William McKinley actually said...

"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..."

"Your report is desired in order that I may be able to give the proper directions to the Department of War and of the Navy."

"For the command of this expedition I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt."

"This enlightened practice is, so far as possible, to be adhered to on the present occasion."