The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-16
PROCLAMATION

General Otis:
PROCLAMATION.
once of the Military Governor Of the
Philippine Islands.
MANILA, P. L, Jan A. 1889.
To the People of the Philippine Islands:
Instructions of his EXcellenCy the PreSi-
dent of the United States relative to the
administration of affairs in the Philippine
Islands have been transmitted TO me by
direction of the Honorable the Secretary
OF War, under date of December Is, 1898.
They direct me to publish and proclaim
In the most public manner to the inhabI-
tants of these islands that in the war
against Spain the United States forces
came here to destroy the power of that
nation and to give the blessings of peace
and individual freedom to the Philippine
people; that we are here as friends of the
filipinos to protect them in their homes,
their employments, their individual ana
religious liberty; that all persons who,
either by active aid or honest endeaVor,
cooperate with the Government of the
United States to give effect to these bene-
ncent purposes will receive the reward or
its support and protection.
The President of the United States has
assumed that the municipal laws OF the
country in respect TO private rights and
property and the repression of crime are
10 be considered as continuing in force.
In so far as they may be applicable to a
free people, and should be administered
by the ordinary tribunals of justice, pre-
sided over by representatives of the peo-
pie and those in thorough sympathy with
them in their desires for good govern
ment; that the functions and duties con-
nected with civil and municipal admins
tration are 10 be performed by such OH.
GERS as wish to accept the assistance or
the United States, chosen in so. far as 1t
may be practicable from the inhabitants
of the islands; that while the manage
ment or public property and rev
enues and the use of all pub
lie means of transportation are 10 De
conducted under the military authorizes
until such authorities can be replaced by
civil administration, all private property,
whether of individuals or corporations,
must be respected and protected. II pri-
vate property be taken for military uses
II shall be paid for al fair valuation, IN
cash If possible; and when payment IN
cash is not practicable at the time, re
cetptS therefor Will be given TO De taken
up and liquidated as soon as the cash De
comes available. The ports of the Philip
pine Islands shall be open to the com
merce of all foreign nations, and GOODS
and merchandise not prohibited for mill
tary reasons by the military authorities
shall be. admitted upon payment OF such
duties and charges as shall be IN force
at the time of Importation.
The President concludes his instructions
in the following language;
Finally it should be the earnest and para
mount aim of the administration to win the
confidence, respect and affection of the in
habitants Of the Philippines by insuring to
them in every possible way the full measure
Of Individual rights and liberty which is the
heritage Of free people, and by proving to
them that the mission of the United States is
one of beneficent assimilation which will sub
stitute the mild sway of justice and right for
arbitrary rule. In the fuhllment of this high
mission while upholding the temporary ad-
ministration Of affairs for the greatest good OF
the governed. there will be sedulously main
tanned the strong arm of authority TO repress
disturbance and TO overcome all obstacles TO
The bestoWal- of the blessings OF good and
stable government upon the people Of the
Philippine Islands.
From the tenor and substance of the
above Instructions Of the President l am
fully of the opinion that it is the inten-
ton of the United States Government
while directing affairs generally. to ap-
point the representative men now form
Ing the controlling element of the Fill
pinOs TO civil positions OF trust ana re-
Sponsibility, and it will be my aim TO APP
point thereto such Filipiros as may be &C
Ceptable to the supreme authorities at
Washington.
1t is also my belief that 1t is the inten-
ton of the United States Government TO
draw from the Filipino people so much
of the military force of the ISLANDS as
possible and consistent with free and
we'll constituted government OF the coun-
try: and it is my desire to inaugurate
policy of that character. L am also con-
WINGED that it is the intention OF the
United States Government to seek the es-
Establishment Of a most liberal government
for the islands in which the people them
selves shall have as 1uII representat93Ini
as the maintenance of order and law Will
permit and which shall be susceptible OF
DEVELOPMENT on lines of increased repre-.
sentatiOn and the bestOwal OF increased
powers into a. government as free and
Independent as is enjoyed by the most Ia
vored provinces of the world.
Il will be my constant endeavor to CO.
operate with the Filipino people. seeking
the good of the country, and invite lhelr
fun confidence and aid. ,-
Major General I. S. Volunteers,
Military Governor.