of War, setting forth the principles on which the
occupation of the Philippines is to be carried out.[31] You are
instructed to confer with the Secretary of War in order that measures
may be devised by which any conflict of authority between the officers
of our army and navy in the Philippines may be avoided.

I have given instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to examine
the subject of the duties and taxes imposed by Spain in the Philippines
and to report to me any recommendations which he may deem it proper to
make in regard to the revenues of the islands.[32] I have informed him,
however, that the collection and disbursement of the duties and taxes
collected there will, as a measure of military right derived from the
law of nations, be made, under the orders of the Secretary of War and
the Secretary of the Navy, by our military or naval commanders, as the
case may be, at the ports or places which may be in possession of our
forces.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

[Footnote 31: See pp. 208-211.]

[Footnote 32: See pp. 211-212.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 4, 1898._

Admiral SAMPSON,
_Playa del Este, Cuba_:

You have the gratitude and congratulations of the whole American people.
Convey to your noble officers and crews, through whose valor new honors
have been added to the American Navy, the grateful thanks and
appreciation of the nation.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 6, 1898._

_To the People of the United States of America_:

At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented
success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the
bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no
less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved
country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and,
staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds
wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow
before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who
holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the
marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the
light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory.

I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling
for divine worship in thei