The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-05
He Ii Said to Take a Hopeful View Of
Affairs and Believes Otis VIII
Soon Crash Insurgents.
NO PLAN OF GOVERNMENT YET
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY HAS GIVEN
THE MATTER LITTLE THOUGHT.
Brush Between Five Americans and
a FiIipinO OutpOst-A PlOtter's
Scheme to Get Japanese Aid.

WASHINGTON, Sept 4.-The Cabinet to-
day was in session for more than two hours
and a variety of matters which have accu-
INFLATED during the Presidents absence were
discussed. 1t was Secretary Roots first at
tendance, the other members present being
Secretary Hay, Secretaries Gage. Hitchcock
and Wilson. President Schurmann, of the
Philippine Commission was also present by
invitation. and made a comprehensive state
ment of the situation on the islands. 1t is
understood that within the next two or
three days he will make statement to the
President which will cover his observations
on the islands and later will make a formal
report to the PresiCeI.t covering the subject
in detail This report, however, will not be
made until the other members of the COM
mission arrive in Washington and not until
after Admiral Dewey's return.
1t is understood that Mr. Schurmann takes
hopeful view CT the situation in the Phil
ippines and has no doubt that with our in
creased forces we will be able to make COM
parative short work Of Aguinaldo and the
insurgent forces. He stated that although
Aguinaldo is the leader Of very strong
faction of the natives, he does not by any
means, fairly represent the entire popula-
ton, considerable number appearing to be
more or less Indifferent to the outcome
of the instruction. Although the work OF
the Anti-imperialist League has had no con-
siderable influence among the soldiers In
our army, Mr.. Schurmann said 1T certainly
had given great encouragement to Aguin-
aldo and his followers. The influence of
the league in this country, Mr.. Schurmann
thought, has been magnified by the insur-
gent leaders, and has had the effect Of CIV
ing them heart and a strong hope Of ulti-
mate success.
Commenting on the published statement
that President Mckinley had formulated
plan for the government of the Philippines
after the instruction shall have been put
down, it was stated by a member of the
Cabinet that no definite plans whatever had
been made by the President, nor is he at
the present time giving the subject much
thought. He will cooperate with the COM
mittees Of Congress when that matter comes
up for settlement. but it is certain that he
will not formulate any hard and fast sys-
ton.
The subject of relieving General Otis from
civil government and the military forces
was not mentioned at to-days meeting, al
though there is growing impression that
he may be put at the head OF the civil gov
eminent and relieved of the responsibility
Of the military operations.
The plan of government for our new pos
sessions which, according to special CORE
spondents. has been decided on by President
Mckinley is outlined as follows:
THE Philippines-Civil government by
three commissioners to supplant military
rule Immediately after the rebellion is
crushed.
"Cuba-Continued military control until it
is determined by means of general cleo
ton whether the inhabitants want ndepend-
ence or annexation. If independence, the
new government elected will be recognized
by the United States and will be given en-
enlargement and every opportunity to es
tablish its stability. If annexation the
President will be governed by the sentiment
of American citizens as 1t may then exist.
Porto Rico-Civil government of the ter
ritorial form, similar to that which prevails
In Arizona.
"Hawaii-Territorial form of government
as recommended by the Hawaiian Commits
sion and provided for in measure now
pending in Congress"