Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-07
LOCAL RULE IN PHILIPPINES
FOR THE POPULAR ELEC-
TION OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS.
Gen. Otis Order Given Out by the War
Department-The Aim of
the Government.

The Secretary of War has sent to Con-
gress a copy of an order issued by Gen. Otis,
| and just received here, providing for sys-
tenn of civil municipal government in the
| Philippines, and for the election of mu-
nicipal officers by the people. The order
says in part:
| TT is with great satisfaction that the
United States authorities, in consonance
| with former promises, i;-omulgate in this
order the law by which the municipalities
of the towns of the Philippines are to be
| established and governed in the future. The
law is inspired by genuinely liberal spirit
and the principles of autonomous govern
ment. 1t is in itself educating. 1t is calcu-
lated to urge on the people in the path of
true progress if they are DESTROYS to under
stand their duties as free citizens and make
legitimate use of their privileges.
For the first time the Philippine people
are to exercise the right Of suffrage in the
election of municipal officers right only
slightly restricted by conditions which have
been imposed for the purpose of reward,ng
as well as encouraging the people in their
just and natural aspirations to become ed
ucated and worthy to enjoy al the benefits
of civilization.
With the municipalities q really autono-
nous and decentraliZed municipal govern
ment will be established in the towns. since
no provincial assembly is created In the cap
itais of the provinces or districts, ana each
of the interests of the town, and will keep
preserve and expend for the public welfare
the municipal funds
After further explaining the general nur-
poses of the law, the order proceeds: "A
reading of the provisions of the law clearly
demonstrates the purpose, TENDENCIES and
beneficent intentions of the United States
government. Naturally it is impossible to
frame legal provisions which are perfect.
but these are susceptible Of future improve
ment, in order that they meet future Noes
sites and keep pace with the development
in political knowledge of the Philippine peo-
pie. with whom now rests the creation nf
municipalities which snail faithfully admin
lister their interests and protect their rights
and liberties.''
1t is added that if. notwithstanding the
prudent foresight of the intel 5tates gov
eminent, errors should occur and abuses
should be committed BY the local officials
the abuses will be strongly depressed under
the penal law.
The provisions are divided into chapters.
showing in detail the powers of the alcaldes
MUNICIPAL councils and other officers and
bodies. The councils number from eight 20
eighteen, according to the size of the town
The electors must be male persons, TWEEN
tv-three years of age OF over" who have
resided in the town six rnonthS. and are not
subjects of any foreign power. 1t also is a
condition of being electOr that a person
should have held one of certain designated
offices, or pay 30 pesos taxes annually. or
speak read and write English or Spanish
The elector also must take and subscribe to
an oath embodying the foregoing and stat
ing Il recognize and accept the supreme
authority of the United States of America
and VIII maintain true and faithful allie
glance thereto etc. Most OF the order is
given to details of administering the towns.