William McKinley: “May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them.”

The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to enlist in the Insular Forte United States Navy, which is hereby established, not to exceed five hundred (500) Filipinos in the following ratings at the rates of pay indicated.

It is the constitutional method of ascertaining the public will.

This order to take effect on the first day of May, 1901.

Counsular officers will hereafter collect any fees for bills of health and supplemental bills of health issued foreign war vessels.