The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-12-17

MANILA, Philippine Islands, Dec. l6.
Rear Admiral Dewey, when cor
respondent OF the Associated Press
called upon him to-day, courteously,
pleasantly, but absolutely declined 20
discuss the political situation In the
Philippine islands, on the ground that
his sphere was purely naval.
The admiral seldom goes ashore and
insisted that his interviewer was in a
better position to acquire Information
than himself. He then proceeded 10
cross-examine the correspondent about
everything ashore. He was glad to
learn the Insurgents were releasing the
sick Spanish soldiers they held prison
ers, notwithstanding AsuinaldOs gran
diloquent refusal to do SO. This proves
that the insurgents are very concllla-
tory, in spite OF their defiant talk.
Admiral Dewey always believed that
the insurgents were friendly, especially
since the warships of our feet have vls-
tied the different ports OF these Islands
and since some of our officers have
made tours inland, carefully investiga-
ting popular sentiment and ju-
dielously preaching the gospel %
peaceful settlement everywhere with
highly satisfactory results. A
few influential Filipinos, IN an
ambitious attempt at self-advancement
are clamorIng for Independence, though
unable to realize its true meaning.
They are utterly ignorant of the differ
ence between the name and the reality.
The agitators here invariably admit
that they would be unable to stand
without American protection, but in
spite of this they continue their mean
ingiess outcry for independence and
may possibly create trouble. The adj
mirai, however, believes this TO be inn
probable at the present 1uncture, though
every trIhing incident counts. How
ever, every day that passes With
out conflict means so much gain, be-
cause the friendly feeling is steadily In
creasing. the lncipient roughness Is
disappearing aud the agitatOrs are
weakening.
The newspapers of Manila are doing
particularly valuable work In the SIM
uitnaeOus publication Of cunriiiatory nr-
ticles printed in Spanish and In Eng
llsh. This course is looked upon as be-
Ing certain to eliminate the friction
which has existed here.
The admiral Is greatly interested in
tho HTnFlrnn
volunteers to obtain their DISCHARGES
here and engage In ploneering enter
prlses. He believes there Is a practlc-
ally unlimited field for planters, farmers
aud miners here To the suggestion that
II the natives prove to be Obstreperous
perhaps they might be handed over to
the Germans or other un0entle land
grabbers, the admiral said he believed
the Germans now have entirely aban-
dehed their design In the Philippine ls-
laNdr. though, formerly, he said, the
German attitude here had caused him
IhdescrIbable anxiety.
According to recent information re-
celved here, the Filipino insurgents arc
endeavoring to maintain brave show
for the purpose OF securing the best
terms possible from the Americans. 1t
is the opinion Of our admiral that 1t
would be advisable for the United
States to pay insurgent troops their
arrears OF wages. The whole amount
would be a comparatively trifing sum
and the payment OF the troops would
have a valuable effect and may save In
calculablG trouble.
Admiral Dewey was strongly con-
WINGED that the Filipino insurgents de-
serve Acknowledgement. He Is be-
lIeyer in the practIcabIllty of liberal
measures in the direction OF local au-
toRomy.
Regarding the possibility OF tnterna-
tional complications, Admiral Dewey
said: ''Prlor to the arrival OF the monl-
tors / felt uneasy. but now am ready
TO hold this position against the whole
earth."