The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-11

vancouver, b. u, June lU.-Late mail
advices from Hong Kong contain in
teresting details regarding the negotia-
tions between the Philippine rebel chief,
Aguinaldo. and the United States ofii-
cials at Singapore just before the actual
outbreak Of hostilities between Spain
and the United States. as a result of
which General Aguinaldo entered into
direct relations with Admiral Dewey
while that officer was still at Hong
Kong.
MED by his de-de-camp, Colonel Mar
cello Fl. Del Pillar, and private secretary.
j. Leyba, arrived incognito in Singapore
from Saigon on April 21. In Saigon.
where Aguinaldo remained for one week.
he had interviews with one or two old
Philippine friends. particularly Howard
w. Bray, an intimate English friend. for
Is years a resident in the Philippines,
about the state of affairs in the islands
generally. Particular reference was
made to The possibility of war between
the United States and Spain. and
whether, in such an event, the United
States would eventually recognize the
independence Of the Philippines, pro-
vided he lent his cooperation to the
Americans in the conquest of the coun-
try. In the meantime. Mr. Bray Was
J introduced TO Spencer Pratt, consul gen.
eral of the United States. who was
anxious. in view of the contingencies. to
learn as much as possible about the real
conditions in the Philippines. Bray,
arranged an interview between that gen.
tleman and Aguinaldo. There were
present General Aguinaldo y Fami Z.
Spencer Pratt, consul general of the
United States; Howard w. Bray; Aguin-
aldo's private secretary, J. Leyba; Col.
NJ. II. Del Pillar and DR.. Marcelino San
tos.
During the conference, at which Mr..
Bray acted as interpreter. General
Aguinaldo explained to Consul General
Pratt the incidents and objects OF the
late rebellion, and described the pres
ent disturbed state of the country.
Aguinaldo then proceeded to detail the
nature of the cooperation he could give.
In the event of the American forces
landing and taking possession of Manila
he would guarantee to maintain order
and discipline among the native troops
and inhabitants in the same humane
way in which he had hitherto conduct
ed the war, and prevent them from
committing outrages on defenseless
Spaniards beyond what was inevitable
in fair and honorable warfare. He
further declared his ability to establish
a proper and responsible government on
liberal principles, and would be willing
to accept the same terms for the coun-
try as the United States intended giving
Cuba.
Consul General Pratt. coinciding with
the generals views expressed during
the discussion. placed himself at once
in telegraphic communication with Ad-
miral Dewey at Hong Kong. betweep
whom and Mr.. Pratt a frequent inter-
change of telegrams took place.
AS the result another private inter-
view was arranged at the American
consular residence between Aguinaldo.
Mr.. Pratt. Mr.. Bray and Mr.. Leyba.
As sequel to this interview, and in re-
sponse to the urgent request of Ad-
miral Dewey, .Aguinaldo left Singapore
for Hong Kong, where he met Dewey,
with whom he went to Manila.
At the beginning of hosti'ities, Aeuin-
aldo's policy embraced the independence
of the Philippines. their internal affairs
to be controlled by European and Amer
lean advisers. American protection
would be desirable temporarily on the
same lines as that which might be in
stituted hereafter in Cuba. The ports
of the Philippines would be free to the
trade of the world, safeguards being
enacted against an influx of Chinese
aliens. who would compete with the in
dustrial population of the country.
There would be a complete reform or
the present corrupt judicature Of the
country under experienced European
law officers. Entire freedom of the press
would be established. as well as the
right Of public meeting. There would
be general religious liberation, and
steps taken for the abolition and ex-
puIsion of tyrannical religious frater-
mites who have laid such strong hands
on every branch of the civil administra-
ton. Full provision would be given for
the exploitation of the natural re-
sources Of the country by roads and
railways and by the removal of hind
RANGES to enterprise and the invest
ment Of capital. Spanish officials would
be removed to a place of safety until
an opportunity offered to return them
to Spain. The preservation Of the pub
lie safety and order. and the checking
of reprisals against Spaniards would
naturally be the first care of the gov
ernment in the new state Of affairs.