Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 253)
The primary purpose of the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes is to conduct systematic investigations on the non-Christian tribes of the Philippine Islands to ascertain their names, territories, population, social organizations, languages, beliefs, manners, and customs, and to determine the most practicable means for their advancement in civilization and material prosperity.
The Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes is created under the Department of the Interior.
The Chief of the Bureau is responsible for the general direction and control of its work.
The Chief shall receive a salary of three thousand five hundred dollars per year, payable monthly in United States currency, and shall be allowed actual and necessary traveling expenses when absent from Manila on official business.
The Act mentions a Chief of the Bureau, a stenographer and typewriter of class nine, and an agent for Moro affairs in the Jolo Archipelago who acts as the clerk of class ten in the Office of Moro Affairs.
The Chief of the Bureau shall appoint all duly authorized officers and employees, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Act and Act Numbered Twenty-five.
The Bureau shall investigate and report upon the practical operation of all legislation with reference to non-Christian tribes.
The Chief shall recommend to the Commission the authorization of additional employees as may be necessary for properly conducting the work of the Bureau.
The Act took effect immediately upon its passage on October 2, 1901.
The passage of the Act was expedited in accordance with section two of 'An Act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of laws,' passed September 26, 1900, due to the public good requiring speedy enactment.