Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-05-26
THE PHILIPPINES.
A Scheme of Government Sub
mitted.

|
Are Demor"lIzed and Apparently Near
the End OF Their Resources.
Another Filipino commission arrived in
Manila Saturday to confer with the Amer
leans on the situation. They had no new
| proposition to offer, but renewed the re-
! quest for an armistice until the Filipino
congress could be assembled. They were
told that an armstice could not be granted
! and that no terms but unconditional sur
render could be considered Their answer
was that they were without power to bind
the so-called Filipino government in any
particular, and could only refer any re-
! suits OF the present negotiations TO Aguin-
aldo.
Their presence was made use of by
President Schurman of the American com
mission to submit draft of the form of
government which the President is pre-
! pared TO establish. This is the scheme as
presented:
"While the final decision as to the form
of government is in the hands of Congress,
the President, under his military powers,
pending the action of Congress, stands
ready to offer the following form of gov
eminent: A governor general, to be APP
pointed by the President; a cabinet, to be
appointed by the governor general; all the
judges to be appointed by the President;
the heads of departments and judges to be
either Americans or Filipinos, or both,
and also general advisory council, its
members TO be chosen by the people by a
form of suffrage to be hereafter carefully
determined upon. The President earnest
ly desires that bloodshed cease and that
the people of the Philippines, at an early
date, enjoy the largest measure of self
government compatible with peace and or
der"
The United States commission prepared
the scheme, and the President cabled his
approval of the form of the document
Mr.. Schurman told the Filipinos that they
had no means of gathering the people to-
gether for their proposed congress, as the
Americans control most of the ports. He
also reminded them that a liberal form of
government was offered them and pointed
out that it was better than the conditions
existing under Spanish rule.
Gozaga, president of the Filipino COM
mission, replied that nothing could be
worse than Spanish rule and admitted that
the form of government proposed was lib
eral Every means at command was taken
TO show the Filipinos how completely the
Americans are in control, and how hope
less is resistance.
The plan of government proposed for
the islands follows very closely that of our
American territories. They, too, have
their governor and all their administrative
and judicial officers appointed by the Fres-
ident. They have legislature with linn
tied powers, corresponding to the proposed
Philippine general advisory council. whose
members are to be chosen by the Philip
pine people "by form of suffrage to be
hereafter carefully determined upon"
Military Operations Continue---the Ma
tive Troops scattered "A nd Demoralized.
A Manila despatch says that, in spite of
the presence of the Filipino commissioners
in that city, the military operations con-
tinue with undated vigor. The Filipino
commissioners were inundated with invi-
tations, and express surprise at the state
of affairs within our lines. They were led
TO believe that everything was chaotic and
are delighted al the reception accorded
them.
Reports received from persons who have
arrived from the interior show that no
troops are left in the northern provinces
They were all drafted south after the out
break of war The villages on the west
coast are almost deserted, and the Ilocanos,
especially, are DESTROYS of joining the
Americans, if only for the purpose of
crushing the Tagals Many natives said
that if the Americans had not arrived,
civil war would have ensued. The only
Filipino troops now left are 1000 men, I'M
der Gen. Luna at Tarlac, and about 1000
under Gen. Pho del Pillar. Even those are
| demoralized and short of arms and sup
plies. Many of their rifles are disabled
and the Filipinos are unable TO repair
them, owing to the lack of mechanics and
materials.
Views OF gen. Otis
Gen. Otis, from ante-belum experience,
and owing to the Filipinos' fondness for
discussion, maintains the attitude he as
sumed with the first commission. He has
had no offer to make the Fllipinos save
that they lay down their arms without
terms. The army believes that If we in
tend to remain in the Philippine islands it
will be cheaper in the long run TO whip
the insurgents 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 a
compromise. While the first course NAV
cost more men and money in the begin
ming than the latter, it will prove an eff
fectual damper upon future instruction.
President Schurman is confident that
the scheme of government proposed by the
United States commission will be adopted
ultimately.
There is much comment in Manila on
the outing the Filipino ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats, scar
let trousers and gold lace, and drive about
the city, reveling in the attention bestowed
upon them, which is evidently exceedingly
gratifying to them.
Dewey's Plans for Release of CaptIves.
Admiral Dewey's last concern before
leaving Manila was for the safety of the
unfortunate crew of the Yorktown's launch
held captive by the Filipinos. He initiated
steps that are expected to result soon in
the release of these captives. At Admiral
Dewey's request Gen. Otis has succeeded
in making arrangements with the Filipino
leaders whereby he is enabled to supply the
American prisoners with necessary food
and clothing.
The rapid increase of Japanese immi-