The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-16
AGAINST
THE WORLD.
Admiral Dewey Says He Can
Hold the Philippines.
Was a Little Alarmed at One
Time But
ARRIVAL OFMONITORS
Has Made Him Master of the
Situation.
Thinks Insurgents Will Come
Around All Right.

Manila, Philippine Islands, Dec. 16.-Rear
Admiral Dewey, when a correspondent of
the Associated Press called upon him to-
day, courteously, pleasantly, but absolute
ly declined to discuss the political situa-
ton in the Philippine islands, on the
ground that his sphere was purely naval
The admiral seldom goes ashore, and
insisted that his interviewer was in bet
ter position to acquire Information than
himself. He then proceeded to crOSs-ex-
anime the correspondent about everything
ashore. He was glad to learn the insur-
gents were releasing the sick Spanish SOL
diers they held prisoners, notwithstand-
ing AguinaldO's grandiloquent refusal to
do SO. This proves that the insurgents
are very cOnciliatory, in spite of their de-
faint talk
Admiral Dewey always believed that the
insurgents were friendly, especially since
the warships of our fleet have visited the
different ports of these islands and since
some of our officers have made tours in
land, carefully investigating popular SEN
pei of peaceful settlement everywhere
with highly satisfactory results. A few
tempt at self-advancement, are clamOring
for independence. though unable to re
alize its true meaning. They are utterly
ignorant of the difference between the
name and the reality.
The agitators here invariably admit that
they would be unable to stand without
this, they continue their meaningless out
cry Tor lndePendenee' ana may posslDiy
believes this to be improbable at the pres
ent juncture, though every trifling INCIDENT
counts However, every DAY thdC passes
without conflict means SO much gain,
because the friendly feeling IS steadily in
Creasing, the incipient rOughnesS is dis
appearing and the agitators are weaken
The newspapers of Manila are doing par
ticularly valuable work in the simultane-
Gus publication of cOnciliatOry articles
printed in Spanish and in English. This
eliminate the friction which has existed
here
The admiral is greatly interested in the
movement among the American VOlun-
teers to obtain their discharges here and
engage in pioneer enterprises: he be
Heves there is a practically unlimited held
the suggestion that if the natives prove
to be ObstreperOus perhaps they might be
handed over to the Germans or other I'M
gentle land-gra bberS, the admiral said he
abandoned their design on the Philippine
islands, though formerly he said, the
German attitude here had caused him in
describa BILE anxiety
According to recent information receiv-
( ed here the Filipino insurgents are endeav-
Oring to maintain brave show for the
| purpose of securing the best terms posi-
| BILE from the Americans 1t is the opinion
| of our admiral that it would be advisable
| for the United States to pay the tnsur-
| gent troops their arrears of wages. The
| whole amount would be comparatively
| trifiing sum and the payment of the
| troops would have a valuable effect and
| may save incalculable trouble.
Admiral Dewey was strongly convinced
/ that the Filipino insurgents deserve &C
| acknowledgement. He is a believer in the
practica bility of liberal measures in the
direction of local autonomy.
| Regarding the possibility of information
| al complications, Admiral Dewey said:
! felt uneasy, but now I am ready to hold
this position against the whole EARTH