and
protected, religious freedom will be assured, and all will have
equal standing before the law.

(4) Honour, justice, and friendship forbid the exploitation of
the people of the Islands. The purpose of the American Government
is the welfare and advancement of the Filipino people.

(5) The American Government guarantees an honest and effective
civil service, in which, to the fullest extent practicable,
natives shall be employed.

(6) The collection and application of taxes and revenues will be
put on a sound and honest economical basis. Public funds will be
raised justly and collected honestly, and will be applied only in
defraying the proper expenses of the establishment and maintenance
of the Philippine Government, and such general improvements as
public interests demand. Local funds collected for local purposes
shall not be diverted to other ends. With such a prudent and
honest fiscal administration it is believed that the needs of
the Government will, in a short time, become compatible with a
considerable reduction of taxation.

(7) The pure, speedy, and effective administration of justice,
whereby the evils of delay, corruption, and exploitation will be
effectually eradicated.

(8) The construction of roads, railways, and other means of
communication and transportation, and other public works of
manifest advantage to the people will be promoted.

(9) Domestic and foreign trade, commerce, agriculture, and other
industrial pursuits, and the general development of the country
and interest of the inhabitants will be the constant objects of
the solicitude and fostering care of the Government.

(10) Effective provision will be made for the establishment of
elementary schools, in which the children of the people shall be
educated, and appropriate facilities will also be provided for
their higher education.

(11) Reforms in all departments of the Government, all branches
of the public service, and all corporations closely touching the
common life of the people must be undertaken without delay, and
effected conformably with right and justice in such a way as to
satisfy the well-founded demands and the highest sentiments and
aspirations of the Philippine people.

The above proclamation, no doubt, embodies the programme of what
the American Government desire