Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1900-02-23
NAMED FOR ACTION.
WORK EXPECTED OF THE NEW
PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.
DUTIES OF THE NEW BODY.
President Mckinley Carefully Selecting
Men of Character and Standing-Thelr
Duties Will be to Organize Municipai
Government in the Islands and Super
wise Their Work.

Washington, Especial. 1.-The only refer
ence In the Cabinet meeting Tuesday to
matter OF public interest was as to the new
Philippine Commission. Inasmuch as the
commission will not leave this country for
six weeks or two months President Mckin-
| ley has been In no hurry to complete the
membership. He has been carefully seeking
men of national standing and unquestioned
character. The duties OF the commission
will be of the highest Importance. In Ad-
ministration circles the new commission Is
regarded as one of the most important ever
created. 1t differs great deal from the
original Philippine Commission. That body,
which will soon be defunct, was OF an ad-
visory nature. 1t was to look the ground
over, confer with the Philippine leaders and
report to the President and country what
was advisable. To all lntents and purposes
this has been done.
Not for Advice, But Action.
The new commission has been created not
for advice but for action. Its duty will be
to organize municipal governments here,
there and everywhere, set them going and
supervise their work till they are able to
stand firmly by themselves. Groups Oh
municipalities will then be gathered under
provincial governments, and the provinces
in turn will be gathered under a. central
authority, at the head OF which will be o
encouragement. The establishment OF
such system on a sound footing will be the
task of the new commission.
The Southern member the President has
been seeking has not been selected. Sena-
tor McLaurin was most prominently men
toned at one time, but it has never been
known whether he would accept. Senator
Lindsay has also been mentioned. His term
expires in March, 1901, and the seat after
that is already filled by the election OF Ex-
Senator Blackburn. but 1t is not now be-
lieved that Senator Lindsay will take
place, or that it will be offered to him by the
President
A Coming Declaration.
1t is said that the President will soon de-
clare the insurrection in the Philippines at
on end, so far as organized rebellion Is con-
cerned. Whether he will issue proclama-
ton to that effect is not known. The effect
of his action will be the same, however. 1t
will be to put Aguinaldo and few insurgents
now harrassing the American forces on the
basis of outlaws and bandits, to be treated
rs such now or at any future time they may
be captured or encountered. This will change
the future offensive operations Of the Ameri-
can troops from a military to police char
acter The army will be broken into detach-
ments and scattered throughout the Islands
to give protection and confidence to the
people.
II is too far off to determine how many
troops will be withdrawn from the Islands,
but there will be a number, and the with
drawals will increase with time.
Aguinaldo to Continue the Struggle.
1t is recognized In Administration circles
that Aguinaldo will try to continue desul-
tory struggle until next November, with the
hope that this may change the Presidential
election. When the President proclaims that
peace exists in the islands and that oil peo-
pic must submit their controversies to the
courts or be punished accordingly, it is
argued that the few insurgents will speedily
give in. Murder and arson will be punished
as they deserve SO will all other crimes,
and the Fillpinos who continue to intimidate
and murder natives will be treated as ban
dts and fought accordingly. No rules Of
regular warfare will be observed. Recogni-
ton OF white flags and exchanges OF prison
ers will not take place.