Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1900-09-28

native Inhabitants of the terri
ceded to the United States
rmIned by the Congress"
thereafter, on Dec. q, the fol-
ion was given to the command
ces In the Philippines:
ary commander of the United
oined to make known to the in
the Philippine Islands that, in
o the sovereignty Of Spain, In
former Political relations of the
and In establishing a new polit-
the authority of the United
be exerted for the securing of
and property of the people OF
and for the confirmation OF all
e rights and relations. 1t Will
of the commander of the forces
on to announce and proclaim In
ublic manner that We come not
or conouerors, but as friends, to
natives in their homes. In their
is and in their personal and re-
hts"
Sent n Com m ission.
to facilitate the most humane,
effective extension of authority
these Islands, and to secure, with
rossible delay, the benefits Of
generous protection of life and
o the inhabitants. ] appointed In
1s99, a commission consisting OF
aid Schurman of New York, Ad-'
brge Dewey, U. s. N; Charles
Indisnn. Professor Dean c. Wor-
Michigan, and Major General Ell
BITS. U, S. A. Their Instructions
the following:
performance Of this duty the com
are epjoined to meet at the
POSSIBLE day In the city Of Manila.
nnouuce by public proclamation
sence and the mission intrusted to
refully setting forth that. while the
government already proclaimed Is
sintaiued and continued SO long as
NAV REQUIRE efforts will be made
ate the burden of taxation, to estab-
,strlal and commercial prosperity.
royide for the safety Of persons ana
rty by such means as may be founo
Fe TO these ends.
ven Careful Instructions.
commissioners will endeavor, with
hrference with the military authori-
the United States now In control OF
iIppines to ascertain what ameliora-
the condition of the inhabitants and
improvements in public order may be
able, and for this purpose they Will
attentiveIy the existing social and po
state of the various populations. par
hy as regards the forms of local gov
bit, the administration Of justice, the
lon of customs and other taxes, the
of transportation, and the need OF
improvements. They VIII report
the results of their observations and
Ions, and will recommend such execu-
ction as may from time to time seem
m wise and useful.
commissioners are hereby authorized
afer authoritatively with any persons
mt In the Islands from whom they may
10 themselves able to derive informa-
Or suggestions valuable for the pur-
OF their commission, or whom they
choose to employ as agents, as may be
sary for this purpose.
is my desire that in all their relations
the inha abitants of the islands the com
oners exercise due respect for all the
5, customs and institutions of the tribes
b compose the population, emphasizing
all occasions the just and benefcent in
ops of the government of the United
es.
10 also my wish and expectation that
commissioners may be received In a
ner due to the honored and authorized
esentatives of the American Republic,
commissioned on account of their
Wedge. skill and integrity as bearers of
good will, the protection and the richest
tsings of a Iiberating rather than con-
|ri1g nation
b the 9th OF February. 1890. the treaty
] ratified by the Senate of the United
ties, and the Congress Immediately ap-
|priated s2O,o0o,oO0 to carry out Its pro-
Ions. The ratifications were exchanged
the United States and Spain on the 11th
April, 1899.
8 early as April. 1899, the Philippine
nmission, of which DIR. Schurman was
sident. endeavored to bring about peace
the islands by repeated conferences with
urgent government, to the end that some
Ierai plan of government might be offered
N which they would accept.
Pleased the Natives.
0 great was the satisfaction of the insur-
It commissioners with the form of gov
ment proposed by the American COM
,sioners that the latter submitted the
'posed scheme to me for approval. and my
ion thereon is shown by the cable mes
e following:
May 8, 1899. Schurman, Manila: Yours
received. You are authorized to propose
It, under the military power of the Presi-
1t, pending action of Congress. govern
at of the Philippine Islands shall consist
governor general appointed by the
.sident, cabinet appointed by the govern
general. general advisory council elect
by the people, the qualifications of elect
to be carefully considered and deter
ned. and the governor general to have alb
ute veto. Judiciary strong and fnde-
,dent, principal judges appointed by the
ssident. The cabinet and judges to be
,sen from natives or Americans. or both,
ring regard to fitness.
The President earnestly desires the cessa.
n of bloodshed and that the people of the
Aippine Islands at an early date shall
re the largest measure Of local self-gov.
Ter.