The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1898-09-16
SITUATION CRITICAL
Ir Is Understood That Dewey Has
Asked for More Help.
WANTS A CRUISER AND BATTLESHIP.
Aguinaldo Maintains Role of Extreme
Friendship, but Intimates That He Ex-
poets Americans to Withdraw,
Leaving Min to Rule.


Manila, Sept l3-Rear Admiral
Dewey says he considers the situation
critical. 1t is understood that he has
asked for an additional cruiser and
battleship. The Spaniards assert that
Germany will take coaling station
here, and that Spain will retain the
remainder of the islands. The last
Spanish garrisons at Ilocos and La
guna have surrendered and the whole
island of Luzon is in the hands of the
insurgents except at Manila and
Cavite.
The correspondent here of the Asso-
ciated press has had an interview with
Aguinaldo, who said there were $1,000
insurgents armed with rifles. He
added he could raise 100, 600 men. In
deed, the insurgent leader pointed out,
the whole population of the Philippine
islands were willing TO fight for their
independence. Continuing, Aguinaldo
said he had 5000 military prisoners,
including 5000 in the vicinity of Ma.
Mia, besides civil prisoners. Later
Aguinaldo said the provisional gov
eminent was now operating % prov
inces. He asserted that, on August ,,
they elected delegates in numbers pro-
portionate to the population.
As to the Americans, Aguinaldo re-
marked that he considered them as
brothers and that 1.-THE two sovereign
republics were allied against a com
mon enemy When questioned as to
whether the future Filipino policy
would be absolute, Aguinaldo excused
himself from replying and asked what
America intended to do. The corre-
spondent being unable to answer this
question, Aguinaldo continued: I'VE
have been fighting for independence
for long time. The natives who pro-
fess to favor annexation are insincere.
1t is merely ruse to ascertain
American views" Asked il the
Filipinos would object TO the re-
tention of Manila, Aguinaldo de-
clined to answer. Would the Flip
mos object to Americans retaining a
coaling station, if recognizing the in
dependence of the islands or establish
ing temporary protectorate over
them?" Aguinaldo again refused to
answer. Pending the conclusion OF
the assembly, Aguinaldo said he was
confident there would be no trouble
between America and the Filipinos.
The insurgent leader denied having
received request from Gen. Otis and
Rear Admiral Dewey to withdraw his
troops to a prescribed distance from
Manila and Cavite, and he declined to
discuss the effect of such a request.
Aguinaldo further asserted that he
had never confided with the American
authorities since the eapitulation of
Manila, and that he had never author
lied the insurgents TO search or dis
arm Americans crossing the lines.
The correspondent closely ques-
toned him about last Saturdays incl
dent when the Pennsylvania troops
proceeded to establish new outpost.
The Filipinos objected and nearly
precipitated hostilities, ordering the
Americans to withdraw in 20 minutes.
They issued ammunition and inter-
cepted the American achievements
Finally Gen. Hale ordered all the
Pennsylvanians 20 advance and the
rebels withdrew.
The whole interview conveyed the
impression that Aguinaldo desires alb
solute independence, regards the mis-
sion of the Americans here as accom-
plished, and expects their withdrawal,
''just as the French with Lafayette
withdrew after helping the Americans
in the war of independence, war of
humanity" Just now Aguinaldo
maintains the role of extreme friend
ship.