The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-05-06
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT
Order issued Providing for Government Of
inequalities.
SEVERAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE FRANCHISE
Natives Assured of Americas Denefi-
cent Northumberland Gus s"'s
for Home on the Meade

| washington. May 5.--Secretary Root toaa,
sent to congress a copy OF an order issued "
General Otis and Just received here proSid-
ing for q system OF municipal government
lin tho Philippines and for the election o.
municirul officers by the people. The ordei
Gays in part:
III is with great satisfaction that the
United States authorities, in eonsonance Win
former promises, promuigates IN TINS ordei
the law BY which the municipalities OF the
TOWNS of the Philippine islands are TO be
established and governed in the future.
The Jaw is inspired by genuinely libecal
spirit ana ths principles OF autonomous gof'
eruunent 1t is In Itself educational. 1t is
calculated TO urge on the people in the path
OF true progress. ii they are desirous 10 I'M
derstand their auties as Tree citizens ana
make legitimate use Of their poslLons
"sor the first timo thu Phiipp.ns people
are TO exercise their right OF sunrase oi eiee-
ton OF municipal otlicers--a r.snt only
slightly restricted by conditions Which have
beeu imposed Tor the purpose OF ipWardlng
as well as encouraging tns people IN theif
Just and natural aspirations 10 oeroms edu7
cated and worthy 10 enjoy all the benefits OF
clvliizatlon.
with the municipalities a really autono-
nous aud decent realized municipal govern
ment WILL be established in the towns since
no provincial assembly Is created in tne
capitals OF the provinces OF districts and eacn
municipality is the lQgiulnate administration
OF the interests OF the towns and will keep,
preserve and eXpend Tor the public welfare tue
money funus."
After further explaining the general pur-
poses OF the law, the order proceeds.
"a reading or the provisions of the law
clearly demonstrates the purpose, tendencies
and benencent intentions OF the United STATES.
Naturally 1t Is impossible TO frame IDEAL pro-
Visions which are perfect, but these are sus-
ceptible OF Improvement in order that they
may meet future necessities and keep pace
OF the Filipino people with whom now rests
the creation Of municipalities which slali
faithfully administer their interests and pro-
teet their rights and liberties"
1t is added that II, notwithstanding tuu
prudent foresight of the United States gov
ernment, errors should occur and abuses
should be committed by the local officials, the
abuses will be redressed under the penal
Law. The provisions are divided into chap
ters, showing 10 detail the powers OF the
hces and bodies. Tho councils number from
eight to eighteen. according to the size OF the
town. Tie electors must be male persons.
rs years of age or over. who have resided
IN the town SIX noD.hs and are not subleois
OF any foreign power" 1t is also a condi-
had ono certain designated office, or pay 80
pesos tax annually. or speak, read and write
English or Spanish.
The elector also must take and subscribe
to an oath embodying the foregoing and
stating II recognize end accent the supreme
authority Of the United States Of Amei1ra
and viii maintain faith and allegiance there
to.
Most or the order is given to details OF al
ministrsting the towns