The record-union., 1899-05-23


conference, the former adhering to the
original demand for the unconditional
surrender of the insurgents.
MANILA, May 22-2:1O p. MIN
spite of the presence of the Filipino
Commissioners at Manila, the military
operations continue with unabated
vigor
The visitors were apparently ignorant
of the true condition of affairs here.
Upon their arrival they were immedi-
ately inundated with invitations cover
ing both day and night, and expressed
surprise at the condition of affairs
within our lines. They had been led
to believe that everything was chaotic,
and are delighted at the reception ac-
corded them.
Reports received from persons who
have arrived from the interior show
that few native troops are left in the
northern provinces. They were all
drafted south after the outbreak of the
war The villages on the west coast
are almost deserted, and the Iloicanos
especially are desirous of joining the
Americans if only for the purpose of
crushing the Tagalos. Many natives
of Benguot and Ilocos said that if the
Americans had not arrived, civil war
would necessarily have ensued owing to
the friction between the Tagalos and
the inhabitants of other provinces. 1t
is added that the only Filipino troops
left now are 700 men under Luna at
Tarlac and about 1900 under Pillar.
These are short of arms and supplies.
Aiany of their rifles are disabled, and
they are unable to repair them, owing
to the lack of mechanics and materials.
A coasting steamer which has ar
rived here reports that the Spanish
garrison at Zamboagana, island of
Mandanao, is held by the rebels in
much the same manner as the Ameri-
cans held them while they were in the
vicinity of Manila Every night the
Spaniards are subjected to an ineffect-
ual fusillade, and if they are not soon
relieved they will be reduced to the
condition of the Spanish garrison at
Iloilo just previous to it's evacuation
of that place
PROPOSITION TO THE FILIPINOS.
MANILA, May 22.-3:15 p. m.-Pro-
fessor Schurman, head of the United
State Filipino Commission, has sub
mitted the following written PROPOSE
tion to the Filipinos:
While the situation as to the form
of government is in the hands of the
Congress, the President, under his mill
tary powers, pending the action of
Congress- stands ready to offer the fol-
lowing form of government
"A Governor General to be appointed
by the President; a Cabinet to be ap-
pointed 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 a General
Advisory Council, it's members to be
chosen by the pepole by form of suf-
frage to be hereafter carefully deter
mined upon.
THE President earnestly desires that
bloodshed cease, and that the people of
the philippines at an early date enjoy
the largest measure of elf-government
compatible with peace and ORDER
The United States Commission pre-
pared the scheme, and the President
oabled his approval of the form of the
document The Filipinos have made nc
definite proposition except for a cessa
tion of hostilities, until they can present
the question of peace to the people
Professor Schurman told the Filipinos
they had no means of gathering the
people together. as the Americans con-
troll most of the ports. He also re-
minded them that 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
Commission, replied that nothing could
be worse than Spanish rule and admit
ted that the form of government pro-
posed was liberal
The civilian members of the Filipino
Commission have declined to cooperate
with the other members Of that com
mission, as the former consider Agui-
naldo's latest demand to be preposter-
Gus, after General Otis refusal of ar
armistice, referring to his wish for time
in which to consult the Filipino Con-
gress.
After conference tomorrow with
the United States Commissioners tbs
Filipino Commissioners will lunch with
Professor Schurman. and will after
ward visit the vessels composing the
American fleet
CONDITIONS AS REPORTED BY
GENERAL OTIS.
WASHINGTON, May 22.-The War
Department has received the followins
cablegram from General Otis:
Manila, June 22.-Adjutant General,
Washington: Conditions as follows:
In Bulucan province troops are
maintained at Quinga, Baliuag and
San Miguel. Lawton is proceeding
down the Rio Grande River from San
IsidTo. He has driven the enemy west
ward from San Antonio Cariao and
Arayat, where he was Joined yesterday