The times., 1898-09-14


for several months and it was attended
by all the members with the exception
of Secretary Alger, of the War Depart
ment The absence of Secretary 'Alger,
however, did not necessarily detract from
the dignity and Importance of the occa-
sion
There were two sessions the first begin
ming at II a. m. and closing at 1870 p m
and the second opening at 800 p. m
and closing at p. m.
The entire time of both sessions was
devoted TO a discussion of the instruc
tions to be given to the American Peace
Commissioners, who will sail for Paris
next Saturday.
To Keep Luzon-
While none of the members of the Cabi-
net would say just what conclusion had
been reached concerning the Philippines.
IT having been deemed unwise by the
President TO notify Spain in advance of
the demands of the American Commis-
sioners there is excellent authority for
the statement that the United States will
retain the island of Luzon, which, of
course includes the city and bay of Ma
Mia
The other island Of the Philippine a CHI
ipelago viii not be returned to Spain, but
will be turned over to the natives who
will be permitted to establish a govern
ment of their own, under an American
protectorate. Should the Filipinos them
selves object to this arrangement, they
will be compelled by force to submit.
The Complete Demands.
AS finally determined the instructions
to the American Peace Commissioners
will be about as follows:
To demand the evacuation of Cuba and
Porto Rico (as already arranged by the
prorocoD.
The recognition of the independence of
Cuba and the cession of Porto Rico to
the United States.
The cession OF the Island of Luzon TO
the United States.
The recognition of the independence of
the remaining islands of the Philippine
archipelago under a native government.
The cession of an island in the Ladrone
group and another in the Caroiines, to
the United States for use as coaling sta
tons and naval bases.
The Maine Indemnify.
1t was reported last night that de-
mand would also be made for an indenl-
nifty of S, 600 0O0, for the survivors and the
families of the victims of the Maine dis
aster in Havana Harbor.
There is uncertainty as TO this prOvis
fon, however The United States did not
declare war against Spain because OF the
blowing up of the Maine, and Spain has
officially disclaimed responsibility for that
disaster. It is doubtful, therefore, in
negotiating for peace, that the American
Government would feel justified in re-
hKv = ling
an Indemnity. The general opinion Is that
the United States Government viii itself
provide for the victims and the families
of survivors.
The Philippine Situation.
AS most of the preliminary demands of
this Government had been arranged by
the protocol, yesterdays sessions of the
Cabinet were devoted almost exclusively
to a discussion Of the Philippine question.
The latest reports from Admiral Dewey
and Gen. Otis. the latter acting as mill
tary governor, during the absence of Gen.
Merritt who is on his way TO Paris in
dicated a most serious condition of af-
fairs
Aguinaldo, the insurgent leader. has in
sisted upon joint occupation Of Manila
with the United States forces. and has
gone so far as to set up an Independent
The United States Government, in or
dering the destruction of the Spanish
feet and the occupation of the Spanish
possessions in the Orient, had no inten-
tion OF making war upon the Filipinos,
who, themselves, have been fighting
Spain for independence for years.
AGuinnIdo Must Yield
It was the sentiment of the majority
of the Cabinet, as expressed at yester-
days meeting, that it would be unjust to
the Filipinos to take from them ali the
islands and IL was practically decided to
keep but one-Luzen.
AguinaldoawiH be permitted TO set up
his government over all the other islands,
but he VIII not be permitted to make Ma
Mia his capital The United States will
furnish the insurgent chief with the nec-
esSary trade regulations and he viii have
TO adopt them This, of course. means
an American protectorate over the entire
group. Whether Germany and other
powers will be permitted to establish ma
val bases in the Philippines will be left
for future consideration.
American Sentiment Recognized.
The action of the Cabinet in deciding
TO retain the island of Luzen, the most
important of the Philippine group, is re-
garded as an act of Difference to Ameri-
can sentiment When it was reported
that, in spite of Dewey's brilliant victory,
the islands would be given back to Spain.
the American people from the Atlantic
TO the Pacific made most vigorous pro-
test.
Eventually. no doubt, all of the islands
will be taken by this country. as II is
not believed that AgUinaIdo can hold the
natives together in peace, and the United
States Government will be compelled 10
Interfere.
If Aguinaido attempts to oppose our
retention OF Luzon he and his follow
ers viii be elected from the island by
force.
Church Property Rights.
The proposed arrangement regarding
the Philippines will not affect the
real property owned by the Catholic
Church in those islands. The church
will be protected in its vested rights, pre-
cisely as If it were an individual owner
of land and buildings. but, of course
there VIII be an absolute severance oi
connection between church and state
All ecclesiastical denominations will be
placed on an equal basis, which it is
believed, will encourage the extension OF
Protestant missions.
Final Instructions
All of the Peace Commissioners VIII
meet Secretary of State Day at his office
in the State Department today or to-
morrow TO receive their final instructions
which will be verbal Secretary Day will
then tDrmaliy relinquish his duties as
SecreSry Of State and will assume those
OF chairman OF the Peace Commission.