The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1899-01-11

Washington, Jan. 6. - The following
Is 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 10 them:
Executive Mansion. Washington. ID. c..
Dec. q. 1S9s.-To the Secretary OF War
Sir: The destruction Of the Spanish fleet
in the harbor 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 Unite States and Spain by
their respectie plenipotentiaries al Paris,
on the 10th inst. and as the result OF the
victories of American arms. the future con-
tiol, dispo ltion and government OF the
Philippine islands are ceded to the Z ited
States. In fulfill ent of the rights OF SOW
ereignty thus acquired and the responsible
obligations of government thus assumed
the actual occupation and administration
of the entire group o. the Philippine is
lands becomes Immediately necessary, and
tho military government heretofore main
tanned by the United States In lhe city, mar
Dor ano bay of Manila is TO be extended
with all possible dispatch TO the whole or
the ceded territory
In Interests OF People.
I'm performing this duty. the military
commander OF the United States II en-
Joined TO make known to the inhabitants
of the Philippine 'ands that. in succeed
ing to the sovereignty OF Spain, in sever
ing the former political relations OF the
inhabitants and in establishing new po-
lltical power, the authority of the omitted
States is 10 be exert ID 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.
A. 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 or 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
to these beneficent purposes. will receive the
reward of its support and protection. Al
others will be brought within the wful
| rule We have assumed, with hrmness u
| need be, but without severity so TAR as
may be possible
Present Laws I'm Force.
within the absolute domain of military
| a W
remain supreme In the ceded territory un
! I'll the legislation OF the United States shat
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 so far as possible the opera
tions of civil and municipal government
are to be performed by such officers a.
NAV accept the supremacy Of the United
! bin tha nf a
by officers chosen far as may be practi
cable from the inha bitants of the Islands.
Revenues and Public Property.
while the control of all the pubic prop
erty and the revenues OF the state passe
with the cesson. and while the use AM
management Of all public means OF trans
portation are necessarily reserved to tn
authority of the United States, privat
property. whether belonging to individual
OIL corporations, is to be respected excep
foI cause fully established The taxes an
duties heretofore paya bic J the inhabitant
TO the late government become rayabl
TO the authorities of the United States, un
less it be seen fit to substitute for er
other reasonable RI es or modes OF On
tribution to the expenses OF government
whether general or local. If private prop
erty be taken for military use, IL shout
be paid for when possible In cash at
fair valuation. and when payment in cas-
il no; practicable. receipts are TO
gwen.
The Open Door.
"All ports and places in the Philippine Is
lands I'm the actual possession of the Ian
and ma val forces of the United States wi
10. opened 10 the commerce of all friendl
nations. All goods and wares. not prohii
tied for military reasons by due announce
ment of the military authority. Will be &C
United upon pay ent of such duties an
other charges as shall be In force at III
time of their importation
Confidence of People Desired.
FINALLY, 1t should be the earnest an
paramount aim of the military ADMINISTERS
ton to win the confidence, respect and a
lection Of the inhabitants OF the Philippine
) by assuring to them In every possible wa
that full measure of individual rights an
/ | liberty which Is the heritage OF free Peep
and by proving to them that the missile
| OF the United States Is one Of benevoler
assimilation, substituting the mild sway
justice and right for arbitrary rule. In II
, | fulfllment Of this high mission, supportin
the temperate administration OF affairs Il
! the greatest good Of the governed. theI
must be sedulously maintained the stror
Lrm Of authority, to repress disturbant
and to overcome all obstacles to the b.
I stowal Of the blessings Of good and stab
government upon the people OF the Philil
pine islands under the free nag Of II
United States
: WILLIAM M'KINLEY."