Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-05-07
NEW RIGHTS FOR flL1pINos.
GEN. OTIS lss ues an order Providingl
for civil Government.

! 1OT civil l5N1OVCEuUlSUke5f
Washington, May 7.-secretary Root
has sent to congress a copy OF an ore
der issued by Gen. Otis, and Just re-
ceived here. providing for a system Of
civil municipal government in the
Philippines, and for the election OF mus
snicipal officers by the people. Ths ore
der says in part:
1t Is with great IA tisfAction that tt /
United States authorities, in cO0so-
nance with former promises proMui-
gates In his order the law by which the
Philippines are 10 be established and
governed in the future. The law is in
spired by genuinely liberal spirit and
the principles of autonomous govern
ment. 1t is in itself educating. Is
calculated TO urge on the people IL tils
path of true progress, If they ire de-
sirnus 10 understand their duties3 az
free citizens and make legitimate use
of tlleirsprivileges.
For the firstit: t:ne the Philippine peo-
pie are 10 exercise the right of SUE
frageE OF election of municipal office rs--
la right crly slightly restricted by con-
Editions which have been imposed Tor
1 the purpose of rewarding as Well as en-
ceurag ging the people in their just and
natural aspirations to become educated
land worthy to enjoy all the benefits OF
1 lciviiizat tion. 5
i,Withathe municipalities, a really au-
atononlous and decentralized municipal
/ government will be established in tho
Towns. since no provincial assembly is
3created in the capitals of the provinces
Tor districts. and each municipality is
1.-THE legitimate administrator Of the In
lterests Of the town, and will keep. pre-
serve and expend for the public well
flare the municipal funds.
i After further explaining the general
4 purposes of the law, the order pro-
aIceeds:f @
IA reading of the provisions Of the.
sI,aw clearly demonstrates the purpose
Tendencies and beneficenr Intentions Of
1.-THE United States government. Natu-
3 sllrally. ii is impossible to frame legal
d provisions which are perfect. but these
a are susceptible Of future Improvement
4 in order that they may meet future ne
cessities and keep pace with the devel-
q opment in political knowledge OF the
4 Philippine people with whom now rests
II 1.-THE creation of municipalities which
II shall faithfully administer their inter-
ests and protect their rights and liber-
!, ties.
Itis added that if. Notwithstanding
II the prudent foresight Of the United
i States government, errors should occur.
!. and abuses should be committed by the
I#Ilocal officials. the abuses will be strong
ily repressed under the penal law. The
Iprovisions are divided into chapters
showing in detail the powers OF the all
& caldes, municipal councils and Other
officers and bodies. The councils mum.
ber from eight to eighteen, according t.
the size OF the town.
The electors must be male persons
o3 years of age or over. who have re-
sided in the town six months and ar,
not subjects Of any foreign power" /
: is also condition OF being an electol
: that person should have held one o
. certain designated offices, or pay 80 pc
: sotos taxes annually, or speak, reat
: and write English or Spanish.
L The elector also must take and sub
. scribe to an oath embodying the forego
!. ing and stating: II recognize and ac
. cept the supreme authority OF tn
. United States Of America and vii
q maintain true faith and aliegianc
3 thereto" etc Most OF the order ID givel
to details of administering the towns