The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-23
Heads of Departments tn he Either
Americans or Filipinos. and Adj
visory Council to BE Elected.
REBEL ARMY BREAKING UP
GEN. LUNA HAS NOW But 1000 ME
AND Pillar ABOUT 1000.
Conditions in the philippines De-
Forces of Macarthur and Lawton.

MANILA. May 22-Professor Schurman,
of the United States Philippine commission,
has submitted the following written propo-
sitions to the FiIipinos:
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 government:
"A governor general to be appointed by the
President
"A Cabinet to be appointed by the COVER
nor general.
"Ali the judges to be appointed by the
President.
"Al the heads OF departments and judges
to be either Americans Fflipinos, or
both.
"A general advisory council its members
to be chosen by the people by form of
suffrage 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 larg-
est measure of self government compatible
with peace and order"
The United States commission prepared
the scheme and the President cabled his
approval of the form OF the document.
The Fflipinos have made no definite prop
osition, except fo- a cessation of hostilities
until they can present the question of peace
to the people. Professor Schurman told the
Fiipinos they had no means of gathering
the peopfs foCe sfer. AS ti1S sfsesles..s con-
troll most of the ports. He also reminded
them that literal form of government was
offered them. and pointed out that 1t was
better than the conditions existing under the
rrfia
Filipino commission, replied that nothing
could be worse than Spanish rule. and ad-
mitted that the form of government pro-
posed was liberal.
The civilian members of the Filipino COM
mission have declined to cooperate with
the other members of that commission, as
the former consider Aguinaldo's latest de-
mand 20 be preposterous after Major Gen.
erai Otis's refusal of an armistice, referring
TO his wish for time in order to consult the
Filipino Congress
After a conference tomorrow with the
United States commissioners, the Filipino
commissioners will lunch with Professor
Schurman and will afterwards visit the ves-
sells composing the American fleet.
In spite OF the presence OF the Filipino
commissioners in Manila the military opera
tions continue with unabated vigor. The
visitors were apparently ignorant of the true
condition of affairs here. Upon their ar
rival they were Immediately inundated with
invitations covering 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 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 the war. The villages on the west
coast are almost deserted and the Ilocanos
are especially desirous OF joining the Amer
leans if only for the purpose of crushing the
Tagals- Many natives of Benguot and
1locos said that IL the Americans had not
arrived civil war would necessarily have
ensued. owing to the friction between the
Tagals and the inhabitants of other prov
inces. 1t is added that the only Filipino
troops now left are 1900 men under General
Luna at Talac, and about 4,O00 under Gen.
eral Pho del Pillar. Even these are demor-
allied and short OF arms and supplies. Many
OF their rifles are disabled and the FiIipinos
are unable to repair them, owing TO the
lack Of mechanics and materials for so do
ing.
A coasting steamer which has arrived here
reports that the Spanish garrison at Zam-
boanga, Island OF Minandoa. is held by the
rebels in much the same manner the Amer
leans held them while they were in the
vicinity of Manila. Every night the Span
iards are subjected to Intellectual fusil-
lade. and IL they are not soon relieved they
will be reduced to the condition of the Span
ish garrison at IIoilo just previous to its
evacuation OF that place.