Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-13
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Philippine Situation Discussed at
Cabinet Meeting.
OBJECT OF TEE new COMMISSION
1t is to Be Body of Action, Not
of Advice.
EXPECTED DECLARATION

The only reference in the cabinet meeting
today to a matter of public interest was as
TO the new Philippine commission Inas-
much as the commission will not leave this
country for six weeks or two months Presi-
oeht mckinley has been in no hurry to
complete the membership. He has been
carefully seeking men of national standing
and unquestioned character The duties OF
the commission will be of the highest i'm
portance- In administration circles the new
commission Is regarded as one of the
most important ever created. 1t differs a
great deal from the original Philippine
commission. That body which will soon be
defunct, was of an advisory nature. 1t was
TO look the ground over. confer with the
Philippine leaders and report to the Presi-
Gent and country what was advisable To
all intents and purposes this has been done.
Not for Advice. but Action.
The new commission has been created
not for advice, but for action. Its duty will
be to organize municipal governments here,
there and everywhere, set them going and
supervise their work till they are able to
stand firmly by themselves. Groups OF
municipalities will then be gathered under
provincial governments, and the provinces
in turn will be gathered under a central au-
thority, at the head of which will be a gov
ernor general. The establishment Of such
a system on a sound footing will be the
task of the rev commission.
The southern member the President has
been seeking has not been selected Senator
McLaurfn was most prominently mention
ed at one time, but IL has never been known
whether he would accept. Senator Lindsay
mas also been mentioned. His term expires
IN March, 1901, and the seat after that is
already filled by the election of ex-senator
blackburn, but it is not now believed that
senator Lindsay will take a place, or that
II Will oe offered to him by the President.
Coming Declaration.
1t is said today that the President will
soon declare the insurrection in the Philip
pines at an end so far as organized re-
bellion is concerned. Whether he will issue
a proclamation to that effect is not known.
The effect of his action will be the same,
however 1t will be to put Aguinaldo and
the few insurgents now harassing the
American forces on the basis of outlaws
and bandits, to be treated as such now or
at any future time they may be captured
or encountered. This will change the fu.
ture offensive operations of the American
troops from a military to a police charac-
ter The army will be broken into detach-
ments and scattered throughout the islands
TO give protection and confidence to the
people.
1t is too far off to determine how many
lioOps Will Dt WITHDRAWN from the islands,
but there will be a number and the with
drawals will increase with time.
AguinaldO to Continue the Struggle.
1t is recognized in administration circles
that Aguinaldo will try to continue a desuI-
tory struggle until next November II pos
sible, with the hope that this may change
the presidential election. The republicans
promised peace in the islands in the early
part OF this year. and they have carried
out their words, 1t is said. except for preda-
tory bands here and there. When the Pres
ident proclaims that peace exists in the
islands and that all people must submit
their controversies TO the courts or be pun
ished accordingly it is argued that the few
insurgents will speedily give in. Murder and
arson will be punished as they deserve So
Will all other crimes, and the Filipinos who
continue to intimidate and murder natives
will be treated as bandits and fought ac-
cordingly. No rules of regular warfare
will be observed. Recognition of white
flags and exchanges of prisoners will not
take place.
Decorating the White House.
squad of seamen gunners was engaged
at the White House today in decorating
with flags and bunting for tomorrow nights
reception to the army and navy. This work
has heretofore been done by civilians but il
was believed the sailors would be able to
produce more artistic and appropriate ef-
fects than others. The floral decorations
will be placed by the same persons who al
ways do the work.
Invited to Hear Senator Depew.
Rev. Donald C. Macleod. pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church of this city,
saw the President and extended him an in
vitatfon to attend the church on the even
ing of March and listen to the lecture of
Senator Depew on IAN American Abroad"
The President said he would be glad to
visit the church on this occasion.
Not Killed, but with His Company.
The adjutant general received a cable
this morning from Gen. Otis. at