The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-20
"yYlth profound gratltude.
president Spanish Red Cross.


MARQUIS VAILLALBOS.
president Spanish Red Cross"
1t is probable that the president Of
the Spanish Red Cross Is sincere in his
request, and is prompted by worthy mo-
tlves from his standpoint. but there are
some things to he considered in con-
ncction with 1t. One is the position Of
General Otis. In the signing Of the
peace treaty and It's ratification by both
governments the status Of the Flliplnos
Is changed. They are no longer to be
regarded as in rebellion against Spain,
but against the authority OF the United
States, as, at least, temporary subjects
of this country. The situation Is such
ut present that, according to official re-
ports, not sensational newspaper
Stories. the farcial government" OF
Aguinaldo is on the eve OF being crush
ed, and the end is not far removed.
The final peace between the two ma
tons is very great advantage to this
country in the work, and matters are in
such shape that our authorities will be
able shortly to fulfill the, pledge to Sc
cure the release Of the Spanish prison.
ers. in order that they may be delivered
to their government. at this stage Of
proceedings. with every advantage on
the side of the Americans, it would be
the height of folly for General Otis to
permit any financial deal With the in
surgents, by which their depleted cof-
fers would be replenished, and furnish
ed with 'sinews OF war;" which would
prolong the fighting and possibly render
Aguinaldo able to recover his lost
ground. There Is better and more
rapid method Of securing the release OF
these Spanish prisoners than by making
their captors stronger In their financial
position. Spain has had enough expert
ence with purchasing Aguinaldo. to
teach her that he cannot be relied on.
AguInaldo has never kept faith In any
deal he ever made with Spain or this
country.
Another matter which weakens the
demand Of the president of the Spanish
Red Cross at this time, is easily recall
ed. 1t has not been many months since
our sick and wounded soldiers were be-
ing looked after against fearful odds
by the American Red Cross In eastern
Cuba, during the siege Of Santiago. I'M
der the personal direction OF Miss Bar
ton and her heroic aids. Mt the risk of
their lives. Where was Marquis VAIL
lalhos theu2 Did any one hear Of him
while Spanish soldiers and shapshooters
were firing from ambush on the ambu-
lances loaded with our sick and wound-
ed and under the protection OF the flag
Of the Red Cross?
The terrible stories OF how that flag
was shown no respect whatever is still
fresh In the American mind. We heard
nothing of a Spanish Red Cross In those
days. There does not seem to have been
any cooperation with the noble Ameri-
can women and men who were sacrifice
ing SO much, while they were working
E botii hllu
In humanity's interest. But this is only
phase Of the question. The American
Red Cross is not revengcful institu-
ton, 1t bears no malice; neither does
the United States government. But the
memory of the sick and wounded who
were fired upon and killed In the hospi-
tai tents and wagons under the Red
Cross flag still exists among those ut
home.
The Important feature, however. the
position which General Otis takes, is the
ono to be considered at this time. GEN
eral Otis and Admiral Dewey are doing
and will do all they cnn to rescue the
Spanish prisoners. but they can not be
expected to agree to the Spanish pay
nent OF large sum OF money to the
trcacherous Aguinaldo at this critical
stage.