Evening star., 1898-12-22
Dealing with AcuipaIdo


On the Goth Dewey makes his first men
tion of the appearance on the scene of
AguinaIdo. He says, in part: "Aguinaldo,
the rebel commander -in-chief was brought
down by the McCulloch. Organizing forces
near Cavte and may render assistance that
will be valuable. If attacked by su-
periOr force, the squadron will endeavOr to
give a good account of itself"
This last was IN response to expressed
anxiety by the Navy Department at the
prospects of Camara's squadron appearing
at Manila. On the 10Th of May, in response
to DeWey's statement touching Aguinaldo,
Secretary Long cabled that Dewey had the
complete confidence of the government but
added: 1T is desirable far as possible
and consistent for your success and safety
not to have political alliances with the in
surgents or any factions in the island that
would incur a liability to maintain their
cause in the future
Dewey replied, thanking the department
for its expression of confidence and saying
Have acted according to the spirit of the
departments instructions therein from the
beginning, and L have entered into no { lii
ance with the insurgents or with any fac
ton. This squadron can reduce the de-
fenSes of Nd lila at any moment, but ii is
considered useless until the arrival Of suf-
ficient United States forces to retain pos
session
On the 27th of June, reporting further of
L
eral conferences with him, generally of a
personal nature. Consistently | have re-
Trained from assisting him in any way with
the foe unaer my command, and On sew
eral occasions have declined requests 10
do so, telling him the squadron could not
act until the arrival of United States
troops.
AT the same time 1 have given him to
understand that l consider the insurgents
as friends. being opposed to a common
enemy. Aguinaldo has acted inde-
pendenty of the squadron, but has kept
me advised of his progress, which has been
wonderful. Have advised frequently to
conduct the war humanely, which he has
done invariably My relations with him
are cordial but | am not in his confidence
The United States has not been bound in
any way to assist the insurgents by any
acts promises, and he is not to nv
knowledge permitted to assist US. | believe
he expects to capture Manila without my
assistance, but doubt ability, they not vet
having many guns. In my opinion these
people are far superior in their intelligence
and more capable of self-government than
the natives of Cuba, and l am familiar
with both of these races"
Under date of August Il Dewey trans
mits for Merritt cablegram stating that
the insurgents demand joint occupation of
the city of Manila, and asking for instruc-
tions. The President replied: There must
be no joint occupation with the insurgents
The United States In the possession of the
city, bay and harbor of Manila must pre-
serve peace, protecting persons and prop
erty in the territory occupied by their
naval and military forces. Insurgents and
all others must recognize the military occu-
patton of authority of the United States
and the cessation of hostilities proclaimed
by the President. Use any means in your
Judgment necessary for this end All law
abiding people must be treated alike"
September II Dewey was telegraphed to
use his influence during the suspension of
hostilities between the United States and
Spain to restrain insurgent hostilties to-
ward the Spaniards, and while maintain
ing a position Of rightful supremacy as to
the insurgents, to pursue, as far as possi-
BILE, a conciliatory course to ALL"