The record-union., 1898-09-12

partment where comparative chaos;
ruled before. He has been fully oc-
cupled with matters more intimately
concerning the military government of
Manila, and only recently has been able
to study exhaustively the insurgent
question and to satisfy himself regard :
ing the equity of the inSurgent claims.
so as to- solve a problem practically un-
approached heretofore.
Aguinaldo has persistently demanded
in terms not too polite, various impos-
sible concessions, for example, an oc-
cupation of the Governor Generals paI-
ace and other palaces, a written assur-
ance that the insurgents will be per-
mltted to occupy permanently their mill
ifary positions around Manila and pro-
lection for the insurgent vessels by the
American fleet-with many other
claims, including an innocent demand
for share of the booty captured by the
Americans at Manila
After a careful review of the situa-
ton, General Otis arrived at the logi
cal conclusion that the insurgents have
no right to occupy the suburbs of Ma
nila, and that Aguinaldo's claims have
the support of neither equity or reason.
lie has, therefore, categorically refused
to consider Aguialdo's demands and TO-
day sent him an udtimatum in terms
plainly comprehensive and authorita
tive, that he must withdraw his troops
from the suburbs before tomorrow af-
ternoon or suffer the consequences of
refusal
The answer will probably be that
Aguinaldo himself is only too willing to
obey the order, but cannot explain to
his troops the reasons why they can
not remain al Manila This temporiz-
ing excuse, although now stale from too
frequent use, conceals much truth 1t
is an undoubted fact that Aguinaldo
has but a feeble hold on the organiza-
ton. His power is fast waning and the
insurgents are threatened with disinte-
grafton into opposing factions unless
some leaders are soon discovered who
are able to harmonize these conflicting
personal interests.
1t is reported that the Presidency of
the revolutionary Government will be
offered to Cajetano Arellanc at a con-
gress at Malolos on September 10th.
Arellano is a lawyer of excellent re-
pute-the one man among the Filipinos
NuO Is u1llS eTSdily respected. 111Cnor-
to he has consistently avoided politics
and it is doubtful whether he will un-
dertake the task of steering a rudder-
less ship
Whatever may happen at the con-
gress, there is no possible appearance
that the natives are capable of self gov
ernment. The educated class neither
desire nor hope for complete independ-
ence and will welcome any protectorate
which secures the people good govern
ment without a tinge of Spanish meth
DDS
The masses of the revolutionists, on
the other hand, are bitterly opposed to
any solution of the question which does
not promise untrammeled independence.
The inactivity of the insurgents in
the northern provinces, and the totally
irresponsible nature of their Govern
ment seriously threaten foreign COM
mercial interests there, which are very
important. One English house alone
had over a million dollars worth of
products awaiting shipment. Every
body is despondent concerning the pos
sible action on the proposed congress
and the outcome of the present strained
relations between the Americans and
the insurgents. The situation is con-
sidered very critical.