The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-09-18

10 all the people OF the islands to scquire the
use Of the English language.
IL may be well that the main changes which
r ould be made in the system Of taxation and
IN the body Of the laws under which the people
are governed, except such changes as have al.
ready been made by the military government,
should be relcgated TO the civil government
which is TO be established under the auspices
Of the commission. It will, however. be the
duty Of the commission TO inquire diligently as
TO whether there any further changes which
ought not to be delayed; aud II SO, they are
authorized to make such changes. subject to
your approval. In doing so they are to bear
in mind that taxes which tend to pcnare or
repress industry and enterprise are to be avoided;
that provisions for taxation should be simple.
so that they may be understood by the people;
that they should affect the fewest practicable
subjects OF taxation which will serve for the
general distribution Of the burden.
The main body of the laws which regulate
| the rights and obligations OF the people should
be maintained with as little interference as pos
sible Changes made should be mainly in pro-
cedure, and in the criminal laws TO secure speedy
| and impartial trials, and at the same time ct
fective administration and respect for individual
| rights
Dealing with Uncivilized.
In dealing with the mcivilized tribes Of the
islands the commission should adopt the same
course followed by congress in permitting the
tribes Of our North American Indians to main
| tain their tribal organization and government,
| and uder which may OF those tribes are now
living in peace and contentment, surrounded NY
a civilization to which they unable or un-
| willing TO conform. Such tribal governments
should, however, be subjected to wise and firm
| regulation; and without undue petty in
| reference, constant and active effort should he
exercised to prevent barbarous practices and in.
| troduce civilized customs
Upon all officers and employees OF the United
States, both civil and military, should be i'm
pressed sense Of the duty to observe not merely
the material but the personal and social rights
| Of the people Of the islands, and to treat them
with the same courtesy and respect for Their
! personal dignity which the people Of the United
States are accustomed to require from each
other
The articles of capitulation Of the city o.
Manila on the thirteenth OF August, 1898. con
cluded with these words
"This city, its inhabitants, its churches ant
religious worship, its educational establishments
and its private property Of all descriptions, ar'
placed under the special safeguard Of the fatl
and honor Of the American army"
] believe that this pledge has been faithful,
kept As high and sacred an obligation rest
upon the government Of the United States t.
give protection for property and life, civil snc
religious freedom, and wise, frm aud unselflsl
guidance in the path, Of peace and prospcrit.
ia all the people of the Philippine Islands
charge this commission 10 labor for the ful
performance of this obligation, which concern
the honor and conscience OF their country, In th
firm hope that through their labors all the in
habitants of the Philippine Islands may com
to look back with gratitude to the day whe
God gave victory to American arms at Manil
and set their land under the sovereignty an
the protection Of the people Of the Unite
States William Mckinley.