lness of the
soil, for the continued prosperity of the people, for the devotion and
valor of our countrymen, for the glory of our victory and the hope of a
righteous peace, and to pray that the divine guidance which has brought
us heretofore to safety and honor may be graciously continued in the
years to come.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1898, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-third.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

By the President:
JOHN HAY,
_Secretary of State_.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 7, 1898_.

DEWEY,
_Care American Consul, Hongkong_:

The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your
officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory.

In recognition he has appointed you acting rear-admiral and will
recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for
further promotion.

LONG.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 19, 1898_.

The SECRETARY OF WAR.

SIR: The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the
taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons,
and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it
necessary, in the further prosecution of the measures adopted by this
Government for the purpose of bringing about an honorable and durable
peace with Spain, to send an army of occupation to the Philippines for
the twofold purpose of completing the reduction of the Spanish power in
that quarter and of giving order and security to the islands while in
the possession of the United States. For the command of this expedition
I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt, and it now becomes my
duty to give instructions as to the manner in which the movement shall
be conducted.

The first effect of the military occupation of the enemy's territory is
the severance of the former political relations of the inhabitants and
the establishment of a new political power. Under this changed condition
of things the inhabitants, so long as they perform their duties, are
entitled to security in their persons and property and in all their
private rights and relations. It is my desire that the people of the
Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States
to discharge to