The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-12
MORE TROOPS.
Concluded from First Page


dltions of the honorable peace concluded on
the l4th of December, 1897, between Agui-
haldo on behalf of the Philippine rebels
behalf of Spain had not been carried out,
although their immediate execution had been
VOuched for in the agreement. These re-
forms could have provided protection to the
people against organized oppression and ra-
pacity. religious fraternities, and would
procedure in courts and have made good in
many ways the improvement in hscal con-
ditions of the people The population by
made by Rivera left the rebel leaders, who
had for the most part gone to Hong-Kong,
free to act And it was in pursuance of
that freedom of action that Aguinaldo again
sought counsel of friends in Saigon and
Singapore with a view of the immediate re-
sumption of hostilities in the Philippines.
Meanwhile Mr.. Bray was introduced to
Spencer Pratt, consul general of the United
States. who was anxious, in view of contin-
gencies. to learn as much as possible about
the real condition of the Philippines. 1t
a few days after this that Aguinaldo
arrived at Singapore when he at once met
his friends, including Bray. Affairs were
now becoming more warlike. Bray, after a
conversation with Pratt, eventually ar
tieman and Aguinaldo. There were present
Gen. ImiliO Aguinaldo y Femi r. Spencer
Pratt. consul general Of the United States
of America; Howard w; Bray, Aguinaldo,s
private secretary, ]. Leyba, Col. M. H.
Del Pillar and Mariselno Santos.
During the conference, at which Bray
American Consul General Pratt the Incl
dents and objects of the late rebellion and
described the present disturbed state of the
country. Aguinaldo then proceeded to de-
tail the nature of the cooperation he could
give, in which he, in the event of the
American forces from the squadron landing
and taking possession of Manila, would
guarantee to maintain order and discipline
among the native troops and inhabitants in
the same humane way in which he had
hitherto conducted war and prevent them
from committing outrages on detenseless
SpaniardS beyond the inevitable in fair and
honorable warfare. He further declared his
ability to establish a proper and RESPONSE
BILE government on liberal principles and
would be willing to accept the same terms
for the country as the United States intend
ed giving Cuba.
The consul general of the United States
coinciding with the general views expressed
during the discussion placed himself at once
in telegraphic communication with Admiral
Dewey at aongKt9ng between f wa1m
consequently took place. As re,
suit another private interview was arranged
at the American consular residence 6etTeen
Aguinaldo Spencer. Pratt, Howard, Bray
and Leyba. The sequel of this interview
and in response to the urgent f. rsGuesr pe
for Hong-Kong and thence went to Mania.
The Influence of this incident of the future
of the Philippines may prove to be or far-
reaching historical character.
General Aguinaldo's policy embraces the
independence of the Philippines, whose IN
ternal affairs would be controlled under tu-
ropean and American advisers. American
protection will be desirable temporarily on
the same lines as that which might be IN
sttuted hereafter in Cuba. The ports of
the Philippines would be free to the trace 60, OF
the world safeguards being enacted against
an influX of Chinese aliens who would COM
pete with the industrious population of the
country. There would be a complete re-
country under experienced European law
officers. The entire freedom of the press
would be established we'll as thought ana
public meetings. There would be general
religious federation and steps would be taken
for the expulsion of the tyrannical religious
fraternties which have such a strong. mana
IN every branch of the civil administration
Full provision would he given for the ex.
ploitation of the natural resources ano
wealth of the country by roads, railways
and by the removal of all hindrances 10 en-
terprise and the investment of capital. the
Spanish officials would be removed to to "a
FOR their return to SPAIN The preservation
Of public safety and order and the checking
Of reprisals against the Spaniards woulo
naturally have been the first care OF the
government in the new state of things