Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-17
A FILIPINO'S VIEWS.
Senior Buencamino Becomes Recon-
ciled to American Sovereignty.
his PROPOSED PEACE PLATFORM.


Manila, May 12.-Senor Buencamino,
at one time member of the s0-called
Filipino republican cabinet, who was
recently liberated by Gen. Otis, an
nounces that he has become reconciled
to American sovereignty and that he
will devote his influence to bring
about peace. He has sent proposed
peace platform for the national Fill
Pine party to the insurgent leaders
in Manila and to the insurgent gen
erals, including Aguinaldo, in the
field. This platform declares that it is
impossible for the Filipnos to exist
as nation without the protection of
the United States and that, conse-
quently they must recognize Ameri-
! can sovereignty and strive to attain,
under constitution, the utmost lib
erty possible.
Continuing Senior Buencamino ar
CUES that the Filipinos are incapable
of self-government. He says: SIN
our independent government the most
predominant notes were abuses and
immoralities, the offspring OF igno-
rance and the inherited vices of Spain,
by which the Filipino regime was
rendered odious to our own people"
| Therefore, he contends, American con-
troll is necessary to prevent civil
strife. He recommends to the ma
tional Filipino party the adoption of
programme embodying the follow
ing features: First, recognition of
the sovereignty of the United States,
cessation of hostilties and co-opera-
ton of the Filipinos in the prosecu-
ton of "bandits who continue depre-
dations in the name of independence"
Second, a request for a declaration by
the United States government guar
anteeing to the Filipinos personal lib
critics and rights under a constitu-
ton. Third, Filipino representa-
tive delegation to present to the
American congress and public the de-
sires Of the Filipinos respecting po-
litical status. Fourth, the application
of a part of the public funds to the
maintenance of hospitals for sick and
wounded Filipino soldiers and for the
establishment of schools. Fifth, the
transfer of the insurgent funds to
the American treasury Sixth, the
establishment Of a permanent sys-
TEN of Filipino representatives to the
civil commission. Seventh, the ex-
clusion of friars from the admins
tration of the parishes.
Discussing the political outlook
with the correspondent of the Asso-
ciated press yesterday Senior Buen-
canine said: "There are three ele-
ments in the Philippines which OBJ
struct the attainment of peace. The
first is the body of Filipino agitators
in Manila who are continually shout
ing for independence and who thus
influence the ignorant masses. The
second is the friars, who desire pro-
longation of hostilities, because, in
peace between the Filipinos and the
United States, they see the end of
their prestige and the ultimate loss
of their properties and holdings. The
third element is Suppressed by
the CENSOR.
"If the civil commission brings lib
eral ideas and will approach Aguinal-
do, to-day the idolized leader of the
Filipinos and the other leaders still
fighting, in way that will make il
possible for them to surrender and
yet to retain the respect and honor OF
their countrymen, then peace in the
Philippines will be only question OF
few weeks. If the civil commission
will guarantee protection to the per
sonal and individual rights and liber'
ties of the Filipinos, leaving the de-
termination of our future political
status to the United States congress
Aguinaldo will come in, will order a
cessation of hostilities and will di
rect the surrender of arms.
"Your forceful sovereignty through
out the islands is unmistakable. We
now crave your justice and your hui
manitarian, lenient policy. Gen. Otis
has done much to render feasible ant
possible the application of the peace
project upon which | am now work
ing. To-day In Manila we see public
funds expended for the benefit of thu
people, in the construction of mar
kets and bridges, in street repairs, IL
schools, in a police force. You hav'
made a good marriage law. You hav'
established systems of municipal gov
eminent and criminal procedur,
more liberal and just than were con
templated by the Filipino constitu
ton. These facts attest your goo'
faith, and our trust in the American
people is as strong as ever