The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-30
PROVISIONS OF r..g SURE
Calling of a Cons <.ional Con-
 vention is 7. $sided For.
Treaty Obligations Must not Be Vii olated-Lands to be Retained for Naval, Military and
 Coaling Stations.

Washington, March 29.-The Democratic members of the Senate Committee on the Philippines today agreed on q substitute for the Philippine government bill to be offered by them.
 It provides that, subject to provisions which are set forth, the United States shall reiinquish all claim of sovereignty over the Philippine archipelago. but that the United States shall continue to oc- cupy and govern the archipelago until the people thereof shall have established a government and until sufficient Guaran- tees have been obtained for the perform ance of our treaty obligations with Spain and for the safety of those inhabitants who have adhered to the United States and for the maintenance and protection of all rights which have accrued under the authority thereof"
 A constitutional convention is provided for. the members of which are to- be elected by voters, who speak and write the English, Spanish or any of the lan- guages of the archipelago. This conven- ton is to number 300 persons and Is to meet in Manila not more than year from the cessation of hostilities in the islands. This convention is to proceed Ito form a constitution and organize such sovern- ment as they may deem best adapted to promote the welfare and secure the peace and happiness of the inhabitants of said islands. Provided. that said convention shall provide by an ordinance. irrevoca- ble, without the consent of the United States:
 "First-That there shall belong to the United States and continue to be the property thereof. such lands and waters as thes President of the United States shall designate to the said convention. for naval. military and coaling stations and terminal facilities for submarine cables. the same to continue under the control and sovereignty of the United States. "Second-To carry into effect the treaty obligations of the United States with the Kingdom of Spain and for the nainten- ance and protection of all rights and property acquired under the authority of the United states. s st Sf k "Third--That no inhabitant of said ar- chipelago shall ever be nnolested in per- son or property on account of his or her adherence to the United States" It is then to be the duty of the Presi- dent of the United States to issue his proclamation declaring the independence of the people of the archipelago The President is also authorized and required to negotiate an agreement between the United States, the Philippine archipelago and Great Britain, Germany, France and such other powers as he may deem best. providing TOT the pefpetudi heuti dhty anu inviolability from all foreign interference with the territory of the archipelago and also for equal opportunities of, trade be- tween the archipelago and foreign coun- tries.
 Full amnesty is granted to all the in- habitants of the islands on account of po- litical offences and the bearing of arms against he United States.
 Within sixty days from the election of officers under the Philippine constitution and their inauguration. the President Is to cause the armed forces of the United States to be withdrawn as speedily as noasihle