The times., 1898-12-10

received from Cen Otis and Admiral
Dewey. saying that everything is quiet
in the islands, and We are greatly graft
fled to know that such is the case. We
are anxious to have American schools es-
tablished and to have the English Ian
guage taught in the islands
Both Don Maxine and his brother were
very modest in speaking of themselves.
and were particularly desirous that ey
should not be made too prominent as
favoring annexation. They wished it
to be emphasized that the other wealthy
families of the island were eager for
such consummation. They said that
they heartily favored the project but
wanted the Americans to know part;cu-
larly that the general sentiment of the
Filipinos is to become a part of the
United States.
Among the letters of introduction borne
by the Fiiipinos are one from Gen. Mer-
ritt, acknowledging their services in the
American cause: one from Gen. Otis and
one from Consul General Wiidman, as
follows:
'On May G. 1898. Don Maximo Cortez. on
behalf of his family. the wealthy and dis
tinguished Cortez family of Manila, sent
a cablegram through this consulate to
President Mckinley submitting his allie
glance and praying for citizenship. Short
ly after. in my presence, ne gave Gen
Aguinaldo $4,000 with the understanding
that Aguinaldo was to fight solely for an
nexation. With the occupation of Manila
by Admiral Dewey and Gen Merritt. he
placed all his palaces and houses at the
disposal of our forces. Gen. Merritt ac-
knowledged the great service rendered to
our forces. both in my presence and to his
successor, Gen. Otis. In many other
ways such as giving information, the Cor
tez family has rendered valuable aid to
our people"
The Cortez estate, consisting of electric
and bank stock and cash in banks, to the
value of sl,50o.0O0. and of houses, real
estate, fishing preserves, furniture
horses and carriages, worth another
I,5Oo000, was all confiscated by the Span
ish authorities on the pretext that the
owners were not in Manila to help sup
press the fnsurgent rebellion when 1t
broke out in August, 1885, At that time
the Cortez family was living in Hong
Kong. where it had resided since 1895
because Don Doroteo Cortez, the father
barrister and land owner, has feared to
remain at Manila. The father had fear
iessly defended in court a native woman
who had been plundered of her wealth
by some Spanish officials. He won his
Because of his temerity, he was banished
for two years, with hint that he had
better remain away. He returned at the
expiration of his term and Immediately
began another fight for the same woman.
In retaliation, it was charged that the
lawyer had poisoned girl whom he had
never seen. He was thrown into prison
The charge could not be sustained. and
he was liberated but he decided that Ma
Mia was no place for him and went to
Hong Kong.
When the insurgent war began the Cor
tez property with that of other wealthy
Filipinos was confiscated by the Spanish
The American officials are now managing
the Cortez family property and monthly
rentals of about 5000 are being turned
over in trust to Consul General Wildman
The case of Cortez Is well known at the
State Department a petition having been
presented by him, through Consul General
Wildman in January. 1885, asking for the
interference of the United States on be-
half of the Filipinos.