The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-12
Impossible Concessions Demanded by
the Rebel Leader from the Amer
lean Military Commander.
ULTlMATUM FROM GEN. OTIS
FILIPINOS MUST WITHDRAW FROM
THE SUBURBS OF MANILA.
Aguina1dO Given Until the 18th Inst.
to obey the Order-Many of His
Best Men Deserving.

LONDON, Sept 12-The Manila corre-
spondent of the Times, telegraphing Sept.
9, says: THE insurgent conquest of the
Island of Luzon is rapidly approaching
completion Recent authentic reports an
nounce the capture of successive Spanish
positions, and at present the rebels control
every foot of tie island except Manila, Ca
vite and a small portion of the province of
Albay. They hold over 5000 Spanish pris-
oners, and have recently captured several
thousand rifles, some cannon, a large guam
tty of ammunition and several small armed
steamers. The Spaniards held out valor-
ously, but were fighting against the in
evitable
1T is undeniable that the action of the
insurgents In pursuing the campaign after
an armistice was declared has caused much
useless suffering and destruction of prop
erty and has annihilated their every claim
to be considered in any respect as the allies
of the Americans Their motive has been
twofold: First, an implacable hatred of the
Spanish, with an innate racial thirst for re-
venge, and second, their ambition to place
themselves on record before the world as
a successful revolutionary government and
as complete masters of the Luzon provinces
have time to occupy before the Philippine
question has been settled by the Paris COM
mission. They are now free to withdraw
their troops to make an expedition against
Panay and to capture Iloilo. BY contin-
uing the campaign now, regardless of the
armistice, they put themselves in the wrong
with everybody, just as by crowding into
the suburbs of Manila and refusing to va
cate the same unless compelled by superior
force they have put themselves in the
wrong with the Americans.
Their action is doubtless due partly to
a disorganization of their force, which, by
their own confession, consists of a congre-
cation of independent units, with chiefs,
each ambitious of power and distinction,
and all struggling for positions which will
secure for them, by booty otherwise,
private fortune. This disorganization,
which naturally affects the irresponsible in
dividual soldier, has been constantly TO-
menting the irritation resulting from the
dual occupation of the suburbs of Manila.
The situation has been impossible from the
beginning, and conflicts have been avoided
only by great tact and the extraordinary
patience of the American troops, who 10y
ally observe their duty of preserving the
peace of the town.
1.-The policy of permitting the insurgents
to occupy the Spanish positions has been
fruitful in many difficulties, not the least
of which is the stimulus given to the con-
ceit of the natives, who consider themselves
the conQuerors of Manila, although they
captured not a single position when the
town was taken.
General Otis has attacked the complicat-
ed questions he inherited from General Mer-
Al
ergy and decision and is rapidly establishing
order in every department, where compara-
tive chaos ruled before He has been fully
occupied with matters more intimately con-
cerning the military government Of Manila
and only recently has he been able to study
exhaustively the insurgent question and to
satisfy himself regarding the equity of the
insurgent claims, so as to solve a problem
practically unapproached heretofore"
"Aguinaldo has persistently demanded in
terms not too polite various impossible con-
cessions, for example, an occupation of the
governor generals palace and other palaces,
a written assurance that the insurgents will
be permitted to occupy permanently their
military positions around Manila and pro-
lection for the insurgent vessels by the
American feet, with many other claims, in
Guiding an innocent demand for a share
of the booty captured by the Americans at
Manila.
After careful review of the situation
General Otis arrived at the logical con-
clusion that the insurgents have no right
to occupy the suburbs of Manila and that
Aguinaldo's claims have the support of
neither equity nor reason. He has there
fore categoricaily refused to consider Agui-
naldo's demands and to-day sent him an
ultimatum, in terms plainly comprehensive
and authoritative, that he must withdraw
his troops from the suburbs before the 18th
or suffer the consequences of refusal.
'"The answer will probably be that Agui-
naldo himself is only too willing to obey the
order, but cannot explain to his troops the
reasons why they cannot remain at Manila.
This temporizing 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 organization. His
power is fast waning, and the insurgents are
threatened with disintegration into opposing
factions unless some leaders are soon dis
covered who are able to harmonize the con-
fiicting personal interests.
TT is reported that the presidency of the
revolutionary government will be offered T.
Cajetano Arellano at congress at Malolo;
on Sept 15 Arellano is a lawyer of excel
lent repute-the one man among the Fill
pinos who is universally respected. Hitherto
he has consistently avoided politics, and
is doubtful whether he will undertake tn.
task of steering a rudderless ship. What
ever may happen at the congress there /
no possible assurance that the natives ar,
capable of self-government. The educated
class neither desire nor hope for complete
independence. and will welcome any pro-
tectorate which sec Tes the people good