The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-06

half-a proceeding heretofore unknown in
these islands
A reading OF the provisions of the law
] CleaFly demonstrates the purposes ten
dencies. and benefcent intentions Of the
United States Government. Naturally II
1 Is impossible to frame legal provisions
which are perfect, but these are suscepti-
Die OF future improvement in order that
| they may meet future necessities and keep
pace with the development in political
! knowledge Of the Philippine people with
| whom now rests the creation Of municipal-
tiles which shall faithfully administer their
| interests and protect their rights and lib
ertieS. Their action is limited by the law
! solely by desire to establish prudential
/ measures for the common welfare. such as
| appear TO be necessary 10 secure the pros
| perIty and the moral and material advance
ment OF the country. And if notwith-
standing the prudent foresight of tn,
| United States Government. as herein ex,
/ pressed errors should occur and abuses
| should be committed by the Municipalities
IN the management Of their interests. the
! abuses will be strongly repressed in ac-
cordance with the penal law and RESPONSE
bliity for errors committed must be
charged TO the electors. who it is TO be
hoped, after having seen that they have
chosen Incompetent or unworthy officers.
VIII eudeayor TO exercise the elective fra,,.
chlse more wisely in the future BY such
course OF action they will demonstrate
that they possess the qualifications nee
essary to free citizenship. that they have
clear idea Of their rights and liberties
mat they know how to guard their com
mon interests. and that they honestly de-
sire the progress and happiness of the
country"
General Otis then proceeds to outline the
provisions Of law which were determined
upon by the board which was organized for
the purpose OF preparing a form Of munich
pal government
General Otis approves the report Of the
board Of which Don Cayetano ArelIano.
Chief Justice Of the Philippines. was
president Chapter l of the law defines
and Classics the towns and municipalities
and vests the municipal government of
each town in an alcalde and a municipal
council These officers are to be chosen
at large by the qualified electors of the /
town. and their term of Office shall be for
two years from and after the first Monday ;
ia January next, after their election. and .
until their successors are chosen and .
qualified. Towns Of the first class. con-
ming not less than $4,000 inhabitants /
shall have eighteen councillors: towns with 4
population between IS. 900 and %. 900 shall /
have fourteen councillors; with a popula- I
ton between 10000 and IS 600 ten cOun- /
ctlCrs, less than 10 900 inhabitants shalI |
have eight councillors.
The electors are divided Into three |
classes the eligbles being those who. prior
to the 18th Of August, 1898. held the office
OF municipal captain or gobernadorcillo.
lieutenant or cabeza de baranguay. those
who annually pay 30 pesos or more of the
established taxes, and those who speak.
read. and write English and Spanish
Each elector, before casting his ballot. IS
compelled TO take an oath that he is not
a subject or citizen of any foreign power.
that | recognize and accept the supreme
Of the United States OF America
and will maintain true faith and allegiance
thereto"
Regarding the officers the law saws. "In
no cases can there be elected or appointed
to municipal office, ecclesiastics. soldiers
In active service persons receiving salary
from municipal, provincial or Government
funds. debtors TO said funds. contractors Of
public works and their bondsmen; clerks
and functi0naries OF the Administration