The times., 1899-09-02

THE PROCLAMATION 10 GUAM.
A Copy of the Document Asserting
American Possession

A Copy of the Document Asserting
American Possession.
The Navy Department made public yes
terday proclamation which Capt. Richard
P. Leary, U. s. N, was directed TO issue
on his arrival at the Island of Guam to as
sumo the duties of Governor. The depart
ment supposes that Captain Leary has
reached Guam by this time. The text of
the proclamation follows:
Proclamation to the Inhabitants of Guam
and to Whom 1t May Concern:
Pursuant to the provisions of a Treaty
of Peace between the United States and
Spain, concluded by their respective pIeni-
of December, 1888. the future control, dis
| position, and government of the Island of
Guam are ceded TO the United States.
Now, therefore, by virtue of the author
! ity vested in me by His Excellency, the
President of the United States, I, Richard
p. Leary, captain, United States Navy. and
Governor OF the Island of Guam, do hereby
announce and publicly proclaim my actual
occupation and administration Of this ISL
and, in the fulfillment of the rights of SOW
| ereignty acquired and the responsible obi
cations of government thus assumed.
THAT you, the inhabitants Of Guam are
hereby informed that in establishing a new
political power the authority of the United
States viii be exerted for the security of
persons and property of the people of the
island and for the confirmation of all your
private rights and relations.
That all political rights heretofore ex-
ereised By the clergy in dominating the
people of the island are hereby abolished,
and everyone is guaranteed absolute free
dom OF worship and full protection in the
lawful pursuits of life, so long as that
protection is deserved By actual submis-
sion to and compliance with the require
ments OF the Government of the United
States.
That all public lands and property and
all rights and privileges On shore or in
the contiguous waters OF the island that
belonged to Spain at the time Of The sur
render row belong to the United States,
and all persons are warned against at
tempting TO purchase, appropriate, or dis
pose of any of the aforesaid properties,
rights, or privileges without the consent
OF the United States Government.
THAT for the present preservation OF
law and order, the existing laws not con-
flicting with the provisions OF this proc a
nation will continue in force until modi-
fed or annuIled by competent authority.
ard all persons are enjoined TO render
prompt and cheerful obedience to the
same in order that the blessings OF good
government, with the benefits Of civ.Iza-
ton and freedom coupled with happ. ness
and prosperity for the greatest good of
the greatest number. may be the heritage
OF all residents of the island, as wo. tay
citizens of the Island OF Guam, under the
free flag of the United States.
In witness whereof, l have hereInto
set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States Naval Station, Is,e Of Guam,
TO be affixed
Done at Agana, Isle of Guam, this -
day Of , in the year OF our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and ninety
nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the one hun
dred and twenty-third.
RICHARD p. LEARY,
Captain u. S n,
Governor of Guam"