Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-11-07
NEGRIT0 AUTONOMY.
FIRST PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT
OF THIS SORT ESTABLISHED.
GREAT NATIVE CELEBRATION.
4 nall nj which the Ladies Display
Rich Costumes and Costly Jewels
Ability to Read and write n suf-
fringe Qualification.

MANILA, November 6-ll;l5 y. Nat
Bacolor, In the Island OF Negros, the
first autonomous government Of the Fill
pinos was established to-day. General
Smith, Governor OF the Island Of Negros'
administered the oath of Office TO the
Judge Of the Supreme Court. who In turn
swore in the Governor, three judges,
twelve councilman, an auditor, and a
secretary Of the interior
The natives OF the entire island attend
ed the ceremony. The officers from Iloilo
We're also present. Three days feasting
will follow, I'm celebration Of the new gov
eminent. and the first anniversary Of
the surrender of the Spaniards TO the
Nogros rovouuOnists
American flags are displayed in the vii
lage The celebration to-day consisted 81
horse-racing and other sports. music. re-
ngious functions and an illumination.
The ball tonight in the Government
House attracted the wives of the wealthy
planters, and there was as great dis-
play of rich costumes and costly jewels
as would be seen at a similar affair IN
America or Europe.
THE ELECTIONS.
Elections were held october 10th, the
number Of votes cast being 5,20S. There
were forty candidates for the various Of
fees. MeliciO Sevcrino was elected Gov
ernor, receiving 1906 votes. Suffrage was
determined by property qualihcatons' and
ability TO read and write.
Colonel inner welcomed the officials
on behalf Of the United States. In the
course OF his remarks he said:
"Nogros leads i'm the van Of civil gov
eminent in the Philippines. Your honor
lies in adding a new star TO freedom
flag"
General Smith. during a speech which
he delivered. said:
Your future promises as brightly as
Japan's. which to-day is recognized as
among the civilized nations OF the world
CLOSE RELATIONS WITH Us.
Senior Severino. in reply. said that the
best thing for tho future Of Negros wac
the continuance of close relations WIN
the United states.
General Smith then announced the
granting of freedom TO the pOlltical plls-
Oners in cOmmemOratiOn Of the event.
General Hughes. in command at llollo,
telephoned a cOngratulatory speech over
the Eastern cable from that place.
General Smith, in an interview remark
cd that il was of the utmost Importance
that the FilipnOs should be taught 10
recognize the sovereignty Of the United
states. The gravest danger, he added,
threatening a peaceful administration is
intrigue among the insular politicians,
and he declared that the United states
Government must for years keep controi
Of the FiIpinos in order TO prevent such
conditions from existing.
SIXTH INFANTRY SUFFERING.
The members Of the Sixth Infantry,
which Is divided into thirty garrisons
throughout the Island Of Negros are un-
dcrgOing great hardships.
A recently organized revolutionary
movement has been discovered in North
ern NegrOs and the leaders have been
forced TO withdraw 90 Panay. 4 number
Of bandits. under the leadership OF Papa
Issio. a religious charlatan, have been
driven into the mountains but II Is eX-
pected that they Will give more trouble.
4 force of 80 native soldiers. armed with
Springfield rifles, are helping the Ameri-
cans. and are found 10 be valuable as
scouts.
General Lawton's operations have been
temporarily suspended owing TO heavy
rains. The country around Cabanatus IS
Hooded. The river however, has begun
falling rapidly. and probably. the country
in that section will soon resume its nor
NAL condition.