way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the
heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the
United States is one of benevolent assimilation, substituting the mild
sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule. In the fulfillment of this
high mission, supporting the temperate administration of affairs for the
greatest good of the governed, there must be sedulously maintained the
strong arm of authority to repress disturbance and to overcome all
obstacles to the bestowal of the blessings of good and stable government
upon the people of the Philippine Islands under the free flag of the
United States.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, December 21, 1898_.

General OTIS,
_Manila_:

Answering your message of December 14, the President directs that you
send necessary troops to Iloilo to preserve the peace and protect life
and property. It is most important that there should be no conflict with
the insurgents. Be conciliatory, but firm.

By order of the Secretary War:

CORBIN.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_.

Until otherwise ordered no grants or concessions of public or corporate
rights or franchises for the construction of public or _quasi_
public works, such as railroads, tramways, telegraph and telephone
lines, water works, gas works, electric-light lines, etc., shall be made
by any municipal or other local governmental authority or body in Cuba,
except upon the approval of the major-general commanding the military
forces of the United States in Cuba, who shall before approving any such
grant or concession be so especially authorized by the Secretary of War.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

[Similar orders applying to Puerto Rico and to the Philippines were
issued.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 22, 1898_.

The SECRETARY OF WAR:

* * * * *

The major-general commanding the United States forces in Cuba and the
senior naval officer of the American fleet in the port of Havana are
directed to observe such arrangements and ceremonies for the evacuation
of Havana, to take place on January 1, 1899, as may be communicated to
them by the United States commissioners on evacuation. They will aid
in carrying out such arrangements.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, _Washington, January 1, 1899--4.30 p.m._

General OTIS,
_Manila_:

The President considers i