The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-05-23
SIMILAR TO THAT IN CUBA
PRESIDENT GONZAGA ADMITS
IT is LIBERAL.
A SPLIT IN THE FILIPINO COMMISSlO,
The Military Operations Continue Wi h Una.
bated vigor. The Only Filipino Troops
in the Field Now Those Under Gen.
erals Luna and Del Pillar.
erals Luna and Del Pillar.

erals Luna ana UcI Tar,
Manila, May 22.-3:15 p. m.-Professor
Schurman, head of the United States
Philippine Commission has submitted
the fofiowing written proposition to the
Filipinos:
'While the final decision as to the form
of Government is in the hands of Con
gress, the President. under his military
powers. pending the action Of Congress,
stands ready to offer the following form
of Government:
~ Governor General. to be appointed
by the President: a Cabinet to be ap-
pointed by the Governor General; all the
judges to be appointed by the Presi-
dent; the heads of departments and
judges to either be Americans or Fill
pinos or both, and also Il General Adyis-
ory Council, its members to be chosen by
the people by form Of suffrage to be
hereafter carefully determined upon
THE President earnestly desires that
bloOdshed cease and that the people of
the Philippines at an early date may
enjoy the largest measures of -self-gov-
ernment compatible with peace and or
der"
The United States Commission pre-
pared the scheme and the President ca
hled-rh his approval of the form of the
document.
The E'ilpinos have made no definite
proposition. except for a cessation Of hos
tilities until they can present the ques-
tion of peace to the people. Professor
Schurman told the Filipinos they had no
means of gathering the people together,
as the Americans control most of the
ports. He also reminded them that Il
liberal form Of government was offered
them, and pointed out that it was better
than the conditions existing under Span
ish rule.
Gonzaga, President of the Filipino
Commission, replied that nothing could
be worse than Spanish rule. and admit
ted that the form of government propos-
ed was liberal.
The civilian members of the Filipino
Commission have declined to cooperate
with the other members of the commits
sion, as the former consider Aguinaldos
latest demand to be preposterous. after
Major General Otis refusal, referring
to his wish for time in order to consult
with the f1lplno Congress.
After conference with the United
States Commissioners, the Filipino Com
missioners will lunch with Professor
Schnrman, and will afterwards visit the
vessels composing the American fleet.
CONDITIONS IMPROVE DAILY.
Washington, May 22.-The War De
nartment has received the following from
General Otis:
Manila. May 22nd
".Adjutant General: Washington.
Conditions as follows:
In Bulacan Province. troops main
taimed at Quinga. Balivag, San Miguel,
Lawton proceeding down Rio Grande
from San lsidro: has driven enemy west
ward from San Antonio. Cariao and
Arayat. where he was joined yesterday
by Kobbe's column: will reach Santa
Ana and Candaba today. Macarthur
stiH at San Fernando and will occupy
cities south and westward: insurgent
forces disintegrating daily. Luna's force
at Tarlac much diminished: has de-
stroyed several miles railway in his front;
number of officers of rank have deserted
Luna and few have entered Manila for
protection: in Iampanga and .Bulacan
inhabitants returning to homes only fear
insurgent troops south of Manila: lnsur-
gent disintegTation progressing though
large force still maintained: conditions
improving daily: send battalion troops
and gunboat to Negros tomorrow to allay
excitement in southern portion of island
and west coast of Cebn. Have denied
request of Aguinaldo's commissioners
for armistice''
DEMORALIZATION OF THE FOE.
Manila. May 22-2:1S p m-In spite
of the presence of the Filipino Commits
sioners i'll Manila, the military opera
tions continue with unabated vigor.
The visitors were apparently ignorant
of the true condition of affairs here
Upon their arrival they were immediate
~ inundated with invitations covering
both day and night, and express sur
prise at the condition of affairs within
onr lines. They had been led to believe
that everything was chaotic and are de-
lighted ut the reception accorded them.
Reports received from persons who
have arrived from the interior show that
no troops are left in the northern PROV
ince They were all drafted south after
the outbreak of the war. The villages
on the west coast are almost deserted,
and the Ilocanos. especially. are desirous
of joining the Americans. if only for the
purpose of crushing the Tagals. Many
natives of Benguot and Ilocos said that