The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-01-06
POLICY IN PHILIPPINES.
Presidents Proclamation to the Fill
ipinos Published at Manila
by Gen. Otis.
DOES NOT RECOGNIZE The INSURGENTS.

Right of the United States to Control,
Dispose Of ard Govern the Entire
GrOup OF Islands Is Claimed by
Reason of Success at Arms anu
Cession from Spain.
Manila, Jan. 5. President McKin.
ley's proclamation to the Eilipinos,
n cabled to Maj. Gen. Otis from Washing
Y ton. has been issued here.
Proclamation to Filfpinos.
Washington, Jan. 5. - The following
Is the text of the instructions sent to
Gen. Otis, in command of the United
States forces in the Philippines. as ex-
4 pressive OF the purposes of the United
States with respect to them:
Adjutant Generals Office. Washington,
p. C.. Dec. q, 1S9S.-Gen. Otis, Manila: Ry
direction of the secretary of war, have
the honor to transmit herewith instructions
4 OF the president relative to the administra-
ton Of affairs in the Philippine islands:
Executive Mansion, Washington, ID. c.,
# Dec. q, 1S9S.-Ao the Secretary of War
Sir: The destruction of the Spanish fleet
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
Spanish forces. practically effected the con-
quest of the Philippine islands and the sus-
pension of Spanish sovereignty therein
United States to Control.
With the signature of the treaty of peace
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-
\ II oil, disposition and government of the
& Philippine islands are ceded to the United
States. In fulfillr1ent of the rights of SOW
ereignty thus acquired and the responsible
q obligations of government thus assumed,
j the actual occupation and administration
of the entire group OF the Philippine is
lands becames Immediately necessary, and
the military government heretofore main
4 tsined by the United States in the city, bar-
4 bor and bay of Manila is to be extended
with all possible dispatch to the whole of
the sceded territory.
In Interests of People.
SIN performing this duty, the military
commander of the United States is en-
Joined to make known to the inhabitants
OF the philippine i-lands that in succeed
4 ing to the Sovereignty or Spain. in sever
Ing the former political relations of the
Inhabitants and in establishing new po-
4 litical power, the authority of the United
States is to be exerted for the sovereignty
4 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 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 it's support and protection. All
others will be brought within the lawful
rule we have assumed, with frmness If
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 ceded territory un-
I'll! the legislation of the United States shall
otherwise provide, the municipal laws of
y 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
tions 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 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 corporations. is to be respected except
foi cause fully established. The taxes and
duties heretofore payable by the Inhabitants
to the late government become payable
to the authorities of the United States, un-
less it be seen til to substitute for .em
other reasonable rates or modes of con-
tribution to the expenses of government
a whether general or local. If private prop
erty be taken for military use, it should
be paid for when possible in cash at q
fair valuation. and when payment in cash
IS not practicable. receipts are to be
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
ment of the military authority, will be ad-
mitted upon payment of such duties and
other charges as shall be in force at the
time of their Importation.
(sss Confidence of People Desired.
nally, it should be the earnest and
pks.-mount aim of the military administra-
tion 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
liberly which is the heritage Of free people
and by proving to them that the mission
or the United States is one of benevolent
assimilation, su bstituting the mild sway of
Justice and right for arbitrary rule In the
fultllment of this hign mission, supporting.
the 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 blessings of good and stable
government upon the people of the Philip
pine islands under the free flag of the
United States.
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
Acknowledge receipt.
II. C. CORBIN. Adiutant General