Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-05

The Presidents proclamation establishing
the military government of the philippines
published today breathes spirit OF kinoll-
ness toward the natives of the archlpeiaso-
II properly interpreted and executed by
his repre- entatives in the islands it should
produce wholesome results, tending to the
rapid establishment of peaceful conditions
and the restoration of prosperity 1he
problem of convincing the natives of the
true purposes of this government * delicate
and demands the most careful consldera-
ton and administration. The President
evidently appreciates this fact keenly. He
admonishes the officers who are intrusted
with the actual work in hand ito announce
and proclaim in the most public manner
that we come. not as invaders or con-
querors. hut as friends, to protect the ma
tives in their homes, in their employments
and in their personal and religious rights.
The success of this undertaking will de-
pend upon the thoroughness and explicit
ness with which the explanation is made to
the natives. Speaking unfamiliar lam
guage. clad in the forbidding garb of the
soldier. with evidences on all sides of
military power to enforce their require
nents. the Americans must appear to the
Unenlightened native of the islands as ter
rifying yisitants. This impression it Will be
difficult TO remove. 1t will be only by kind
illness. patience, forbearance and a per-
sistent demonstration of good intentions
that the new regime will appeal to the
hearts of the people. Far more tolerance is
required in such circumstances than though
the people Of the archipelago We're of the
same race with their new governors To
many of them this change of sovereignty
may appear a present only as a change of
Ga
realizes. as do all who look at the situation
calmly. that there is need for firmness with
all of the diplomacy and tact He states as
much in his proclamation but he adjures
the officers not to be severe save when it
becomes absolutely necessary for the sup
preston of demoralizing disorder
one feature of the proclamation should
appeal at once to the native element The
President declares that the operations of
the civil and municipal governments are to
be performed by such officers as may ac-
knowledge the supremacy of the United
States by taking the oath of allegiance. or
by officers chosen as far as practicable
from the inhabitants themselves The Deo-
PIE VIII thus be brought into official contact
very soon with men of their own kind.
gwen authority by the new power. Thus
among the first evidences of a changed
WI " Gil elIJOS Hlent OF measure
oi the dressings of home rule BY easy
stages these people can we'll be taught the
lesson OF self government The Presidents
desire to secure order and prosperity in the
STANDS as soon as practicable is well evil
uehced by his words, as follows:
1t should be the earnest and paramount
am OF tlle military administration To win
tHe confidence, respect and affection of tba
Inhabitants by assuring tenn in every nos
SlDie way that fun measure of iudiyiduaI
Lisnl9 ana liberties which is the heritage
- re peoples and by proving to them
oI benevolent assimilation. substituting tht
rule -S' 4Ol arbitrary