The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-05-24
OUR POLICY IN LUz0N
Otis in Favor of Giving the Rebels
Thorough Licking.
TO TEACH THEM A LESSON
schurmann in q More Pacific Frame Of
Mind-Friction Is Developing-Re-
gret That Dewey 1s Gone.
Presidents Attitude.

Manila, May 23.-The Filipino COM
dence of the American commissioners.
They discussed every point Of the
scheme Of government and peace in
formation details, asking for ,informa-
tfon as to what personal rights would
be guaranteed them. 1t was explained
that they would be the same as under
United States legislation. The Fill
pinos also desired information as to the
school system to be established and
approved of the American policy of
separation of church and state. They
chiefly objected to the scheme on the
ground that it gave them personal lib
erty which they knew they would have,
Finally the Filipinos said they were
personally pleased with the plan, but
could not indorse it officially.
Rostario, Filipino congressman, a
wealthy resident of Manila and former
ly Aguinaldo's commissary general, ac-
companied by an insurgent captain,
called upon General Otis to-day and
der our persons and property into the
hands of the Americans" The sur
render was arranged by Chaplain
Pierce of the 14th regiment, who knew
Rostario before the war. According to
the story told by Rostario, General
Luna is absolute dictator and Aguin-
aldo fears him. Every Filipino leader.
it is added, suspects the others Of
treachery. The recent meeting of the
Filipino congress was to secure new
cabinet and the question of peace was
not formally considered. as the men,
bers feared Luna's displeasure.
Major Bell, with two companies of
the 4th cavalry, has been reconnoiter-
ing in the direction of Santa Arita. He
found 100 Filipinos 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 the soldiers
of the 14th regiment has been sunk at
Pasig ferry. One man was drowned.
The wet season has finally begun and
another weeks rain will make the rice
fields thick with mud.
During the day the Filipino commits
sioners called upon General Otis and
they will repeat their call to-r16rrow.
There is much comment here on the
outing the Filipino ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats,
drive about the city, reveling in the
attentions bestowed on them, which are
evidently exceedingly gratifying to
them. They are the centers of contin-
ual leeves at Filipinos' houses, where
they have been entertained, and have
had every opportunity to advance the
interests of the insurrection. Military
sentiment disapproves of the Filipinos
being lionized by their civilian ee-
ment.
General Otis, from antebellum expe-
irence and owing to the Filipinos. fond
ness of discussion, has maintained the
attitude he assumed with the first com
mission. He has no offer to make to
the Filipinos save that they lay down
their arms without terms. The army
believes that If we intend to remain in
the Philippines it will be cheaper in
the long run to whip the insurgents so
thoroughly that they will be glad of
the opportunity to surrender, rather
than parley with them and make terms
which they would construe as COM
promise. The army is also of the opin-
ion that while the first course may cost
more men and more money in the be-
gining than the latter, it will prove an
effectual damper upon future insurrec
tions, whereas if the war is ended by
a compromise the professional revolu
tionists among the Tagals may be en-
couraged to try again in few years.
Professor Schurmann, speaking of the
commissions policy, said: II believe
force was necessary because they
thought us weaklings and towards;
but I believe also that cancellation
should accompany force. My endeav-
or has been ever since l came here to
exercise conciliation."
The professor is most optimistic as
to the results of the negotiations and
believes the scheme of government
proposed by the United States commits
sion will ultimately be adopted.