The American Commander, General Otis, has issued a proclamation to
the Filipinos declaring the intentions of the Americans in regard to the future of the islands. It declares (1) that the supremacy of the United States will be enforced throughout the archipelago ; (2) that such liberty of self- government will be granted as is reconcilable with an efficient administration and compatible with the sovereign rights of the United States ; (3) that civil and religious liberty will be assured ; (4) that there will be no " exploitation" of the people of the islands for the benefit of others ; (5) that an honest civil service will beappointed, inwhick as fares possible, natives will be employed ; (6) that public works will be promoted ; and (7) that public education will be cared for. Other articles guarantee that justice and good government siren prevail in the islands. We have dealt with the subject as a whole elsewhere, and will only say here that the pro- clamation, which becomes the groundwork of America's island Empire in the Far East, is based on sound and liberal lines. If it is faithfully adhered to, as it doubtless will be, the Philippines will be governed as India is. The State Department is to be congratulated on the tone of the pro- clamation. It has the good fortune to have as its head in Colonel John Hay a really great public servant, and a man who knows what statesmanship means.
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