The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-05
AGUINALDO THE INsURGENT.
characteristics of Admiral Dewey's
Ally in the Philippines.

Cavite Letter New York Tribune
If Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, who has de-
clared himself dictator of all the Philip
pines were to walk the streets of an
American city the casual observer would
take him for a Japanese student or arti-
san He is short, but well-knit, has the
japanese cast of face and form of head,
and the casual observation would be
strengthened by a bristly black pompadour
of the kind so common among the Mi
kado's subjects. There are no outward or
visible marks of genius except that the
general is slow and deliberate, and that
may be a sign of depth and breadth of
mental caliber. Aguinaldo Is unruffled
alike in victory and defeat. In the privacy
of his state chamber he may execute a
double shuttle or survey himself in a mir
ror when his trusted lieutenants bring It'd
ings of a fresh victory, or he may toss
on his cot at night when the Spanish oc-
casionally have the advantage, but the
visitor searches in vain for the play of
emotion, sentiment, hope or despair when
he is presented.
The correspondent of the Tribune
brought Aguinaldo the tidings from Hong
Kong of the seizure of the cargo of the
Pasig. The Interpreter was a little slow
in breaking the news, but when it was
told the chieftain simply said it was "too
bad" and extended the warmest thanks
for the unwelcome adyices
Aguinaldos chief concern now is the
preservation of his precious head. Japa-
nese heads are cheap enough NOWADAYS.
but the Spanish have bid this one up TO
$4,000. When he first landed here Aglli-
naldo fought with his men, but there soon
came a need for more executive work, and
an increasing fear of assassination. and
the leader sought safety in Cavite There
he is surrounded by corps of his trusted
followers. The safeguards which sur
round him there are such that he is pro-
tected from everything save the treachery
of those in high place.
He has established headquarters in the
former home OF rich native, situated on
Gale de Arsenal, Cavities main avenue
The house is broad, low, roomy and typi-
cally Spanish. IL was in old Cavite that
Aguinaldo was born twenty-six years ago.
and he has established his aged mother
and several of his rela tiVes in his head
quarters. There Is a paved court at the
street entrance, and guard of insurgents
line 1t on either side They come to a
present for Americans, and good form calls
for a salute in return. stairway leads
from the court. and the landing at the
top as large and makes a good ante-cham-
Der Here stand guards in uniforms Of a
material suspiciousy like blue gingham
marked down to cents.
There is little delay for the American
visitor, and the summons to enter the re-
ception room comes quickly. The presen-
tations are simple. Aguinaldo comes in
extends his hand for a short shake. and
then motions the visitors to seats. He
wears a spotless suit of white linen. q
white shirt with well-polished front
high collar and black cravat tied in a
bow. and red velvet slippers, embroidered
in gold.
When questioned as TO his troops at
recent interview, Gen. Aguinaldo examin
ed a small war map showing the provinces
heading on Manila bay, and traced the
movements OF his troops, the distribution
Of his garrsons, the locations Of his lines
and the prospective advances with a de.
liberation and mastery of details that al
least carried the conviction of triumph He
smiled over the capture OF Batangas with
out the loss of a man, but that was the
only change in his countenance in a tong
interview 1t took a long stretch OF the
Imagination 10 fully appreciate that the
quiet little man in spotless linen was the
leader of an active rebellion and the ally
of an invading force. Aguinaldo is quite
comfortable in the looted town of Cavite
In his Office he has a modern desk, back
ed with a bevel-edged mirror that came
from some European mart; couple Of
large, strong iron boxes for the dictato
rial treasury, an abundance of easy chairs
an old grand piano several feet taller than
the modern make, and a large hatraek of
fanciful design. The only signs OF war
were the ends Of sword chains that Deeped
through holes IN the Bingham coats Of the
officers in attendance and metallic stand