New-York tribune., 1900-10-25

directed General Macarthur the Military Gov
ernor Of the Philippines. to issue proclama-
ton Of amnesty which contained among other
statements the following
Manila, 2. L, June 81. 1900
BY direction Of the President of the United
States, the undersigned announces amnesty
with complete immunity for the past and abso-
lutte liberty Of action for the future to All ner-
ary l. 1899. have been IN insurrection asainst
the United States in either a military or civil
capacity and who shall within nAriod of
ninety days from the date hereof, formally re-
nounce all connection with such tnsurrection
and subscribe 20 a declaration acknowledging
and accepting the sovereignty and authority of
the United States in and over the PhiIippine
Islands. The privilege herewith published is
extended to all concerned without any reserva-
tion whatever, excepting that persons who have
violated the laws of war during the period of
active hostilities not embraced within the
scope of this amnesty.
In order to mitigate as much as possible con-
sequences resulting from the various disturb
ances which since 1896 have succeeded each
other so rapidly, and 10 provide in some meas
ure for destitute Filipino soldiers during the
ceed a general peace, the military authorities OF
the United States will pay thirty pesos to each
man who presents rifle in good condition
Under their instructions the Commission, COM
POSED Of representative Americans Of different
sections of the country and from different polit-
cal parties, whose character and ability guar
antee the most faithful, intelligent and patrI-
otic service are laboring to establish stable
government under civil control, in which the
inhabitants shall participate giving them op-
portunity to demonstrate how far they are pre-
pared for self-gOvernment.
This Commission, under date OF August 21
1900 makes interesting report from which
I quote the following extracts:
Hostility against Americans originally aroused
/ by absurd falsehoods Of unscrupuous leaders.
The distribution of troops in three hundred
posts has by contact largely dispeled hostility
and steadily improved the temper of the people.
This improvement is furthered by abuses of in
surgents- Large numbers of people long for
peace and willing TO accept government under
ne United states. insurgents not surrenderiug
after defeat divided into small guerilla bands
under general officers or become robbers. Nearly
al OF the prominent generals and politicians Of
The insurrection except Aguinaldo have since
been captured or have surrendered and taken
the oath Of allegiance. All Northern
Luzon except two provinces substantially free
from insurgents. People busy planting ar
asking for municipal organization Railway
telegraph line from Manila to Dagupan 122
miles, not molested for five months. . . . Taga-
logs alone active in leading guerilla warfare.
Tablas, Bohol aid other Philippine Islands little
disturbance exists, and civil government eager
iessness in parts of Islands have created un-
settled conditions. Native constabulary
and militia, which should be organized at once,
VIII END this and the terrorism to which de-
fenceless people are subjected The natives desire
to enlist in these organizations. If JudicousIy
selected and oficered will be efficient forces for
maintenance of order and will permit early ma
terial reduction Of United States troops.
Turning islands over TO the coterie of Tagalog
politicians viii blight fair prospects of enormous
improvement drive out capital, make life and
property, secular and religious, most insecure;
Danish by fear of cruel prescription considerable
body Of conservative FiIipinos who have aided
Americans in Well founded belief that their
people are not now fit for self-government, and
reintroduCe same oppression and corruption
which existed in all provinces under Maloos in
surGent government during the eight months of
/ its control. The result Will be faCtional strife
between jealous leaders, chaos and anarchy. and
VIII require and justify active intervention Of
our Government some other. Business
, interrupted by much improved as peace
extends. In NegrOs more sugar in cuItf-
walton than ever before. New forestry regula-
tions give impetus to timber trade and reduce
high price of lumber. The customs collections
for last quarter 30 per cent greater than ever in
Spanish history, and August collections show
further Increase. The total revenue for same
period One-Uhird greater than in any quarter
under Spain, though ceduIa tax chief source of
Spanish revenue, practically abolished. Econ
oIuy and efficiency of military government have
created surplus fund Of Sc 100000 which should
be expended in much needed public works not
ably Improvement of Manila Harbor
With proper tariff and facilities Manila will be-
come great port Of Orient.
PROGRESS IN THE ISLANDS
The Commission is confident that "a Judi
cious customs law, reasonable land tax and
proper corporation franchise tax imposition Of
no greater rate than that in average American
States. will give less annoyance, and with peace
viii produce revenues sufficient TO pay expenses