The Irish standard., 1899-01-14
FUTURE Of PHILIPPINES.
Presidents Proclamation to the Fill
ipinos Published at Manila
by Gen. Otis.
DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE INSURGENTS.
Dispose of and Govern the Entire
Group of Islands Is Claimed by
Reason of Success at Arms and
CcnsiOn from Spain.

Washington, Jan. G.. The following
Is the text OF the instructions sent to
Gen. Otis, in command of the United
States forces in the Philippines, as ex-
pressive Of the purposes Of the United
States with respect to them:
"Exscutiys Mansion. Washington. 2. O..
Sir: The destruction of the Spanish fleet
in the harbor &C Manila by tho United
States naval squadron. commanded by
Rear Admiral Dewey. followed by the re-
Spanish forces, practically effected tho con-
quest OF the Philippine islands and the aus
pension of Spanish sovereignty therein.
United states to Control.
with the signature Of the treaty Of peace
between the Unitel States and Spain by
on the 10th inst. and as the result OF the
victories Of American arms. the future con-
Gol. dispo ition and government Of tho
Philippine islands are ceded to the United
States. In fulfill. ,ent OF the rights OF SOW
ereignty thus acquired and the responsible
obligations of government thus assumed,
the actual occupation and administration
of the entire group O.. the Philippine is-
lands becomes Immediately necessary. and
the military government heretofore MAIN
teined by the United States In The city. har.
Dor and bay OF Manila is to be extended
with all possible dispatch to the whole of
the coded territory.
In Interests of People.
'In performing this duty. the military
commander of the United States II en-.
Joined to make known to the Inhabitants
Of the Philippine lands that. in succeed
Ing to the sovereignty OF Spain, in sever
Ing the former political relations Of the
Inhabitants and In establishing new po-
litical power. the authority of the united
States Is to be exert I'D for the sovereignty
OF the persons and property of the people
of tho islands and for the confirmation
Of all their private rights and relations.
It will be the duty of the commander 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-
sens who. either by active aid or by hon-
est submission. cooperate with the govern
ment Of the United States to give effect
tothese beneficent purposes. will receive the
reward of its support and protection. All
others will be brought within the |. wful
rule we have assumed. with flrmness II
need be. but without severity so far as
may be possible.
Present Laws In Force.
"Within the absolute domain Of military
authority. which necessarily is and must
remain supreme In the coded territory un-
til the legislation OF the United States shall
the territory. in respect to 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 so 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 Us far as may be practt-
cable from the inhabitants Of the islands.
Revenues and Public Property.
"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
OF corporations. 10 to be respected except
for cause fully established. The taxes ana
duties heretofore payable by the inha bitants
to the late government become payable
less It be seen fit to substitute for EN-
other reasonable rates or modes Of on
tribution TO the expenses Of government,
whether general or local. II private prop
be paid for when possible In cash at q
fair valuation. and when payment In cash
Is not practicable. receipts are to b
given.
The Open Door.
"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
,nent Of the military authority. will be ad-
nitted upon pay-.ent of such duties and
other charges as shall be In force at the
time Of their Importation.
Confidence of People Desired.
''Flnally. It should be the earnest ana
paramount aim Of the military administra-
ton to win the confidence. respect and af-
lection of the Inhabitants OF the Philippines
by assuring to them In every possible way
that full measure Of Individual rights and
liberty which 10 the heritage of free people
and by proving to them that the missile,
of the United States 10 one OF benevolent
assimilation. substituting the mild sway of
Justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the
rulflllment Of this high mission. supporting
tho temperate administration 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 be-
stowal OF the blessing Of good and stable
government upon the people Of the Philip
pine islands under the free flag Of the
United States.
CIVILIAN M'KTNIEY.a