Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-12-13

ana In which as long as inSurrectior
sarily be supreme. stated my purpose
until the congress shall have made
known the formal expression Of its will
70 use the authority bested In me by the
the sovereignty of the United States In
those distant islands as In all other places
where our flag rightfully floats, placing
to that end at the disposal OF the army
and navy all the means which the liber-
ality of the congress and the people have
provided. No contrary expression Of the
will of the congress having been made.
have steadfastly pursued the purpose 80
declared, employing the civil arm IS well
toward the accomplishment of pacifca-
ton and the institution of local govern
ments within the lines Of authority and
law.
FAITH OF THE ARMY KEPT.
The articles of capitalization of the city
OF Manila on Aug. u. 1888. concluded with
these words:
This city. It's Inhabitants, its churches
and religious worship, Its educational es-
adjustments, and its private property of
all descriptions are placed under the spe-
cial safeguard of the faith and honor of
the American army"
/ believe that this pledge has been faith
fully kept. As high and sacred an obli-
cation rests upon the government of the
United States to give protection for prop
erty and life. civil and religious freedom,
and wise. firm and unselfish guidance in
the paths of peace and prosperity to all
the people of the Philippine islands.
charge this commission to labor for the
run performance of this obligation, which
concerns the honor and conscience of
their country. In the firm hope that
through their labors all the inhabitants
OF the Philippine islands may come to
look back with gratitude to the day when
God gave victory to American arms at
Manila and set their land under the SOW
ereignty and the protection Of the people
of the United States.
PEACE IS ASSURED.
Progress in the hoped-for direction has
cessfully controlled the greater part of
the Islands. overcoming the organized
forces of the insurgents and carrying or
der and administrative regularity to all
for the most part, scattered. obeying no
concerted plan of strategic action, ope-
rating only by the methods common to
the traditions Of guerrilla warfare. which,
troll now established, are still sufficient
to beget insecurity among the popula-
tons that have felt the good results Of
our control and thus Lelay the confer
of local selfgovernment, of education and
OF Industrial and agricultural develop
ment which We stand ready to give to
BY the spring of this year the effective
opposition of the dissatisfied Tagalas to
the authority of the United States was
virtually ended thus opening the door for
the extension Of a stable administration
over much of the territory of the archi-
pelago. Desiring to bring this about. I
appointed in March last a civil commits
sion composed of William Fl. Taft of
ohio. Professor Dean c. Worcester of
Henry c. Ide of Vermont and Professor
Bernard Moses of California.
PROGRESS TOWARD PEACE.
Coincidentally with the entrance Of the
commission upon its labors l caused to
be issued by Cen Macarthur. the mill
tary governor of the Philippines, on June
Il. 1860. proclamation OF amnesty in
generous terms, of which many Of the
insurgents took advantage. among them
a number of important leaders
RMS commission. composed of eminent
cfizens 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
cal careers, made great progress from
the outset. As early as Aug. q, 1900, it
submitted preliminary report, which
Will be laid before the congress, and from
which 1t appears that already the good
enects of returning order are felt: that
business Interrupted by hostili les, is i'm
proving as peace extends; that a larger
area Is under sugar cultivation than ever
before: that the customs revenues are
greater than at any time dur ng the Span
lsh rule; that economy and efficiency in
ed surplus fund of 5000, 600, available
for needed public improvements: that a
stringent civil service law IL in prepara-
ton; that railroad communica tons are
that comprehensive scheme OF eduea
ton is being organized.
THREE RULES TO BE INyIOLABLE.
1t Is evident that the most enlightened
thought of the Philippine islands fully
appreciates the Importance OF these prin-
rlnlpl will Ina n "
within short time command universal
assent. Upon every division and branch
of the government OF the Philippines
therefore must be imposed three inviol-
able rules:
That no person shall be deprived OF
life. liberty or property without due proc
ess of law: that private property shall
not be taken for public use without just
compensation; that in all criminal prose-
cutions the accused shall enjoy the right
to a speedy and public trial, to be in
formed of the nature and cause of the
accusation, to be confronted will the wit
nesses against him, to have compulsory
process for obtaining witnesses in his
favor and to have the assistance of coun-
sci for his defense; that excessive bail
shall not be required nor excessive fines
imposed, nor cruel and unusual punish
ment inflicted that no person shall be
put twice in jeopardy for the same Of
fense, or be compelled in any criminal
case to be witness against himself: that
the right to be secure against unreason-
able searches and seizures shall not be
violated: that neither slavery nor invol-
untary servitude shall exist except as a
punishment for crime: that no bill of at
tainer or ex-post facto law shall be pass
ed: that no law shall be passed ubridgI ng
the freedom OF speech or of the press or
the rights of the people to peacAably as
semble and petition the government for
a redress of grievances: that no law shall
be made respecting an esta blishment OF
religion or prohibiting the free exercise
tharnnp hn =,
enjoyment of religious profession and
worship without discrimination or pref
erence shall forever be allowed"
RULES AS TO LAND AND CHURCH.
1t will be the duty of the commission
to make a thorough investigation into the
titles to the large tracts of land held or
claimed by individuals or by religious or
ders; into the justice OF the claims and
complaints made against such Iandhold-
erS by the people of the island or any
part of the people, and to seek by wise
and peaceable measures a just settle
ment of the controversies and redress OF
wrongs which have caused strife and
bloodshed in the past In the perform
ance of this duty the commission is en-
Joined to see that no injustice Is done;
to have regard for substantial rights and
equity. disregarding technicalities so far
as substantial right permits and to OBJ
serve the following rules:
That the provision of the treaty OF
Paris pledging the United States to the
pLoteStioh OF all rlghts OF property in the
Islands, and as we'll the principle of our
own government which prohibits the tax.
Ing of private property without due proc.
ess of law, snail not be violated; that the
welfare of the people of the islands
which should be a paramount consider.
alton, shall be attained consistently with
this rule of property right; that If II be.
comes necessary for the public interest OF
the people of the islands dispose of claims
to property which the commission finds
to be not lawfully acquired and held, dis
position shall be made thereof by du,
legal procedure. in which there shall be
full opportunity for fair and impartia
hearing and Judgment: that IL the same
public interests require the extinguish
ment of property rights lawfully acquired
and held due compensation shall be mad,
out OF the public treasury therefor; tina
| no form of religion and no minister Of
| religion shall be forced upon any com
munity or upon any citizen of the Islands
| that upon the other hand, no minister O