New-York tribune., 1900-05-12
BUENCAMINO FOR PEACE.
THE FILIPINO LEADER A CONVERT TO
AMERICANISM.
WORKING ON PEACE SCHEME WHICH HE
ASSERTS WILL BE ACCEPTABLE
TO ALL FILIPINOS.

Manila, May 11.-sehor Buencamino. at one
time member of the so-called Filipino Republi-
can Cabinet. who was recently liberated by Cen
eral Otis announces that he has become recon-
ciled to American sovereignty and that he will
devote his influence to bringing about peace. He
has sent proposed peace platform for the
National Filipino party to the insurgent leaders
in Manila and to the insurgent generals, nclud-
ing Agunaldo, in the field
This platform declares that 1t is impossible for
the Filipinos to exist as nation without the
protection of the United States, and that conse-
quently they must recognize American sover-
eighty and strive to attain, under consttu
ton, the utmost liberty possible. Continuing
Sehor Buencamino argues that the Filipinos
incapable of self-government. He says:
In independent government the most pre-
dominant notes were abuses and immoralities,
the offspring of ignorance and the inherited
vices Of Spain. by which the Filipino regime was
rendered odous to our people.
Therefore, he contends American control is
necessary to prevent civil strife. He recon-
mends to the National Filipino party the adop-
ton OF a programme embodying the following
features:
First-Recognition OF the sovereignty of the
United States, cessation of hostilites and CO.
operation on the part of the FipinOs in the
prosecution of bandits who continue depreda-
tions in the name of independence"
Second-A request for a declaration by the
United States Government guaranteeing to the
Filipinos personal liberties and rights under a
constitution.
Third-A Filipino representative delegation TO
present to the American Congress and public the
desires of the Filipinos respecting political
status
Fourth-The application of a part of the pub
lie 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 permanent sys
tenn of Filipino representatives to the Civil
Commission
Seventh-The exclusion of frars from the ad-
ministraton of parishes.
Discussing the political outlook with the
spondent of The Associated Press to-day. Sefor
Buencamno said:
There are three elements in the Philippines
which obstruct the attainment of peace. The
first is the body of Filipino agitators in Manila
who continually shouting for independence
The second Is the frars who desire proonga
ton of hostties because, in peace between the
Fipinos and the Americans they foresee the
end of their prestige and power and the ulti-
mate loss of their properties and holdings The
third element is Suppressed by the censor)
II the Civil Commission brings liberal ideas
and Will approach Aguinaldo. to-day the idolized
leader OF the Filipinos, and the other leaders
still fighting, in a 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 a few weeks.
II the civil Commission viii guarantee pro-
lection to the personal and individual rights and
liberties OF the Fiipinos leaving the determna-
tlon Of our future political status TO the United
States Congress. Aguinaldo VIII come In. will