The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1900-09-20

status Of the native inhabitants Of the terri
shall be determined by the Congress-
Eleven days thereafte-, Dec 21. the fol-
lowing direction was given to the command
er of our forces In the Philippines
The military comma nder of the United
States is enjoined to make known to the in
habItants of the Philippine Islands that,
succeeding the sovereignty of Spain, in
severing the former political relations Of the
Inhabitants and in establishing poIit-
zeal power. the authority of the United
States is to be exerted for the securing of
the persons and property of the people of
the Islands and for the confirmation OF all
their private rights and relations 1t viii
be the duty of the commander OF the forces
of occupation to announce and proclaim In
the most public manner that we come not
invaders or conquerors. but as friends, TO
protect the natives in their homes, in their
employments ana IN their personal and re-
iigious rights
sent a Com omission.
In order 20 facilitate the most humane,
pacific and effective extension Of authority
throughout these Islands, and secure, with
the least possible delay, the benefits OF
wise and generous protection of life and
property to the inhabitants, I appointed in
January, 1890, a commission consisting of
Jacob Gould Schurman of New York. Ad-
miral George Dewey, Z. s N; Charles
DENLY of Indiana, Professor Dean C. Wor-
cester of Michigan, and Major General Ell
well s. Otis. Z S A Their instructions
contained the following
I'm the performance OF this duty the com
missioners are enjoined to the
earliest possible day in the city of Manila
and to announce by public proclamation
their presence and the mission intrusted to
them, carefully setting forth that while the
military government already proclaimed Is
to be maintained and continued so long as
necessity may require. efforts will be made
alleviate the burden of taxation, to estab-
lIsh Industrial and commercial prosperity,
and to provide for5the safety of persons and
of property by such means may be found
conducive to these ends
Given Careful Instructions.
1.-The commissioners will endeavor, with
out interference with the military authori-
ties of the United States in control of
the Philippines, to ascertain what ameliora
tion in the condition of the inhabitants and
what improvements in public order may be
practicable, and for this purpose they will
study attentively the existing social and Pc
HticaI state of the various populations, par
ticuIarly as regards the forms of local gov
eminent, the administration of justice, the
collection of customs and other taxes, the
means of transportation, and the need OF
public improvements They will report
results of their observations and
reflections, and will recommend such execu-
tive action may from time to time seem
to them wise and useful
The commissioners are hereby authorized
20 confer authorftativeIy with any persons
resident in the islands from whom they may
believe themselves able derive informa-
tion or suggestions valuable for the pur-
poses of their commission. whom they
choose to employ as agents. as may De
necessary for this purpose
Avoided Harsh Measures.
1T is my desire that in all their relations
with the Inhabitants of the islands the com
missioners exercise due respect for all the
ideals, customs and institutions of the tribes
which compose the population, emphasizing
upon all occasions the just and benefeent in
tentIons of the government of the United
States.
1T is also my wish and expectation thai
the commissioners may be received in a
due the honored and authorized
representatives of the American Republic
knowledge. skill and integrity as bearers OF
the good will, the protection and the richest
Dressings of a Hberating rather than con
quering nation"
On the 9Th of February, 1899. the treaty
was ratified by the Senate of the United
states, and the Congress Immediately APP
propriated o,o0o,O 900 TO carry out its pro
visions The ratfhcattons were exchanged
by the United States and Spain on the It'll
OF April, 1890
AS early as April 1890 the Philippine
commission. of which Dr. Schurman was
president, endeavored to bring about peace
in the islands by repeated conferences witt
leading TagaIogs representing the so-calIed
insurgent government to the end that some
general plan of government might be offered
them which they would accept.
Pleased the Natives.
So great was the satisfaction of the ins11r
gent commissioners with the form of gov
eminent proposed by the American com
uissioners that the latter submitted tbs
proposed scheme me for approval. and my
action thereon is shown by the cable mes
sage following
May >. 1890 Schurman. Manila: Yours
18th received You authorized propos,
that. under the military power of the Presf
dent pending action of Congress. govern
ment of the Philippine Islands shall consis
a governor general appointed by tn,
President cabinet appointed by the govern
general, Il general advisory council elect
ed by the people. the qualifications of elect
to be carefully considered and deter
mined, and the governor general to have alb
sOlute veto Judiciary strong and indie
pendent, principal judges appointed by tht
President The cabinet and judges b,
chosen from natives Americans, both
having regard o fitness
The President earnestly desires the cessa
ton OF bloodshed and that the people tn,
philippine Islands early shall
have the largest measure of local self-gov
consistent with peace and yoot