The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-13
THE FILIPINO PLAN.

The plan OF. government proposed for the
Philippines by Senior Buencamino. formerly
a member of Aguinaldo's Republican Cabi-
net, is an interesting development in Phil
ippine affairs. Senior Buencamino occupied
a prominent position in the Filipino gov
eminent and was regarded as one of its
ablest men. Having been captured by our
forces some time ago. and recently liber-
ated, he has formulated plan of settle
ment and government which he has sent
to the insurgent leaders. including Aguin-
aldo, and which he believes will be salts
factory to them. In connection with this
announcement it is stated that Senior
Buencamino himself has become recon-
ciled to American sovereignty and con-
vert to the necessity of American protec-
ton for the Filipinos, who. he admits, are
not capable of self-government at present,
and it is said he will devote himself hence
forth to bringing about peace on the basis
of his programme. 1t is as follows:
First-Recognition of the sovereignty OF
the United States, cessation OF hostinties
and cooperation of the present Filipinos In
the prosecution of bandits who continue
depredations in the name or independence.
Second-A request for a declaration py
the United States government guaranteeing
to the Filipinos personal liberties ana
rights.
Third-A Filipino representative delega-
ton to present to the American Congress
and public the desires of the Filipinos re-
speeding political status.
Fourth-The application of part Of the
public funds to the maintenance OF hospi-
tails for sick and wounded Filipino soldiers
and for the establishment of schools.
Fffth-The transfer of the insurgent
funds to the American treasury.
Sixth-The establishment of permanent
system of Filipino representatives on the
civil commission
Seventh-The exclusion of friars from the
administration of the parishes.
The first point of interest in this pro-
gramme is that 1t comes from prominent
Filipino, who is thoroughly conversant
with the Philippine question, from their
point of view, and who still possesses the
confidence and the ear of Aguinaldc. With
this previous training on that side he
has become so well convinced of American
good faith and the superiority of American
methods that he is ready to use his infiu-
ence for the establishment of peace on the
basis of American sovereignty. His pro-
gramme seems to carry internal evidence
of good faith and does not embrace any
thing unreasonable. While 1t asks for some
guarantees and privileges in favor of the
Filipinos it offers some concessions on their
part. The United States can well afford to
guarantee to the Filipinos their personal
liberties and rights. These are fundamental
principles of American government. Con-
gress should be willing, also, to listen to
delegation of Filipinos regarding their de-
sires and wishes. provided they first lay
down their arms and recognize the authori-
ty of the United States. The suggestion re-
garding provision for sick and wounded
Filipino soldiers is more than common
humanity, while the proposition to transfer
the insurgent funds to the American treas
ury is at least an index of good faith. The
request that the Filipinos should have per-
manent representation on the American
Philippines commission is not only reason
able but eminently proper. AS soon as
peace is restored, with the guarantee Of the
they ought to have a minority representa-
ton on the commission, and as the matter
rests with the President he would, doubt
less, be willing to agree to that suggestion.
With United States sovereignty recognized
and American forces occupying the islands
there could be no danger in appointing a
minority of prominent Filipinos on the
commission, and 1t would be a further
pledge of American good faith. The final
proposition, ''the exclusion of friars from
the administration of the parishes" is one
to which the Filipinos will attach great i'm
portance. They hate the friars with all the
intensity of their nature, and will fight to
the death to get rid of their rule AS far
as civil government is concerned or any
meddling in civil affairs or interference
with personal liberty and rights the United
States government should not hesitate a
moment to assure the Filipinos that friar
rule shall end. The exclusion of the friars
from the administration of the parishes
seems to contemplate only their exclusion
from civil government, and this should be
guaranteed to the Filipinos. They can east
ly be made to understand that, under the
Constitution of the United States, there
can be established church nor any
meddling by the church in civil affairs.
On the whole. Senior Buencamino's plan for
the restoration of peace and the establish
ment of American authority, with reas-
enable recognition of the rights of the Fill
pinos. seems 10 be fair and reasonable. It
should receive prompt and candid consider
alton from the Philippines commission and
from the administration.
THE ST. LOIIS CONTROVER