The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-09-24
PHILIPPINE ASSEMBLY
IS IN SESSION, WITH AGUINALOO AT ITS
HEAD
Interview with the Leader..-Nothing but
Absolute Independence viii Satisfy Him
--.Undying Gratitude Promised the Amer
icans..-Horrible fortunes at Ililio.

Absolute Independence Will Satisfy Him
.-.Undying Gratitude Promised the Amer
icans.--Horrible fortunes at Ililio.
MANI1A.-The Philippine national
assembly was inaugurated at Malolos
Thursday with great enthusiasm.
There were thousands of visitors from
the provinces and great display was
made. Aguinaldo entered the hall
and was received with cheers and also
with cries of "Viya Americanos," by
the large crowd of natives inside and
outside the hall. He read q decree
converting the members, who included
several Spaniards, and also message
eulogizing the army and thanking the
friendly nations which had set the
historical example of liberty and had
assisted down trodden race.
Continuing, Aguinaldo urgently and
eloquently e1horted the assembly to
follow the noblest principles and in
voked the "spirits of the martyred
Filipinos."
The assembly then adjourned for
the day. During the afternoon many
Americans and Europeans arrived and
Aguinaldo was kept busy receiving
visitors, including the American con-
sui. The correspondent of the Asso-
ciated Press had private interview
with Agninaldo, who is extremely I'M
willing to compromise himself with the
natives. He said that a majority of
the Filipinos had been struggling for
freedom for years and centuries and
that they now believe that object has
been obtained. Aguinaldo protested
entire ignorance of the autonomist sys-
tenn in vogue in the British colonies Of
protectorates and of American state
autonomy. He said he was unable to
understand the idea, and only under
stood absolute independence" Per-
sonally he believed a protectorate for
the Philippine islands 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.
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. Aguinaldo declined to discuss
the American army, and promised his
undying gratitude to the Americans.
He said they had come to the Phil.
ippines to fight the Spaniards only
and now that they had finished the
task it was to be expected that they
would return to America.
He was unwilling to believe that
the Americans would demand a re-
ward for an act of humanity and he
declined to admit the necessity of s
quid pro quo.
The Filipino leader expressed him
self content that the newly founded
government would build a navy event
ually. In the meantime, he said, the
great nations should protect and aid
young nation instead of grabbing hel
territories. If the Americans should
refuse to withdraw the national assem-
bly,, he said, must decide the policy tt
be pursued-a policy which he de
clined to forecast.
Further conversation was prevented
by the strains of brass band, bu
Gen. Aguinaldo was interviewed als'
by dozen American journalists an
one Japanese.
A Spaniard, supposed to be an off
Ger ununiformed, traversed the town
sneering at and denouncing the Fill
pinos. On his resenting friendl
remonstrance, he was placed under al
rest.
Several Filipinos assure this CORES
, pondent that they have PERSONAL
witnessed horrible fortunes at llilic
the feet of natives held to candl
fame for hours, electric currents al
piled to the most sensitive parts of tn
body, and various unnamable atroc
ties-all intended to extort confession
This is scarcely credible, but Their
/ are numerous alleged witnesses
3 such outrages, and several who sho
scars of recent origin unhealed. Som
g say they escaped only through bribin
r the Spanish officials.
q Tt is natural that there should be
9 yearning for revenge upon SPANS
, prisoners at Malolos, but they are nj
l maltreated. The correspondent So
Q several who were at perfect libert,
having peaceful employment and a.
t parently quite content to remain.
~,.,. a+lontic Suuadron ReOrganiZe0,