The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-05-26
DETAILS DISCUSSED.
Filipino Commissioners Confer with
Americans About Peace Terms.
COMNlSSIOyER SCHURMAy REPORTS.
A Long Message Sent to Washington by the
Chairman of the American Commits
slon-The Text of the Dispatch
Not Made Public.

Manila, May 24.-The Filipino com
missioners spent yesterday at the resi-
dence of the American commissioners.
They discussed every point of the
scheme of the government and the
peace proclamation details, asking for
information as to what personal rights
would be guaranteed them. Col. Charles
DENLY, of the American commission,
explained that they would be the same
as under the United States constitution.
The Filipinos also desired information
as to the school system to be estab-
lished and approved of the American
policy of the separation of church and
state. They chiefly objected to the
scheme on the ground that it gave them
personal liberty, which they knew they
would have, but did not give them po-
litical liberty. Finally, the Filipinos
said they were personally pleased with
the plan, but could not indorse it Off
cially.
Gen. Otis, from ante-bellum expert
ence and owing to the Filipinos' fond
ness of discussion, has maintained the
attitude he assumed with the first com
mission. He has had no offer to make
the Filipinos save that they lay down
their arms without terms. The army be-
lieves that if we intend foreman in the
Philippine islands it will be cheaper in
the long run to whip the insurgents so
thoroughly that they will be glad
of the opportunity to surrender,
rather than parley with them and
make terms which they would construe
as compromise. The army is also of
the opinion that while the first course
may cost more men and more money in
the beginning than the latter, il will
prove an effectual damper upon future
insurrection; whereas, if the war is
ended by a compromise, the profess
sional revolutionistS among the Tagals
may be encouraged to try again in a
few years.
Prof. Schurman, speaking of the
commissioners policy, said: II believe
force was necessary because they
thought us weaklings and towards,
but | believe also that Cancellation
should accompany force. My endeavoI
has been. ever since came here, to eX'
ercise conciliation. The professor
is most optimistic as to the results OF
the negotiations and believes the
scheme of governm ent proposed by the
! United States commission will ulti'
matcly be adopted.
COMMISSIONER sCHURMAN REPORTS.
Washington, May 24.-Secretary Hay
has received from President Schurman
of the Philippine commission, long
| message giving the results of the meet
ings thus far held with the native Fill
| ipino commission sent by Aguinaldo tC
| treat with the Americans. The message
was laid before the president last night
He was much gratifed at its contents
! which are said to be very encourag
! ing for the outlook that something
definite may be accomplished. Presi
dent Schurman reports that the natiy,
commissioners viii take back to theil
people the proposition for form o
government, etc, suggested by the
American commission. The text of tn,
dispatch was not made public and viii
not be. 1t was stated last night on th'
authority of gentleman who spen
some time with the president that
contrary to reports from Manila, ther,
are no differences of any consequence,
between the military and civilian mem
bers of the commission as to the cours,
TO be adopted in dealing with the ma
tives.