The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1899-01-11
PRESIDENT TO FrLrpINos.
Text Of the Instrsctions sent "a
American Commander nj MAN
fla. Gen. Otis.


Washington, Jan. 6.-The following
Is the text Of the instructions sent TO
Gen. Otis, In command OF the United
States forces 10 the Philippines. as ex-
pressive Of the purposes OF the United
States with respect 10 them:
Adjutant Generals Once. Washington.
d. G., Dec. "a. 1S9s.-Gen. Otis. Manila: BY
direction Of the secretary of war. have
the honor TO transmit herewith instruc-
lions OF the president relative TO the adj
mInistration of affairs In the Philippine is
lands:
Executive Mansion. Washington. ID. c.,
Dec. q, iSes.-To the Secretary of War
Sir: The destruction OF the Spanish feet
In the harbor of Manila by the United
States naval squadron, commanded by
Rear Admiral Dewey, followed by the re-
duction of the city and the surrender OF
the Spa nish forces, practically effected the.
conquest of the Philippine islands and the
suspension of Spanish sovereignty therein.
with the signature of the treaty OF
peace between the United States and Spain
by their respective pienipotentiaries at
Paris on the 10th inst. and as the result
of the victories of American arms. the fu-
ture control, disposition and government
of the Philippine islands are coded TO the
United States. In ful1llment of the rights
of sovereignty thus acquired and the re-
sponsible obligations Of government thus
assumed the actual occupation and admin
istration of the entire group OF the Philip
pine islands becomes Immediately neces-
sary, and the military government here
tofore maintained by the United States In
the city, harbor and bay OF Manila is to be
extended with all possible dispatch to the
whole OF the coded territory.
I'm performing this duty. the military
comma nder of the United States is en-
Joined to make known TO the Inhabitants
of the Philippine islands that. in succeed
ting to the sovereignty of Spain. In sever
ing the former political relations of the
tnha bitants and in establishing a new po-
litical power. the authority Of the United
states is to be exerted for the sovereignty
of the persons and property OF the people
of the islands and for the confirmation
Of all their private rights and relations.
It will be the duty of the comma nder Of the
forces of occupation to announce and pro-
claim 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 per-
sons who, either by active aid or by hon.
est submission, cooperate with the govern
ment of the United States to give effect
to these beneficent pr poses, will receive
the reward of its support and protection.
All others will be brought within the law
full rule we have assumed. with firmness
II need be, but without severity so far as
may be possible
within the absolute domain of military
authority, which necessarily is and must
emain supreme In the ceded territory un-
til the legislation of the United States shall
otherwise provide, the municipal laws OF
the territory. in respect 10 private rights
and property and the repression of crime.
are to be considered as continuing in force.
and to be administered by the ordinary
tribunals as far as possible. The opera
lions of civil and municipal government
are TO be performed by such officers as
may accept the supremacy of the United
States by taking the oath of allegiance, or
by officers chosen as far as may be pracu-
cable from the inhabitants of the islands.
while the control of all the public prop
erty and the revenues OF the state passes
with the cession. and while the use and
management of all public means of trans
portation are necessarily reserved to the
authority of the United States, private
property, whether belonging to individuals
or corporation is to be respected except
for cause fully established. The taxes and
duties heretofore payable by the inhabi-
tants to the late government become pay
able to the authorities Of the United
States, unless 1t be seen fit to substitute
for them other reasonable rates or modes
of contribution to the expenses Of gov
eminent, whether general or local. If pri-
vate property be taken for military use, 1t
should 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 is
lands in the actual possession of the land
and naval forces of the United States will
be opened to the commerce of all friendly
nations. All goods and wares, not prohib-
tied for military reasons by due announce
ment of the military authority, will be adj
mitted upon payment of such duties and
other charges as shall be in force at the
time of their Importation.
FINALLY, ii should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military admnistra-
| ton to win the confidence, respect and at
| lection of the inhabitants of the Philip
pines by assuring to them in every possible
way that 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
| benevolent assimila ton, substituting the
mild sway of justice and right for arbi-
| trary rule. In the fulfiilment OF this high
| mission. supporting the temperate admin
| is1ration of affairs for the greatest good
| of the governed, there must be sedulously
| maintained 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 under the
| free flag of the United States.
| WILLIAM MKINLEY."
| Acknowledge receipt
| II. C. CORBIN, Adjutant General
|