The Portland daily press., 1899-01-06


Spain by the respective plenipotenttaries
suit OF the victories OF Americans arms.
the future control, disp osition and gov
eminent of the Philippine islands are
ceied to the United States.
In fuifillmeut Of the rights OF sovereign.
ty thus acquired and the responsible
obligations Of government thus assumed,
the actual occupation and administration
Of the entire group OF the Philippine
Islands becomes Immediately necessary
and the military government heretofore
mai ntained by the United States In the
city, harbor and bay OF Manila Is 20 be
extended with all possible despatch TO the
whole of the ceded territory.
In performing this duty the military
commander of the United States Is en-
Joined TO maze known to the Inhabitants
of the Philippine islands, that 10 succesd
ing to the sovereignty of Spain. In sever
ing the former political relations OF the
Inhabitants and in establishing a new
political power, the authority Of the
United states Is TO be exerted for the
security of the persons and property of the
people Of the islands and for the CON
firmatiOn Of all their private rights and
relations. IL would be the duty of the
commander ef the forces of occupation to
announce ana proclaim In the most pub
lio manner that we come not as Invaders
or conquerors, but rs friend TO protect
the natives In their homes. in their eni-
pl0yments and In their personal and re-
ligious rights. All persons who, either
by active help or by honest submission.
co operate with the government of the
United states TO give effect to the bene-
iiclent purpose will receive the reward of
its support and protection. All Others
will he brought within the lawful rule we
have assumed, with firmness II need he,
wttrnnt eRVprifv 40 far n lp
possible,
Within the domain of military authori-
ty, which necessarily Is and must remain
supreme in the ceded territory until the
legislature of the United State shall other.
wise provide, the municipal laws of the
territory In respect TO private rights and
property and the repression OF crime are
to he considered as continuing In force.
and to be administered by the ordinary
tribunals so far as practicable
he operations 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 he practicable from the Inhabitants
of the islands.
While the control of oil the public
property and the revenues of the state
pass with the cessiun and while the uses
ans management of all public means of
transportation are necessarily reserved TO
the authority of the United States, private
property whether belonging to individuals
or corporations is to be released except Tor
cause duly established
The taxcs and duties heretofore payable
by the inhabitants to the late government
become payable to the authorities OF the
United States unless 1t be seen fit to SUB
stitute for them other reasonable rates or
modes gf contribution TO tho expenses OF
efDu AZ Int hpr U0naraf larul 4
private property he taken for military
use, 1t shall he paid for when possible in
ca sh at fair valuation and when pay
ment in cash is not practicable receipts
are TO be given.
All ports and places In the Philippine
islands in the actual possession of the
land and naval forces of the United
States will be open TO the commerce of all
friendly nations. All goods and wares,
not prohibited for military reasons by
dus announcement of the military au
thority VIII be admitted upon payment of
such duties and other charges as shall be
in force at the time of their importation.
Finally IL should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military adminis-
tration to win the con tIdenoe. respect and
affection of the inhabitants of the Philip
pines by assuring To them In every
possible way thai full measure of In
divldpal rights and liberties which is the
heritage of free peoples and by proving TO
them that the mission OF the United
States IL one of benevolent assimilation,
substituting the mild sway of justice and
right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfill
ment of this high mission, supporting the
administration of affairs for
the greatest good Of the governed there
must be seduously maintained the strong
arm Of authority, to repress disturbance
and to overcome all obstacle TO the best of
hi iny M al hafa on
ment upon the people of the Philippine
islands under the free flag Of the United
States.
WILLIAM M'kINLEY.
Acknowledges receipt,
II. g. CORBlN Adjutant General.