The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-13
PEACE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

| PEACE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
II Senior Buencamino. who 1t seems is
in close touch with Aguinaldo. is acting
| in good faith, there is a chance for peace
| in the Philippines at an early day. Ac-
cording to our dispatches yesterday, he
has submitted to Aguinaldo and other
| Filipino leaders a programme, which he
thinks Will be regarded as satisfactory TO
them, and which he hopes win be accept
ed by our government.
| He practically admits that there is not
now any organized opposition to the Unit
| ed States, but he points out that there
are bandits who are committing depre-
dations in the name Of independence.
| These, he insists, will continue to be a
source of annoyance and trouble for a
long time, making ID practically impos-
sible to pacfy the islands, unless the CO
operation Of Aguinaldo is obtained. He is
so confident that Agluinaldo viii accept
his programme that it is not improbable
that he is authorized TO speak for him.
Senior Buencamino admits that it is use
less for the Fiipinos 10 contend further
against the United States. They have
no reason for hoping that they will be
permitted 10 dictate terms of peace. Be
sides. he admits that American control
of the islands would be better for the
Filipinos, who, he says, are incapable of
self-government. He seems TO think,
however, that under American sover-
eighty they can be prepared in the course
of time to manage their own affairs.
If Senior Buencamino represents Fill
pino sentiment the commission, now on
its way to Manila for the purpose Of
establishing civil government in the Phil
ppines, may have an easier task than II
was expected it would when it started
on its mission. While it would not be
advisable to concede what Senior Buen-
canine asks, or to have it understood
that the United States are anxious to
make terms with the insurgent leaders
it would be good policy to show them that
ID is the intention to deal with the Fill
pinos Justly and literally, and to pro-
mote their welfare in every possible way
Senior Buencamino says that if the Civil
Commission will guarantee protection TO
the Filipinos, as far as their personal
and individual rights and liberties are
| concerned. leaving the question of their
political status to he determined by Con-
gress, Aguinaldo will cease his opposition
and order his followers to surrender their
arms to the United States authorities.
Evidently Aguinaldo is anxious to partici-
pate in the work of establishing civil
| government in the islands. He is wan
derer now with a few followers, and he
does not see any future for himself unless
he makes friends with the Americans. Be
fore the Civil Commission makes any con-
cessions to him, however, 1t should be
certain that he is acting in good faith
| and can be trusted If it believes he
can be used to advantage in establishing
civil government and bringing the Fill
pinos into harmony with American rule,
/ It might be good policy 20 have an under
standing with him and other prominent
Filipinoe.
The fact that the rainy season is close
at hand should not be overlooked. Dur
| ing that season our soldiers will not be
| able to get very far away from posts,
and the bandit insurgents will be able to
overrun the country and rob the people.
Senior Buencamino's programme for
bringing about peace is not of much con-
sequence. The fact that, apparently he
speaks for Aguinaldo, and that Aguinaldo
realizes that the wisest thing for him
to do is to get on good terms with the
Americans is the important thing. 1t
seems to indicate that the Civil Commits
sion will not find any insurmountable diff
! fculties in the way of It's work.