The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
# Manila on the 18th of August. 1898. con-

| OF Manila on the 18th Of August, 1898, con-
cluded with these words:
"'This city, its inhabitants, its churches
and religious worship. its educational
establishments, and its private property
of all descriptions, are placed under the
special safeguard Of the faith and honor
Of the American Army
Il believe that this pledge has been faith
fully kept. AS high and sacred an obliga-
ton rests upon the Government OF the
United States to give protection for
property and life, civil and religious free
dom, and wise, firm. and unselfish guild
ance in the paths Of peace and prosper
ity to all the people of the Philippine ISL
ands. I charge this commission to labor
for the full performance Of this obliga-
ton. which concerns the honor and con-
science OF their country, In the firm hope
that through their labors all the inhabi-
tants OF the Philippine Islands may come
to lcok back with gratitude to the day
when God gave victory to American arms
at Manila and set their land under the
sovereignty and the protection of the peo-
pie Of the United States.''
Proclamation of Amnesty.
Confidently with the entrance Of the
commission upon its labors caused to be
issued by General Macarthur. the military
governor Of the Philippines. on June q.
1900, proclamation of amnesty In gener-
Gus terms. Of which many Of the insur-
gents took advantage among them num-
Der Of important leaders.
This commission, composed Of eminent
citizens representing the diverse geo.
graphical and political interests Of the
country. and bringing to their task the
ripe fruits Of long and Intelligent service
in educational, administrative. and Judi
cial careers, made great progress from
the outset. As early as August q. 1900. it
submitted preliminary report. which will
be laid before the Congress-, and from
which 1t appears that already the good eff
fects OF returning order are felt: that
business. interrupted by hostilities, is i'm
proving as peace extends; that larger
area is under sugar cultivation than ever
before; that the customs revenues are
greater than at any time during the Span
ish rule; that economy and efficiency in
the military administration have created
a surplus fund Of $4,000, 600, available for
needed public improvements; that a strin-
gent civil service law is in preparation;
THAI railroad communications are expand
ing, opening up rich districts, and that
a comprehensive scheme Of education is
being organized.
Later reports from the Commission show
yet more encouraging advance toward
ensurfnS the benefits of liberty and good
government to the Filipinos, in the in
terest OF humanity and with the aim Of
building up an enduring self-supporting,
and self-administering community in those
far eastern seas. I would impress upon
the Congress that whatever legislation
may be enacted in respect to the Philip
pine Islands should be along these gen.
cfous lines. The fortune Of war has thrown |
upon this nation an unsought trust which |
should be unselfshiy discharged, and de- |
volved upon this Government a moral as !
we'll as material responsibility toward these |
millions whom We have freed from an |
oppressive yoke.
I have on another occasion called the |
Filipinos the wards Of the nation" Our |
obligation as guardian was not lightly !
1t must not be otherwise than |
honestly fulfilled. aiming first of all to !
benefit those who have come under our |
fostering care. 1t is our duty so to treat |
them that our flag may be no less be- !
loved in the mountains Of Luzon and the |
'eftile zones of Mindanao and Negroes than |
It Is at home, that there as here it shall !
be the reyered symbol OF liberty enIigIt-
snment, and progress in every avenue Of |
DEVELOPMENT.
The Fiiipinos are a race quick to learn
Ind to profit by knowledge. He would be |
ash who. with the teachings of contem-
ooraneous history in view, would fix
init to the degree Of culture and advance
nent yet within the reach of these people
( our duty toward them be faithfully
performed.