The development of Philippine politics

APPENDIX F
PRESIDENT MCKINLEY'S INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
TAFT COMMISSION
War Department,
Washington, April 7, 1900.
Sir: I transmit to you herewith the instructions of the President for the guidance of yourself and your associates as Commissioners to the Philippine Islands.
Very respectfully,
ELIHU ROOT,
Secretary of War.
Hon William H. Taft,
President Board of Commissioners
to the Philippine Islands
Executive Mansion, April 7, 1900.
The Secretary of War,
Wtashington.
Sir: In the message transmitted to the Congress on the 5th of
D)ecember, 1899, I said, speaking of the Philippine Islands:., As
long as the insurrection continues the military arm must necessarily
be supreme. But there is no reason why steps should not be taken
from time to time to inaugurate governments essentially popular in
their form as fast as territory is held and controlled by our troops.
To this end I am considering the advisability of the return of the
Commission, or such of the members thereof as can be secured, to
aid the existing authlorities and facilitate this work throughout the
Islands."
To give effect to the intention thus expressed I have appointed
Hon. William H. Taft, of Ohio; Prof. Dean C. Worcester, of Michigan;
Hon. Luke E. Wright, of Tennessee; Hon. Henry C. Ide, of Vermont,
and Prof. Bernard Moses, of California, commissioners to the Philippine Islands to continue and perfect the work of organizing and
establishing civil government already commenced by the military
authorities, subject in all respects to any laws which Congress may
hereafter enact.
The commissioners named wvill mect and act as a board, and the
Hon. William H. Taft is designated as pxrc:eident of the board. It
is probable that the transfer of autlhoritiy f t military commanders
to civil officers will be gradual and wil occupy a considerable period.
Its successful accomplislhmet a.nd the rmainternance of peace and order