The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1900-06-20
COMMISSION IN MANILA.
Judge Taft Talks Of the Work Of Es-
tabIishing Civil Government.
WE REMAIN IN THE ISLANDS.

All self.Government Consistent With
Stability and Security - Suggestions
Invited From the FiIIpinos-No Inter-
ference With the Military Government
Manila (By Cable).-The United
States transport Hancock, from San
Francisco, arrived here with the mem
oers of the Philippine Commission.
The members of General MacArthur's
staff welcomed the Commissioners on
board the Hancock. At the Palace the
Commissioners were welcomed in a
short and forceful address. Judge
Taft, speaking regarding the powers
and future work Of the Commission,
said:
eve have full instructions and ex-
tensive powers. The latter we shall
not exercise until we: have had ample
time to acquire sufficient knowledge
of the situation to enable us to pro-
ceed to enact legislative, changes and
reforms preliminary to the establish.
ment of q stable civil government. a
Until We assume authority Gslff
Macarthur will continue to pSf
the duties and exercise the p0wexz =;
merly performed and exereise9
General Otis, and even after we le
active and full part In the EQEeEas
ment, General Macarthur w F0ns
tinue as the executive head until uf1n
our recommendation to President NC
Kinley, it shall seem to the President
that the time has arrived for the ap-
pointment of q civil executive for max
ing the military forces merely auxif-
iary in carrying on the civil govern.
ment, to be available only in cases or
emergency for the suppression OF law
less violence too formidable to be
overcome by the regularly organized
local police.
awe are aware that there are several
issues Of deep interest to the Filipinos
upon which it Is our duty to take ac.
tiou. Some of these involve judicial
Investigation and decisions upon legal
rights. Others call for the careful
exercise of political power In order
to secure equitable adjustments. Up
on the latter class of issues we can
not now speak. IN ~
nRepresentins the sovereignty OF
the United States in the Phtlippiness
which it Is the purpose OF our Govern
ment to maintain. we are mere 10 90
Justice to the FiIipinos and to secure
for them the. best government In our
power and such q measure of popular
control as Is consistent with the sta
bflity and security Of law, order and
,oroperty. We are civil officers, men
cf peace. The field Of our WORK is
necessarily confined to regions where
| the armed enemy has ceased his oper-
ations. We cannot deal with armed
Rmen. General Macarthur and the
army will do that.
"When those now in arms shall have
t1aid them down, relying as they GER
tainlyj can upon the justice. generosity
and clemency of the United States'
we shall give them all full hearing
upon the policy to be pursued and the
reforms to be initiated. We purpose
| to inaugurate as comprehensive q
! school system throughout the islands
/ as circumstances will allow. l am
4 surprised that Manila has not received
news regarding the Spooner bill. a
\ measure calculated to help us greatly
! In our work here
< While in Hongkong the Commission
ers questioned Armacho and members
4 of the wealthy Cortez family regard
ing Filipino affairs not covered by the
! Filipino Junta there.
1t should be understood that the
foregoing declaration OF Judge TAFT
is in no sense intended as q procla
nation.