Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-04-05
(By Telegraph to virglnlan-Piloto

(By Telegraph to Virgnian-Pilot.)
amble of the proclamation of the
United States Philippine commission,
reciting the cession by the peace treaty
of The Philippine Islands to the United
States. refers to the appointment OF the
commission. assures the people of the
cordial good will and fraternal feeling
of the President OF the United States
and the American people, and asserts
that the object which the United States
Government, apart from the fullillment
of its solemn obligations, has assumed
toward the family of nations by the
acceptance of the sovereignty over the
islands. is the we'll being, prosperity
and happiness OF the Philippine people
and their elevation and advancement to
u position among the most civilized
peoples of the world.
WHAT MKINLEY BELIEVES.
Continuing, the proclamation says:
1.-The President believes this felicity
and perfection OF the Philippine people
will be brought about by the cultivation
of letters, science and the liberal and
practical arts, by the enlargement of
intercourse with foreign nations. the
expansion OF Industrial pursuits by
trade and commerce. by the multiple
cation and Improvement of means of in
ternal communication by the develop
ment of the great natural resources of
the archipelago.
MISUNDERSTANDI
unfortunately these pure aims and
purposes of the American government
and people have been misinterpreted to
some of the inhabitants of certain is
lands. and, in consequence, the friendly
American forces, without provocation
or cause. have been openly attacked.
Why these hostllities? What do the
best Filipinos desire? Can it be more
than the United States is ready to give?
They say they are patriots and want
liberty"
The commission emphatlcally asserts
that 1t is willing and anxious to estab-
llsh an enlightened system of govern
ment under which the people may en-
JOY the largest measure of home rule
and the amplest liberty consonant
with the supreme ends of the Govern
mcnt and compatible with those OBJ
legations which the United States has
assumed toward-tffe- civilized ftttieiis
of the world.
WILL MAINTAIN SOVEREIGNTY.
The proclamation then says there can
be no real conflict between American
sovereignty and the rights and liberties
of the Fiiipinos, for America is ready to
furnish armies and navies and all the
1nfipite resources of a great and power
full nation to maintain it's rightful SUI
premacy over the islands; so it is even
more solicitous to spread peace and
happiness among the people and guar
antee them rightful freedom and to
protect their just privileges and inn
munities. to accustom them to free.
self-government in every increasing
measure and to encourage those Dem
ocratic aspirations, sentiments and
ideals. which are the promise and po-
tency Of fruitful national development.
VISITS TO BE MADE.
In conclusion the proclamation an
nounces that the commission will visit
the Philippine provinces to ascertain
the enlightened native opinion as to
the forms of government adapted to
the people, conformable with their ira
ditions and ideals, invites the leading
representative men to meet the com
mission, and declares the policy of the
United States, in the establishment and
maintenance of the government, is to
consult the wishes and secure the adj
vice and cooperation of the people.
trtERICA'S INTENTIoI-s.
The proclematiln contains c
articles. declaring Americas int ntions
as follows:
1. The supremacy OF the United
States must and will be enforced
throughout every part of the archipel-
ago. Those who resist can accomplish
nothing except their own ruin.
2. The amplest liberty of self govern
ment will be granted, which is recon-
ciliable with just, stable, effective and
economical administration and compati-
bic with the sovereign rights and obli-
cations of the United States.
3. The civil rights of the Filipinos
Will be guaranteed and protected, their
religious freedom will be assured and
all VIII have equal standing before the
law.
A. Honor. Justice and friendship for
bid the exploitation of the people of the
Islands The purpose of the American
government isethe welfare and advance
ment of the Philippine people.
B.. Guarantees an honest and effective
civil service in which, to the fullest ex-
tent practicable, natives shall be en-
Dloyed.
q The collection and application of