The record-union., 1899-05-24

MANILA, May %, 6:15 p. m.-The
Filipino Commissioners spent the day
at the residence of the American Com
missioners. They discussed every
point of the scheme of government and
the peace proclamation details, asking
for information as to what personal
rights would be guaranteed them.
Colonel Charles DENLY of the Amer
lean Commission explained that they
would be the same as under the Unit
ed States Constitution.
The Filipinos also desired informa-
tion as to the school system to be es-
tablished, and approved of the Amer
lean policy of the separation OF church
and State. They chiefly objected to
the scheme on the ground 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 indorse it Off
cially.
During the day the Filipino Conmis
sioners called upon General Otis, and
they will repeat their call tomorrow
There is much comment here on the
outing the Filipino ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats,
scarlet trousers and gold lace, and
drive about the city, revelling in the
attentions bestowed on them, which is
evidently exceedingly gratifying TO
them. They are the centers of con-
tinual levees at Filipino houses, where
they have been entertained. and have
had every opportunity to advance tbs
interests of the insurrection. Military
sentiment disapproves of the F'ilipinos
being Iionized by their civilian element.
General OTIS from antebellum exper-
ience, and owing 10 the Filipinos fond
ness of discussion, has maintained the
attitude he assumed with the first COM
mission. He has had no offer TO make
the Fjlipinos. save that they lay down
their arms without terms. The army
believes that if we intend to remain in
the Ph lippine Islands it will be cheaper
IN the long run TO whip the insurgents
so thoroughly that they would be glad
of the opportunity to surrender rather
than parley with them and make the
terms which they would construe as a
compromise.
The army is also of the opinion that
while the first course may cost more
men and more money in the beginning
than the latter, it will prove an effect
whereas if the war is ended by COM
promise the professional revolutionisss
among the Tagals may be encouraged
to try again in few years.
Professor Schurman, speaking of the
commissions policy, said: Il believe
force was necessary because they
thought US weaklings and towards; but
1 believe also that conciliation should
accompany force. My endeavor has
been, ever since 1 came here, to exer-
else conciliation."
The Professor is most optimistic as to
the results of the negotiations, and be-
lieves the scheme of government pro-
posed by the United States commission
will ultimately be adopted.
Rostario, a Filipino Congressman,
wealthy resident of Manila and for
merly Aguinaldo's Commissary Gem
eral, accompanied by an insurgent Cap
tain, called upon Major General Otis
to-day and announced that I'VE desire
TO surrender our persons and property
into the hands of the Americans"
The surrender was arranged by Chap
lain Pierce of the Fourteenth Regiment,
who knew R0stario before the war. Ros-
tario corresponded in cipher with Gen
eral Luna, so he has been closely
watched by the officials at Tarlac since
the insurrection has been weakening
Rostario only escaped by persuading
General Luna TO send him on a secret
mission to Manila for the purpose OF
collecting funds. With the Captain.
ten men and their families, Rostario
Travelled by night through the swamps
and mountains, passed the lines of both
armies. and entered Manila last even
ing He has been liberated on parole.
According to the story told by Ros-
tario, General Luna is absolute dicta-
tor. and Aguinaldo fears him. Every
Filipino leader it is added, suspects
the others of treachery. The recent
meeting of the Filipino Congress was to
secure a new Cabinet, and the question
of peace was not formally considered.
The Filipino Government was unable
to secure Secretary of the Treasury.
Ali those who were offered the port
folio declined to accept it,
Major Bell with two companies Of
the Fourth Cavalry, has been recon-
noiterng in the direction of San Arita
He found F'ilipinos there, and was driv-
ing them away when large reinforce
ments of rebels arrived. and he was
obliged to withdraw with four men
wounded.
A raft carrying soldiers of the Four
teenth Regiment has been sunk at the
Pasig ferry. One man was drowned.
The welcomed wet season has finally
begun, and another weeks rain will
make the rice fields thick with mud
COL. SUMMERS TO BE BREvETED.
WASHINGTON. May 23.-General
Otis cables as follows:
Manila, May 23.-Adjutant General,
Washington: On urgent recommended
ton of Lawton 1 recommend Colonel
Owen Summers to be Brigadier General
of Volunteers, brevet, for conspicuous
gallantry at Maasan, Bulac Bridge.
San Isidro; Captain j. S. Case to be
Major of Volunteers brevet, for dis
tinauished services and gallantry st: