Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-05-12
WORKING FOR PEACE,
Senor Buencamino, Formerly
of the Filipino Cabinet !
IS ReoonciIe1 to Ar erican Sovereignty
Willing to Give Influence
To the Retirement o. HIS People Under The
Star and Stripes.

Manila, May 1l.-lI.-o l. " -
Buencamino. at one time member o.
the so-called Filipino Republican cabi-
net. who was recently liberated by
Gen. Otis. announces that he has be
come reconciled to American S'N-
ereignty and that he Will devote MS
influence to bring about peace. He mas
sent a proposed peace platform for the
National Filipino party 10 the lnsuf-
gent leaders in Manila and to the in
surgent generals. including Aguinaldo
in the field.
Tho platform declares that it is i'm
possible for the F'ilpinos to exist as
a nation without the protection of the
United States and that consequently
they must recognize American SOY
creignty and strive to attain under
constitution the utmost liberty pos
siblc.
Continuing, Senior Beuncamino
argues that the Filipinos are incapa-
bic # self government He says: In
our independent government the most
predominant We're abuses and immor
alitics. the offspring Of ignorance and
the inherited vice Of Spain. by which
the Filipino regime was rendered
odious to our own people. Therefore,
he contends. American control is neces-
sary to prevent civil strife. He recon-
mcnds to the National Filipino party
the adoption Of program embOdying
the following features:
First-RecoGnition of the Sovereignty
of the United States. cessation Of hos
tilities and cooperation on the part
of the Filipinus in tn" prosecution Of
bandits who continu" depredations in
the name Of Independence"
SecOnd-A request for a declaration
by the United States vernment guar
antcoing to the Filipinos personal lib
critics ana rights under the constitu-
ton.
Third-A Filipino representatives del
cgation to present t. the American
Congress and public the desires of the
FilipuOs. respecting political status.
Fourth-The application Of n part
Of the public funds To tire maintenance
If hospitals for sick ana wounded Fill
ipinO soldiers and for tn" establishment
Of schools
Fifth-The transfer Of the insurgent
funds to the American treasury
SiXth-Thc establishment of a peTma-
nent system Of Filipino representation
to civil commission.
Seventh-The exclusion of friars, the
administration Of the parishes.
Discussing the political outlook with
the correspondent of The Associated
Press, today, Senator Buencamino
said:
There are three elements in the Phil
ippincs which obstruct the attainment
Of peace. The first is the body Of Fill
ipino agitators in Manila who are con
tinually shouting for Independence and
who thus influence the ignorant mass
rs. The second is the friars who desire
prolOngatiOn of hOstilities because in
peace between the Filipinos and the
Americans they foresee the end Of their
prestige and power ana the ultimate
loss Of their properties and holdings.
The third element is-suppressed by
the censor
IF the civil commission brings Iiber-
al IDEAS and will approach AguinaldO,
today. the idolzed leader Of the Flip
mos and the other leaders still fighting.
in a way that will make it possible for
them to surrender ind yet to retain the
respect and honor of their cOuntrymen.
then peace in the Philippines will be
only question of n few weeks
a llIt tINll COMMISSION VIII SudlaD
tee protection to the personal ana in
dividual rights and liberties Of the
filipinos, leaving the determination of
our future political status to the Unit
ca States Congress. Aguinaldo will
come in and will order Il cessation of
hostilities and will direct the surren-
der Of arms
Your graceful sovereignty through
out the island is unmistakahle. We
now crave your justice and your hui
hiahltarlan. lenicnt policy. Gen. Otis
mas done much to render feasible and
possible the application of the peace
PROJECT upon which | am now working.
Today. in Manila. We see public funds
expended for the benefit of the people.
~ me construction Of markets ana
pIloseS IN street repairs in schools ana
III police force You have a good
marriage law. You have established
systems Of municipal government and
criminal procedure more liberal ana
Just IMAM We're contemplated by the
rhipihn constitutional.
lhese facts attest your good faith
ANA our trust in the American people
Is as strong as ever"