He was allowed to proceed, as he commanded a brigade of troops which might have deserted had he been badly treated, but Luna named three other men to go with him in place of those who had been originally appointed.

[451] They were Gracio Gonzaga, Captain Zialcita, and Alberto Baretto.

They reached Manila on May 19, 1899, and during their stay there had two long interviews with the commission.
They said that they had come, with larger powers than had been conferred on Arguelles, to discuss the possibility of peace, the form of ultimate government which might be proposed in future, and the attitude of the United States government toward needed reforms.
Meanwhile, on May 4, we had laid before the President a plan of government informally discussed with Arguelles, and had received the following reply, authorizing, in substance, what we had suggested:-- "Washington, May 5, 1899, 10.20 P.M.
"Schurman, Manila: "Yours 4th received.

You are authorized to propose that under the military power of the President, pending action of Congress, government of the Philippine Islands shall consist of a governor-general, appointed by the President; cabinet, appointed by the governor-general; a general advisory council elected by the people; the qualifications of electors to be carefully considered and determined; the governor-general to have absolute veto.

Judiciary strong and independent; principal judges appointed by the President.