The Van Buren press., 1899-11-11
FREE GOVERNMENT IN NEGRO<
Tta E,irst Autonomous Government
in The Philippines Formal
Established.

Manila, Nov. 6, 1:l5 p. n.-At faco
Iod. in the Island of Negros, the first
autonomous government of the Fill
pinos was established yesterday. Gen.
Smith. governor of the island OF Me-
gros, administered the oath of Office
10 the Judge of the supreme court, who
in turn swore in the governor, three
Judges, Il councilmen, the auditor and
secretary of the interior
Turned Ont En- Nasse.
The natives of the entire island at
tended the ceremony. The officers
from Iloilo were also present. Three
DAYS feasting will follow, in celebra-
ton of the new government and the
first anniversary of the surrender of
the Spaniards, to the Negros reyola-
florists, ending with ball in the gcY-
ernment house last night.
The Festivities.
American flags are displayed in the
village. The celebration consisted Of
horse racing and other sports, music,
religious functions and an illumina-
ton The ball last night attracted the
wives of the wealthy planters, and
there was as great a display of rich
costumes and costly jewels rs would
be seen at similar affair in America
or Europe.
The Elections.
Elections were held October ., the
number of votes cast being SPAS.
There were 40 candidates fer the va
rious offices. Melecio Reyerino was
elected governor, receiving 1,3Jo votes.
Senior Gaime received 1,277 yotes. Sun
frage was determined by property
qualification and ability to read and
write.
Speeches and Speakers.
Col. Miner welcomed the officers on
behalf of the United States. In the
course of his remarks he said:
"Negros leads in the van of civil gov
ernment in the Philippines. Your
honor lies in adding a new star to free
dom's flag
Gen. Smith, during a speech which
he delivered, said:
"Your future promises as brightly
as Japan's who to-day is recognized as
among the civilized nations of the
world
Senor Seyerino, in replying, said that
the best thing for the future of Negros
was the continuance of close relations
with the United States.
Gen. Smith then announced the
granting of freedom to the 60 prison.
ers in commemoration of the event.
Gen. Hughes, in command at Iloilo,
rendered a eongratulatory speech over
the eastern cable fro mthat place.
Gen. Smith, in an interview, re-
MAJ led that it was of the utmost i'm
portance that the Filipinos should be
taught to recognize the sovereignty of
the United States.
The gravest danger" he added,
threatening peaceful administra-
ton is intrigue among the insular poll
ticians," and he declared that the Unit
ed States government must for years
keep control of the Filipinos in order
to prevent such conditions from exist
ing.
Undergoing Great Hardships.
The members of the Sixth infantry,
which is divided into 80 garrisons
throughout the Island of Negros, are
undergoing great hardships.
Revolutionary movement.
a recently-organized revolutionary
movement has been discovered in
northern Negros, and the leaders have
been forced to withdraw 10 Panay. \
number of bandits, under the leader
ship of Papaisio, a religious cbarlatan,
have been driven into the mountains,
hut it is expected they will give more
trouble. A force of 250 native soldiers,
armed with Springfield rifles is help
ing the Americans and are found to be
valuable as scouts.