The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-20
He Thus Characterizes the Rumors
Which are AhOat.
THE PRESIDENTS PURPOSE.
IL Is said That His Object in Sending
Battleships to Manila is TO Pro-
vide Against Interference
with the Work of the
Peace COmmis-
siOners.

NEW YORK, Sept. 19.-The following
dispatch has been received at the office
here Of the Associated Press:
MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Sept. l9.-The Filipino Government de-
sire to inform the American Government
and people that the many rumors cir
culated regarding the strained relations
between the Filipino and American forces
are base, malicious. ISLANDERS Of the enemy
to both parties. are without foundation
or any truth, and are related FOR the
purpose Of projudicing the appeal Of the
Tillpinos for their release from oppres-
sion and cruelty Of Spain. The relations
Of our people and yours are and will
continue to be Of the most friendly ma
ture. and we have Withdrawn our forces
from the suburbs Of Manila as an addi-
uonal evidence Of our confidence in the
great American republic.
(signoD AGUINALDO.
THE TIDlNGS WELCOMED.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19.-The officials
az the State and War Department well
coined the notice sent 20 the American
people. through the Associated Press. Of
the falsity OF the stories describing the
friction between the Filipinos and the
American forces in LuzOn. While the
officials did not care to discuss tie mat
ter for publication, it was evident that
the main source Of their satisfaction was
the information contained in the docu-
ment that Aguinaldo had prohted by tho
a.. dare md
gracefully receded from the arrogant at
titude assumed by him just before Gen.
eral Merritt left Manila for Paris.
The Navy Department IS rushing prep
aratlons for the start of the big battle
ships Oregon and Iowa. and orders have
been sent 20 the navy yards 10 have
mechanics work overtime on these ships.
II IS expected 10 have them start on their
long voyage by the end Of the present
month and according TO the Department
calculations, they would arrive az their
destination by the end Of January.
There is little effort now 10 conceal tho
fact that the Department VIII have the
ships met at Honolulu by a dispatch boat
with orders 20 turn their prows westward
20 Manila.
BATTLEsHIPs NOT NEEDED.
Battleships of this character are not
needed 20 keep the FiIpinos Insurgents
in order and their assembling az Ma
nila in conjunction with the dlspatch
boat of heavy reinfOrcements Of troops
for the American land forces cannot but
be REGARDED as significant.
I'm wcll-inf0rmed circles here, II IS SAID
that the real purpose Of the President In
making these preparations IS 10 insure
the Peace Commissioners against any
| interference in their work Of dispOsing
of the future Of the Philippine Islands,
according 10 their best judgment not
having disclosed his plans respecting the
islands outside OF Luzon. the seat OF the
capital Of the group. the President sun
reserves for the American Peace Com
rnissionors the right TO dispose OF the
remainder Of the islands as they may
deem best.
A long line Of curious Incidents 10
which one of the great European powers
| has been party. has beyond question dphe
much 10 cause a feeling OF uneasiness
on The part of the administration as tend
ing 20 show purpose to interfere IN our
| free action in the Philippines ana thi5
| has been only slightly diminished by ap-
rqrentlv frank disclaimers OF an Interior
nrrposo. because the incidents continue
| quietly and in a manner calculated TO
| avoid attracting attention. such, Tor
instance. is the gathering on naFal yes
soils 20 the South Of the Philippine
group. the only explanation or Which
coming from native zources. u IS true.
| i.Yf sam bearing marks OF gonuineness. Is
a, purpose OF acquiring either by seizure
or by some secret pact with me SPANS I.
government. the important island OF
| Paiawan.
! GATEWAY OF COMMERCE..
This particular island forms one side OF
tho gateway through which must pass al.
| of the extensive commerce tnat noWs De-
| tween Australia, Micronesia ana Southern
J China. Tho passage is narrow and it me
| islands OF the Philippines group are 20 be
retained outside OF Luzon this island Of
| Palawan must be kept as forming one
| .,-a Of the gateway. ~ ia gathered that
it Is the purpose OF the President. there
! core. 10 prevent the alienation by Spain
| Of any Of the Philippine group, and nat
these preparations. naval as wen a. NIL
o.,c--.o::,c,3otoc-.trocs3c'c'c,c'c'9ooC