The times., 1899-12-06

by secretaries Of state in our own system
Of government
The advisory council consists Of eight
members elected by the people within ter
Iitorial limits which are defined ia the
order Of the commanding general
The times and places Of holding elections
are to be fixed By the military governor
OF the Island II NeFiOs. The qualifca-
lions OF voters are as follows:
tl) voter nus be a male citizen Of the
island Of Negros. % or the age OF
tweBty-one years. CD He shall be able
10 speak, read, and write the English.
Spanish, or kisayan language or he must
own real property worth $500, OF pay
rental on real property Of the value OF
$1,000. tD He must have resided in the
island not less than one year preceding.
and Ia the district in which he offers 10
register as voter not less than three
months Immediately preceding the time he
offers 10 register. 30 He must register at
time fixed by law before voting (6)
Prior 20 such registration he shall have
paid ai taxes due by him TO the Govern
Inent- Provided, that no insane person
shall be allowed 20 register or vote.
The military governor has the right to
veto all bills or resolutions adopted by the
advisory council, and his veto is final il
lot disappr0yed 10y the military governor
q the Philippines.
The advisory council discharges all the
ordinary duties OF a legislature. TIE usual
duties pertaining 10 said offices are 10 be
performed by the secretaries Of the treas
ury interior, agriculture public instruc-
ton. the attorney general, and the auditor
The judicial power is vested in three
judges. who are 10 be appointed by the
military governor OF The island. Inferior
courts are 20 be established.
Free public schools are 10 be established
throughout the pOpulous districts OF the
island in which the English language shall
be taught. and this subject wiz receive the
careful consideration Of the advisory coun-
Gil
The burden Of government must be dis
trlbuted equally and equitably among the
people. The military authorities viii COL
lect and receive the customs revenue, and
VIII control postal matters and Philippine
inisr-lsland trade and commerce.
The military governor. subject TO the ap-
prOyal OF q he military governor Of the Phil
ippines determines all questions not spe-
c6cslly provided for and which do not come
under the Jurisdiction OF the advisory coun-
ell.
The authorities OF the Sulu Islands have
accepted the succession Of the United States
10 the rights OF Spain, and our flag floats
over that territory. On the 10th Of August
1899, Brig. Gen. J. C. Bates United States
Volunteers, negotiated an agreement with
the Sultan and his principal chiefs, which
transmit herewith By Article ] the SOW
ereignty OF the United States over the whole
archipelago Of Jolo and jts dependencies j.
declared-aud Acknowledged
The American Flag 10 stay.
The United States flag VIII be used in
the archipelago and It's dependencies, on
land and sea. Piracy is TO be suppressed,
and the Sultan agrees 10 cooperate heartily
with The United States authorities 10 that
end and to make every possible effort to
arrest and bring 10 justice ali persons en-
gagged in piracy All trade in domestic
products OF the archipelago Of Jolo when
carried on with any part OF The Philippine
Islands and upCUr The American flag shall
be free, unlimited, and Uudutiabe The
United States VIII give fun protection 10
the sultan in case any foreign nation
should attempt 10 impose upon him. The
United States viii not sell The is'ard OF
Joio or any other island Of the Jolo archi-
pelag0 70 any foreign nation without the
censen- Of the Sultan. Salaries FOR the
Sultan and his associates IN the admiuistra-
ton OF the islands have been agreed upon
10 The amount Of 500 monthly
Article provides that any slave in the
archipelago Of JOlo shall have the right 10
purchase freedom by paying TO the master
ant usual iLdIhtL Nd4Les 1le agreement
by General Bates was made subject 10 con-
nrmation by the President and 10 future
notifications by the consent Of the parties
IN interest I have confirmed said agree
ment subject TO the action OF the Con-
gress and with the reservation, which I
have directed shall be communicated 10 the
Sultan of Jolo. that this agreement is not
10 be deemed il any way 10 authorize or
give the consent OF the United States 10
ha \ icff ~ Ella In hr CrrI4T 1EF
pelagO ! communicate these facts 10 the
Congress for its Information and action
Everything indicates that with the speedy
suppression of the Tagal0 rebellion life ia
the archipelago viii soon resume its ordi-
nary course under the protection OF our
sovereignty and the people Of those IA
vored islands viii enjoy prosperity and
freedom which they have never before
known. Already hundreds Of schools are
open and filed with children. Religious
freedom Is sscTedly assured and enjoyed.
The courts are dispensing justice Bust
ness is beginning 10 circulate in its ac-
cuslomed channels. Manila, whose inhsbi-
tauts were fleeing 20 the country a few
months ago. Is BOW pOpulOus and thriving
mart of commerce. The earnest and IN
renting endeavors Of the Commission and
The Admiral and Major General Command
ing the Department Of the Pacific TO assure
the people OF the benehceut intentions Of
this Government have had their legitimate
effect in convincing the great mass Of
them th6t peace and safety and prosperity
and stable government can only be found
IL Z loyal acceptance OF the authority OF
the United States.
Left TO Congress.
The future government Of the Philip
pines rests with the Congress OF the United
States Few grayer responsibilities have
ever been confded 70 us. j we accept them
il a spirit worthy OF cur race ard our tradi-
tons 6 great opportunity comes with them.
The islands BE under the shelter Of our
Gag. They are ours 10y every title OF law
and equity. They cannot be abandoned.
il we desert them we leave them al once
TO anarchy and finally 70 barbarism We
fling them a golden apple Of discord
among the rival powers, no one OF which
would permit another 10 seize them un-
would be the scene OF endless strife and
bloodshed. The advent OF Dewey's feet
in Manila Bay instead of being, as we hope,
the dawn Of & new day Of freedom and
progress VIII have been the beginning
Of an era Of misery and violence worse
than any which has caTEened their un-
happy past. The suggestion has been made
that we could renounce our authority over
the islands. and, giving them independence.
could retain protect0rate over them.
This proposition VIII not be found ] am
cure worthy OF your serious attention such
sE arrangement would involve 81 the outset
4 cruel breach OF faith. Il would place