THE PHILIPPINES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6496, 27 May 1899, Page 6

THE PHILIPPINES

' ; 'C %■'■» -~- „..-. __ -„. THE -i^rSUP.G|NTS :AND TBtEf .; ; 7', : AMERICANS. .. :' ; ■■' ■" PEACE CONDITIONS REJECTED. -T-: ..MANILA, May 26. : The FilijrHnos have rejected the peace conditions.;^: ../.. , . The Ataejficans;Tepulsed ; the Filipinos at San Fernajttjo, killing fifty. ' - TEESJiS OF" THE AMERICAN ■•; . A few iweeks> ago ■ a long proclamation was issued^ to the Filipinos by the American Commission, consisting of Mr J. G. Schurman'' (president), Admiral Dewev, General Otis, Messrs C. Deiiby, D. C. Worcester and;.J. •. R. Macarthur (secretary). 1 . .The attention;, of .the Filipinos was in/ yited .to .certain regulative principles by ■which the^United States would be guided , in its rel^ons'v with them. The following ■were deemed o^cai^linalvitiiportance : — (1) : The supremacy of the United^States must and will';Jbe enforced throughout every" part of the Archipelago, and those who resist it can ..accomplish no- end other than then-. own ruin. (2) The most ample liberty of self-government will be granted to the Philippine people which is reconcilable with the maintenance of a wise, stable, effective and economical administration of public affairs, and compatible with ths . sovereign and international rights and obligations of the, United States. (3) The civil rights of the Philippine people will be guaranteed and protected to the fullest extent; religious freedom assured; and all persons shall have, an^equal . standing before the law. (4) Honor, justice and friendship forbid the use of the Philippine people or Islands as an object or means of exploitation. The purpose of the American Government is the welfare and advancement of the Philippine people. (5) There shall be guaranteed to the Philippine people an honest and effective civil service, in which, to the fullest extent practicable, natives shall ; be employed, \(6) The collection and application of taxes ; and revenues will be put upon a sound, honest, and economical basis. Public funds, raised justly and collected honestly, will be applied only in defraying the regular and proper expenses incurred by and for the establishment and maintenance of the Philippine Government, and for such general improvements as public interests may demand. . Local funds, collected for locai purposes, shall not be diverted to other ends. With saeh'a- prudent and honest. fiscal administration, it is believed that the needs of the Government will in a short time become compatible with a considerable reduction in taxation. (7) A pure, speedy and effective administration of justice will be established, whereby the evils of delay, corruption and exploitation will be effectually eradicated. (8) The construction of roads, railroads and other means of communicacation.and transportation, as well as other public works of manifest advantage to the Philippine people will be promoted. (9). Domestic and foreign trade and commerce, agriculture and other industrial pursuits, and the general development, of the country in the interest of its inhabitants will be constant objects of solicitude and fostering care. (10) Effective provision will be made for the establishment of elementary schools in which the children of the people shall be educated. Appropriate facilities will also be provided for. higher education. (11) Reforms in all departments of the Government, in all ..branches of the public service, and in' all corporations closely touching the common life: of the people must be under.taken without delay, and effected, conformably to right and justice, in a way that will satisfy the well-founded, demands, and the highest sentiments and aspirations of the Philippine Jteoplei