The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-01-14
PRESIDENT TO FILIpIN0S.
Text ef the Instructions sent TO
American Commander "a Man
ala, Gen. Otis.

i iin, Gen. Otis.
Washington. Jan. 6.-The following
r. 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:
Adjutant Generals Office. Washington.
d. g.. Dec. "a. 1S9S.-Gen. Otis. Manila: BY
direction OF the secretary of war, have
the honor 10 transmit herewith instruc-
lions OF the president relative TO the nd-
ministration OF affairs In the Philippine Is
lands:
Executive Mansion, Washington, ID. c..
Dee. II. lS9S-To the Secretary OF War
Sir; The destruction OF the Spanish fleet
IA 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
conquest OF the Philippine islands and the
suspension OF Spanish sovereignty therein.
with the signature OF the treaty or
peace between the United States and Spain,
by their respective plenpotentlaries at
Paris, on the 10th last, and as the result
or the Victories OF American arms. the flu
ture control disposition and government
OF the Philippine islands are ceded 10 the
United States In fulfllment 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 tho
whole OF the ccded territory
I'm performing this duty. the military
commander OF the United States is en-
joined TO make known TO the inhabitants
OF the Philippine islands that IN succeed
Ing TO the Sovereignty Of Spain. In sever
ing the former political relations OF tho
Inhabitants and In establishing a new po-
litical power. the authority Of the United
States IL 10 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
IL viii 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 I'm thCir
homes. In their cmployments and I'm 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 bcnencent purposes. will receive
the reward OF It's support and protection.
All others will be brought within the law
full rule we have assumed. with firmnesa
II need be. but without severity so far as
may be possible.
within the absolute domain or military
authority. which necessarily Is and must
remain supreme IN the coded territory un-
ia 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 as far as possible. The opera
lions OF civil and municipal government
are TO be performed by such officers AZ
may accept the supremacy OF the United
States by taking the oath OF allegiance, or
by officers chosen as Gar as may be practi-
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
4 portation are necessarily reserved to the
/ authority OF the United States, private
property, whether belonging to individuals
\ or corporations. Is TO be respected except
i 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 II be seen III 10 substitute
/ for them other reasonable rates or modes
OF contribution 10 the expenses OF gov
eminent. whether general or local. If-pri-
waite property be taken for military use. II
should be paid for when possible Ina cash az
fair valuation, and when payment in
cash Is not practicable. receipts are 10 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 VIII
i be opened TO the commerce OF all friendly
nations. All goods and wares. not prohib-
| tied for military reasons by due announce
mont OF the military authority. Will be adj
mittcd 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 administra-
| ton to win the confidence. respect and af~
/ 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 assimilation, substituting the
mild sway or justice and right for arbi-
| trary rule. In the fulnllment OF this high
mission. supporting the temperate admin
istration OF affairs for the greatest good
OF the governed. there must be sedulously
| maintained the strong arm OF authority,
! TO reprcss 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 thu
| free flag OF the United States
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
Acknowledge receipt.
III. G. CORBIN, Adjutant General.
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