The Hope pioneer., 1899-06-01
PLEASED WITH PLAN.
Personally Filipino ENJOYS Are
Suited with American Scheme.
Arc Not Empowered to Indo orse II OIL.
cially. Hovvever-A Message from
Prof. Schurman ON the
Situation.

|
missioners spent the day at the resi-
dence of the American commissioners.
They discussed every point Of the
scheme of government and the peace
proclamation details, asking for in
formation 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 de-
sired information as to the school sys-
tenn to be established, and approved of
the American policy of the separation
of church and state. They chiefly OBJ
jccted 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 Filipinos said they were
personally pleased with the plan, but
could not indorse it officially.
Gen. Otis, from anre-bellum expert
ence, and owing to the Filipinos' fond
ness for 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
believes that if we intend to remain in
the Philippine islands, it will be cheap
er in the long run to whip the insur-
gents so thoroughly that they will be
glad of the opportunity to surrender,
rather than to 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, it will
prove an etfectual damper upon future
insurrection, whereas, if the war is
ended by a compromise, the profession
al revolutionists among the Tagals may
be encouraged to try again in a few
years.
Surrenders Internationally.
Rosario, Filipino congressman,
wealthy resident OF Manila, and for.
merly Aguinaldo's commissary gen
eral, accompanied by an insurgent cap.
tain, called upon Maj. Gen. Otis Tuesday
and announced that I'VE desire to sur
render our persons and property into
the hands Of the Americans
The surrender was arranged by Chap
lain Pierce, of the Fourteenth regi.
ment, who knew Rosario before the
war. Rosario corresponded in cipher
with Gen. Luna, so he has been closely
watched by the officials at Tarlac since
the insurrection has been weakening
Rosario only escaped by persuading
Gen. Luna to send him on a secret mis-
sion to Manila for the purpose Of col.
lecting funds. With the captain, ten
men and their families, Rosario Travelled
at night through the swamps and
mountains, passed the lines of both
armies, and entered Manila Monday
evening. He has been liberated on pa.
role.
Asuinnldo Fears Luna.
According to the story told by Ro-
sario, Gen. Luna is absolute dictator
and Aguinaldo fears him. Every Fill
pino leader, it is added, suspects the
others of treachery.
The recent meeting of the Filipino
congress was to secure a new cabinet,
and the question of peace was not for
mally considered, as the members feared
Gen. Luna's displeasure. The Filipino
government was unable to secure a Sec
retary of the treasury. All those who
were offered the portfolio declined to
accept it.
Maj. Bell, with two companies of the
Fourth cavalry. has been reconnoiter-
ing in the direction of Santa Arita. He
found 100 Filipinos there, and was
driving them away when large reen-
forcements of rebels arrived and he
was obliged to withdraw with four
men wounded.
Message from Schurmnn.
Washington, May 24.-Secretary Hay
has received from President Schur-
man, of the Philippine commission,
long message giving the results
of the meetings thus far held with the
native Filipino commission sent by
Aguinaldo to treat with the Americans
The message was laid before the presi.
dent. He was very much gratitied at its
contents, which were said to be very en-.