New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-17
DEWEY EXPECTS NO TROUBLE
FILIPINOS MORE CONCILIATORY-VIEW
OF THE REAR-ADMIRAL ON THE
SITUATION IN THE ISLANDS

Manila, Dec. 6.-Rear-Admiral Dewey. when
correspondent of The Associated Press called
upon him to-day. courteousy. pleasantly. but
absolutely declined TO discuss the political situa-
ton In the Philippine Islands. on the ground
that mis- sphere was purely naval. The gallant
Admiral seldom goes ashore, and insisted that
his interviewer was in better position to ac
qure information than himself He then pro-
ceeded to cross examine the correspondent about
everything ashore. He was glad to learn the
insurgents were releasing the sick Spanish SOL
ders they held prisoners Notwithstanding
Aguinaldo's grandiloquent refusal to do so. This
proves that the insurgents very conciliatory.
In spite Of their defiant talk. Admiral Dewey
always believed that the insurgents were friend
y. especially since the warships OF our fleet have
visited the different ports of these islands. and
since some OF our officers have made tours in
land. carefully investigating popular sentiment
and 1udicously preaching the gospel c' peace
ful settlement everywhere with highly salts
factory results A few influential Filipinos in
an ambitious attempt at self-advancement are
clamoring for independence though unable to
realize its true meaning. They utterly ig-
norant Of the difference between the name a-d
the reality
The agitators here invariably admit that they
would be unable to stand without American pro-
lection. But in spite of this they continue their
meaningless outcry for independence. and may
possibly create trouble. The Admiral. however.
believes this to be improbable at the present
junctura though every trifing incident counts.
However every day that passes without con-
fct means so much gain. becau5c the friendly
feeling is steadily increasing the incipent
roughness is disappearing. and the asitatocs are
Weakening
The newspapers o" Manila doing par
ticularly valuable work in the simultaneous
publication or cOncatcry articles printed in
Spanish and in English. This course Is looked
upon as being certain to eliminate the friction
which has existed here.
The Admiral is greatly interested In the move
ment among the American volunteers TO obtain
their discharges here and engage In pioneering
enterprises. He believes there Is a practically
unlimited field for planters, farmers and miners
here. and it is suggested that If the natives
prove to be '5streperous perhaps 1t would he
a useful expedient to threaten to hard ticri
to the Germans to other ungente land
grabbers. 1t is believed the G' lans now have
entirely abandoned their designs on the Philip
pine Islands. though formerly the German atti-
tudc here caused Admiral Dewey indescribable
anxiety
According TO recent information received here,
the Filipino insu: is are endeavoring to main
tain a brave show for the purpose Of securing
the best terms possible from Americans. 1t
is the opinion Of Admiral Dewey that II would
be advisable for the United States TO pay the
insurgent troops their arrears Of wages. The
whole amount would only be comparatively
trifing sum- and the payment OF the troops
would have valuable effect and may save in
calcula .e trouble.
Finally, Admiral Dewey strongly con-
WINGED that the Filipino insurgents deserve ac-
acknowledgement. He is believer in the practi-
cability of liberal measures in the direction Of
local autonomy.
Regarding the possibility of international CON-
plcatons. Admiral Dewey said
Prior TO the arrival of the monitors l felt
uneasy But now l am ready 10 hold this posi-
tion against the whole earth