The evening times., 1898-10-03
MERRITT FEELS SANGUINE
Does not Expect Serious Trou'
BILE With Insurgents.
EXPRESSES HIS OPINIONS
In Brief Talk at MarseiIles en-
wiser of the American Peace Com
mission Refers TO Affairs in the
Philippine Islands.

Paris, Oct. 3.-Major Gen. Merritt ar
rived yesterday at Marseilles from Ma
Mia, en- route to this city Accompanied
by Majors Strother and Hale Captain
Mott and Private Secretary Howell, he
reached Marseilles early yesterday morn
ing on the Peninsular and Oriental mail
boat Arcadia. The entire party appear
TO be in excellent health
Gen. Merritt said that when he left
Manila on August 49, there was q de-
cided Improvement in the Philippine sit
uation. He did not anticipate any serious
trouble with the insursent leaders and
believed that the measures taken by our
Government al the request of Admiral
Dewey and himself are ample, TO insure
tranquility.
An opinion of the Insurgents.
Upon being asked if thought the in
surEents lit for self-government, Gen.
Merritt said, according TO a report OF
an interview with him after he had land
ed from the steamer and was enjoying
himself by stretching his legs, after the
long voyage, indulging, in the meantime,
in a fragrant Manila cheroot:
Il doubt il under present conditions.
Their leaders are very intelligent, and
so far ! can judge, than the Cuban
insurgent leaders.
The Filipinos, too, are relatively bet
ter off than the Cubans. i think that if
they find that the Spanish government is
not TO be retained they viii be perfectly
amenable TO a government of the kind
that is likely TO be established.
The permanent forces in the Philip
pines may be relied upon to support q
stable government.
The people want peace. They are
tired OF disturbance. They desire to set
TO work to develop the undoubtedly great
resources Of the islands"
do you consider annexation of the ISL
ands, or Of Luzon only, or merely the es-
tabgishment of naval base at Manila
the best policy?"
THAT is a big question and one ! can
not possibly answer until l am asked it
by the members OF the Peace Commits
sion / don't deny, however, that it is a
grave problem"
Did YOU consult with Admiral Dewey
about the advice 10 be rendered to the
Peace Commission respecting the future
OF the Philippines"
The admiral and myself were, Of
course, in constant communication. / can
speak for him if the Peace Commission
requires me TO do so"
Kind Word for AguinaIdO.
what opinion have you Of Aguinaldo?'
Gen Merritt was asked.
He is a man about whom opinions in
the Philippines differ" he responded.
Some think him bright and well meaning;
others say he is intractable personally
but is amcnable to some extent TO advis-
ers whose counsels are IN the main wise.
He seemed TO me TO be getting on fairly
well
You must remember that he suddenly
finds himself, after many years Of for
lorn struggle, in a position Of uneXpect
ed influence, and has naturally becom,
inflated with sense Of his own impor-
tance.
He may be difficult to deal with unles.
his advisers use their influence discreet
ly"
Does Admiral Dewey share your view.
Of AguinaldO?"
Il cannot speak for Admiral Dewey.
express my own opinions only, though
have no reason to suppose that the admi
raj would disapproye what / have said
Had Pleasant Companions.
The general then turned the subject 10y
saying: we had a very fine voyage ant
agreeable company, particularly from
Egypt, where several British officers whC
took part in the batter of Omdurmar
Joined US.
I'VE found plenty to talk about in oul
respective experiences. These Britisl