The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-06-01
BUENCAM|NO
ASA WITNESS
Filipino Leader Thinks it Too
Early For independence
HIS PEOPLE ARE PUZZLED
Want to Know Whether They Are
American citizens or FlIipinos.
Favors the plan of Leeis-
latlve Assembly.

Washington, May 31.-Felipe Buenca-
mino. former secretary of state in the
cabinet of Aguinaldo was heard today
for the first time since his arrival by
the House committee on insular aha1rs.
Chairman Cooper asked Senior Buen-
camino why he had come to the United
States. In response tie witness made
statement In the native tongue. He said
he was here representing the Federal
party and the influential elements of the
insurgents and the Katipunan Society
He said his country was like sick
man convalescing from a dangerous Ill
ness. 1t was still bleeding from the
wounds of war. Its aspirations were those
of Washington, liberty and justice, under
American sovereignty, which they loved
They looked to Congress to give them a
just and liberal government. He detailed
the facts connected with the early up
rising of the Filipinos Aguinaldo was an
idol, and the people believed him when
he told them that Dewey had promised
them independence. He reviewed all that
had been done since the outbreak and
spoke of the gradual extension of Amer
lean authority and practical pacihcatlon
of the greater part of the islands. There
We're 800 municipalities established and
they had proved satisfactory
1--WE would like to know what we are"
he said with emphasis "are we Amer
leans or are we Filipinos?"
Opposed Legislative Plan.
He approved the plan Of a legislative
assembly of the Filipino people.
But" said he, do not call it Fill
pino assembly. Let the members meet
as Americans and let the Assembly be
American"
Senior Buencamlno produced a large
photograph showing fifty or more Fill
pino leaders with himself in the center
and a large American shield above them.
He also said that he spoke for sich in
surgent leaders as Gen. Triaz q d the
entire general staff of Gen, MalYEr, end
he presented a statement frora Cen
Triaz indicative of this attitude.
IF we are to become American citi-
zens," he proceeded, 'it will be a great
achievement Our desire is to secure a
Just and liberal government. If con-
gress does not grant citizenship, it has
that right, but it would be responsible
for the future, for we have submitted un-
conditionally to the will of congress"
After recess Senior Buencamino related
the extent of the work done by the Phil
ippine commissions He spoke of the
many schools and the improved educa-
tional methods the Filipino families no
longer finding it necessary to send their
children to Manila, as the local schools
were ample. He said the hostility of the
friars to the American government was
evident. Eighty-fiVe per cent of the Fill
ipino people are illiterate, he said, and
cannot read or write
Are the people capable at this time
of independent self-government?a he was
asked.
Approved Legislative Plan.
ut would not be advisable he said,
turning to the map of the archipelago.
Russia was near at hand. at Port Ar
thur; Japan was also near; Australia and
other British possessions were nearby.
Besides, he said, Great Britain and Ger
many had on file at the American state
department large claims for damages,
growing out of the bombardment of 1loilo,
ETC..
Suppose the United States abandons
us?" he said. Then all the claims will
be presented against the Philippines,
backed up by squadrons"
Mr.. Jones of Virginia questioned the
witness at length as to the responsibility
for the original outbreak. Preparations
for war were begun by Aguinaldo as
early as October, 1885, the witness said.
Would the Filipinos take independence
after eight years of tutelage?" asked Mr..
Patterson, referring to the plan of the
minority.
"If the Congress so determined that
result would be accepted" answered Sc
nor Buencamino, but Congress would
become responsible If the Philippines were
devoured by other nations and the Fill
ipinos would be left to damn the Congress
for bringing about such result"
He contended that annexation was the
solution satisfactory to the people.
The witness said the Moros would fight
to the death to retain their slaves.