Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1899-05-29

has received from President Schurman,
of the Philippine commission, a long
message giving the results of the
meetings thus far held with the native
Filipino commission sent by Aguina1-
do to treat with the Americans. The
message was laid before the president
last night. He was much gratified at
it's contents which are said to be very
encouraging for the outlook that
something definite may be accom-
plished. President Schurman reports
that the native commissioners will
take back to their people the PROPOSE
ton for a form of government, etc.,
suggested by the American commits
sion. The text of the dispatch has not
been 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
the reports from Manila there are no
differences of any consequence be-
tween the military and civilian mem
bers of the American commission as to
the course to be adopted in dealing
with the natives.
Schurman's Views.
New York, May pa dispatch to
The Herald from Manila says: Presi-
dent Schurman of the United States
Philippine commission has made this
statement concerning the plan of gov
eminent offered to the Filipinos:
"Now that the American arms are
successfully bringing the war to a
close, it is an opportune moment to
submit the scheme of government
which is authorized by the president,
who believes that Cancellation is as
necessary as force. The present
scheme should satisfy the legitimate
aspirations of the Filipino people for
participation in their own government.
It gives the insurgents a good oppor-
tunity to lay down their arms. Under
it they will possess more freedom than
under the Malolos government, even
though the latter declares them an in
dependent and sovereign state"
American Plans Explained
Manila, May 24.-The Filipino COM
missioners spent Tuesday at the res
idence of the American commission
ers. They discussed every point of
the scheme Of government and the
peace proclamation details, asking for
information as to what personal rights
would be guaranteed them. Col
Charles DENLY of the American COM
mission explained that they would
be the same as under the United States
constitution. The FilipinOS also de-
sired information as to the school sys-
tenn to be established and approved OF
the American policy of the separation
of church and state. They chiefly OBJ
jected to the American plan on the
ground that it gave them personal lib
erty, which they know they would
have, but did not give them political
liberty. Finally, the Filipinos said
they were personally pleased with the
plan, but could not endorse it officially.
During the day the Filipino commits
sioners called upon Maj.-Gen Otis.
There is much comment here on the
outing the Filipino ENJOYS are enjoy
ing. They are arrayed in blue coats
scarlet trousers and gold lace, and
drive about the city, reveling in the at
tentions bestowed upon them, which
are evidently very gratifying to them.
They are the centers of continual le-
wees at Filipino houses, where they
have been entertained and have had
every opportunity to advance the in
terests of the insurrection. Military
sentiment disapproves of the Filipinos
being lionized by their civilian ele-
ment.
Gen. Otis from ante-bellum expert
ence and owing to the Filipino fond
ness for discussion has maintained
the attitude he assumed with the
first commission. He has had
no offer to make the Fill
pinos save that they lay down their
arms without terms.
The army believes that if we intend
to remain in the Philippine islands, it
will be cheaper in the long run to whip
the insurgents so thoroughly that they
will be glad of the opportunity to sur
render, rather than to 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 effectual damp
er upon future Instruction, whereas, if
the war is ended by compromise, the
professional revolunionists among the
Tagals may be encouraged to try again
in few years.
Rosario, a Filipino congressman,
wealthy resident of Manila and former
ly Aguinaldos commissary general, &C
companied by an insurgent captain,
called upon Maj.-Gen. Otis yesterday
and announced that eve desire to sur
render our persons and property into
the hands of the Americans" The
surrender was arranged by Chaplain
Pierce of the 14th regiment, who knew
Rosario before the war. Rosario cor
responded in cipher with Gen. Luna,
so he has been closely watched by the