The National tribune., 1900-06-21
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY JUNE

We then discussed the rights Of the
friars to the properties which they claim
in these islands; upon which theme his
views are we'll known: also the wherea-
bouts of Aguinaldo, Sandico and other In
surgent leaders.
In conclusion / asked him what meas
ure for the benefit of the Filipino people
would be most important for our Govern
ment to institute now.
Common schools" he replied, ION
purely secular basis, where the pupils
could be educated in practical affairs, is
most important
Senor Pedro A. Paterno was equally
cordial in his greeting. and we pursued
nearly the same line of discussion as with
Senior Mahini. He has n pleasant face,
dark eyes, mustache. and hair combed
pompadour. His manner is easy and pol
ished, as would be expected from his long
residence in European cities; though ne
seemed more cautious and did not wish
his views III all particulars to be pub
lished. In the main, they agreed with
those expressed by Mabini, and it was
his opinion that the Filipinos as soon as
they found that the Americans We're dis
posed TO treat them fairly, would become
fully leconciled TO their authority. On
the subject of the friars he said: From
their organization and vows taken, no
friar has the right 10 hold property;
though. their titles being of record, l pre-
sumo they would be sustained by the
courts"
When I asked if the records were re-
liable. and if there were no title-dceds of
the original owners in existence. he said:
Il have i'll my possession extensive title
deeds to property belonging to bona-fde
owners. which, according to the records,
IS the property of the friars."
Certainly, the courts under American
authority will do justice in the NATTER"
| said.
Not so long he said, "as the head of
the Supreme Court is an agent of the
Archbishop"
do you mean ArcllanO?'
"Yes."
Paterno's brother. Dr. Mariana Pater-
no, entered just after we were seated, to
whom we Were introduced. He was once
an officer i'll the Insurgent army, but is
now practicing his profession here. Senor
Paterno expressed a cordial desire to have
the visit repeated as we left him.
Gen. Conception was with Il party of
friends playing cards as we entered his
apartment. He is not Il bad-looking Fill
ipino. with quick-m0vins black eyes, thin
mustache and lips which quivered slight
ly as he expressed his views. He seemed
to have little hope that the American au-
thorities would give the Filipinos justice,
but thought the situation would be for
them much the same as under the rule of
Spain.
| attempted to show him that civil
Government would tend to improve upon
present conditions, and that the harsh
ness thus far displayed toward the Fill
pinos was incidental to a purely military
occupation.
'Es possible" he said, while his lip
curled as if in doubt Not one of the
three would express any opinion as to the
character of Paua
tied next, Senor Camus informed ME that
Paua was man who had n wife in every
town he visited, and that he had known
the willy Pho del Pillar to attend a theater
in Manila in company with three of his
bettcr-halves.
Our account OF Bilibid, through which
we were conducted by the gentlemanly
Superintendent, Mr.. Wolfe, will be de-
ferred to the next letter.
-HYLAND G.. KIRK.