Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-20
ACU|NALDO WIRES US,
Says the Fi|ipinos Are Dis
tinctly Our Friends
No STRAINED RELATIONS,
Insurgents Have Left Manila Suburbs
as Evidence Of Confidence In Us.
ptINFORCEMENTs FOR DEWEY.
our Peace Commissioners to Re In
surcd Against InterfeTence-Certai
European Power Moving to secure
palaVan.
PalaUnn.

Nf.N AOlslN3 Stpttihbti " h1 AVi-
loving dispatch has been received at the
Office here Of the Associated Press:
"3nnila. Philippine Islands. September
l9-The Filipino Government desire to
inform the American Government and
r1rIe that the many rumors circulated
regarding the strained relations between
se Filipino and American forces are
base. malicious ISLANDERS of the enemy to
both parties; are without foundation or
any truth. and are related for the pur-
nose of prcjudicing the appeal of the
rripinos for their release from the op-
rression and cruelty Of Spain. The fela-
..gus of our people and yours are and
will continue 10 be Of the most friendly
nature. and we have withdrawn our
forces from the suburbs of Manila as
a1 additional evidence of our confidence
in the great American republic.
lS.ncD "AGUlNALDo'
AsIINALDO'S MESSAGE WELCOME.
WASHINGTON. D. c., September "a
The officials of the state and War de-
rartmonts welcomed the notice sent to
tie American people, through the Asso-
c.ated Press. Of the falsity of the stories
describing the friction between the Fill
riuos and the American forces in ISuzon.
While the officials did not care to dis
cuss the matter for publication. it was
evident that the main source Of their
satisfaction was the information contain
ed I'm the document that Aguinaido mad
proated by warnings of the American
COMMANDERS and gracefully receded from
the arrogant attitude assumed by him
lust before General Merritt left Manila
for Parts.
BIG BATTLESHIPS FOR MANILA.
The Navy Department is rushing pre-
para rons for the start of the big battle
ships Oregon and Iowa. ana orders nave
been sent TO the naVy-yards 70 have the
mechanics work overtime on these ships.
l. is expected 10 have the ships start on
fhei- long voyage by the end Of the pres
ent month, and according to the depart
ment calculations, they would arrive at
their destination by the end of January.
There IS little effort now TO conceal the
fact that the department will have the
ehips met at Honolulu by a dispatch
boat, with orders TO turn their proWs
westward TO Manila. Battleships OF this
character are not needed 10 keep the
Filipino insurgents in order, and their
assembling at Manila, in conjunction with
the dispatch Of heavy reinforcements Of
troops for the American land forces, can
not but be regarded as significant.
TO SUPPORT PEACE COMMISSION.
In well-informed circles here 1t is said
that the real purpose Of the President IN
making these preparations is to insure
terlcrence in their work Of disposing Of
the future OF the Philippine Islands ac-
Cording to their best judgment. Not hav-
ing disclosed his plans respecting the
islands outside Of LuZon, the seat of the
capital of the group. the President still
reserves for the American peace com
IaIssioncrs the right TO dispose of the re-
i1ainder Of the islands as they may deem
best.
A long line Of curious incidents to
which one OF the great European overs
has been party, has. beyond question done
much TO cause feeling Of uneasiness on
tAe part of the administration as tend
ia, TO show a purpose TO interfere In our
iiec action In the Philippines, and this
has been only slightly diminished by ap-
Itreutly frank disclaimers OF an Interior
purpose. because the incidents continue
I4lelstr anu ia a Ai.ftA.'Nt N'N'~N'-''NN~
avoid attracting attention.
TRYING TO SECURE PALAWAN.
Such. for instance, is the gathering OF
naval vessels TO the south Of the Philip
pine group the only explanation of which,
coming from native sources. it is true, but
suu bearing marks OF genuineness. is a
purpose of acquiring either by seizure or
by some secret pact with the Spanish
Government. the important island OF
I'llawan. This particular island forms
one side of the gateway through which
must pass an of the extensive commerce
that flows between Australia, Micronesia,
and Southern China. The passage is mar
r0w. and III the islands of the Philippine
group are TO be retained, outside OF Luzon'
this island Of Palawan must be kept, as
forming one side OF the gateway.
10 ls gathered that il is the purpose OF
the President. therefore, to prevent the
alienation by Spain Of any OF the Philip
pine group. and that these preparations,
naval as well as military. are but steps
toward the execution OF his purpose With
the addition TO his fleet OF the two battle
ships. Admiral Dewey will have force
only second 20 that of Great Britain in
eastern waters, while on shore General
CHs will have a more numerous army
than any European Power, save Russia.