It will, however, be
the duty of the Commission to inquire diligently as to whether there
are any further changes which ought not to be delayed, and if so, they
are authorized to make such changes subject to your approval. In doing
so they are to bear in mind that taxes which tend to penalize or repress
industry and enterprise are to be avoided; that provisions for taxation
should be simple, so that they may be understood by the people; that
they should affect the fewest practicable subjects of taxation which
will serve for the general distribution of the burden.
The main body of the laws which regulate the rights and obligations of
the people should be maintained with as little interference as possible.
Changes made should be mainly in procedure, and in the criminal laws to
secure speedy and impartial trials, and at the same time effective
administration and respect for individual rights.
In dealing with the uncivilized tribes of the islands the Commission
should adopt the same course followed by Congress in permitting the
tribes of our North American Indians to maintain their tribal
organization and government, and under which many of those tribes are
now living in peace and contentment, surrounded by a civilization to
which they are unable or unwilling to conform.
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