The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1898-09-16
THE AMERICANS At LUZON
Overlooked by the Spaniards
in g. New Division.
SITUATION AT MANILA CRITICAL
Dewey Asks for More Ships--Rash As
sertions of the Spani sli- Ex pecting
Aid From Germany.

Manila. Sept. Ia. - Rear-Admiral
Dewey says he considers the situation
critical. He has asked for an addition
al cruiser and battle-ship. The
Spaniards assert that Germany will
take coaling station here, and that
Spain will retain the remainder of tie
islands. The last Spanish garrison at
Ilocos and Lagunet have surrendered,
and the whole island of Luzon is in the
hands of the insurgents, except Manila
and Cavite.
Aguinaldo went to Lelollos on Fri
day. He has announced his intention
of convening an assembly of the Fill
pinos on September 10 in order to de-
eide upon the policy to be adopted by
the insurgents.
The correspondent here of the Asso-
ciated Press has had an interview with
Aguinaldo, who said there were $4,000
insurgents armed with rifles. He added
he could raise 100, 900 men. Indeed.
the insurgent leader pointed out the
whole population was willing to fight
fol their Independence.
Continuing, Aguinaldo said he had
5000 military prisoners, including
5000 in the vicinity of Manila, besides
civil prisoners. Later Aguinaldo said
the provisional government was now
operating % provinces. He asserted
that in August he appointed delegates
In pIopol tion to the population.
AS to the Americans, Aguinaldo re-
marked that he considered them as
brothers; that "the two sovereign re-
publlcs were allied against common
enemy"
When questioned as to whether the
future of the Filipinos' policy would be
absolute independence, Aguinaldo ex-
cused himself from replying, and asked
what America intends to do.
The correspondent being unable to
answer this question, Aguinaldo con-
tinued:
"We have been fighting for inde-
pendence for long time. The natives
who profess to favor annexation are in
sincere. 1t Is merely ruse to ascer-
tain American views"
Asked If the Filipinos would reject
the retention of Manila, Aguinaldo de-
clined to answer.
"Would the Filipinos object to
if recognizing the Independence of the
islands or establishing a temporary
protectorate over them?"
Aguinaldo again refused to answer.
Pending the conclusions of the assem-
bly,, Aguinaldo said he was confident
there would be no trouble between
America and the Filipinos. The in
surgent leader denied having received
request from General Otis and Rear
Admiral Dewey to withdraw his troops
to prescribed distance from Manila
and Cavite, and he declined to discuss
the effect of such a request. AguinaldO
further asserted that he had never con-
ferred with the American authorities
since the capitulation of Manila, and
that he had never authorized the insur-
gents to search or disarm Americans
crossing the line.
The correspondent closely questioned
him about last Saturdays incident,
when the Pennsylvania troops proceed
ed to establish new outpost. The
Filipinos objected, and nearly precipi-
tated hostilities, ordering the Ameri-
cans to withdraw in 20 minutes. They
issued ammunition, and intercepted
the American reinforcements. Finally
General Hale ordered all the Pennsyl-
vanians to advance and the rebels with
drew.
The local governor has explained that
the incident was a mistake, and has
repudiated his subordinates' action.
Aguinaldo declared to this correspond
ent that the Filipino who made the
trouble merely pretended to be an Off
Ger, and is entirely unconnected with
the insurgent army.
Aguinaldo complained that the Span
ish were disseminating these reports
for the purpose of fomenting antag-
onism between the Filipinos and the
Americans"
The whole interview conveyed the
impression that Aguinaldo desires abso-
lutte Independence, regarding the mis-
sion of the Americans here as accom-
plished, and expects their withdrawal
''just as the French with Lafayette
withdrew after helping the Americans
in the war of Independence, war of
humanity"
just now Aguinaldo maintains the
role of extreme friendship.
Rest Mines ON American Sfda