Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-12-14
SELF.GOVERNMENT.
A Notable Beginning in the Island
of Negroes.

The unfavorable circumstances connected
with an active campaign have not been per-
work of reconstruction. Again 1 invite your
attention Of The report of the commissioners,
the work already accomplished in the estab-
hshment Of peace and order and the inaugura-
ton Of life in
ginning has been made in the establishment of
a government in the island of Negroes, which
is deserving Of special consideration. This
was the first island to accept American SOW
ereignty. Its people unreservedly proclaimed
a constitution looking to the establishment
of popular government. 1t was impossible
to guarantees to the people Of Negros that the
form of government. Such a question under
the treaty with Spain and in accordance with
ly within the jurisdiction of congress. The
A New System
was put into force by order of the major gen
eral commanding the department. of which
the following are the most important ele-
ments: -
island of Negroes should consist of a military
approved BY the limited States Stat
elected by the people. The military govern
the treasury, interior, agriculture, public in
struction, an attorney general and an auditor.
The military governor exercises the same ex-
ecutive power. He is to that the laws are
executed appoint to Offices and FIJI all va
and may with the approval of the military
governor of the Philippines remove any officer
military governor all public questions and
presides the advisory council. He. in gen.
eral, performs the duties which are performed
by secretaries of state in own system OF
government.
The advisory council consists of eight mem
bers elected by the people within the terri
torial limits which defined in the order of
the commanding general. The times and places
military governor of the island of Negroes.
Voting Qualifications.
The qualificat icrs of voters follows:
~ A voter must be a citizen of the island
g) 81 the age of twenty-one years.
(3) He shall be able to speak: read and
guage or he must possess property worth $500
or pay a rental real property OF the value
as He must have resided in the island not
less than one year preceding and the district
in which he offers to register, as voter not
less than three months Immediately preceding
the time he offers to register.
90 He must, register at a place fixed by
(6) Prior to such registration. he shall have
paid all taxes due by hi INTO the government
Provided that no insane perosn shall be al
The military governor has the right to veto
all bills or resoh items adopted by the advisory
council, and his veto is final If not disapproved
BY the military governor of the Philippines.
The advisory council discharges all the or
binary duties of legislature. The usual du-
ties pertaining to said offices to be per-
formed by the secretary of the treasury, in
terror agriculture, public instruction, the at
torney general and the auditor.
The judicial power is vested in three judges.
who are to be appointed by the military gov
ernor of the island. Inferior courts to be
established. Free public schools are to be
established throughout the populous districts
of the island in which the English language
shall be taught ard this sui ject will receive
the careful consideration Of the advisory coun-
Gil.
The burden of the government must be dis
tributed equally and equitably amcrg the peo-
pie. The military authorities will collect and
receive customs revenue and will control postal
matters and Philippine inter-island trade and
commerce TN.
The military governor. subject 70 the APP
HroTai OF the military governor Of the Phil
caily provided for and which do mot come
under the jurisdiction Of the advisory council.