Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1900-09-28

tories hereby ceded to the United States
shail be determined by the Congress"
Eleven days thereafter, on Dec 81, the fol-
lowing direction was given to the command
sr OF our forces In the Philippines:
'The military commander of the United
states Is enJoined to make known to the in
hAbitants of the Philippine Islands that, in
succeeding to the sovereignty of Spain, in
ssFering the former political relations of the
inhabitants and In establishing a new polit-
Aeal power, the authority OF the United
states Is to be exerted for the securing OF
ths persons and property of the people of
the Islands and for the confirmation OF all
their private rights and relations. 1t will
be the duty of the commander Of the forces
Of occupation to announce and proclaim in
the most public manner that we come not
as Invaders or conquerors, but as friends to
protect the natives in their homes In their
employments and In their personal and re-
hglous rights"
Sent a Com mission.
In Srder to facilitate the most humane,
pacific and effective extension of authority
throughout these Islands, and to secure, with
the least possible delay, the benefits OF a
wise and generous protection of life and
property to the inhabitants. l appointed in
January, 1899, commission consisting OF
Jacob Gould SchurmaNof New York, Ad-
mlral George Dewey, U. S. NJ; Charles
DENLY Of Indiana, Professor Dean C. Wor-
cester Of Michigan, and Major General El-
well B. Otis, U. S. A. Their instructions
eontained the following:
'In the performance Of this duty the com
nissioners are eDjolned to meet at the
earliest possible day in the city OF Manila,
and to announce by public proclamation
their presence and the mission intrusted to
them, carefully setting forth that, while the
military government already proclaimed is
TO bs maintained and continued SO long as
necessity may require. efforts will be made
to alleviate the burden Of taxation, to estab-
hsh industrial and commercial prosperity,
and to provide for the safety Of persons and
Of property by such means as may be found
conducive to these ends
Given Careful Instructions.
1.-The commissioners will endeavor, with
out Interference with the military authOri-
ties Of the United States now in control Of
the Philippines. to ascertain what amcliora-
tion In the condition of the inhabitants and
what improvements in public order may be
practicable, and for this purpose they will
study Attentively the existing social and po
AtioAI state OF the various populations par
ucuIarly as regards the forms Of local gov
srnment the administration of justice, the
collection OF customs and other taxes, the
means of transportation, and the need OF
public improvements. They will report
the results of their observations and
reflections, and will recommend such execu
tive <ltlon as may from time to time seem
TO them wise and useful.
"The commissioners are hereby authorized
ts confer autborltatively with any persons
resident In the Islands from whom they may
believe themselves able to derive lnforma-
don or suggestions valuable for the pur-
poses OF their commission, or whom they
may choose to employ as agents, as may be
ssessYry for this purpose.
Avoided Harsh Measures.
cit is my desire that In all their relations
with the Inhabitants OF the Islands the com
nissioners exercise due respect for all the
IDEALS, customs and Institutions OF the tribes
which compose the population, emphasizing
upon all occasions the just and beneHcent In
tentions OF the government of the United
gtates-
"It is also my wish and expectation that
he commissioners may be received In a |
manner dye 10 the honored and authorized
representatives. of the American Republic, |
duly commissioned on account OF their |
knowledge. skill and integrity as bearers of
the good WILL the protection and the richest |
blessings of liberating rather than a CON |
suering nation"
On the 9th OF February, 1900. the treaty |
was ratified by the Senate of the United |
States, and the Congress Immediately ap- |
propriated S20,000,000 to carry out It's pro- |
visions. The ratifcatons were exchanged |
~ the United States and Spain on the 18th |
sf April, 1899.
Az early as April. 1909, the Philippine
commission, OF which Dr. Schurman was
president, endeayored to bring about peace |
tn the Islands by repeated conferences with |
leading Tagalogs representing the so-called |
insursent government to the end that some
general plan of government might be offered |
them which they would accept
Pleased the Natives.
30 great was the satisfaction of the lusur.
gent commissioners with the form OF gov
srnment proposed by the American com.
uissioners that the latter submitted the
proposed scheme to me for approval, and my
action thereon Is shown by the cable mes
sage following:
May 8, 1899 Schurman, Manila: Yours
eth received. You are authorized to propose
that, under the military power of the Presi.
dent. pending action OF Congress, govern
nent OF the Philippine Islands shall consist
Of governor general appointed by the
President, cabinet appointed by the govern
or general, general advisory council elect
ed by the people, the qualifications of elect
sra to be carefully considered and deter
mined. and the governor general to have alb.
soluts veto. Judiciary strong and lnde-
pendent, principal judges appointed by the
President. The cabinet and judges to be
chosen from natives or Americans. or both,
having regard to fitness.
''The President earnestly desires the cessa.
tion OF bloodshed aud that the people of the
Philippine Islands at an early date shall
have the largest measure of local self.gov-
eminent consistent with peace and good
order.
Sigma of Treachery.
In the latter part of May another group
Of representatives came from the lnsurgent
leader. The whole matter was fully dis
eussed with them and promise of acrentance