The record-union., 1898-10-23

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 22.-The
United States transport which arrived
to-day brought the following to the
Associated Press, dated Manila, P. I.'
September %, 1898:
The Philippine Congress has been IN
session since Thursday, September
10Th. The first thing that was decided
was that the Philippine republic should
not countenance any policy that should
be agreed upon whereby Spain would
have anything further to do with the
islands, and would resist by force OF
arms any such measure. A vote was
taken on the policy of annexation to
the American republic, and annexation
was decided upon by large majority,
some seven out of eight voting in
favor Of annexation.
Aguinaldo now expresses himself 'as
personally in favor of annexation, ad-
ding that he does not think that the
natives generally will support such
policy.
When interviewed by the Associated
Press representative on September
11th. Aguinaldo stated that his army
consists Of 81, 900 insurgents regularly
armed and equipped with modern wea-
pons, and that he had some 5000 pris-
onersl OF war at this time, including the
larger portion now being held in the
vicinity of Manila. He stated that an
army of 100000 could easily be raised
to fight for the cause of independence,
adding that indeed the whole popula-
ton is willing to- fight for the cause
of independence, and would oppose any
European Power taking possession"
When asked how it was that some
natives openly declare themselves in
favor Of annexation to America, he
stated that natives who profess to
favor annexation are insincere in what
they say. They are merely trying to
ascertain the general sentiment or in
tentions Of the Americans. He ex-
pressed himself as entertaining the
greatest friendship for the American
people, adding that he hoped there
would be no trouble between the re-
public of the Philippines and the re-
public of America. He entertains the
IDEA that America and the Philippines
are two sister republics, allied together
ana hghting common enemy, the
Spaniards. He thinks that the Amerl-
can mission here in these islands has
been accomplished by the destruction
of the city Of Manila, and expects that
the Americans will soon withdraw their
forces, leaving the insurgents to govern
and control the islands
For some time past the insurgents
have been disarming Americans pass
ing through their lines, but Aguinaldo
disclaimed having authorized any such
conduct on the part of his men Agui-
o& 1aI A.
cident Of September 9th. when the
Pennsylvania regiment proceeded to
establish new outpost some distance
beyond the former one, within the lines
of the insurgents, and an insurgent
company objected to it being done. The
Captain of the company nearly precip-
itated hostilities, ordering the Ameri-
cans to withdraw within twenty min
utes, and issued ammunition to his
men to intimidate the American officer
TO obey his order to withdraw, and
further, by refusing to allow the rein
forcements which had been sent for to
reach the outpost.
Aguinaldo was very emphatic in
stating that the Filipino who thus
attempted to obstruct the movements
of the Americans was only a pretended
y
in fact entirely unconnected Herewith.
The local Governor and Military Com
1nander, Pho Barican, explained to
Major General Hale, who had ordered
out the whole Pennsylvania regiment,
upon being informed of this action of
the insurgents, that the insurgent Cap
tain had exceeded his authority in or
dering the Americans TO withdraw, and
stating that he had misapprehended his
orders
1t is generally reported about Manila
that many insurgents are not IN SYM
pathy with, Aguinaldo, and do not. irr-
clude themselves among his followers.
Aguinaldo denied having, received any
order or request from General Otis and
Admiral Dewey to remove his troops
to a prescribed distance beyond the
fixed city limits Of Manila and Cavite.
and further declined to state whether
he would remove his troops If so or
dered.