The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-07-19
THE EILIPINOs' SIDE.
Interview With Aguinaldo's cOmman-
der of the Cavalry.

Minneapolis. Mimi, July 19.-The Times
this morning publishes an interview which
took place May IS at San Isidro, Luzon,
between its special correspondent, Martin
Tew of the Thirteenth Minnesota. de-
tailed by General Wheaton as brigade in
terpreter, and Major Lorenzo l. Zialcita,
leader of Aguinaldo's cavalry ana one OF
the Filipino commissioners who went to
General Otis with propositions for an
armistice.
Major zialcita denied emphatically that
tHP4Iuo oIilce5S tad oLdSIsO ~ 80, -
OF Mania ana the Wholesale LluL0St %
Americans and cited as proof thai many
ana We're taken prisoners. He said that
the proclamation of General Otis pro-
greatiy ince ais the Fiipinos. but assert
ed that both the Filipino leadrs and peo-
GU gun hostiiities. Major Ziaicita, speak
ing of the reputed promises of independ-
when asked By Mr. Tew if, in their eager
ness, for independence, the Filipino had
language of American officials and officers
take about this Consul Wfidman YER
bally made this statement to me, and We
had so much confidence in the good inten-
lions of the United States that 10 US it
meant as much as if it had been delivered
in writing.
Besides when we were in Cavite, a
number of US had the honor of entertain
Ing General Anderson at the Atheno Hlzal.
This was before Manila taken by your
forces. General Anderson on this oe-
casion made a speech in which he said
the Americans had not come here for the
purpose of taking one foot of territory
with the view of permanent occupation,
their independence.
In September p last year, on the occa-
sion of a fiesta. a number Of American Of
Gcers celebrated with US at the residence
same sentiments On many different oc-
casions we We're told by, men high in au-
thority that Filipino independence would
What was the opinion of the Filipino
| leaders in regard to General Otis procla-
nation OF January 4!
the people everywhere. It stated moth
ing clearly and promised nothing It was
non-committal on all points except that
Otis declared himself governor general of
issed f7ayo SEW ia Tbe E7ilinno no.
pie desired independence, not annexation
on being asked if he really thought
the Filipino people We're sufficiently edu-
Gated to conduct the affairs of local and
national enlargement, the young Fill
''Our people have always been misrep-
resented both by the local and foreign
press; The friars are cur worst enemies
and have been active in this regard as
! ton. Educational affairs have heretofore
/ been in their hands and it has served their
| ing too wise. But even at TINS, the vast
| majority Of the people can read and
Major Zialcita was told that many peo-
| pie in the United States believed it sa-
| possession of and govern the Philippines,
! inasmuch as the natives were not caDab!e
This would have been a reasona BILE
proposition if we had demonstrated, after
| a fair trial, that our government was in
adequate to protect life, property and per-
! sonai rights How could we prove our
| fitness or unhtness for government
until we had been given an opportunity
! to show what we could do?"
| Referring to the telegram of February
] 20, sent by General Otis relative to the
| order of the Filipino government to burn
/ Manila and massacre the whites in the
| city. the Filipino emiSSary, with a duSh
! of anger on his face. replied:
/ "A a n
/ such order was ever issued by officials It
| Malolos If General Otis found any such
! written order it the work of friars
/ or some other enemy of ours. This is not
| a race war. We realize that in order to
| win we must have the support of the civ
/ ilized nations and must conduct our af-
| fairs accordingly
! Early the following morning the commits
! sioneFs. under escort, started for Manila
I to see General Otis