The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-06

cludes extracts from other cat.cgrams from
General Otis showing the work of the
American troops in releasing the Spanish
prisoners.
There is also included correspondence
between the Philippine Commission and
Secretary Hay. The report OF the commits
sion is given almost in full. and also
President McKinley's instructions and the
proclamation OF the commission issued in
Manila. OF this proclamation President
Schurman in a cabiegram to the Secretary
of State on April 3, 1899. says: Expresses
Presidents good will. promises needfui
reforms in all departments OF govern
merit; asserts United States aims to the
welfare and elevation of Filipinos. and has
in prominent place the following: The
supremacy of the United States must and
will be enforced throughout every part OF
the Filipino archipelago. The most ample
liberty of self-government will be granted
compatible with the sovereign and
international rights and objects of the
United States'"
President Schurman adds personally an
explanation that 'the insurrection had its
origin and strength in Tagalos provinces
around Manila It is remarked in a later
despatch that in criticism of the procla-
nation the natives claimed that it made
no assurance of pardon, or amnesty in
event of surrendering. He explains:
1T was deemed that such offer would
more properly emanate from General Otis,
as military head. In view of General
Otis present plans they do not seem cx-
pedient at present"
In May last. while the commission was
at Manila and treating with emissaries
from the insurgents. President Schurman
cabled Secretary Hay that an insurgent
emissary brought letters from insurgent
government asking peace. The commits
sion refused to discuss suspension, but
offered form Of government which met
with reply from the emissary as follows:
Il have come to say, on behalf OF Aguin-
aldo. that We are not fighting for SOW
ereignty, but for the honor q. the army"
He was asked II he accepted the SOW
ereignty of the United States and answered
Yes"
At meeting of the civilian members of
the commission a resolution was unani-
mously adopted that Admiral Dewey should
remain member of the commission. Sec
retary Hay replied to this despatch that
the President authorized the commission
to propose. under his military power. pend
ing action of Congress- that the govern
ment of the Philippines shall consist OF
Governor General, appointed by the Presi-
dent, a Cabinet. appointed by the Govern
orGeneral, a general advisory council
elected by the people, judiciary strong and
independent. principal judges appointed By
the President. The despatch concluded:
''The President earnestly desires the ces-
sation of bloodshed and the largest
measure of local seif-government consist
ent with peace and good order. He wishes
that the Admiral should under all cir
cumstances remain a member of the COM
mission" 4"
Another part of the correspondence Is
devoted to showing how the insurgent Of
fcials planned an uprising in Manila.
cable from General Otis is given trans
mitting an order which he said was issued
by an important officer of the insurgent
government. The order is dated at Ma
lolos. February Is, and provides for the
attack in different parts of the city. The
papers show that General Otis failed to
send insurgent officers name and Secre
tary Root on January % cabied General
Otis for name. He replied: 'Teodoro San
dico." Replying to another despatch on
the same subject General Otis says: San
dieo organized Manila militia SO called.
then withdrew TO Malolos; was insurgent
secretary OF interior from January to May;
wore colOnel's uniform; claimed to be a
member of Aguinaldo's military staff"
Other reports transmitted show how the
uprising began with the breaking out OF
fires in different parts of the city.