The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1899-05-25
DETAILS DISCUSSED.
Filipino Commissioners Confer with
Americans About Pee Terms.
COMMISSIONER SCHURNAy REPORTS
A Long Message Sent tn Washington 10y the
Chairman of the American Commits
sIon-The Text of the Dispatch
Not Made Public.

Manila. May 24.-The Filipino com
missioners spent yesterday al the resi-
dence of the American commissioners
They discussed every point of the
scheme OF the government and the
peace proclamation details, asking for
information Is to what personal rights
would be guaranteed them. Col. Charles
DENLY, of the American commission.
explained that they would be the same
as under the United States constitution.
The Filipinos also desired information
as to the school system to be estab-
lishei and approved of the American
policy of the separation OF church and
state. They chiefly objected 10 the
scheme on the ground that II gave them
personal liberty, which they knew they
would have. but did not give them po-
litical liberty. Finally. the Filipinos
said they were personally pleased with
the plan, but could not indorse il Off
cially.
Gen. Otis, from ante-bcllum expert
ence and owing TO 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 Filipinos save that they lay down
their arms without terms The army be-
Eeves that if we intend to remain in the
Philippine islands it will be cheaper in
the long run 10 whip the insurgents 50
thoroughly that they will be glad
of the opportunity to surrender.
rather than parley with them and
make 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 ctfectual damper upon future
Instruction: whereas, if the war is
ended by a compromise. the profess
sional revolutioniStS among the Tagals
may be encouraged 30 try again in a
few years.
Prof. Schurman, speaking of the
commissioners policy, said: Il believe
force was necessary because they
thought us weal1lings and towards,
but l believe also that Cancellation
should accompany force. My endeavor
has been, ever since | came here. to eX-
ercise Cancellation" The professor
is most optimistic as to the results of
the negotiations and believes the
scheme of governm ent proposed by the
United States commission will ulti-
mately be adopted.
COMMISSIONER sCHURMAS REPORTS.
Washington, May 24.-Secretary Hay
has received from President Schurman,
of the Philippine commission, long
message giving the results of the meet
ings thus far held with the native Fill
ipino commission sent by Aguinaldo to
treat with the Americans. The message
was laid before the president last night.
He was much gratified at its contents,
which are said to be very encourag-
ing for the outlook that something
definite may be accomplished. Presi-
dent Schurman reports that the native
commissioners viii take back to their
people the proposition for a form of
government, etc, suggested by the
American commission. The text of the
dispatch was not made public and win
not be. 1t was stated last night on the
authority of a gentleman who spent
some time with the president that,
contrary to reports from Manila, there
are no differences of any consequence
between the military and civilian mem
bers of the commission as TO the course
to be adopted in dealing with the ma
tiypS