The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-09-17
OBTUSE AGUINALDO.
The Philippines Leader Asks Some
Singular Questions.
HIS IGNORANCE OF AUTONOMY.

HIS iGNORANUE OF AUTONOMI'
He Knows Nothing OF the Systems I'm
Vogue in the British Colonies, of Pro-
tectoratos and of American state
Autonomy.
Manila, Sept 17.-The Philippine ma
tional assembly was inaugurated at
Malolos Thursday with great en-
thusiasm. There were thousands OF
visitors from the provinces and a great
display was made. During the opening
session a Spanish delegate suggested
that business be resumed In the af
ternoon, but a Filipino objected and
accused the Spanlard Of attempting
to undermine the constitution. To this
the Spanlard replied that he was a
sincere republican, and that his only
desire was the welfare of the country.
Thereupon the Filipino apologized, and
the proceedings were terminated.
Your correspondent had private in
terview with Aguinaldo, who is ex-
tremely unwilling to compromise him
self with the natives. He said that d
majority of the Filipinos had been
struggling for freedom for years and
centuries, and that they now believe
that object has been attained.
Aguinaldo professed ignorance of the
autonomous systems in vogue in the
British colonies, of protectorates and of
American state autonomy. He said
he was unable to understand their
idea, and only understood absolute
independence" Personally he believed
a protectorate for the Philippine ISL
ands was necessary, but he feared that
the people would be disappointed in
this. He had not studied political
economy, and knew nothing about the
various forms of government. He in
quired whether Australia was an
American colony. and said he had never
heard of a Malay protectorate
Continuing, the insurgent leader
said there was no need of protection
for the Philippine Islands, because the
Filipinos were able to cope with any
army. He admitted that he had never
seen a foreign army, with the excep-
tions Of the garrisons at Hong Kong
and Singapore, and he had never seen
these troops on parade.
Aguinaldo declined to discuss the
American army and protested his un-
dying gratitude to the Americans. He
said they had come to the Philippines
to fight the Spaniards only, and now
that they had finished the task, 1t was
to be expected that they would return
| to America. He was unwilling to be-
lieve that the Americans would de-
mand reward for an act of humanity,
and he declined to admit the necessity
of quid pro quo.
The Filipino leader expressed himself
confident that the newly founded gov
eminent would build a navy ultimately
In the meantime, he said, the great
nations should protect and aid young
nation, instead OF grabbing her terri
tory. If the Americans should refuse
to withdraw the national assembly, hi
said, must decide the policy to be pur'
sued-a policy which he declined t
forecast.
Further conversation was prevented
by the strains of a brass band, bu
General Aguinaldo was interrupted ais
by a dozen American journalists ant
one Japanese.
A Spaniard, supposed to be an Off
Ger, ununiformed, traversed the town
sneering and denouncing the principa
Filipinos On his resenting a friendl
remonstrance he was placed under ar
rest.
Several Filiplnos assure this CORE
spondent that they have PERSONAL
witnessed horrible tortures at Iloilo-
the feet of natives held to a candl
flame for hours, electric currents ap
piled to the most sensitive parts of tn
body and various unnameable atroc1
ties-all intended to eXtort confession
+ This is scarcely credible, but there ar
numerous alleged witnesses of sue
outrages and several who show scar
of recent origin and unhealed. Som
say they escaped only through bribin
the Spanish officials.
It is natural that there should be
yearning for revenge upon the SPANS
prisoners at Malolos, but these are nC
/, maltreated. The correspondent sa'
several who were at perfect lihert!
having peaceful employment, and al
r parently quite content to remain.