New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-01
BUENCAMINO A WITNESS.
FILIPINO LEADER IN FAVOR OF AMEP.
ICAN SOVEREIGNTY.

Washington May 31-FeIipe Buencannfnc
formerly Secretary of War in the Cabinet O.
Aguinaldo. was heard to-day for the frst time
since his arrival here by the House Conlrnitte.
on lnsular Affairs Senor Buencamino is type
of the best class of Filipino about fifty years
of age. of dignifed bearing. his dark hair just
beginning TO turn gray He was accompanied
by two other FiIipinos and by an interpreter
chairman Cooper introduced him 20 the mem
bers Of the committee, saying that he was a
member of Asuinaldo's Cabinet. and had CONS
direct from the Philippines. Mr. Cooper asked
Senior Buencamino why he had come to the
United States In response the witness rose
and IN measured terms made a statement.
speaking in the native tongue His statement
was followed with the closest interest by mem
bers OF the committee He said he was here
representing the Federal party the influential
elements of the insurgents, and the Katipunsg
society.
BUENCAA1INO'S STATEMENT.
He said his country was like a sick mar, 49,
valescing from dangerous illness. It was go,
bleeding from the wounds of war. Its asps-y-
tons were those of Washington liberty VITO
justice under American sovereignty. which thew
loved They looked to Congress to give then, :.
Just and liberal government He related the
facts connected with the early uprising of the
Fihpinos- Asuinaldo an idol, and the peo
had promised them Independence He reviewed
all that had been done since the outbreak on.
spoke of the gradual extension Of American an
thority and practical pacihCation of the greater
part of the islands. There were Eow eight hum
dred established municipalities and they had
proved satisfactory Under the Taft system the
F1lipinos have greater liberty than they would
have enjoyed under the AguinaIdo government
had it been established. Governor Taft was
ba OI If
have their political status fixed. whether they
are Americans Filipinos He preferred that
they should be Americans. The happiness OF
the people depended on American sovereignty
I'VE would like to know what we are" h.
said. with emphasis Are Americans or are
we Filipinos? This is the question impressed
upon me by the Federal party and by the Fill
plno people He approved the plan of Iegis-
lative assembly of the Filipino people. But
said he. do not call it Filipino assembly. Ia.
the members meet as Americans and let the
assembly be American
SPEAKS FOR INSURGENT LEADERS
As showing his authority. Sefior Buencamino
produced large photograph showing fifty or
more Filipino leaders. with himself in the centre
and large American shield above them. He
also said that he spoke for such insurgen+ Lead
ers Gs General Trias and the entire general
stan OF General Malvar. and ne presented a
statement from General Trias Indicative Of this
attitude
IF we are To become American citizens h.
proceeded. 1T will be a great achievement
Dur desire is to secure just and liberal gov
Ii Congress does not grant citizen
snip 1t has that right. but il would be respon
ible for the future. for have submitted un
'onditionally 20 the will Of Congress"
SIXTO LOPEZ NOT TO BE CALLED.
Representative Jones. of Virginia, called AT.
ention TO the fact that Sixto Lopez differed
With Buencamino. and said the minority wanted
% have Lopez summoned Several RepubIi
ans protested because Lopez had not been in
he Philippines in recent years. There was a
warm discussion between the members of the
committee.
Il did not think II would offend the mi
lority to have this witpess exonerate American
roops.' said Chairman Cooper.
Il resent that insinuaticn.' said Mr. Williams.
# Mississippi.
And mis- remark is not in accord with facts.
aid Mr.. Patterson. of Tennessee
The motion to summon Lopez was lost oy a
,arty vote.
SA5or Buencanlno continuing his statement.
o,d If the extent of the work done by the
s.,a1 article on the wonderful growth of the
aartcan and Canadian Northwest and the tre-
the Great Northern. Northern Pa
idc Canadian Pacific and Chicago. Burlington 4
quincy railroads will appear IN Ihe Morning Iele-
~ HIro