The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-09-13
UNDER ARMS
NOW At MANILA
American Troops Ready for
Action at Moments Notice.
THEY DEFY AGUINALDO
NATIVE LEADERS SET HIS OR
DERS ASIDE AT WILL.
DEWEY THINKS THE SITUATION CRITICAL
The Whole Island Of Luzon is in the Hands Of
the insurgents Except Manila and Ca
vite. AguinaIdo will Con-
vene an Assembly.

vene an Assembly.
Copyright by James Gordon Bennett.)
Especial to the Baltimore Sum
Manila, Sept. 11.-Irritation induced
by the aggressive attitude of certain ir-
responsible native leaders, acting in de-
fiance OF Aguinaldo's orders, has become
so serious that the American troops are
now kept in the barracks under arms
ready for action at moments notice.
A feeling of insecurity and unrest ex-
lists. Many native workmen are daily
leaving their employers with the open
intention of joining the rebels. Hun
dreds who are now ON strike in the
cigar factories and other establishments
are recruiting Aguinaldo's ranks.
The Dictator" made a triumphal en-
try into Malolos yesterday, formally TAX
ing possession of his new capital.
SITUATION CRITICAL, SAYS
DEWEY.
Manila, Sept 12-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 a coaling station here and that
Spain Will retain the remainder of the
islands
The last Spanish garrisons at Ilocos
and Laguna have surrendered, and the
whole island of IllZon is in the hands of
the insurgents, except Manila and Ca
vife.
Aguinaldo went to Leollos ON Friday
He has announced his intention OF con
veIling an assembly of the Fiipinos on
September 10TH in order to decide upon
the policy to be adopted by the insur-
gents.
The correspondent here of the Asso-
ciated Press has had an interview
with Aguinaldo, who said there were
siXty-seven thousand insurgents with
rifles. He added he could raise one
hundred thousand men. Indeed the in
surgent leader pointed ont, that the
whole population of the Philippine ISL
ands was willing to fight for their in
dependence.
Aguinaldo said he had 5000 military
prisoners, including five thousand in the
vicinity of Manila, beside civil prisoners.
Later Aguinaldo said the provisional
government" was now operating twenty
eight provinces. He asserted that on
August 2nd, they elected delegates, in
numbers proportionate to the popula
tion.
As to the Americans. Aguinaldo re-
marked that he considered them as
brothers, and that 'the two sovereign
republics were allied against common
enemy"
When questioned as to whether the
future Filipino policy would be absolute
independence, Aguinaldo excused him
self from replying, and asked what
America intends TO do.
ANNEX XATIONISTS INSINCERE.
The correspondent being unable to an
swer this question, Aguinaldo continued:
I'VE have been fighting for independ
ence for a long time. The natives whoI
Profess to favor annexation are ns,n
cere. 1t is merely a ruse to ascertain
American views"
Asked if the Filipinos would object
to the retention of Manila, Aguinaldo
declined to answer
Would the Filipnos object to Amer-
cans retaining coaling station, if recog-
nizing the independence of the islands or
over themg'
Aguinaldo again refused to answer
Pending the conclusion of the assem-
bly,. Aguinaldo said he was confident
there would be no trouble between
America and the Filipinos
The insurgent leader denied having re-
ceived a request from General Otis and
Rear Admiral Dewey to withdraw his
troops to prescribed distance from
Manila and Cavite, and declined to dis
cuss the effect Of such a request.
Aguinaldo further asserted that hel
had never conferred with the American
authorities since the capitulation of
Manila, and that he had never author
lied the insurgents to search or disarm
Americans crossing the lines.
The correspondent closely questioned
him about last Saturdays incident when
the Pennsylvania troops proceeded tol
establish a new outpost. The Filipinos
objected and nearly precipitated hostili-
ties, ordering the Americans to with
draw III twenty minutes. They issued
ammunition and intercepted the Ameri-
can reinforcements. Finally General
Hale ordered all the Pennsylyanians toI
advance, and the rebels withdrew.
The local governor has explained that
the incident was complete mistake,
and has rcpndinted his subordinates ac-l
tion.
Aguinaldo declared to this correspond