The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-05-22

MANILA, May 21-The official con-
ference of the Filipino Peace Commits
sion did not materialize this morning.
Aguinaldo's four representatives saw
Otis and requested time to have the
American Commission explain the pre-
else meaning of our proclamation and
form of government the United States
will give them The indications are
that they will return to Aguinaldo for
further instructions, though they say
they will meet Otis with full commits
sion officially tomorrow, submitting
their desires.
Zialoita, in an interview with the
Call Herald correspondent, stated they
wanted cessation of hostilities and in
dependence, but refused to say whether
the commission would ask this.
Judge Advocate Alberto Barretto, one
of the Filipino commissioners, had an
interview to-day with the American
Philippine Commission The meeting
was approved by General Luna, the in
surgent commander, who is thoroughly
in accord with Asuinaldo in his efforts
to obtain peace. The primary object OF
the interview was to ascertain the KIND
of government the United States pro-
poses to establish here. The Filipino
commissioners have no power to effect
a settlement, but must refer all matters
to Aguinaldo.
Autonomy is the burden of the talk
of the Filipinos, and it is thought that
the kind they wish for could be little
different from the scheme of an Ameri-
can protectorate which they talked Of
before the war.
Senior Palermo, who has succeeded the
irreconciliable Mabini as President of
+1o lC a l.
dent and a writer of ability. He once
drew up a plan of autonomy under
Spain which the Spanish Government
promised to adopt, there being trou-
blesome rebellion on foot. The Ameri-
can Commissioners, IN studying the
question of the Filipino Government,
have found several good points in the
! scheme. Palermo is about the strongest
man in Aguinaldos party.
All the moneyed leaders of the insur-
rection see that it is hopeless and are
anxious for peace. Those who want
money think hey may profit by har-
assing the Americans while longer.
! On the suggestion of Mr.. Schurman,
president of the American Commission,
the local Filipino peace party has start
ed a newspaper.
Major Kobbe's expedition to open
communication with General Lawton
has occupied Arayat, about seven
miles beyond Candaba, on the Rio
Grande, taking the course of the
stream. No insurgents were found
there, and the Pamaganis along the
river are friendly.
Last Friday Major Kobbe took Santa
Ana about six miles northeast of San
Fernando, on the road to San Isidro.
A priest met the expedition with a
white flag.
Delegations from San Nicholas and
Santiago, small villages just south of
Arayat, came to him with the news
that 200 insurgents who had been hold
ing both places, had withdrawn. They
invited the Americans to enter, and as
the members Of the expedition marched
in the church bells were rung, and the
timid natives who had fed focked
back.
Twenty-Five native militiamen at
Bacolad have deserted to the insur-
gents, carrying their arms with them.
General Smith, commander at Ilolo, re-
ports that he has decided to disarm the
remaining militiamen. The Third Bat
talon of the California regiment will
start for NegroS tomorrow.