Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-09-12

Manila: that their troops be stationed at
each of the principal five roads leading
from the city. and that their principal
strength be centered at TOndo. Paco. and
Malate
Aguinaldo cllngs to the impossible idea
of joint occupation. The Americans are
willing TO continue the condition of things
prior to the surrender of Manila, but the
insurgents are continually encroaching and
are constantly working in the trenches
surrounding the city. They declare that
they are merely Strengthening themselves
against the Spanish but actually they are
menacing the Americans.
The Spanish have been endeavoring to
provoke conflict, telling the Filipinos that
the Americans intend TO return the islands
TO Spain. A great many Filipinos believe
the story and think that in that case the
Americans would re-establish the Spanish
in power.
There has been considerable petty devil
try, such as robberies. assaults, kidnapping
etc, the tendency of which is to create
friction. The perpetrators usually wear
the insurgent uniform. Information is
reaching the American authorities that the
Spanish are melting much of the disorder
in the hope of producing trouble between
the Americans and the insurgents. High
Spanish officials are accused of being con-
cerned in this scheme.
Insurgents Must Withdraw.
General Otis is determined to terminate
this equiyocal situation. promptly, and has
notified Aguipaldo that the Filipinos must
withdraw before fixed date or the Amer
leans will use force, 1t being impossible for
the Americans to permit armed forces not
recognized as allies to occupy territory sur
rendered TO themselves.
This ultimatum had not been answered
at this writing. The Filipinos. however,
insist that they are maintaining their po-
sition against the Spanish, and not against
the Americans. They say that If they had
the assurance that in case the Americans
should leave the Philippines their own po-
stion would not be made worse every
thing would be lovely. but they refuse to
consider the impossibilfty of the Americans
giving such assurance while they are nego-
tiating with Spain.
The Filipinos practically demand recog-
milton of their belligerency as condition
precedent to their withdrawal from the
city. and ignore the impossbility of the
Americans granting such demand.
A Filipino councillor who is close to
Aguinaldo says the insurgents will insist
upon receiving an assurance of recogni-
ton, even at the cost of a conflict with the
Americans. The uselessness of such a
course being explained TO him, he replied:
I'VE can only die
Say Freedom Is Their Aim.
Aguinaldo himself said to the writer yes
terday: when the rebellion started inde-
pendence was the sole idea of the Filipinos
Since the Americans have been forced to
interfere the Filipinos hope to gain some
reward from the Americans for their work
and sacrifice of blood, life and treasure.
They live for recognition of their liberty"
This is the first public admission from
Aguinaldo that the Filipinos would be sat
isfied with anything less than absolute in
dependence.
Aguinaldo transferred his headquarters
yesterday to Malalos, thirty miles north of
Manila. 1t was good strategicai move.
Malaios is difficult to attack, and Admiral
narr ayfC 1nf
A gentleman connected with an eXpedi-
tion under instructions to study the situa-
ton and conditions here and report con-
retaining the islands has formed these con-
clusions from personal investigation and
| conversation with leading Ftlipinos, both
of the insurgents and those not allied with
them; Spanish officials, army, naval and
civil: Spanish business men, Spanish prfs-
pners, and foreigners of all nationalities
interested here:
Problem of the Philippines.
1.-THE enormous wealth and undeveloped
resources of the islands" he said, 'are un-
disputed.
"The people are docie and easily man.
aged. and would ready submit to any gov
eminent that would control them firmly
and protect and direct them without the
oppression and injustice they suffered un-
These people are absolutely untitled for
! citizenship as the term is understood in
America.
THE Filipinos would be unable to main
tain an Independent government, even In
| the island of Luzon. If they could estap-
| lish Il.
..rhe Spanish would be utterly unable at
any time in the near future to discharge
| the duty of government toward life and
uroperty in the island of Luzon.
| THE form of government in the Ameri-
can territories prior to their admission to
statehood would be impracticable here
This gentleman. an officer. has rendered
report embodying these conclusions,
which undoubtedly express the consensus
Of opinion of the men best Informed here
| The first issue of the Independence, a
| Filipino newspaper. officially salutes Pres
| assuring them of the Filipinos friendship
and gratitude for assisting the Eflipinos
i to put an end to Spanish domination in the
Philippines; and hopes that the Americans