William McKinley actually said...

"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."

"I will give instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury to make a report to me upon the subject of the revenues of the Philippines, with a view to the formulation of such revenue measures as may see..."

"Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is to be respected, and can be confiscated only as hereafter indicated."

"You are therefore instructed to examine the existing Spanish laws in relation to duties and taxes."