LUKBAN
The president of Catbalogan Victor Celis, however, said that it was not yet ripe to establish a provincial government for Samar because only seven municipalities were represented in the assembly. What could be done, he explained, was to organize under the municipal code those towns which had acknowledged American sovereignty. There were only six towns in the island garrisoned, and all were represented at the meeting. He thought when civil government is established, an American officer should be placed at its head. This because it will save the province its financial resources. Moreover, an American would better understand how to administer the office according to American ideas. He said the efforts made by those who desired peace to bring about an end of the struggle were without avail, and recommended that more soldiers be sent to the island and that every town be garrisoned.
Asked if the people were ready to help the Americans, he said that some of them were, and that others were only awaiting the arrival of American troops to proclaim themselves in favor of law and order. Some discussion ensued as to whether the people were really willing to furnish the information necessary to enable American troops to accomplish results.
Andres Reyes, president of the Federal party in Samar, said the Federal party was organized in the island and already had 140 members. He tried to dispel a rumor that the money collected by voluntary subscription among the members of the Federal party was sent to Manila and used to buy arms to fight the Americans. Because of such a rumor, many who wanted to join the party backed out. The speaker said that the rumor was being circulated by people in Catbalogan whoso names had been brought to the attention of the military authorities, but nothing had been done so far.
Reyes then presented a petition to the Commission, setting forth the obstacles which the Federal party had encountered, which he said could be proven by reference to the military commanders. He asked that reinforcements be sent to the island and divided into small parties among the different pueblos to maintain order and prevent attacks from the outside. He also asked for the organization of the towns under the municipal code.
Benedicto Sabater, a colonel under Lukban in the early days of the war, said that every possible effort to secure the surrender of those in arms had been unavailing, admitting publicly that he had given himself up to the Americans when they came. He agreed with Reyes that a civil government had to be established in the island, backed up by a strong military force“ to maintain law and order.” He explained that there were enough persons capable of assuming the functions of government who
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