Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-05-25
TERMS FOR FILIpIy0S
The American Commission Submits
a Proposition to the Rebels.
PLAN ENDORSED At WASHINGTON.
1t Is Similar to Tha- Adopted in Cuba
Gen. Otis Cable On the Situation
Rebels Are Ready to Sur
render.

Manila, May 23.-Prof. Schurman
head Of the United States Phillppin,
commission, has submitted the follow
ing written proposition to the Filipinos
While the final decision as to the form of gov
eminent is in the hands Of the congress- thu
president, under his military powers, pendinl
the action of congress, stands ready to offer the
following form Of government: A governor tc
be appointed by the president; cabinet to be
appointed by the governor general: all the
Judges to be appointed by the president; the
heads OF departments and Judges to be either
Americans or Filipnos, or both, and also gen.
eral advisory council, It's members to be chosen
by the people by a form Of suffrage to be here
after carefully determined upon. The president
earnestly desires that bloodshed cease and that
the people Of the Philippines at an early date
enjoy the largest measure Of self-government
compatible with peace and order.
The United States commission pre-
pared the scheme and the president
cabled his approval of the form of the
document. The Filipinos have made
no definite proposition except for ces-
sation of hostilities until they can pre-
sent the question Of peace 10 the peo-
pie. Prof 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 a liberal form of
government was offered them and
pointed out that it was better than the
conditions existing under Spanish rule.
PLAN ENDORSED AT WASHINGTON.
Washington, May 23.-The report
from Manila that form Of government
has been proposed to the Filipinos, in
GLIDING governor general, cabinet
and advisory council, is confirmed at
the state department, where it is said
this is the general line of action on
which the authorities here at Manila
are proceeding. The plan is the out
growth of numerous cables and mail
exchanges between President Schur-
man, Of the Philippine commission,
and Secretary Hay, as well as advices
from Gen. Otis and Admiral Dewey. The
proposition to have a governor general
and cabinet appointed by the president
is substantially the same as the system
now in operation in Cuba. Like the
Cuban system, the administration
would be military in character for the
time being, at least while conditions
are unsettled. The authorities here
are acting on the theory that, as in the
case Of Porto Rico, it will be for con-
gress to establish the permanent form
OF government for the islands. 1t was
understood at the time Maj Gen. Law
ton went to Manila that Gen. Otis
would become governor general,
while Gen. Lawton assumed active
direction of military affairs. 1t
is not improbable that this plan
might be carried out if the Filipinos
ac ut the plan now proposed, thus
ma-..ng Gen. Otis the first governor
general, with ten. Lawton and Gen.
Macarthur occupying positions similar
to those of Gems. Ludlow and Wood in
Cuba. The proposed advisory council
is also similar to that in Cuba, where
Gov. Gen. Brooke has the advice of a
native council as well as that of the
officers under him.
GEN. OTIS CABLE ON THE SITUATION.
Washington, May 23.-The war de-
partment has received the following
cablegram from Gen. Otis.
Manila, May 22.-Adjutant General, Washing
ton: Conditions are as follows In Bulucan |
province, troops maintained at Cuinga, Balinag, |
San Miguel; Lawton proceeding down Rio |
Grande river from San lsidro; has driven enemy
westward from San Antonio, Cariao and Arsyat |
where he was Joined yesterday by HOBBIES col
nmn: will reach Santa Ana and Candabs to-day. |
still ct San Fernando and will o.