Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-06

forestry problem Is being conducted
throughout the United States. A fery
extensive and complete exhibit Of tie
agricultural and horticultural products
for the Paris Exposition.
THE PHILIPPINES.
on the 10th Of December. 1898, the
States and Spain was signed. II provi-
ded, among other things, that Spain
should cede to the tinted States ths
lands, that the United States should pay
to Spain the sum Of $20.0OO,000. and fha
the civil rights and political status of the
native inhabitants Of the territories thus
ceded to the United States should be de-
termined by the Congress. The treaty
was ratified by the Senate on the 9Th OF
February, 1899. and by the government
OF Spain on the 18th of March following.
The notifications were exchanged on the
18th OF April and the treaty publicly pro-
CANNED. On the End OF March the Con-
gress voted the sum contemplated by the
treaty. and the amount was paid ..ver to
May.
the United States. The islands were cel-
cd by the government Of Spain, which
nad been In undisputed possession Of
thrm Tor centuries. They were acceoted
sioners in Paris. under the direction Of
the executive. but by the constitutional
ana well considered action of the ! epre-
sentatives Of the people Of the United
States in both houses OF Congress. ! had
every reason to believe and | still be-
lievc, that this transfer of sovereignty
was in accordance with the wishes and
the aspirations of the great mass OF the
ilipinO people.
From the earliest moment no nppo--
tunity was lost of assuring shc people
nj lvn lsi a. III, II ~ fty.
their welfare and of the intention Of
this government TO do everything posi-
bic to advance their interests. In my
order OF the 18th Of May. 1898. the COM
mander Of the military expedition DIS
patched to the Philippines was Instructed
to declare that we came not TO make
war upon the people of that country.
nor upon any party or faction among
them. but toprotect them in their homes.
in their employments. and in their ner-
sonal and religious rights. That there
should he no doubt as to the paramount
authority there, on the 9TH of August
IL was directed that there must he no
Joint occupation with the insurgents;
that the United States must preserve the
peace and protect persons and properly
within the territory occupied by heir
military and naval forces: that the in
surgents and all others must rceosnizt.
the militar? occupation ANA authority ri
the United States. As early as p-r NIB II
9Th. before the ceSsion. and in antit.iDa-
ton Of that event, the commander in
III
tranquility and to undertake the cstab-
lishment of beneflcent government.
which should afford the fullest security
for life and property.
on the 2lst of December, after the
treaty WAS signed. the commander of tb.
forces of occupation was instructed 10
announce and proclaim in the most PUBLIC
manner that We come not as invaders
and conuuerors. but as friends 10 protect
the natives IN their homes. ia their en-
Payments. and in their personal and re-
fs.fe FssiNf n he
ordering General Otis To see mat the
peace should be preserved in iloilo. he
was admoDished that: ut Is most impor-
ttni that there should he no conflict with
tn. insurgents On the LIST day of jan
nary. 1893 the urgent orders We're reiter-
atcd that the kindly intentions of this
government should be in every possible.
way communicated 10 the insurgents.
On the 2lst of January ! announced my
intention of dis2atching to Manila
commission composed Of three gentlemen
Of the highest character and distinction.
thoroughly acquainted with the Orient,
who in association with Admiral Dewe!
and Major General Otis, We're instructed
ITO facilitate the most humane and eff
fective extension of authority through
out the islands, and to secure with the
least possible delay the benefits of a wise
erty TO the inhabitants. These gentlemen
were DIR. Jacob Gould Schurman. presi-
dent OF Cornell University; the Hon
Charles DENLY. for many years minister
to China and Prof. Dean C. Worcester of
the University of Michigan who had
made most careful study of life in the
Philippines.
While the treaty of peace was under
consideration in the Senate these commits |
ssoners set out on their mission of good
will and liberation. Their character was
a sufficient guaranty OF the benencent
purpose with which they went even II
they had not borne the positive instruc-
tons. of this government, which made |
their 'errand prominently one OF peace |
and friendship
But before their arrival at Manila the |
sinister ambition of a few leaders of the |
tflipinos had created a situation full OF
q mbarra sSment for and most grieNouS
in it's consequences to themselves the
clear and impartial preliminary report OF
the commissioners; which | transmit
herewith, gives so lucid and comprehen-
sive history of the present insurrection-
AIRY movement that the story need not |
be here repeated 1t is enough to say |
that the claim of the rebel leader That he |
was promised independence by any Off
GER of the United States in return for
his assistance has no foundation IN tact
witnesses VINO We're called To prove it.
The most the insurgent leader hoped for
liberation of the islands from the Spanish
C ,ntrol. which they had been laboring for
years without success to throw. on
The prompt accomplishment of this
work by the American army and navy
gave him other ideas and ambitions, and
lnsidious suggestions from various quar-
tiers perverted the purposes and inten-
tons with which he had taken up arms. |
No sooner had our army captured Manila
than the Filipino forces began to assume
an attitude of suspicion and hostility
which the utmost efforts of our officers
and troops were unable to disarm or mod
ify Their kindness and forbearance were
taken as a proof of cowardice. The ag
sressions of the Filipiuos continually in
creased until finally. just before the time
set by the Senate of the United States |
for a vote upon the treaty. an >'ttack. ev- |
identity prepared in advance. was made
all along the American lines, which re-
suited in "A terrible destructive and san
culinary repulse of the insurgents.
Ten days later an order of the insurgent |
: government was issued to its adherents
who had remained in Manila of which
General Otis justly observes that for |
intent it is unequaled in mod
arn times. Ii directs that at O'Clock
IN the night of the 18th of February. the |
territorial militia shall come together
N the streets of San Pedro armed with
heir bolos, with guns and ammunition ;
where convenient; that Filipino families
,nly shall be respected: but that all 9TH =
r. individuals. of whatever race they may
De- shall be eXterminated without any |
after the determination of
he army OF occupation. and adds.
Brothers, we must avenge ourselves on
he Americans and eXterminate them, |
hat we may take our revenge for the in !
amies and treacheries which they have
ommitte ted unorl us. Have no comma sSion ,