The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-05-23
WASTE OF TIME.
Filipino Commissioners Still
Remain In Manila.
Riding About and Having a
Good Time.
T%EEn nN nADT EUTNH
KEEP ON PARLEYING
Though They Have Announced
That They Are PoWerless.
Otis Adheres TO Terms of I'm
conditional Surrender.

Manila, May 23.-The Filipino COM
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 to what personal rights
would be guaranteed them.
Colonel Charles DENLY of the Ameri-
can commission explained that they
would be the same as under the United
States constitution. The F'ilipinos also
desired information as to the school
system to be established, and approved
of the American policy of the separa-
ton of church and state. They chiefly
objected to the scheme on the ground
that it gave them personal liberty,
which they now 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.
During the day the Filipino commits
siOners called upon Major General Otis
and they will repeat their call tomOr-
row.
There is much comment here on the
outing the Filipino ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats,
scarlet trousers and gold lace, and
drive about the city, revelling in the at
tentions bestowed on them, which is evil
IDENTIFY exceedingly gratifying to them.
They are the centerS of continual leVeeS
at Filipino houses where they have
been entertaind and have had every
opportunity to advance the interests Of
the inSurrection. Military sentiment
disapproves of the Filipinos being lion
lied by these elements.
General Otis. from ante bellum ex-
perience and owing to the Filipinos'
fondneSS of discussion, has maintained
the attitude he assumed with the first
commission He has had offer to
make the F'ilipinos save that they lay
down their arms without terms. The
a believes / ra-
main in the Philippine islands, it will be
cheaper in the long run to whip the in
SurgentS so thoroughly that they will
be glad of the opportunity to surrender,
rather than parley with them and
make terms which they would construe
compromise. The army is also of
the opinion that while it may cost more
men and more money in the beginning
than the latter, it will prove an effectual
damper upon future insurrection, where
as if the war is ended by a compromise
the professional revolutionists among
the Tagals may be encouraged to try
again in a few years.
Prof. Schurman, speaking of the COM
missions policy, said: Il believe force
was necessary because they thought US
weaklings and towards: but L believe
also that Cancellation should accompany
force. My endeaVOr has been ever since
1 came here, to exercise .conciliation.'
The professor is most optimistic as to
the results of the negotiations and be-
lieves the scheme of government pro-
posed by the United States commission
will ultimately be adopted.
A CONGRESSMAN SURRENDERS.
Rostario, a Filipino congressman,
wealthy resident of Manila and former
ly Aguinaldo's commissary general, ac-
companied by an insurgent captain,
called upon Major General Otis and an
nOunced that we desire to surrender
''our persons and property into the
hands of the Americans
The surrender was arranged by Chap
lain Pierce of the Fourteenth regiment
who knew ROstariO before the war.
Rostario corresponded in cipher with
Gen. Luna, so he has been closely
watched by the officials at Tarlac since
the insurrection has been weakening
Rostario 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