Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-09-17
INSuRGENT CHIEF IS ARROGANT
Controls Every Foot of the Island
Except That Held by the
Americans.
TROUBLE MAY BE EXPECTED
Filipinos Ignore the Terms OF the
Protocai.--Aguinaido Says He
Cannot Control Ills
Troops.

respondent or the llmeS, tclegrapnlnB
September D, says:
"The i%nsurgent conquest of the is
land of Luzon is rapidly approaching
completion. Recent authentic reports
nnoun the capture of successive
Spanish positions and at present the
rebels control every foot of the island
except Manila, Cavite and a small por-
ton of the province of Albany.
They hold over 1900 Spanish pris-
oners and have recently captured sew
cral thousand rifles, some cannon, a
large quantity of ammunition and sew
oral small armed steamers. The Span
iards held out vigorously, but were
fighting against the inevitable.
1T is undeniable that the action Of
the insurgents in pursuing the auI-
paign after an armistice was declared
has caused much useless suffering and
destruction OF property and has ami
hilated their every claim TO be consid-
cred in any respect as the allies Of the
Americans.
"They are now free To withdraw
their troops, TO make an expedition
against Papay and to capture lloilo.
by continuing the campaign now, re-
gardless Of the armistice, they put
themselves in the wrong with every
body.
"Thcir action is doubtless due part
~ to a Reorganization of their force,
which, by their own confession, con
sists of a congregation Of Independent
units, with chiefs, each ambitious Of
power and distinction and all strug-
Cling for positions which will secure
for them, by booty or otherwise, pri-
waite fortunes. This Reorganization
has been constantly ~fomenting the ir-
ritation resulting from the dual occu-
patton Of the suburbs of Manila. The
situation has been impossible from the
beginning and conflicts have been
avoided only by great tact and the cx-
traordinary patience Of the American
troops, who Loyalty observe their duty
of preserving the peace OF II town.
A~suinnido's Arrogance.
"Aguinaldo has persistently de-
manded in terms not too polite vari-
Gus impossible concessions, for exam
pie, an occupation of the governor gem
erals palace and other palaces, "A writ
ten assurance that the insurgents will
I've permitted to occupy permanently
their military position around Manila
and protection for the insurgent YES
sells by the American fleet, with many
other claims, including an innocent
demand for a share of the booty cap
turcd by the Americans at Manila.
After n careful review of the situa-
ton General Otis arrived at the log
ical conclusion that the insurgents
have no right TO occupy the bur
Of Manila and that ~Aguinaldo's claims
have the support of neither equity
nor reason. He has therefore Categor-
icallv refused to consider Aguinaldo's
demands and today sent him an ulti-
matum, in terms plainly comprehen-
siblc and authoritative, that he must
withdraw his troops from the suburbs
before the 18th or suffer the consc-
of refusal.
'"The answer will probably be that
Aouinaldo himself is only too willing
to obey the order, but cannot explain
TO his troops the reasons why they
cannot remain in Manila. This tempo
riZing excuse, although now stale
from too frequent use, c%onceals much
truth. II is an undoubted fact that
Aguinaldo has but a feeble hold on
the organization. His power is fast
waning and the insurgents are threat
encd with disintcgration into oppos"
ing factions unless some leaders are
discovered who are able to har-
monte the conflicting personal inter
ests.
at is reported that the presidency
of the revolutionary government Will
be offered to Caictano Arellano ut IA
at Malolos on September ID.
Arellanu is n lawyer OF excellent re-
pute, the one man among the Filipinos
who is universally respected. 1t is
doubtful whether he will undertake
the task Of steering n rudderless ship.
whatever may happen at the con"
gress. there is no possible appearance
that the natives are capable OF sell
government. The educated class nei-
ther desire nor hope for complete in
dependence and will welcome any pro-
tectorate which the people
rood government without a tinge OF
Spanish methods. The masses of the
revolutionists. on the other hand, are
bitterly opposed to any solution OF
the question which does not promise
untrammeled independence.
Everybody is respondent concern
ing the possible action of the pro-
posed congress and the outcome OF
the present strained relations between
the Americans and the insurgents.
The situation is considered very crit
Many IA man wishes he had been
horn n woman so he couldn't have