Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-06
ercise the authority of Military Gov
ernor of the Philippine islands.
MILITARY GOVERNOR.

ernor of the Philippine islands.
MILITARY GOVERNOR.
Washington, May 5.-Brgadder-Gen
eral William a. kobbe, L. 5. V. was
to-day relieved as Military Governor or
the province Of Albay, Luzon. and the
Islands OF Catanduanes Samar. and
Leyte. and appointed Military Govern
or OF the district of AIlndanao and Jolo
archipelago to the garrieons and troops
OF which district ne was assigned as
Commanding General.
Brigadier-General James NJ. Bell. u.
S. ", has been appointed Military Gov
ernor OF the provinces Of CamarineS,
Albay and Sorsogon, LuZon. and of the
small adjacent islands in the immedi-
ate vicinity of those provinces and ISL
ands which are north of the san Ber-
nardino straits. The district will be
known and designated as the District
.of Southeastern Luzon.''
VICTORIOUS EXPEDITION.
Manila, May 5.-Colonei Harding's
expedition recently landed two compa-
the island OF Mavinduque. The troops
have already taken four towns without
opposition. the few armed insurgents
encountered taking TO the mountains.
Leaving one company TO garrison the
island. the expedition proceeded to
Masbete.
The cable TO the southern islands Is
broken. and details of the recent fight
Ing are not obtainable at present.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
Washington. May 5.-Secretary Root
to-day sent TO Congress Il copy of an
order issued by General Otis and Just
received here, providing for a system
of civil municipal government in the
Philippines. and for the election Of niu-
n nFff
der says in part:
1T is with great satisfaction that the
United states aut6orities,in consonance
with former promises. promulgates in
this order the law by which the mu-
inequalities of the towns OF the Philip
pines are 10 bc established and gov
eined III the future. The law is inspired
by genuinely liberal spirit, and the
principles of autonomous government.
Ii IS in itself educating. 1t IS calcu-
lated TO urge on the people in the path
OF true progress If they are DESTROYS 10
understand their duties as free citizens
and make legitimate use OF their priv
ilegcs.
For the first time the Philippine pes
pie are TO exercise the right Of suffrage
in the election OF municipal oiicers-a
right only slightly restricted by con-
ditions which have been imposed for
the purpose of rewarding as we'll as
and MARTIAL aspirations to become cd
ucatcd and worthy TO enjoy all the benz
eiits of civilization.
"With the municipalities n really au-
tonomous and decentrali2ed municipal
government will be established In the
towns. since no provincial assembly Is
created In the capitals OF the provinces
or districts. and each municipality is
the legitimate administrator of the in
forests of the town and Will keep, pre-
serve and eXpend for the public welfare
the municipal funds"
After further explaining the general
purposes OF the law the order proceeds:
"A reading of the provisions OF the
law clearly demonstrates the purpose
tendencies and beneficent intentions OF
tho United States Government. Natu-
rally it is impossible to frame legal
provisions which are perfect. but these
are susceptible OF future Improvement
in order that they meet future necessi-
ties and keep pace with the develop
ment in political knowledge of the
Philippine people, with whom now rests
the creation of municipalities which
shall faithfully administer their inter
ests and protect their rights and lber-
ties"
1t is added that IL, notwithstanding
the prudent forcsi sht of the United
States Government. errors should occur
and abuses should be committed byl
the local officials. the abuses will be
strongly repressed under the penut- law.
The provisions are divided into chap
ters. showing IN detail the powers OF
the alcaldes, municipal councils and
other officers and bodies. The councils
number from to Is according to the
size of the town. The electors must
be male persons, % years OF age or
over" who have resided i'm the town
six months and are not subjects of any
a is
OF being an elector that person should
have held one of the certain designated
officers or pay 80 pesos taxes annually.
or speak. read and write English or
Spanish. The elector also must take
and subscribe to an oath emhodying
the foregoing and stating "f recognize
and accep; the supreme authority of
the United States of America ana viii
maintain true faith and allegiance
thereto" etc.
Most of the order is given to details
OF administering the towns.