The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-12
PEACE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
BUENCAMINO TELLS HOW 1T MAY
BE BROUGHT ABOUT.

Has Sent "A Proposed Peace Platform
to the Filipino Leaders-He SuE-
gests Giving FiIipinos a Commits
sion and Leaving Their Status to
COngress-says AguinaldO Would
Cooperate if He Could Make Hon
orabIe Surrender.
Manila, May 11.-Senor Buencamino, at
one time a member of the so-called Fill
pino Republican cabinet, who was re-
Gently liberated by Gen. Otis, announces
that he has become reconciled to Ameri-
can sovereignty and that he will devote
his influence to bringing about peace.
He has sent a proposed peace platform
for the national Filipino party to the in
surgent leaders in Manila and to the in
surgent generals, including Aguinaldo, in
the field
The platform declares that it is i'm
possible for the Filip.nos to exist as ma
ton without the protection of the United
States, and that, consequently they must
reco gnze American sovereignty and strive
to attain, under a constitution the utmost
liberty possible.
Continuing. Senior Buencamino argues
Llldl tli6 lllpltOS are luCdpdUlS OI SELL
government. He says:
In our independent government the
most predominant notes We're abuses and
immoralties, the offspring of ignorance
and the inherited vices of Spain by which
the Filipino regime was rendered odious
to our own people"
Programme Recommended.
Therefore, he contends, American con-
troll is necessary to prevent civil strife. He
recommends to the national Filipino party
the ad pticn of a programme embodying
the following features:
First, recogni ion of the sovereignty of
the United States, cessation of hostilities
and cooperation on the part of the Fill
pinos in the prosecution of bandits who
continue depredations in the name of in
de- Sendence"
Second, request for a declaration by
the United States government guaran-
teeing the Filipinos personal liberties and
rights under constitution.
Third a Filipino representative dele
cation to present to the american Con-
gress and public the desifes of the Fill
pinos respecting their political status
Fourth, the application of part of the
public funds to che maintenance of hospi-
tails 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 perma-
nent system of Filipino representatives to
the Civil Commission.
Seventh. the exclusion of friars from
the administration of the parishes
How to Bring About Peace.
Discussing the political outlook with the
correspondent of the Associated Press to-
day, Senor Buencamino said:
There are three elements in the Philip
pines which obstruct the attainment of
peace. The first is the body of Filipino
aSftators in Manila, who are continually
shouting for independence, and who thus
influence the ignorant masses. The sec
ond Is the friars who desire prolonga-
tlon OF hostillties, because in peace be-
tween the Filipinos and the Americans,
they foresee the end of their prestige and
power and the ultimate loss of their
properties and holdings. The third ele-
ment is suppressed by the CENSOR.
II the Civil Commission brings liberal
loeaS and viii approach Aguinaldo, to-day
the idolized leader of the Filipinos and the
other leaders still fighting, in a way that
VIII make it possible for them to surrender
and yet to retain the respect and honor Of
thelr countrymen, then peace in the Phil
ippines will be only a question of few
weeks.
Want Guarantee of Rights.
IF the Civil Commissions will guaran-
zee protection to the personal and individ-
leaving the determination of our future
political status to the United States Con-
gress Aguinaldo will come in will order
cessation of hostilities and viii direct
the surrender of arms.
Your forceful sovereignty throughout
the islands is unmistakable. We now
crave your justice and your humanitarian,
lenlent policy. Gen. Otis has done much
10 render feasible and possible
the application of the peace project
upon which l am now working. To-day,
IN Manila, we see public funds expended
Tor the benefit OF the poor in the con-
struetlon of markets and bridges, in
street repairs, in schools and in police
force You have made good marriage
law You have established systems of
municipal government and criminal pro-
cedure more liberal and just than were
contempla ed by the Filipino constitution.
These facts attest your good faith; and
our trust in the American people is as
strong as ever