The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-05-23
The Rule to Be a Military One, tor
the Present at Least.
OTIS STILL PUSHING THE WAR
He is Not Taking Anything for Gran
ted-Reports That InsurGcnt Dis
Indignation is Still Progressing
Though They Yet Have
Large Force OfTroops
in the Field,

United States Philippines Commission
have submitted to the Filipino Commis-
sionors a draft OF tine form Of govern
mont the President is prepared to estao-
lish. According to this plan governor
general will be appointed for the islands
by the President. az will also be a Cab
met. and later an advisory council VIII
be elected by the people.
In spite Of the presence Of the Filipino
Commissioners in Manila, the military
operations continue with undated yigor.
The visitors were apparently ignorant Of
the true condition of affairs here.
DESERTED VILLAGES.
The villages on the west coast are al
most deserted and the llocanos especially
are desirous OF joining the Americans, n
only for the purpose Of crushing tne
Tdgals Many natives of Benguot ana
Ilocos said that n the Americans had not
arrived civil war would necessarily nave
ensued owing 10 the friction between
the Tagalogs and the inhabitants OF other
provinces.
II il added that the only Filipino troops
now left are seven thousand men, under
thousand. under General Pho del Pilar.
Even these are demoraiized and short OF
arms and supplies. Many Of their rifles
are disabled and the Fnpinos are unable
20 repair them, owing to the lack OF
mechanics and materials for so doing.
THE SCHEME.
MANILA May 22-3.lJ p M.-Proies-
sor Schurman. head OF the United states
Philippine Commission. has submitted the
following written propositions 10 the FIJI
plno's:
while the final decision as TO the form
OF government is i'm the hands OF the
Congress. the President. under his mill
tary powers. pending the action Of con-
gress stands ready to ofer the following
form Of government:
"a governor general to be appointed
by the President; a cabinet 70 De ap-
pointed by the governor general; all lhe
judges 10 be appointed by the President
the heads Of departments and judges 10
either be Americans OF Filipinos, or Doth'
and ais oa general advisory council us
members 10 be chosen by the people by
form OF suffrage TO be hereafter care
fully determined upon
"The President earnestly desires that
bloodshed cease and that the people OF
the Philippines. AZ an early date enjoy
the largest measures of self-gOvernment
compatible with peace and order"
The United states Commission prepar-
ed the above and the President cabled
his approval Of the form of the docu-
mcnt.
40 PROPOSITION
The Filipinos have made no definite
proposition except for a cessation OF
hostilitics until they can present the
question OF peace to the people. Prof.
schuruan told the FiipnOs they had
no means OF gathering the people to-
eether. 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 il
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 liberal.
The civilian members OF the Filipino
Commission have declined 10 cooperate
with the other members of that COM
mission as the former consider Asuin-
aldo's latest demand TO be preposterous.
after Major General Otis refusal Of an
armistice. referring TO his wish for time
in order to consult with the Filipino
Congress.
After a conference tomorrow with
the United States Commissioners, the
Filipino Commissioners will lunch with
Prof Schurman and will afterwards visit
the vessels composing the American
feet.
CABLE FROM OTIS.
WASHINGTON May 1.-THE War De-
partment has received the following from
General Otis:
Manila. May p. 1899.
"Adjutant General, Washington. d. c.:
Conditions as follows: In Bulacan
province. troops maintained az Quinga,
Balvag. San Miguel: Lawton proceeding
down Rio Grande from San IsdrO. has
driven enemy westward from san An
tonic. Cariao and Arayat. where he was
Joined yesterday by Kobbe's column; will
reach Santa Ana and Candida to-day.
Macarthur still al San Fernando and Will
OCCUPY cities south and westward; insur-
gent forces disintegrating daily.
"Iunas force at Tarlac much diminish
ed: has destroyed several miles railway
in his front. number Of officers Of rank
have deserted Luna and few have entered
Manila for protection: in Pampanga and
Bulacaun inhabitants returning to homes;
only fear insurgent troops south OF Ma
nlla. insurgent disintegration progressing
though large force maintained: conditions
improving daily; send battalion troops
and gun-boat to Negros tomorrow 10 al
Law excitement In southern portion OF ISL
and and west coast Cebu.
Have denied request OF Aguinaldo's
commissioners for armistice.
CsleneD Otis"