The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1899-05-24
A FILIPINO OFFICIAL
Surrenders Himself Into the Hands
Of the Americans.
SAYS GEN. LUNA Is DICTATOR.

Tho Question OF Peace was Not Con-
sidered at the Late Meeting OF the
Filipino Congress, the Membsrs
Fearing Luna's DispIensure.
Manila, May 4.-Rostario, a Fill
pino congressman wealthy resident Of
Manila and formerly Aguinaldo's COM
missary general, accompanied by an
insurgent captain, called upon Major
General Otis yesterday and announced
that I'VE desire to surrender our per-
sons and property into the hands OF
the Americans" The surrender was
arranged by Chaplain Pierce, Of the
Fourteenth regiment, who knew Ro-
sario before the war. Rosario CORES
ponded in cipher with General Luna,
so he has been closely watched by the
officials at Tarlac since the insurrec-
tion has been weakening. Rosario
only escaped by persuading General
Luna to send him on a secret mission
to Manila for the purpose of collecting
funds. With the captain, 10 men and
their families. Rosario travelled at
night through the swamps and noun
tains, passed the lines of both armies,
and entered Manila Monday evening.
He has been liberated on parole.
According to the story told by Ro-
sario General Luna is absolute dictator
and Aguinaldo fears him. Every Fill
pino leader 1t is added suspects the
others of treachery. The recent meet
ing of the Filipino congress was to
secure a new cabinet. and the ques-
tion of peace was not formally con-
sidered, as the members feared Cen
eral Luna's displeasure. The Filipino
government was unable to secure a
secretary Of the treasury. All those
who were offered the portfolio declined
to accept It..
The Filipino commissioners spent
the day at the residence Of the Ameri-
can commissioners. They discussed
every point of the scheme of govern
msnt and the peace proclamation de-
talls, asking for Information as to
what personal rights would be guar
anteed them. Colonel Charles DENLY,
of the American commission, explain
ed that they would be the same as
under the United States constitution.
The Filipinos also desired informa-
tion as to the school system to be es-
tablished, and approved of the Ameri-
can policy of the separation of church
and state. They chiefly objected to the
scheme on the grounu that it gave
them personal liberty, which they
know they would have, but did not give
them political liberty.
Finally the Filipinos said they were
personally pleased with the plan, but
could not endorse 1t officially.
General Otis, from ante-bellum ex-
perience, and owing to the Filipinos
fondness for discussion. has main
tanned the attitude he assumed with
the first commission. He has had no
offer to make the Filipinos 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 thor
oughly that they will be glad of the
opportunity to surrender, rather than
| to parley with them and make terms
which they would construe as a COM
promise.
Professor Schurman, speaking Of the
commissions policy, said: 81 believe
force was necessary, because they
thoughtus weaklings and towards; but
l believe also that conoiliation should
accompany force. My endeavor has
been, ever since came here, to exer-
else Cancellation"
The professor is most optimistic as
to the results of the negotiations and
believes the scheme Of governmentpro'
posed by the United States commits
sion will ultimately be adopted.
Major Bell, with two companies oi
the Fourth cavalry, has been recon
noitering in the direction of Santa
Arita, He found hundred Filipino:
there and was driving them away
when large reinforcements of rebels
arrived and he was obliged to with
draw with four men wounded.
A raft carrying soldiers of the Four
teenth regiment has been sunk at thu
Pasig ferry. One man was drowned,
The wet season has, finally begun
and another weeks rain will make thu
rice fields thick with mud.