The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-12-19

Resolutions in Hous OF Representa-
tfves Declaring the of the
Government Not to Annex the Phil
ippines.

Washington, December 1.-two
Joint resolutions were introduced in
the house Of representatives today by
Representative Williams, OF Mississip-
Iui, which are the result of consulta-
ltion among a number Of democratic
Headers in the house and are under
stood to be expressive of their general
position on the Philippines. The text
of TIE first resolution is as follows:
Whereas, The hope has been held
out that the Filipinos now waging wal
against the forces of theUnited States
In the island of Luzon would lay down
their arms If authoritatively assured
that 1t was the intention OF the gov
Iernment, n the people OF the United
states ultimately to grant to the peo-
pie of that island their Independence
and the absolute control OF their do
mestic affairs and.
Whereas, Such is the intention ~
the government and of the American
people, who do not believe in wars OF
or crimina aggression against
other peoples and nave frequently de-
clared their horror thereof: now there
fore be il
Resolved, BY the senate and the
house of representatives in congress
assembled:
Section l. That IL has always been
our intent and purpose to
the inalienable right of the Filipinos
TO seIf-government and national indie
Ipendence that in pursuance there
OF We shall make formal recognition OF
these rights n withdraw our land and
sea forces upon the establishment OF
peace n inauguration OF a constitu-
tlonal government, or governments, by
me nPOnlP of the iCfn nI0 or -
them, provided, the said government
agrees, or the said governments agree
to refund the $50, 600, 900 which was
Ipald Dy US to the queen of Spain; To
give US in fee simple, with right of
sovereignty vested in us, a place suit
able for a naval station and other
places htted for coaling stations and
TO grant the American people in per-
petuity the right of free access 10 all
OF their ports for goods, merchandise,
land persons benz on peaceful or mis-
sionary pursuit.
Sec. 2. We pledge our friendly as
siStance n counSe in the work OF in
augurating such a government.
See. 3. We pledge ourselves to treat
as an unfriendly manifestation towards
the United States any foreign inter-
ference or aggression for the period OF
ten years from n after the establish
SaSA F" " ~ plONA Z
that the government and people Of
said islands shall surrender into our
keeping, during that period the entire
Question of their foreign relations and
shall pay the expense to which we may
be put for such troops, as shall, at the
request of sails government, be kept
on Philippine territory and of such
ships and naval forces as may be kept
in the Philippines of adjacent waters
for the purpose of the protection here
in promised"
The other resolution recites the con-
lstitutional provisions against slavery
and involuntary servitude, asks for in
formation relative to the conclusion OF
a treaty with the sultan Of Jolo and
provides for an inquiry by the judiciary
committee as to whether the constitu-
tional provisions against slavery and
the statutory provisions against polyg-
amy apply to the Sulu people.