New-York tribune., 1899-02-07
WHERE THINGS STAND.

The situation at Manila has been completely
changed by the act Of the rebels. Had the
Peace Treaty been ratified in decent season
the United States would have sought by kindly
and patient treatment 10 enlist their support
In establishing order and n free and just gov
ernment. But while still subjects of Spain and
rebels against its authority they have begun
war on the United States with n protocol in
force which put beyond the pale Of inerna-
tOnal law any who began hostilitics against
either of the parties negotiating. All the Fill
pinos who have engaged in countenaDced or
supported the attack upon Manila have made
themselves outlaws for whom civilization can
have no answer except stern and complete sup
preston. Whatever pretence Of government
they had has proved Itself by this attack ut
terly unfit for civilized responsibilities or du-
ties. and can only be treated as the organza-
ton Of a band of outlaws. The fighting of n
single day sufliced 10 put the attacking force
in an impossible position.
There has been so much untruth a1oat about
the insurrection that a few lncontestable facts
need now 10 be repeated. It Is untrue that the
insurgents achieved their independence" or
that they had possession Of nearly all the isl
ands when Admiral Dewey arrived" The old
insuTectOn had been broken up by the shame
ful sale Of Aguinaldo and other leaders. who
agreed for Spanish gold TO leave the islands.
Aguinaldo and others returned with Dewey
from Hong Kong under pledge TO carry out his
instructions. Their power 10 accomplish any
thing depended greatly upon the confinement
Of Spanish forces in order to hold Manila
against him. There is not trace Of evidence
that the nsurgent body represents "the peo-
pie" or any considerable number OF the in
habitants of the Philippine Islands. 1t has not
even the shadow Of civil government, perform
ing functions as such, its so-called Cabinet con-
slsting Of Agulnaldo, n brother and some other
relatives and one or two other persons; its So
called Congress has been without authority
over him or his forces when antagonistc and
has shown 10 authority elsewhere, and it is
only few days since it was de1ed by insur-
gents of part Of the islands, who created
president Of their own, said TO be 'fn sympa-
thy with Americans" Iloilo was not captured
by insurgents of that island. but was surren-
dercd by the Spanish commander in order 10
cmbarrass Americans and give a foreign Power
an opportunity.
Enough is said Of Aguinaldo's capacity II II
is recalled that he sold himself and the people
who trusted him 10 Spain, came back under
pledge 10 sustain IDe AulerlCduS III every IT,
spect received arms from them and within
short time set up what he called a govern
mcnt, pleading with Americans that he could
retain the confidence Of his followers in no
other way. blossomed out with gold chain and
n gold-headed stafr as President resigned once
or twice because his so-called Congress would
not do bis bidding, recalled his designations re-
signed again on the ground that he preferred
to be general Of the army, does not appear 10
have led forces in any engagement or skirmish,
and has treacherously negotiated all the time
with American. German and Spanish authorl-
ties. The supposltlon that he has been bought
q second time and is looking for third mar
kct IS as natural to his followers as 70 every
body else.
The notion that such n man can establish
a government capable Of maintaining order,
protecting rights and observing international
obligations Is one which no selfrespecting man
can profess seriously 10 entertain. The whole
history Of the last year and half goes 10
prove that he has never been heartily sustained
by any large part OF the inhabitants since he
sold out TO Spain, and that 10 other so-caled
government has been established. It is the old
and welknown spectacle Of interminable rival
rics and wrangles, treachcres and pledges made
only 10 deceive. The United states * now
forced TO put out Of the way this twce-sold
outlaw and his followers. before it can even
begin the task Of ascertainng what the in
habtants want, II they have as yet any IN
telligent wish. Of which there Is not evidence.
That they did want escape from Spanish rule
was clear, and they have it through American
success. Until the United States has restored
order and peace, and extended elsewhere the
protection in rights and in peaceful pursuits
which is seen in Manila. II will not he POS
sble for anybody 10 say what tho inhabitants
of any one Of the islands want whether any
two Of the Islands want the same thing, or
whether an organization possessing any Of the
qualities Of a decent and free government can
be established in any Of the islands except by
American authority
MORE PEGULARS.