Daily camera., 1900-12-04
FILIPINO GOVERN MENT.

Extract From the Orders Given the Taft
Commission by the President.
From the presidents message, Dec 3.
1900:
In all forms OF government ana ad-
minisuative provisions which they are
authorized to prescribe the commission
should bear in mind that the government
which they are establishing is designed
not for our satisfaction. or for the ex-
preston of our theoretical views. but for
the happiness, peace and prosperity OF
the people of the Philippine ISLANDS. and
the measures adopted should be made
to conform to their customs, their habits
and even their prejudices, to the fullest
extent consistent with the accomplish
ment of the indispensable requisites Of
just and effective government.
At the same time the commission
should bear in mind. and the people Of
the islands should be made plainly to
understand. that there are certain great
principles of government which have
been the basis of our governmental
system which We deem essential to the
rule OF law and the maintenance OF indi
viduaI freedom. and Of which they have
unfortunately. been denied tie exper-
ience possessed by US; That there are al
so certain pracucal rules Of government
which we have found 10 be essential to
the preservation OF these great princi
Piles of liberty and law. and that these
principles and these rules Of govern
ment must be established and maintain
ed in their islands for the sake Of their
liberty and happiness. however much
they may conflict with the customs or
laws of procedure with which they are
familiar.
1t is evident that the most enlightened
thought Of the Philippine islands fully
appreciates the importance of these
PRINCIPLES and rules, and they will in.
evitabIy within a short time command
universal assem-. Upon every division
and branch Of the government OF the
Philippines, therefore, must be imposed
three inviolable rules:
That no person shall be deprived OF
life, liberty or property without due
process of law; That private property
shall not be taken for public use withou,
just compensation; That in all criminal
prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the
right to speedy and public trial, to be
informed Of the nature and cause Of the
accusation, to be confronted with the
witnesses against HIM, to have coulpul
sorry process for obtaining witnesses in
his favor, aad to have the assistance of
counsel for his defense; That excessive
bail shall not be required. nor excess
fines imposed nor cruel and unusual
punishment inflicted; That no person
shall be put twice in jeopardy for the
same offense. or be compelled in any
criminal case to be a witness against
himself; That the right TO b secure
against unreasonable searchers and
seizures shall not be violated; Tha,
neither slavery nor involuntary servi.
tude shall exist except as a punishm ent
for crime; That no bill of attainder or
expost facto law shall be passed aloridg-
ing the freedom Of speech or Of the
press. or the rights of the people to
peaceably assemble and pe,ition the
government for redress Of grievances;
That no law shall be made respecting
the establishment of religion or prohibit
ing the free exercise thereof, and that
the free exercise and enjoyment Of re-.
lig'ous profession and worship without
discrimination or preference shall for.
ever he allnved