The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-05-12
FOR PEACE IN PHILIPPINES
FORMER REBEL LEADER TO USE
 ITS TNFLUENCE.
Senor Buencamino, Once a Member of tho Filipino Republican Cabinet, Be- comes Recon ciled to mericnn SOver- eisnty-sends a Proposed Peace Plat form to Aguinaldo and Other Insur- gent Leaders.
gent Leaders.

Manila, May 11-11:20 D. m.-Senor Buencamino, at one time member or the so-called Filipino republican capl- net, who was recently liberated by Gen eral Otis, announces that he has become reconciled to American sovereignty ana that he will devote his influence to bring about peace He has sent pro posed peace platform for the national Filipino party to the insurgent leaders in Manila, and to the insurgent genef . als. including Aguinaldo, in the field, The platform declares that 1t ls lmpos- sible for the Filipinos to exist as na- ton without the protection or the United States and that, consequently, they must recognize American sover- eighty and strive to attain the utmost liberty possible under the United States. He argues that the Filipinos are incapable of self government. He says: Tn our independent government the most predominant notes were abuses and immoralities, the offspring of ignorance and the inherited vices of Spain, by which the Filipino regime was rendered odious to our own peo- pie"
 Therefore, he contends, American con trol is necessary to prevent civil strife. He recommends to the national Filipi- no party the adoption of a programme embodying the following features:
 First-Recognition of the sovereignty of the United states, cessation of hostil- ities, and cooperation on the part of the Filipinos in the prosecution of bandits who continue depredations in the name of independence"
 Second--A request for a declaration by the United States guaranteeing to the Filipinos personal liberties and rights under the constitution,
 Third-A Filipino representative del- egation to present to the American con- gress the Filipino desires.
 Fourth-The care of wounded Filipi- nos.
 Fifth--The transfer of the insurgent funds to the American treasury
 Sixth--The establishment of per menant systef of Filipino representa- lives to the civil commission.
 Seventh-The exclusion of friars from the administration of the parishes.
 Discussing the political outlook Senor Buencamino said: There are three ele- ments in the Philippines which obstruct the attainment of peace The first is the body of Filipino agitators in Ma nila who are continuously shouting for independence, and who thus influence the ignorant masses The second is the friars, who desire prolongation of hos tilities because in peace between the Filipinos and the Americans, they for see the end of their prestige and the power and the ultimate loss of their properties and holdings The third ele- ment is - Suppressed by the cen- sor).
 ''If the civil commission brings liberal ideas and will approach Aguinaldo, to- day the idclized leader of the Filpinos. and the other leaders still fighting, in a way that will make 1t possible for them to surrender and yet to retain the re- spect and honor of their countrymen, then peace in the Philippines will be only question of a few weeks.
 ''If the civil commission will guaran- tee protection to the personal and in- dividual rights and liberties of the Fil- ipinos, leaving the determination of our future political status to the United States congress, Aguinaldo will order a cessation of hostilities and will direct the surrender of arms. Your graceful sovereignty throughout the islands is unmistakable We now crave your jus tice and humanitarian, leniente policy. General Otis has done much to render feasible and possible the application of the peace project upon which am now working. To-day, in Manila, we see public funds expended for the benefit of the people.
 You have good marriage law You have established systems of municipal government and criminal procedure more liberal and just than were con- templated by the Filipino constitution. These facts attest your good faith, and our trust in the American is as strong as ever"