The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-05-26

AAS IA 10
tween the civil members of the United
States Philippine commission and rep
resentatives of the Philippines con-
tinues. The military and civil members
of the committee differ regarding the
wisdom of continuing the conference,
the former adhering to their original
demand for the unconditional surrender
of the insurgents.
DISCUSSING THE SCHEME OF Gov
EMINENT.
The Philippine commission spent the
day at the residence of the American
commissioners. They discussed every
point of the scheme of government,
and the peace proclamation details, ask
ing for information as to what personal
rights would be guaranteed them. Col
onel Charles DENLY, Of the American
commission, explained that they would
be the same as under the United States
constitution.
The Philippines also desired infor-
nation as to the school system to be
established, and approved of the Amer
lean 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
political liberty.
Finally, the Philippines said they
were personally pleased with the plan,
but could not endO Sc It officially.
During the day, the Philippine COM
missioners called upon General Otis
and they will repeat their call tomor-
roW
ARMY MEN OPPOSED TC PRESENT
NEGOTIATIONS.
There is much comment here on the
outing the Philippine ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats,
scarlet trousers and gold lace, and
drive about the city, reveling in the at
tention bestowed upon them, which is
evidently exceedingly gratifying to
them: They are the centers of contin-
ual levees at Philippine houses, where
they have been entertained and nave
had every opportunity to advance the
interests of the insurrection. Military
sentiment disapproves of the Philippi-
nos being lionized by the civilian ele-
ment. General Otis, from ~ante-bellum
experience and owing to the Philippe
nos fOndnesS for discussion, has main
tanned the attitude he assumed with
the first commission. He has had no
offer to make the Philippines save that
they lay down their arms without terms
The army believes that if we intend to
remain in the Philippine islands it will
be cheaper in the long run to whip the
insurgents so thoroughly that they
would be glad of the opportunity tc
surrender, rather han to parley with
them and make terms which they
would cons rue as a promise.
The army is also of the opinion thai
while the first curse may cost more
men and money in the beginning thar
the latter, it will prove an ~effectua.
damper upon future nsurrections
whereas if the wal is ended by a com
promise the professional revolutionists
among the Tagalos may be encouraged
to try again in a few years.
Professor Schurman, speaking of tn
COMMISSIONS policy, said: Il believ,
force was necessary, because they
thought us weaklings and towards
but | believe also that Cancellation
should accompany force. My endeavo
has been, ever since | came here, to ex
excise conciliation." The professor il
most optimistic as to the results of tn,
negotiations and believes the schem'
of government proposed by the Unite,
States commission will intimately b
adopted.
AN OFFICER SURRENDERS.
Rosario, a Philippine congressman
a wealthy resident of Manila and form
erly AguinaldO's commissary genera
accompanied by an insurgent captain
called Upon Major General Otis, today
and announced that I'VE desire to sur
render our persons and property int
the hands of the Americans
The surrender was arranged by Chap
lain Pierce, of the Fourteenth regiment
who knew Rostario before the wal
Rostario corresponded in cipher wit
General Luna. so he has been closet
watched by the officials at Tarlac sine
the instruction has been weakening
Rosario only escaped by persuadin
General Luna to send him ON a secre
mission to Manila for the purpose {
collecting funds. With the captain. tie
men and their families, Rosario tray
eled at night through the swamps an
mountains, passed the lines of bot
armies, and entered Manila last ever
ing. He has been liberated on parol
JEALOUSY AMONG PHILIPPINES
According to the story told by Ros;
rio, General Luna is absolute dictate
and Aguinaldo fears him. Every Phi
ippino leader, it is added, suspects tt
other of treachery.
The recent meeting of the Philippir
congress was to secure a new cabin,
and the question of peace was not TO.
mally considered, as the membeo
feared General Luna's displeasure. TT
Philippine government was unable
secure a secretary of the treasury. A