The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-28

no English, although ne understands the
language, and his interviews are carried on
through Mr.. Lopez. who has a fairly good
command OF English. Mr.. Lopez said that
no instructions had yet been received from
the Philippine government. but these were
expected very soon as a guide to the future
movements of the delegates. Mr.. Agoncillo,
he said, had cabled to the government an
nouncing their arrival in Washington. This
being known at home instructions would be
cabled at once. Until then Mr.. Lopez said
there was no exact line of action to be an
nounced. 1t was hoped that the President
would do them the honor of receiving them.
AS to the White House call, however, Mr..
Lopez said there had been no definite ar
rangements He expected any arrangements
suitable Jr a meeting would be made
through General Greene
Speaking OF the conditions in the Philip
pines Mr.. Lopez said the Philippine Con-
gress was now conducting the business of
that portion of the country under Philippine
rule with singular ability and success. The
meetings had begun since the departure of
the delegates, yet they were familiar with
the character of those conducting the Con-
gress. They were, he said, men of intelli-
gence and ability, most of them having re-
ceived their education in Europe. Their
councils were harmonious and were con-
Quoted with all the requirements of modern
parliamentary usage. The presiding officer,
Mr.. Lopez said, was that conspicuous figure
in the struggles of the Philippines Pater-
no, a man whose ability had been recog-
nized by Spain which conferred on him the
order of knighthood and the grand cross Of
the Order of Elizabeth Paterno was edu-
Gated in Europe anG spent twenty years in
travel and observation at the leading capi-
tails. Mr.. Lopez said that Paterno and many
others of like education and refinement did
away with the prevalent idea that the Fill
pino Congress was a crude and semi-bar-
barous gathering of natives. He says the
country at large is enjoying a most peace
full and prosperous period, now that Span
ish rule is at an end and native officials are
directing the local affairs. These officials,
he declares, are showing much aptitude for
municipal government, and they also have
the advantage of holding the confidence of
the people.
When Mr.. Lopez was asked as to the re-
ports that the Filipinos were soliciting help
from European governments, he declared
that such reports were utterly unfounded
and unjust. They were acting in the most
perfect good fa1tn with the American au-
thorities AS an evidence of this he cited
the fact that the German consulate officer
on the island had requested a conference
with Aguinaldo, but that leader had re-
fused to grant the conference. Mr.. Lopez
also characterized as unwarranted the sto-
ries that Germany was secretly equipping
the Philippine insurgents in order to bring
about internal dissensions and embarrass
American control.
General Greene was accompanied by
Captain Bates and Lieutenant Schiefflin, of
his staff. When he reached General Cor
bins Office he found awaiting him a COM
mission of major general of volunteers.
dated so as to place him in that grade from
August last. He promptly took the oath of
Office and became full-hedged major gen.
eral. General Greene brought from Manila
the official report of General Merritt and
inclosed with this were the reports of the
subordinate commanders of the United
States army who participated in the mill
tary operations before Manila.