The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-04-01

Washington. March 2a.-The demo-
cratic members Of the senate COMMITTEES
on the Philippines today agreed upon a
substitute for the Philippine govern
ment bill to be offered by them. IL
provides that. subject to the provisions
which are set forth. the United States
shall relinauish all claim OF sovereignty
over the Philippine archipelago. but
that the United States shall continue
to occupy and govern the archipelago
until the people thereof shall have es-
tablished government. and until suff-
cient guarantees have been obtaincd for
the performance OF our treaty obliga-
tions with Spain and for the safety OF
those inhabitants who have adhered {,
the United States. and for the main
tenance and protection OF all rights
which have accrued under the authori-
ty thereof"
A constitutional convention is pro-
vided for. the members of which are to
be elected by voters who speak and
write the English, the Spanish or any
of the languages OF the archipelago.
This convention is to number 800 per-
sons and is to meet in Manila not more
than year from the cessation Of nos
tilities in the islands. This convention
is to proceed ito form a constitution
and organize such government as they
may deem best adapted to promote the
welfare and secure the peace and hap
piness of the inhabitants of said islands.
provided. that said convention shall
provide by an ordinance. irrevocable.
without the consent of the United
States.
Il. 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 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.
''2. To carry into effect the treaty
obligations Of the United States with
with the kingdom OF Spain and for til p
maintenance and protection OF all righ, q
and property acquired under the at
thority CT the United States.
"3. That no inhatitant of said arch
ipelago shall ever be molested in per
| son or property on account Of his or
her adherence to the United States"
1t is then to be the duty of the presi-
| dent of the United States to issue his
proclamation declaring the indepcnd-
| ence of the people of the archipelago.
The president is also authorized AMI
requested to negotiate an agreement be-
| tween the United States. the Philippine
| archipelago, and Great Britain. Ger
many. France and such other powers a.
he may deem best for the providing for
| the perpetual neutrality and inylola
| bility from all foreign interference with
| the territory of the archipelago. ami
| also for equal opportunities of trade
between the archipelago and foreign
! countries
Full amnesty is granted to all the in
| habitants 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-
| tuition and their inauguration, the pres
| ident is to cause the armed forces Of
! the United States TO me Withdrawn
! from the archipelago as speedily as pos
, sible.