Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-01-12


Cession from Spain.
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-
pressiye 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 of 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 United States and Spain by
their respective plenipotentiaries at Paris.
the 10th inst, and as the result of the
victories of American arms, the future con-
tioi, dispo-ltion and government of the
Philippine islands are ceGed to the ULlted
States. In fulfill sent 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
tanned by the United States in The city, har-
Dor and bay of Manila is to be extended
with all possible dispatch TO the whole of
the ceded territory
In Interests of People.
In performing this duty, the military
commander of the United States IL en-
Joined to make known to the inhs bitants
Of the Philippine lands that, in succeed
ing to the sovereignty of Spain, in sever
ing the former political rela tons OF the
inhabitants and in establishing a new po-
litical power, the authority of the united
States is to be exert I'd 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.
Il. will be the duty of the commander of the
forces of occupation 10 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
tothese beneficent purposes, Will receive the
reward of its support and protection. All
others will be brought within the ]. wful
rule We have assumed, with firmness If
need be. but without severity so far
may be possible.
Present Laws tn Force.
authority, which necessarily is and must
remain supreme IN the coded territory I'M
I'll the legislation of the United States shall
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
tons of civil and municipal government
are to be performed by such officers as
may accept the supremacy OF the United
States by taking the oath of allegiance. or
by officers chosen as far may be practi-
cable from the inhabitants OF the islands.
Revenues and Public Property.
while the control of all the pubic prop
erty and the revenues of the state passes
with the cession. and while the use and
management of all public means of trans
portation are necessarily reserved to the
authority of the United States. private
property, whether belonging to individuals
corporations. is TO be respected except
fol- cause fully established. The taxes aud
duties heretofore paHa bic h. the inha bitants
to the late govern ment become payable
to the authorities OF the United States, I'M
less 1t be seen fit to substitute for
other rea sonable RI eS or modes of Con-
tribution 10 the expenses of government.
whether general or local. II private prop
erty be taken for military use, it should
be paid for when possible in cash at a
fair valuation. and when payment in cash
IS no. practicable. receipts are TO oe
gwen.
The Open Door.
"All ports and places in the Philippine is
lands in the actual possession of the land
and ms val forces of the United States will
b. opened to the commerce of all friendly
nations. All goods and wares. not prohib-
tied for military reasons by due announce
inent Of the military authority. will be adj
United upon pay ent of such duties and
other charges as shall be in force at the
time of their importation.
Confidence of People Desired.
Finally, it should be the earnest and
paramount aim of the military admnistra-
ton to win the confidence, respect and af-
lection of the inhabitants of the Philippines
by assuring 10 them in every possible way
that full measure of individual rights and
liberty which is the heritage of free people
and by proving TO them that The missio
OF the United States is one of benevolent
assimila ton. substituting the mild sway OF
justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the
fulfiilment of this high mission, supporting
the temperate administration of affairs for
the greatest good of the governed. there
must be sedulously maintained the strong
arm of authority, TO repress disturbance
and to overcome all obstacles to the be-
stowal of the blessing Of good and stable
government upon the people OF the Philip
pine Islands under the free flag Of the
United States.
WILLIAM M'KT%I FY