Public Land Act of July, 1902
The Philippine Organic Act (c. 1369, 32 Stat. 691) was a basic law for the Insular Government that was enacted by the United States Congress on July 1, 1902. It is also known as the Philippine Bill of 1902 and the Cooper Act, after its author Henry A. Cooper.
The Philippine Organic Act provided for the creation of an elected Philippine Assembly after the following conditions were met:
1. the cessation of the existing insurrection in the Philippine Islands;
2. completion and publication of a census; and
3. two years of continued peace and recognition of the authority of the United States of America after the publication of the census.
Other key provisions included:
all military, civil, and judicial powers necessary to govern the Philippine Islands ... shall until otherwise provided by Congress be vested in such person and persons, and shall be exercised in such manner, as the President of the United States shall direct, for the establishment of civil government, and for maintaining and protecting the inhabitants of said Islands in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion.
The act was enacted into law on July 1, 1902 and the Philippine Commission executed its provisions. A census was conducted in 1903, and published on March 25, 1905. The Philippine Assembly elections of 1907 were held on July 30, 1907 for 80 seats, and on October 16, 1907, the 1st Philippine Legislature was inaugurated at the Manila Grand Opera House.
