The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-05-23

MHHLH, may 10 - FreSI0eHr
Schurman of the Philippine commis-
sion made this statement to me to-day
concerning the plan of government
offered to the Ehpinos
"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.
1.-THE present scheme should
satisfy the legitimate aspirations of
the Filipino people for participation
in their own government IT gives
insurgents a good opportunity to lay
down their arms.
"Under it they will possess moro
freedom than under the MqjoIos gov
ernment even though the latter de-
cIares them an Independent and
sovereign state. "
"A NJ ANILA, May 22-In spite of the
Ia N presence of the Filipino COM
MI missioners in Manila, the mill
VE tary operations continue with
unabated vigor. The visitors
were apparently ignorant of the true
condition of affairs here Upon
their arrival they were Immediately
ir,,y1 5a+
both day and night, and express sur
prise at the condition of affairs within
our lines. They had been led to believe
that everything was chaotic and are de-
lighted at the reception accorded them.
Reports received from persons who
have arrived from the interior show
that no troops are left in the northern
provinces. They were all drafted south
after the outbreak of the war. The
villages on the west coast are almost
deserted, and the Ilocanos especially
are desirous of joining the Americans,
if only for the purpose of crushing the
Tagals. Many natives of Benguot and
Ilocos said that if the Americans had
not arrived civil war would necessarily
have ensued, owing to the friction be-
tween the Tagals and the inhabitants
of other provinces. 1t is added that
the only Filipino troops left now are
1000 men under General Luna at the
Tarlac. and about 1000 under General
| Pho del Pillar. These are short of arms
and supplies. Many of their rifles are
disabled, and the Filipinos are unable
to repair them, owing to the lack of
| mechanics and materials for so doing
coasting steamer which has ar
/ ,~fN- N-AI
garrison at Zamboanga, Island of
Minandao, is held by the rebels in
much the same manner as the Ameri-
cans held them while they were in the
vicinity of Manila. Every night the
Spaniards are subjected to an ineffec-
tual fusillade, and if they are not soon
relieved they will be reduced to the
condition of the Spanish garrison at
Iloilo just previous to it's evacuation Of
that place.
Professor Schurman, head of the
United States Philippine Commission,
has submitted the following written
propositions to the Filipinos
While the final decision as to the form
of government for the Philippines is in
the hands of Congress the President, un-
der his military powers. pending the ac-
following:
A Governor General to be appointed by
the President; a Cabinet 10 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 Filipinos, or both;
and general Advisory Council, it's mem
| bers to be chosen by the people by form
of suffrage to be hereafter carefully de-
termined 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 COM
patible 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 a ces-
sation of hostilities until they can pre-
sent the question of peace to the people.
Professor 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.
Gozaga, President of the Filipino
commission, replied that nothing
could be worse than Spanish rule, and
admitted that the form of government
proposed was liberal
The civilian members of the Filipino
commission have declined to co-operate
with the other members, as the former
consider Aguinaldos latest demand 10
be preposterous, after General Otis
refusal of an armistice when the die
tator asked for time in order to con-
suit the Filipino Congress.
After a conference tomorrow with
the United States Commissioners. the
| Filipino commissioners will lunch with
| Professor Schurman, and will after
ward visit the vessels composing the
American fleet.
FILIPIN0S MUST SOON
ACCEPT OUR TERMS