The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-14
JOHN BARRETT RETURNS
FORMER MINISTER TO SIAM TALKS
ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES.
Says Americans Are Certain OF Success
Soldiers Ridicule the Utter
ances Of the Aunties.

NEW YORK, May 14.-Former Minister to
Siam John Barrett returned on the steam
ship st. Paul to-day, after an absence from
this country of nearly five years. Since
May, 1895. Mr.. Barrett has spent most of his
time In the Philippines. When seen tonight
regarding the situation in the Philippines
he spoke in unqualified approval OF the
American troops and sailors, from Admiral
Dewey and General Otis down. He said:
Il left Manila on March IS. At that time
General Lawton had arrived and was max
ing plans for an active campaign The stu
alton in the Philippines when | left there
was hopeful. Both General Otis and Ad-
miral Dewey were confident OF the resul;
and considered it merely matter of short
time. The people do not appreciate the in
fuence that has Kept them fighting. 1t is
purely and solely the agitation that is be-
ing waged in the United States. Thee mas
not been a speech In either house Of Con-
gress or any other matter of prominence
concerning the Philippines that does mol ls-
come quite known TO Aguinaldo and nj. sol
diers. AS soon as anything detrinen;S. to
the aggressive policy is published ii - inn
mediately cabled to Hong-Kong, whittier IL
is received within twenty-four hours by
members of the Philippine Junto. and within
two days is In the hands of Aguinaldo and
his officers
Regarding the action of Edward Atkinson
and his followers, Mr.. Barrett said The
attitude of Mr.. Atkinson has fallen cciE-
pletely flat among the America soldiers.
The first paper that was issued in Boston,
when received by the troops n Manila. was
greeted with jeers and scorn, aid the re-
mark was freely expressed that L Vas
shame that anything so dn-Anerican could
be perpetrated. The followers sf Mr.. At
kinson, including Mr.. Bryan and several
senators opposed TO annexation, cry egGinst
the loss of life in the Philippines. They
are themselves TO blame Cor the increase in
loss OF life, because they encourage the
F'iHpinos to fight by their sedltious utter
ances. 1t is no exaggeration TO say that II
there is any influence TO keep he nItives
from surrendering ii is from Americans and
their sentiment. which they evidently fope
will become so strong tn1t the troops viii
be called home"
What is the attitude of the volunteer
troops?"
II have investigated the matter thoroughly
and found to my great satisfaction that
there is snot a particle of anxiety for relief.
I have talked with hundreds Of representa-
tive men in all the volunteer regiments and
did not get single answer otherwise. The
volunteer regiments include those from
PENNSYLVANIA, Minnesota. Oregon. Califor-
MIA, Kansas. Montana and Washington. and
1t Is the same whether on garrison duty or
on the lines. Their sentiment Is expressed
as one OF the soldiers told me. We are anx-
ious to go home. but only on condition that
the prosecution of the war will not be en-
barrassed and on condition that regulars
Will arrive and take our places
THE noncombatant natives cut no figure
in the general result of the war. There are
not so many Of them on the Island of Luzon,
as great majority are with Aguinaldo.
The wealthy merchants are remaining quiet
and remain neutral. but watching an oppor-
tunity TO side with one or the other as viii
best meet their financial ends.
II think that IL the rebellion In Luzon Is
crushed the backbone OF the entire war Is
broken. We will have little trouble with
the other ISLANDS and they viii quickly come
under the American flag. The natives seem
to prefer the government Of the United
states 10 any other power"
Mr.. Barrett spoke Ia the strongest praise
of Admiral Dewey.