The San Francisco call., 1898-06-21
AND THE PHILIPPINES

T is very probable that grave complications will
 arise in the Philippines, due to Aguinaldos proc lamation of independence. If he defeat. the Spanish garrison in Manila and add the city to his recent conquests in the provinces, we will have to treat with him to the future of the Islands He IS a mongrel with all the ambition and strut of the Spanlard. If Manila surrender to him and then our forces appear in front of the city they cannot land without his consent, is 1t likely that he will turn his prize to Dewey, surrender his con quest and jurisdiction to Governor General Merritt
 He has made deals with the Spaniards before to his advantage and is not made of that sort of stuff which scruples and shes when sefinterest is to be served and power gained by the sword is to be retained and exercised
 To his followers change from Spanish to Amer can domination is simply change of masters. They largely of Chinese and Malay blood and their leaders are thoroughly informed of the attitude of Americans toward those races One of the things that may be expected to happen is Spanish sur render to Agunaldo and a combination of the de- eated Spanish force with his revolutionary army to preserve the independence which he has been n such haste to proclaim When a masterful and unscrupu- ous character combines Asiatic and Spanish n- trigue its action in crisis is hardly caculable and is always surprising. From standpoint we would say that of course Aguinaldos gratitude to the United States will induce him to turn his ocn- quest to us and resign his power to the Ameri- Governor General This view is based upon implied patriotism and unselhshness which not elements in his character among the motives of his revolution. He has prospered as insurgent He pocketed a Spanish bribe of $8ooooo to betray the cause he led and the who followed him. Having sold himself he did not stay bought. He Is an insurgent for only and the first in his tory who has shown the ability to his cake and keep it. If he takes Manila and makes combina- ton with the Spanish garrison he is in position to make cash deal with Germany. The Philippines will be his conquest, not ours and under the laws of 1t is rather difficult to find valid objection to such disposition of his conquest pleases him. Suppose he make German deal, our position would be exactly reversed We saying to Ger many "hands off" Then, resting upon Aguinaldo's proclamation of independence and his title by con quest, Germany would tell "hands off,"
 Marital events in the West Indies are interesting, but for time the Philippines will hold the center of the stage, for there is the point at which Euro pean complications will begin, if at all.
 Aguinaldo's proclamation has purpose which will shortly appear Ii he were cooperating with the United States such proclamation not only necessary, but breach of faith. Its utterance is evidence that he feels himself operating as an inde- pendent commander of his strength and certain of his position. He cannot fail to know that his action is utter dsarrangement of American plans. Nothing, indeed would be at cross purpose with us and if his craft be joined to Spanish cum ming and this junction be abded by, Spanish render to him might be the best strategy yet shown by Spain It is true that such a move would not leave us without cards. Aguinado may promise all this to Spanish surrender and then break his word with as little compunction when he sold himself
 In ine Ag1inado is mongrel scoundrel, but it is very important that he should be our scoundrel.