The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-04-02
FILIPINO INDEPENDENCE.
Democrats in Congress Agree on
a Bill to Give independence to
the FiIipinos
On Much the Same Terms as it Has
Been Granted to the cubans.

Washington, March 29.-The Demo
cratic members Of the Senate commit
tee on the Philippines agreed today
EDon a substitute for the Philippine
SSoyernment bill to be offered by them.
I6 provides that, subject to the pro,
visions which are set forth, the Unlteo
States shall relinqUish all claim OF
sovereignty over the Philippine Arch1-
Delaeo, but "that the United States
shall continue to occupy and govern
tne archipelago until the people there
of shall have established a govern
ment, and until sufficient guarantees
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
gnited States and for the mainten-
ancs and dproteetion of all rights which
naye accrued under the authority
thereof. -
Constitutional Convention is
called for, the members Of which are
TO be elected by voters who speak ana
write English, Spanish or any OF the
languages of the. archipelago. Thls
Convention is to number three hun
dred persons and is to meet in Manila
not more than year from the cessa-
fion of hostilities in the islands This
Convention is TO form constitution
aud organize such government 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 Conven-
lion shall provide by an ordinance,
irrevocable without the consent OF
Ehe United States.
First, that there shall belong to
the United States, and continue to be
the property thereof, such lands and
waters as the President of the United
States shall designate to the said Con-
Fention for military, naval and coallng
stations, and terminal facilities for
cables, the same to con-
tinue under the control and sover-
eighty of the United States.
Second, to carry into effect the
treaty obligations of the United States
with the Kingdom of Spain, and for
the maintenance and protection Of all
rights and property acquired under the
authority OF the United States.
Third, That no inhabitant of said
archipelago shall ever be molested IN
person or property on account OF his
or her adherence to the United
States. -
1t is then to be the duty of the
President of the United States to issue
his proclamation declaring the inde-
pendence of the people Of the archi-
pelago.
The President is also authorized and
requested to negotiate an agreement
between the United States, the, Phil
ippine Archipelago and Great Britain.
Germany, France and such other
Powers as he may deem best, provid-
ing for the perpetual neutrality and
inTiolability from all foreign inter
fsrence with the territory of the archi-
DeIago and also for equal opportunities
Of trade between the archipelago and
foreign countries.
Full amnesty is granted to all the
inhabitants Of the Islands on account
Of political offences and the bearing
Of arms against the United States.
Within sixty days from the election
OF officers under the Philippine Consti-
mtion and their Inauguration the
President is to cause the armed forces
Of the United States to be Withdrawn
from the archipelago as speedily as
n0Ss;ble