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

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.

The destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila, followed by the taking of the naval station at Cavite, the paroling of the garrisons, and the acquisition of the control of the bay, has rendered it necessary, in the further prosecution of…

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

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

I have determined to order that all ports or places in the Philippines which may be in the actual possession of our land and naval forces by conquest shall be opened.

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.

It is my desire that the people of the Philippines should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard.

All public means of transportation, such as telegraph lines, cables, railways, and boats belonging to the state may be appropriated to his use, but unless in case of military necessity they are not to be destroyed.

The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed occupations will he abridged only when it may be necessary to do so.