Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-15

Inc ofhcial dispatch from Manila note
mat Aguinaldo has asked for and obtained
nom Cen Otis an assurance of safe con-
duct through the American lines for repre-
sentaLves whom he may send to treat with
the American commission for peace This
Is good sign There was general disap-
ointment when tho first suggestion of
3eace in Luzon failed TO rnaterialize. Its
failure was due to the proper refusal Of
Gen Otis to promise conditions which
would greatly complcate the work of the
commission 1t is now evident that Aguin-
aldo and his associates in the lead of the
natives were playing for a strategic posi-
ton and found that they were dealing with
q shrewd. firm soldier, who knew as well
as they the value Of the conditions demand
ed Since then there has been additional
nghting with unvarying American success.
while the army of paciication has been
steadily advanced to occupy positions of
great advantage in the later stages of the
campaign Gen Lawton is pressing on
through the country east of MacArthur's
column. the latter commander resting his
forces and giving Lawton time to complete
the thanking movement. There is no sus-
ge5tion Of a truce. The inquiries by the
emissaries who formerly approached the
Americans brought forth the unyarying
promise that when peace is once establish
Ell the FiIipinOs will be given a generous
share in local government, while the gen
eral administration of the island will be
based upon the principle of extending the
greatest possible benefits TO the people The
case has been stated so plainly that Aguin-
aldo can now refuse TO surrender only on
the pretense Of further holding out for alb
soiute Independence for the natives The
autonomy in local affairs which the COM
mission has practically promised is virtual
all that the FllipinOs concerned
bout A few Of their leaders may have
retained their early dreams of an indie
pendent state, with foreign relations large
salaries. pompous ceremonials and fat per-
auisites pertaining to the official holdings
Casting out the avaricious aspirations OF
these few individuals. it is 10 be questioned
whether the smallest fraction Of the people
care anything for further measures of self
government than those which are so will
lnsly granted The chief items of native
interest relate to the protection of life and
property. the immunity Of the individual
from arbitrary arrest and punishment. d
Cessation Of the absorption of property and
power by religious orders to the injury of
the people and the provision of SUFFICIENT
guardianship TO ensure the peaceful tillage
OF the soil and protection from the ma
rauders from the hills. In addition to these
guarantees these people will be given free
education. public Improvements and en-
tightening surroundings. They will be led
into profitable lines of industry and taught
lew means Of extracting wealth from ma
tUre- Gradually they Will be brought into
Closer relationship with the functions of
government and will be given a larger par
ticipa,ion IN the management of the general
affairs OF the Islands. This prospect is be-
trg steadily held out TO them. and if one.
the truth can reach them. despite the ex-
ertiJns OF their false leaders, peace will
quickly come to stay.