Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1899-01-12
FUTURE Of Philippines.
Presidents Proclamation to the Fill
ipinos Published at Manila
w. by Gen. Otis.
DOES not RECOGNIZE THE INsUReEN1s.


DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE INSURGENTS.
Right OF the United States to Control,
| Dispose of and Govern the Entire
Group of Islands IL Claimed by
Reason Of Success at Arms and
Cession from Spain.
Washington, Jan. 6. 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:
Executive Mansion. Washington. d. c..
Dec. 2. 1S9&.-To the Secretary Of War
in the harbor re Manila by the United
States naval squadron, commanded by
Rear Admiral Dewey, followed py there
duction Of the city and the surrender Of the
| Spanish forces. practically effected the con-
quest Of the Philippine islands and the sus-
pension Of Spanish sovereignty therein.
United States to Control.
between the United States and Spain by
their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris.
on the 10th inst, and as the result Of the
victories Of American arms. the future con-
tiol, dispo :ltion and government Of the
Philippine islands are coded to the U:-ited
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 ts-
lands becomes Immediately necessary. and
the military government heretofore main
teined by the United States in the city, har-
Dor and bay Of Manila IL to be extended
with all possible dispatch to the whole OF
the ceded territory.
In Interests of People.
I'm performing this duty. the military
commander Of the United States is 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 q new po-
ljtical power. the authority Of the omitted
States Is to be exert ed 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.
1t 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-
SCu8 WuOe SlSuSE ny dSIAV0 dAO OF ny non.
est submission, cooperate with the govern
ment Of the United States to give effect
to these benef1cent purposes. will receive the
reward Of its support and protection. All
others will be brought within the I: wful
rule we have assumed, with drmness II
need be. but without severity so far as
may be possible.
Present Laws I'm 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
otherwise provide, the municipal laws of
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
tons 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 practi-
cable from the inhabitants Of the islands.
Revenues and Public Property.
"While the control Of all the pubic 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
property. whether belonging to individuals
OF corporations. is to be respected except
fol cause fully established. The taxes and
duties heretofore payable by the Inhabitants
to the authorities of the United States, un-
less It be seen fit to substitute for EN-
other reasonable rates or modes of con-
tribution to the expenses Of government.
whether general or local. II private prop
erty be taken for military use. 1t should
be paid for when possible in cash at
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
be opened to the commerce OF all friendly
nations. All goods and wares. not prohtb-
| tied for military reasons by due announce
ment Of the military authority. will be ad-
| mitted upon pay, ent Of such duties and
other charges as shall be In force at the
| time Of their importation.
Confidence of People Desired.
Finally. 1t should be the earnest and
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 Is the heritage Of free people
and by proving to them that the missio.
Of the United States is one Of benevolent
assimilation. substituting the mild sway Of
Justice and right for arbitrary rule In the
fulf1llment of this high mission, supporting
the temperate administration Of affairs for
the greatest good Of the governed. there
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.