The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-06

ereignty of Spain, in severing the former po-
htlcaI relations of the inhabitants and IN
establishing, a new political power, the au-
thority of the United States is to be exerted
for the security of the persons and property
OF the people Of the islands and for the con-
nrmation OF all their private rights and rela-
tions 1t will be the duty of the commander
of the forces of occupation to announce 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 employments and in their
personal and religious rights. All persons
VINO eltner by active. aid or by honest SUD-
MISSION, cooperate with the government OF
the Dn4ted States to give effect to these
beneficent purposes will receive the reward
OF It's support and protection. All others will
be brought within the lawful rule we have
assumed, with firmness If need be- but with
out severity so far as may be possible.
within the absolute domain of military
authority which necessarily is and must
remain supreme in the ceded territory until
tne legislation of the United States shall
otherwise provide, the municipal laws of the
territory, in respect to private rights and
property and the repression of crime are
60 be administered by the ordinary tribun-
ais so far as practicable. The operations of
performed by such officers as may accept
the supremacy of the United States by TAX
ing the oath of allegiance. or by officers
chosen as far as may be practicable from
the Inhabitants of the islands.
While the control Of all the public prop
erty and the revenues Of the State passes
MANAGEMENT of all public means OF trans
pOrtation are necessarily reserved to the
authority of the United States. private prop
efty, whether belonging to individuals or
corporations, is to be respected, except for
cause duly established. The taxes and duties
heretofore payable by the inhabitants to
the late government become payable to the
authorities of the United States unless it
be seen fit to substitute for them other rea-
sonable rates or modes of contribution to
the expenses of government, whether gen.
erdl or local. If private property be taken
for military use, 1t shall be paid for when
possible in cash, at a fair valuation, and
when payment in cash is not practicable
receipts are to be given. All ports and places
in the Philippine islands In the actual DOS
United States will be opened to the COM
meTce of all friendly nations. All goods and
wares not prohibited for military reasons by
due announcement of the military authority
VIII be admitted upon payment of such
duties and other charges as shall be in force
at the time of their Importation.
Finally, it should be the earnest and par
amount aim of the military administration
10 win the confidence, respect and affection
OF the inhabitants of the Philippines by as
Iull measure of individual rights and liber-
ties which is the heritage of free peoples and
by proving to them that the mission of the
United States is one of benevolent assim-
liatlon, substituting the mild sway of JUS
tice and right for arbitrary rule In the full
fillment of this high mission supporting the
temperate administration of affairs for the
greatest good of the governed there must
be sedulousy maintained the strong arm of
authority to repress disturbances and to
the blessings of good and stable govern
ment upon the people of the Philippine ISL
ands under the free flag of the United
States. WILLIAM M'KTNLEY.H