Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-12-22
ADMIRAL DEWEY INTERVIEWED.
Prior TO tho Arrival of Monitors, He Felt
Uneasy, But Now He Ready TO Hold His
Position Against the whols Earth.


Uneasy, But Now Ho Ia Ready TO Hold His
Position Against the Whole Earth.
Manila, Philippine Islands, Dec. 16.
-Rear-Admiral Dewey, when a corre-
spondent of the Associated Press called
upon him today, courteously but abso-
lutely declined to discuss the political
situation in the Philippine Islands, on
the ground that his sphere was purely
naval. The admiral seldom goes ashore,
and insisted that his interviewer was
in a better position to acquire informa-
ton than himself. He then proceeded
to cross-examine the correspondent
about everything ashore.
He was glad to learn that the insur-
gents were releasing the sick Spanish
soldiers they held prisoners, notwith-
standing Aguinaldo's grandiloquent
refusal to do so. This proves that the
insurgents are very conciliatory, in
spite of their defiant talk. Admiral
Dewey always believed that the insur-
gents were friendly, especially since the
warships of our fleet have visited the
different ports of these islands, and
since some of our officers have made
tours inland, carefully investigating
popular sentiment and judiciously
preaching the gospel Of peaceful settle
ment everywhere with highly satisfac-
tory results. A few influential Fill
pinos, in an ambitious attempt at self
advancement, are clAmoring for indie
pendence, though unable to realize its
true meaning. The are utterly ignor-
ant of the difference between the name
and the reality. The agitatcrs here in
variably admit that they would be un-
able to stand without American pro-
lection, but, in spite OF this, they con-
tinue their meaningless cutlery for in
dependence, and may possibly create
trouble. The admiral, however, be-
lieves this to be improbable at the
present iuncture. though every trihing
incident counts. However, every day
that passes without conflict means SO
much gain, because the friendly feeling
is steadily increasing, the inclpient
roughness is disappearing and the agi-
tators are weakening.
The newspapers of Manila are doing
particularly valuable work in the
simultaneous publication of concilia-
tory articles, printed in Spanish and
English. This course is looked upon
as being certain to eliminate the fric-
ton which has existed here.
The admiral is greatly interested in
the movement among the American
volunteers TO obtain their discharges
here and engage in pioneering enter
prises. He believes there is practi
cally unlimited field for planters,
farmers and miners here. To the sug
gestion that, il the natives prove to bt
obstreperou5 perhaps they might b,
handed over to the Germans or othe
ungentIe land grabbers. the admira
said he believed the Germans nov
have entirely abandoned their design
in the Philippine Islands, though
formerly, he said, the German attitude
had caused some anxiety.
According to recent information re
ceiyed here, the Philippine insurgent
are endeavoring to maintain a brav
show, for the purpose of securing tn
best terms possible from the Ameri
cans. 1t is the opinion of our admira
that it would be advisable for tn
r United States to pay the insurgen
troops their arrears of wages. TIL
whole amount would bea comparativel
, trifling sum. and the payment of th
troops would have a valuable effect
: and may save incalculable trouble
Admiral Dewey is strongly convince
: that the Filipino insurgents deserv
Acknowledgement. He is believer i
the practicability of liberal measure
in the direction Of local autonomy.
Regarding the possibility of intern1
! tional complications. Admiral Dewe
4 said: prior to the arrival of til
. monitors, felt uneasy, but now al
, ready to hold this position against IL
> whole earth,n