Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-12
Is Present Standing Of the
Philippines insurgents.
Have 0yerstepped the Bounds Of De-
cency IN All Matters.


Sept. 3. says:
1.-THE insurgen< conquest OF the island
Of Luxon Is rapidly approaching COM
pletibn. Recent authentic reports an
nounce the capture of several Spanish
positions and at present the rebels con-
troll every foot of the island. except
Manila. Cavite and small portion OF
the province OF Albay.
"They hold over 5000 Spanish prison.
ers and have recently captured several
thousand rifles. some cannon. a large
quantity OF ammunition and several
small armed steamers. The Spaniards
held out valorously, but were fighting
against the inevitable.
1T is undeniable that the action OF
the insurgents in pursuing the cam
paign after an armistice was declared
has caused much useless suffering and
destruction OF property and has an
initiated their very claim 20 be con-
sidered in any respect as the allies OK
the Americans. Their motives have
been two-fold.
First. an implacable hatred Of the
Spanish. with an innate racial thirst
for revenge, and secondly. the ambition
to place themselves on record before
the world as a successful revolutionary
government and as complete masters
OF the Luzon provinces and as many
adjacent islands as they may have
time to occupy before the Philippine
question has been settled by the Paris
commission.
They are now free to withdraw their
troops, TO make an expedition against
Tanay and to capture Iloilo. By con-
tlnuing the campaign now. regardless
Of the armistice, they put themselves
In the wrong with everybody just as.
by crowding into the suburbs of Ma
Mia anH refusing to yacate the same
they have put themselves in the wrong
with the Americans.
Their action is doubtless due to a
disorganization Of the force which. By
their own confession. consisted of n
congregation OF independent units.
with chiefs, each ambitious of power
and. distinction and all struggling for
positions which will secure for them
by booty or otherwise. private fortune.
This disorgandzation, which natural
~ effects the irresponsible Individual
soldier. has been constantly foment-
ing in the irritation resulting from the
dual occupation in the suburbs of Ma
Mia.
1.-The situation has been impossible
from the beginning; and conflicts hAve
been avoided only by great tact and
the extraordinary patience of the
American troops who Loyalty observe
their duty preserving the peace OF the
town.
THE policy of permitting the insur-
gents to occupy the Spanish positions
has been fruitful in many difficulties.
net the least OF which is the stimulus
given to the concert of the natives.
who consider themselves the conquer
ors of Manila, although they captured
rot a single position when the town
was taken.
Gen. Otis has attacked the compli-
Gated questions he inherited from Gen
Merritt. his predecessor. with remarka-
Bile energy and decision and is rapidly
establishing order in every department
where comparative chaos ruled before
"Aguinaldo has persistently demand
cd. In terms not too polite. various inn
possible concessions. for example, an
occupation of the governor generals
palace and other palaces, a written as
surance that the insurgents will be
permitted to occupy permanently their
military positions around Manila, and
protection for the insurgent vessels by
the American fieet-with many other
claims. including an innocent demand
for share of the booty captured by
the Americans at manila.
After careful review of the situ-
alton. Gen. Otis arrived early at the
have no right to occupy the suburbs of
Manila and that Aguinaldo's claims
have the support OF neither equity nor
! reason. He has therefore categorical
~ refused to consider Aguinaldo's de-
mands and. today. sent him an ulti-
matum. in terms plainly comprehensi-
Die and authoritive that he must with
draw his troops from the suburbs be-
fore the 18th or suffer the consequences
of refusal.
The answer will probably be that
Aguinaldo himself Is only too willing to
obey the order hut cannot explain to his
troops the reasons why they cannot re-
main in Manila
1t Is an undoubted fact that Acuinald
mad but a feeble hold on the organization.
his power is fast waning, and the insur
gents the threatened with disintegration
into opposing factions. unless some lead
ers are soon discovered who are able to
harmonize the conflicting personal in
terests.
1T is reported that the presidency Of
the revolutionary government will he
offered to Cajateno Arolano at congress-
at Malolos. Sept Is.
Whatever may lappen at the con-