The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1899-12-14

and protect persons and property within
the territory occupied by their military
and naval forces: that the insurgents
and all others must recognize the military
occupation and authority of the United
States. AS early as Dec. 4, before the
cession, in anticipation of that event.
the commander in Manila was urged to
restore peace and tranquility and to I'M
dertake the establishment of beneficent
government and should afford the fullest
security for life and property
On the 21st of December, after the
treaty was signed. the commander of the
forces Of occupation was instructed ito
announce and proclaim in the most public
manner that we come not as invaders and
conuuerors, but as friends. to protect the
natives I'm their homes, in their employ
ments, and in their personal and religious
rights" On the same day, while order
ing Gen. Otis to see that the peace should
be preserved in Iloilo, he was admon-
ished that ut is the most important that
there should be no conflict with the in
surgents." On the, first day of January,
1899, urgent orders were reiterated that
the kindly intentions of this government
should in every possible way be commu-
nicated to the insurgents.
On the 21st day OF January / announced
my intention of dispatching TO Manila a
commission composed of three gentlemen
of the highest character and distinction
thoroughly acquainted with the Orient
who, in association with Admiral Dewey.
and Maj. Gen. OTIS, were instructed to
facilitate the most humane and effective
extension OF authority Throughout the ISL
ands and to secure with the least possible
delay the benefits Of wise and generous
protection Of life and property to the in.
habitants."
While the treaty of peace was under
consideration In the senate these commits
sioners Set out on their mission Of good
will and liberation. Their character was
sufficient guaranty of the beneficent pur-
pose Of which they went, even If they had
not borne the positive instructions OF
this government which made their errand
pre-eminently one Of peace and friend
ship.
But before their arrival at Manila the
sinister ambition of few leaders of the
Filippinos had created q situation full of
embarrassments for us and most grievous
In its consequences to themselves. The
clear and impartial preliminary report OF
the commissioners, which ] transmit
herewith, gives so lucid and comprehen-
sive a history Of the present Instruction
airy movement that the story need not be
here repeated.
II is enough to say that the claim Of
the rebel leader that he was promised
independence by any officer Of the United
States in relation for his assistance has
no foundation in fact and is categorically
denied by the very witnesses who were
called to prove II.
The most the insurgent leader hoped
for when he came back to Manila was
the liberation of the islands from the
Spanish control, which they had been
laboring for years without success to
throw Off. The prompt accomplishment
of this work by the American army aud
navy gave him other ideas. and ambitions
rtn
quarters perverted the purposes and In
tentions with which he had taken up
arms.
The rebellion must be put down, civil
government cannot be Thoroughly estab-
lished until order Is restored.
With a devotion and gallantry worthy
of it's most brilliant history, the army,
ably and Loyalty assisted by the navy.
has carried on this unwelcome but most
righteous campaign. which richly de-
served success. The noble self-sacrific
with which our soldiers and sailors whose
terms Of service had expired refused to
avail themselves of their right to return
home as long as they were needed at the
front forms one Of the brightest pages In
our annals. Although their operatio
have been somewhat interrupted and
checked by rainy season of unusual
violence and duration, they have gained
ground steadily in every direction and
now look forward confidently to speedy
completion of their task.
The unfavorable circumstances con-
nected with an active campaign have not
been permitted to interfere with theeduai-
ly important work of reconstruction.
Again / invite your attention Of the re-
port of the commissioners. giving interest
ing and encouraging details of the work
already accomplished in the establishment
of peace and order and the inauguration
Of al mn
portions of the archipelago. notable
beginning has been made in the establish
ment Of a government In the island OF
Negroes which is deserving Of special con-
sideration. This was the first island TO
accept American sovereignty. It's people
unreservedly proclaimed allegiance to the
United States and adopted constitution
looking to the establishment of popular
government.
The authorities OF the Sulu islands have
accepted the succession OF the UnNed
States to the rights of Spain, and our fag
floats over that territory.
Concerning the future government OF
the archipelago the president says:
The future government OF the Philip
pines rests with the congress OF the
United States. Few graver responsibility
ties have ever been confided to US. III
we accept them In q spirit worthy OF
our race and our traditions, great OPP
portunity comes with them.
The islands lie under the shelter OF
our flag. They are ours by every title
OF law and equity. They cannot be
abandoned. II we desert them we leave
them at once to anarchy and finally to
barbarism. We fling them, golden apple
Of discord. among the rival powers, no
one of which could permit another to
seize them unquestioned.
Their rich plains and valleys would be
the scene of endless strife and bloodshed.
The advent of Dewey's fleet In Manila
bay, instead Of being as we hoped. the
down of a new day of freedom and pro-
gress, will have been the beginning OF
an era Of misery and violence worse than
any which has darkened their unhappy
past. The suggestion has been made that
we C, uld renounce our authority over the