The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-01
Tells the House Committee on InsuIar
Affairs What the Filipino PeO-
pie Desire.
ALL WANT TO BE CITIZENS
UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
Governor Taft the Idol of the Natives
Time for SeIf-GOvernment Not
Yet Ripe, He Says.

WASHINGTON, May 31.-Felipe Buen-
camino, former secretary of state in the
Cabinet of Aguinaldo. was heard to-day
for the first time since his arrival by the
House committee on insular affairs. Senior
Buencamino is a type of the best class of
Filipinos. about fifty years of age, of digni-
fed bearing. his dark hair just beginning
TO turn gray He was accompanied by
two other native Filipinos and by an in
terpreter, Frank L. Joannin, of the insular
branch Of the War Department Chair
man Cooper introduced the distinguished
Filipino to the members OF the committee
stating that he a member of Agui-
naldo's Cabinet and had come direct from
the Philippine islands. Mr.. Cooper asked
Senor Buencamino why he had come to the
United States. In response the witness
arose and, in measured terms, made q
statement, speaking in the native tongue
His statement was followed with the
closest interest by members of the COM
mittee He said he was here representing
the Federal party and the influential ele-
ments of the insurgents and the Katipunan
society. He said that his country. the
Philippines, was like a sick man con-
valescing from dangerous ilness-it was
still bleeding from the wounds of war It's
aspirations were those of Washington, lib
erty with justice, under American sover-
eighty which they loved. They looked to
Congress to give them a just and liberal
government. He detailed the facts con-
nected with the early uprising Of the Fill
pinoS. Aguinaldo was an idol and the
people believed him when he told them that
Dewey mad promised them independence
hn hn1 h11,
the outbreak and spoke of the gradual ex-
tension of American authority and practical
pacifcation m of the greater part of the
ISLANDS. There were now eight hundred
municipalities established and they had
proved satisfactory. Under the last svs-
tenn. he said. the Fflipinos have greater
liberty than they would have under the
Aguinaldo government had it been estab-
lished. Governor Taft was now the idol
of the people. He said the people of the
Philippines would like to have their po-
litical status fixed, whether they are Amer
leans or f1lipinos. He preferred that they
should be Americans. The happiness of
the people depended upon American sover-
eighty.
FILIPINOS OR AMERICANS?
1--WE would like to know what we are -
he said. with emphasis. Are we Ameri-
cans or are we Filipinos? This is the oues-
tion impressed upon me by the Federal
party and by the Filipino people," He
approved the plan of a legislative assem-
bly, Of the Filipino people. But" said he.
do not call it Filipino assembly. Let
the members meet as Americans and let
the assembly be American"
AS showing his authority, Senior Buen-
camino produced a large photo showing
fifty or more Filipino leaders, with him
self In the center, and large American
shield above them He also said that he
spoke for such insurgent leaders as Cen
eral Trias and the entire general stan of
General Malvar, and he presented a state
ment from General TriaS Indicative OF this
attitude. If we are 10 become America n
citizens" he proceeded, lit will be a great
achievement. Our desire is TO secure a
just and liberal government. If Congress
does not grant citizenship it has that right,
but ii would be responsible for the future
for we have submitted unconditionally To
the will OF Congress"
Senior Buencamino continued his state
ment after the recess explaining the ex-
tent of work done by the Philippine COM
mission. He spoke of the many schools
aud the improved educational methods. the
Filipino families no longer finding il neces-
sary TO send their children 10 Manila as
the local schools were ample Instead of
100 American teachers. he said. there
should be 5000 and the salaries should be
doubled TO secure the best material Speak
ing OF education. he said the Hostility of the
friars to the American government was
evident On Palm Sunday he asserted the
friars had told the people I'm the confes-
sional that the cholera existed only in the
minds OF the Americans. for the reason he
said. that the rriars desired the cholera TO
spread in order that their fees for various
attendance and ceremonies might be in
creased. Among the facts he stated were
the following: Eighty-five per cent. OF the
people are illiterate and cannot read or
write: there are many dialects which may
be reduced TO eight main dialects. II edu-
cation means protection to life, property
and rights. then the Filipinos are well