l and well-considered action of the
representatives of the people of the United States in both Houses of
Congress. I had every reason to believe, and I still believe that this
transfer of sovereignty was in accordance with the wishes and the
aspirations of the great mass of the Filipino people.

From the earliest moment no opportunity was lost of assuring the
people of the islands of our ardent desire for their welfare and of the
intention of this Government to do everything possible to advance their
interests. In my order of the 19th of May, 1898, the commander of the
military expedition dispatched to the Philippines was instructed to
declare that we came not to make war upon the people of that country,
"nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect them in
their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious
rights." That there should be no doubt as to the paramount authority
there, on the 17th of August it was directed that "there must be no
joint occupation with the insurgents"; that the United States must
preserve the peace and protect persons and property within the territory
occupied by their military and naval forces; that the insurgents and
all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of
the United States. As early as December 4, before the cession, and
in anticipation of that event, the commander in Manila was urged to
restore peace and tranquillity and to undertake the establishment of
a beneficent government, which should afford the fullest security for
life and property.

On the 21st of December, after the treaty was signed, the commander of
the forces of occupation was instructed "to announce and proclaim in the
most public manner that we come, not as invaders and conquerors, but as
friends to protect the natives in their homes, in their employments, and
in their personal and religious rights." On the same day, while ordering
General Otis to see that the peace should be preserved in Iloilo, he was
admonished that: "It is most important that there should be no conflict
with the insurgents." On the 1st day of January, 1899, urgent orders
were reiterated that the kindly intentions of this Government should be
in every possible way communicated to the insurgents.

On the 21st of January I announced my intention of dispatching to Manila
a commission composed of three gentlemen of the highest character and
distinction, thoroughly acquainted with the Orient, who,