal government are to be per-
formed by such officers as may accept
taking the oath of allegiance, or by Off
GERS chosen so far as may be practical
Bile from the inhabitants Of the island.
while the control of all the public
property and the revenues of the State
passes with the cession, and while the
use and the management of all public
means of transportation are necessarily
reserved to the authority OF the United
States, private property, which belongs
to individuals or corporations, is to be
respected. except for cause fully estab-
lshed. The taxes and duties heretofore
payable by the inhabitants to the late
Government become payable to the au-
be seen fit to substitute for them other
reasonable rates or modes of contribu-
ton TO the expenses OF government.
whether general or local. If private
shall be paid for when possible in cash at
a fair valuation, and when payment in
cash. is not practicable receipts are to
'All ports and places in the Philippine
Islands in the actual possession of the
land and naval forces of the United States
friendly nations. All goods and wares not
prohibited for military reasons by due an
nouncement of the military authority will
be admitted upon payment of such duties
and other charges as shall be in force at
the time of their Importation.
Finally, 1t shall be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military admins
affection of the inhabitants Of the Philip
pines by assuring them in every possible
way that full measure Of individual rights
and liberty which are the heritage of free
people, and by proving to them that the
mission of the United States is one of
benevolent assimilation, substituting the
mild sway Of justice and right for arbi-
trary rule. In the fulfllment Of this high
mission, supporting the temperate admin
istration of affairs for the greatest good of
the governed, there must be seriously
maintained the strong arm of authority
to repress disturbance and to overcome
all obstacles to the bestowal of the bless
ings of good government upon the people
OF the Philippine Islands under the free
flag of the United States.
civilian MCKINLEY.
Acknowledged receipt
H. c. CORBIN, Adjutant General"