, 1898-11-17
AGU|NALDO DEFIANT.
GENERAL OTIS MEETS WITH RE-
FUSAL IN ASKING RELEASE
OF PRISONERS.
Spaniards on the Island of Panay Are
Believed to Be in Great Danger
American Troops Are Not Avail
able For Use in Protecting the
Citizens.


able For Use in Protecting the
Citizens.
Manila, Nov. 1G.-General Otis, the
commander Of the American forces. re-
Gently proposed to A~guinaldo that he
release the friars and civilians held in
captivity throughout the provinces.
The insurgent leader denied their
maltreatment and refused to release
them claiming that the civilians had en-
listed as volunteers and therefore were
legitimate prisoners of war. Aguin-
aldo also denied that women and chill
and children had voluntarily accom-
panied their husbands or fathers into
captivity.
AS to the friars, Aguinaldo argues
that they are prohibited by the pope
from accepting parochial appointments,
that thevare only permitted to follow
monastic lives and that the parishes
are entrusted to ministers Of the indie
pendent monastic orders.
He adds that the Philippine clericals
have deliberately and Systematically
deceived the pope. pretending that the
country was barabrors. UNIT for regu-
lar ministry and nat it was necessary
that the monastic orders should ad-
minister the parishes. Therefore, Agu-
inaldo continues, he considers it neces-
sary to detain the Friars until the
pope is undeceived.
The Spanish papers here assert that
a sanguinary mutiny has axe place
on board the steamship Bernardino and
that the native crew massacred their
Spanish officers. These papers also ap-
peal to the United States to control the
natives.
Advices from Tloilo say the natives
of hat city distrust Aguinaldo and
want American domination.
MERRITT CALLS THEM CHILDREN
London, Nov. l6.-General Wesley
Merritt, L. S. A., who is still in this
city. has read with a great deal Of in
terest the long letter Of complaint
against American officials in the Phil
ippine islands addressed by the social
ed Filipino junta Of Hong Kong to
President Mckinley and the people.
In discussing the Filipinos. the
American general refers to them as
Children" and says it would be m
possible to establish American govern
ment in the islands. He adds they
must have some form OF colonial gov
eminent, similar to the British colon
ial governments.
Regarding the complaints of the Fill
ipinos. the general said: ut was i'm
possible to recognize the insurgents
and | made it a point not to do so, as
knew it would lead to complications.
Admiral Dewey, after my arrival, pur-
sued the same course. What was done
before is not for me to comment upon.
| ~purposely did not recognize Aguin-
aldo or his troops. O did l use them
in any way. A%guinaldo did not ask to
see me until ten days after my arrival.
After that | was too much occupied to
see him.
I'm talking with the leading Fill
ipiuos | told them the United States had
no promises to make. but that they
might be assured that the government
and people OF the United States would
treat them fairly. This was because the
United States was in the habit of deal
ing fairly with all struggling peoples
and not because | had been authorized
to say anything Of the kind.
We purposely did not give the insur-
gents notice of our attack on Manila
because We did not need their cooper
alton and did not propose TO have 1t.
We were moved by fear that they might
loot and plumber and possibly murder.
Aguinaldo's subordinate leaders.in con-
conversing with American officers, IRE
auently said they intended to cut the
throats of all the Spaniards in Manila.
"Aguinaldo himself wrote a COM
planning letter saying the insurgents
had been denied their share OF the
booty whatever he may have meant by
that. / took no notice of this letter.
o do / think the subject now raised
is a matter for discussion between
Apuinaldo and any representative OF
the American government.