Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-05-25
DETAILS DISCUSSED.
Filipino Commissioners Confer with
Americans About Peace Terms.
COMMISSIONER SCHURNAN REPORTS.
A Long Message Sent to Washington by the
Chairman Of the American Commits
siOn-The Text OF the Dispatch
Not Made Public.

Manila, May s4.-The Filipino com
missioners spent yesterday at the resi-
dence of the American commissioners
They discussed every point of tn,
scheme of the government and the
peace proclamation details, asking foi
information as 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 E'ilipinos also desired information
as to the school system to be estab-
lished and approved Of the American
policy Of the separation of church and
state. They chiefly objected to the
scheme on the ground that it 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 it Off
cially,
Gen. Otis, from ante.bellum expert
ence and owing to the Filipinos' fond
ness of discussion has maintained the
attitude he assumed with the first com
mission. lie has had no offer to make
the Filipinos save that they lay down
their arms without terms The army be-
lievcs that ii we intend foreman in the
Philippine islands it will be cheaper in
the long run to whip thceinSnrgents so
thoroughly that they viii 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 mortmen and more money in
the beginning than the latter it will
prove an eilectual damper upon future
instruction; whereas, if the war is
ended by II compromise, the profess
sional rcyolutionists among the 'lagals
may be encouraged to try again in u
few years.
Prof, Schurman, speaking of the
commissioners policy, said: II believe
force was necessary because they
thought MS weddings and towards,
but believe also that Cancellation
should accompany force. My endeavor
has been, ever since came here, to ex-
ercse Cancellation The professor
is most optimistic as to the results of
the, negotiations and believes the
scheme of govern ment proposed by the
United States commission will ulti-
mately be adopted.
COMMISSIONER sCHuRMAN REPORTS.
Washington, May "a, 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 iii
ipino commission sent by Aguinaldo to
treat with the Americans. The message
was laid before the president last night
He was much gratihed 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 will take back to their
people the proposition for form of
government etc, suggested by the
American commission. The text of the
dispatch was not made public and will
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 MS to the course
to be adopted in dealing with the ma
tives