New-York tribune., 1900-09-10

of the people Of the United States.
PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY
That all might share in the regeneration OF the
islands and participate in their government. 1
directed General Macarthur, the Military Gov
ernor of the Philippines. to issue proclama-
ton OF amnesty. which contained among other
statements the following:
Manila p. l.. June q. 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 per-
sons who are now at any time since FebTu-
airy 4. 1890. have been In insurrectio7 against
the United States in either a military or civil
capacity. and who shall, within period OF
ninety days from the date hereof. formally re-
nounce all connection with such tnsurrectiOn
and subscribe to a declaration acknowledging
and accepting the sovereignty and authority or
the United States in and over the Philippine
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 are 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 to provide In some meas
for destitute Filipino soldiers during the
transitory period which must inevitably sue
ceed general peace, the military authorities OF
the United States will pay thirty pesos 20 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-
ical parties, whose character and ability guar
antee the most faithful intelligence and patri-
otto service are now labOring TO establish stable
government under civil control in which the
inhabitants shall participate. giving them cp-
portunity to demonstrate how far they are pre-
pared for self government
This Commission, under date Of August 81
1900 makes an fntArastiuo raDor+ frOr, -v.tioL
I quote the following extracts:
Hostility against Americans originally aroused
by absurd falsehOOds of unscrupulous leaders
The distribution of troops in three hundred
posts mas by contact largely dispelled hostility
ana 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 20 accept government under
the United States Insurgents not snrrendering
after defeat divided into small guerilla bands
under general officers or become robbers Nearly
all 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. and
asking for municipal organization. Railway and
telegraph line from Manila to Dagupan 122
miles. not molested for five months. Taga-
logs alone active in leading guerilla warfare
In NegrOs, Cebu, RomblOn Masbate. Sibuyan,
Tablas, Bohol and other Philippine Islands little
disturbance exists. and civil government eager
ly awaited Four years of war and law
lessness in parts of islands have created
and militia which should be organized at once.
will end this and the terrorism TO which de
fenceess people are subjected. The natives desire
to enlist in these organizations. If judiciousIy
selected and officered will be efficient forces for
maintenance Of order and Will permit early ma
terial reduction Of United States troops.
Turning islands to the Coterie of TagalOg
politicians will 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 Filipinos who have aided
Americans in we'll founded belief that their
people are not At for self-gOvernment and
reintroduCe same oppression and corruption
which existed in all provinces under Malolos in
surgent government during the eight months Of
its control The result Will be faCtiOnal strife
between jealous leaders chaos and anarchy. and
will require and justify active Intervention OF
our Government or some other Business
interrupted by war much improved as peace
extends. In Negros more sugar in culti
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 so per cent greater than ever in
Spanish history, and August collections show
further Increase. The total revenue for same
period one-third greater than in any quarter
under Spain, though cedula tax, chief source OF
Spanish revenue, practically abolished. Econ
omy and efficiency of military government have
created surplus fund OF S6O0OOOO which should
be expended in much needed public works, not
ably improvement of Manila HarhOr.
With proper tariff and facilities Manila will be-
come great port of Orient
PROGRESS IN THE ISLANDS.
The Commission is confident that by judi
cious customs law. reasonable land tax and
proper corporation franchise tax imposition of
no greater rate than that in average American
State will give less annoyance and with peace
will produce revenues sufficient to pay expenses
OF efficient government including militia and
constabulary." They ARE preparing stringent
Civil Service law giving equal opportunity to
nd will for he
former where qualifications are equal to enter
at lowest rank and by promotion reach head of
department. Forty-dve miles of railroad
extension under negotiation will give access TO
a large province rich in valuable minerals.
mile high. with strictly temperate climate. q.
Railroad construction will give employment to
many and communication will furnish market
TO vast stretches of rich agricultural lands"
They report that there are calls from all parts
of the islands for public schools. school supplies
and English teachers, greater than the Com
mission provide until a comprehensive
school system is organized. Night schools for
teaching English to adults are being stablished
in response 10 popular demand. Native children
show aptitude in learning English Spanish is
spoken by a small fraction of people, and in a
few years the medium of communication in the
courts. public offices and between different
tribes will be English creation Of central gov
ernment within eighteen months. under which
substantially all rights described in the Bill of
Rights in the Federal Constitution are to be
occurred to the people OF the Philippines. will
bring to them contentment. prosperity. education
and political enlightenment"
This shows to my countrymen what has been
and is being done to bring the benefits of liberty
and good government TO these wards of the Ma
ton Every effort has been directed TO their