The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-01-30
HOW AGUINALDO WON LEADERSHIP
First Authoritative Sketch of the Daring Young Fipnos
Career.

naries seeking a convenient opportu-
nifty to gain the coveted reward. He
has unbounded influence with his
countrymen, and no one betrayed him
or attempted to make an assault upon
his life for the reward
The headquarters of Aguinaldo were
in the former house of a rich native
of Cavite. With him were his staff and
his mother and several of his relatives.
These ne kept with him to secure them
from Spanish vengeance. In front of
the broad, roomy house, is a paved
court. and on each side a trusted num-
Der of stalwart insurgents constantly
kept guard. The uniform of these SOL
diers is cheap native homespun:
their arms are of the crudest descrip-
tiOn; but they made up in loyalty what
they lacked in training.
The general himself usually wore a
spotless suit Of white linen, a white
shirt, with a well polished front, q
high collar and black necktie He
wore red velvet slippers, embroidered
in gold In his office was a modern
desk-piled high with documents-a
large mirror, two large, strong. iron
boXes-which served as a safe for the
moneys of the inSurgent governm ent-
and grand piano of Spanish make
Against q hatrack leaned the rebel
standard, and on the wall hung a map
Of the province. This the general used
to scan eagerly, tracing the movements
and disposition of his troops.
HOW AGUINALDO GOVERNS.
AguinaldO was usually surrounded by
various members of his staff. none of
whom. however, was as impressive as
himself. believe Aguinaldo to be sin
cere and patriotic. He has surely
proved himself an able general. He is
bravery personified. and inasmuch as
the Filipinos admire this above all
other attributes, Aguinaldo is always
at the head. He is a born leader. and
has just enough tact to adopt expedi-
encies and make compromises. vet not
seem to do so.
In everything he takes the initiative;
in no event does he consult any one
He brooks no opposition; he has had
no rivals in reality; there have been
one or two would-be ones, but they
could not Withstand him. He is per-
haps not always scrupulouS as to the
attainment of his ends. yet his procla-
nations are wise and moderate, his
conduct all one would desire III even
q European dictator. Moreover, few
have shown themselves so modest and
so merciful.
There is a tremendous magnetism
about the man, and whenever he adj
dresses his troops, he holds them with
a grip that would be spellbound but
for the rapt attention and for the de-
votion that is vociferousiy manifested.
The natives. too, seem to be unable. as
we'll as unwilling to get away from his
power; and, to all appearance. he is to
the islanders the man of the hour.
OF course I do not agree swith him in
everything he does, but. knowing his
and believing that he makes
his spectacular display merely TO i'm
press the natives, and hold their allegi-
ance, I therefore admire him and hope
that the Americans will cooperate
with him to give us a stable Philippine
government. At all events. the mans
strong personality, and his large fol-
lowing. cannot. I believe. well be ig-
nored by the American government.