Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-10-02
CONFER WITH OTIS.
ENJOYS Say Aguinaldo wants Peace,
But Must Be Assured of Indepen-


ENJOYS Say Aguinaldo Wants Peace.
But Must Be Assured of Indcpen-
dence.
Manila. Oct 2.-Aguinaldo's third at
tempt to shift his difficulties into the
field of diplomacy is repetition OF the
others, with an impossible endeavor to
obtain some sort of recognition of his
so-called government.
The Filipino ENJOYS had an hour S
conference with Gen. Otis Sunday. They
brought from Aguinaldo message that
he desired peace and wished to send a
civilian governmental commission to
discuss the question. Gen. Otis replied
that 1t was impossible for him to recog-
nize Aguinaldo's government in that
way.
They presented letter from Agui-
naldo as president of the republic"
which was largely repetition of his re-
cent appeals for recognition. Gen. Otis
Informed them that, while he was will
Ing to correspond with Aguinaldo as a
general of the insurgent forces, he must
positively decline to recognize him as
president of the, civil government.
Another conference will be held to-
day. The Filipinos will remain two or
three days. Their movements are quite
unrestricted, but they are under the
constant chaperonage of Capt. Johnson,
OF the Sixteenth Infantry. Yesterday
they visited the hospitals and distrib-
uted money among the wounded Fill
pinos, after which they made calls and
received visitors at their hotel.
Natives in their Sunday clothing
thronged the plaza in front Of the hotel
all day. stretching their necks toward
the windows for glimpse of the snowy
uniforms of the envoys. The assem-
blage finally increased to a thousand
people. When the envoys emerged for
an afternoon drive the natives removed
their hats deferentially, and a crowd, in
vehicles or on foot, followed the car
riage through the streets.
I'VE desired peace, but peace with in
dependence and honor" said Gen.
Alejandrino, while conversing with a
representative of the Associated Press.
He impresses one as dignified and dis
passionate and as keen man of the
world. He was educated in Europe and
designed the remarkable intrenchments
from Manila to Tarlac. While reticent
concerning his mission. his conversa-
tion throws an interesting light on the
Filipino view of the American attitude.
How long can the Filipino army and
the people Withstand $4,000 American
troops?" asked the representative of
the Associated Press.
Fighting in our way we can main
tain state of war and the necessity
for a large army of occupation indefi-
nitely. You Americans are holding a
few miles around Manila, narrow line
of railway to Angeles and a circle of
country around San Fernando. But you
are ignorant of the resources of Luz
zon. We hold the immense, rich, pro-
ductive northern country from which
to draw. Our people contribute the
money and food which maintain our
army, and this is done at minimum
cost.
1T Is an interesting question what
the cost to the American people is OF
maintaining the American troops in the
Philippines. We do not, Of course, know
the amount, but 1t must be excessive
We perceive what an American soldier
requires in this climate. On the other
hand Filipino exists with a handful
of rice and pair of linen trousers. We
do not have to pay our soldiers and can
practically hold up their wages as long
as we desire. Even without our present
supply of arms and ammunition we
could keep your army occupied for
years.
With an expense that grows daily
how long will your people stand it? The
Filipino people do not wish to continue
the fighting. We have no army con.
tractors. We have no business mer
making profits from the maintenance OF
our army. There is nothing in it for US
nor are our salaries large enough tt
keep us fighting for money and posi-.
tion.'
Discussing the question of recogni.
tion by the United States of the so.
called Filipino government, Gen. Ale.
jandrlno said: THE freedom of the
American prisoners who have Just beer
turned over to you was decreed by the
Filipino congress. Your government has
accepted them. 1t will doubtless ac.
cept any others that our government
may free"
He inquired concerning the percent
age of sick American troops, and wher
Informed said he considered 1t small
He asked number OF questions, indi.
eating a hope of anti-imperialist actor
By the United States congress, and In.
sQuired what would be the effect on the
nasional policy II congress should de.