The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-15
PROTEST FROM A JUNTO
FILIPINOS CLAIM TO HAVE BEEN
SIGHTED BY AMERICANS,
And General AGuina1dO's Agents APP
peal to President Mckinley for
Better Treatment.

HONG-KONG, Nov. 14-The Filipino
junto, representatives of General Aguinaldo
and his government here, have drawn up
what they designate as an appeal to Pres
ident Mckinley and the American people"
but what is in reality rather IN the nature
of an arraignment of American actions in
the Philippines. John Barrett, former
United States minister to Siam. was asked
by the junto to present the memorial to
the United States government and people.
Mr.. Barrett replied that. while he could
have no official influence regarding the
status of the matter he was satisfied that
document which represented the sentiments
of the Filipinos would receive at the hands
of the Americans all consideration it mer-
tied The memorial says: I'VE, the Hong
Kong representatives of our countrymen,
appeal to the great and good judgment OF
President Mckinley and the spirit of fair
ness and justice of the American people, as
it is always shown in their regard for the
petitions of the weak and oppressed. While
the fate of the islands is still undecided and
we are doing all in our power to prevent a
conflict between the Americans and Fill
ipinos-awaiting patiently the conclusion of
the Paris conference-we implore the inter
vention Of the President, supported by the
will of the people, to end the Sights shown
our leaders, soldiers and people by some OF
tho American military and naval officers,
although we do not wish to wrong Admiral
Dewey or General Otis"
The memorial then AYERS that false re-
ports are spread broadcast alleging that the
Filipinos are responsible for all the fric-
ton points out that the tension is
greater every day, and any moment shot
ha Nv A
or Filipino soldier leading to great blood
she'd and beseeches the United States to
help the junto to control our own people
by directing American officials at Manila to
temper their actions with friendship, JUS
tice and fairness From the commence
nlent of the hostilites." continues the me-
mortal, 1.-The Filipnos acceded to all the
American requests: but, after bottling up
the Spaniards in Manila, the Filipinos were
completely ignored when the Americans ad-
vanced, and thus deprived of the fruits of
victory. Now, after months of campaign.
ing the Filipino troops have been ordered
beyond the suburbs, where they have no
quarters and where supplies are difficult to
obtain. All our launches have been seized
because of foolish rumors that we would
attack the Americans. and when we asked
explanations we were not even answered
The Snaniards, of late the enemies of the
Americans, have been shown every consid-
GRAFTON, while the FiliDinos, their friends
and allies, are often treated as enemies.
After asserting that the Filipinos uni
formly acted upon the advice of the Amer
leans and were uniformly recognized by
them until Manila was captured the memo
rial goes on to say: 1--WE can only attribute
this sudden change to orders from Wash
ington to American officials at Manila to
avoid compromising the American govern
ment by a recognition Of the Filipinos or
their government. The Americans are car
rying out these Instructions literally, losing
sight of the former friendly intercourse and
assistance and of the assurances the Amer
lean officials gave General Aguinaldo, which
he communicated to his followers"
After emphasizing the juntos absolute
confidence in President Mckinley and the
people of the great Republic stating that
our protests are not prompted by animos-
ity. but are directed against conditions ex-
listing at Manila, and not against the Amer
lean government and people" acknowledge
ing "our gratitude to American arms for
destroying the Spanish power in the Philip
pines" and expressing "a hope that the
islands are not to be returned to Spain.''
the memorial concludes thus: I'VE await
the arbtrament of the peace commission
with even greater interest than the Amer
leans because it concerns our land our
happiness and our freedom. In the mean
time. we shall pray for peace and a perfect
understanding with the Americans"