Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-06
ABOUT AGUINALDO
The Administration Would Be Pug
zled at His Surrender.
WILLING BE SHOULD ESCAPE
Think He Wants to Pose as a
Filipino Martyr.
MAY NOT BE CAPTURED

MA NIL BE CAHI u RED
Relative to the rumor from Hong Kong
that Aguinaldo is willing to surrender t.
United States Consul Wildman at Manila
1t is learned that, though the consul him
self has cherished that belief for some
months past, the government here has been
without any assurance of the soundness of
MS conclusion On that point Mr.. Wildman
Is not the only official representing the
United States in the far east who has ex-
pressed competence IN his ability to per-
suade Agutnaldo to cease hostilities, but
for some reason, the administration has
always been somewhat skeptical as to those
undertakings, preferring to allow the army
under Gen. Otis to progress systematically
In the development of it's plans for the SUBJ
jugation of the rebels, without Interference.
"hen such interference involved suspension
OF military operations. The last story from
Hong Kong, therefore, Is believed to be
nothing more than a revival of some of the
old rumors
Inc question of the treatment of Agui-
naidc in the case of mis- capture or yolun-
tary surrender, has received the serious
consideration of the President and His nd
Nsers, but so far as known, without final
conclusion. The matter has been left open
Tor future determination and the action of
ane government will be determined by cir
cumstances AS general proposition, the
present campaign in the Philippines has for
Its main purpose the complete overthrow
OF the 1nsurrection and the establishment
OF onited states sovereignty in the archi-
peiago To accomplish this end the efforts
OF Gen. Otis are principally directed to the
capture or destruction of the tnsurRent
forces In the field. Although Aguinaldo is
neld responsible for the instruction. and Is
recognized ding erfrJ l.
authority for the statement that the mill
tary authorities in Washington are indif-
rerent as to the future career of that indi-
vidual. Inasmuch as no special efforts are
to be made for his capture, it is hardly
probable that the administration would
give serious considera ton to a proposition
for his personal surrender.
His Escape Would Be Welcomed,
From recent statements openly made by
Secretary Root and Adjutant General Cor
bin, and they undoubtedly voiced the SEN
timents of the President on the matter it
appears that the escape of Aguinaldo from
the island would be welcomed rather than
deplored. as relieving the situation of Sc
rious embarrassments almost certain to re-
suit from any possible treatment of Aguin-
aldo as prisoner A few days ago, when
the army was supposed to be close on the
heels of the insurgent leader, Secretary
Root was asked the direct question what
the government proposed to do with him
In the event of his capture. 81 don't know
that we want to catch Agunaldo," said
the Secretary. What could we do with
him If we had him? We ara not after him
particularly. What we want is his army.
II we capture or destroy that we do not
care SO very much what becomes of Agutn-
aldo. His escape would undoubtedly SIM
plify and improve the situation in the Phil
fppines, after the Instruction is put down,
and it might be much better all around If
a a n oynt ayr-oH Tg,,r OF =
will be time to decide that question when
we catch him, without troubling ourselves
about it in advance
Wants to Pose ms a Martyr.
Although he did not say 50 straight out,
Secretary Root gave the Impression that
he thought that Aguinaldo would be en-
tfrely willing to pose as martyr to the
cause of Filipino independence. HIS exc
cution as traitor or his retention in the
Islands as prisoner might have a bad
effect on the natives of the Philippines, and
might possibly seriously retard the recon
struction Of the government by the United
States. 1t is generally acknowledged that
the disposition Of the Filipino leader Is apt
istration. As already indicated, his escape
to some foreign country would probably be
welcomed as the easiest solution of the
problem, although the same end might be
served through his death in battle But 1t
is admitted that such an event might result
in exciting the sympathy Of his people and
put him in the position of martyr. Should
Aguinaldo escape to Hong Kong or some
other eastern port, 1t Is not regarded as
likely that the government would take any
steps for his apprehension, preferring to
let him work out his own salvation in
some foreign country. In case he fell into
would be necessary for the administration
to determine his disposition.
He might possibly be shot as traitor or
confined indefinitely as prisoner of war
1t is also possible that he might be released
on parole. on condition that he remain out
side the jurisdiction of the United States
and never seek to interfere with its au-
thority, either in the Philippines or else
where. Action on that question would I'M
doubtedly be determined largely by public
opinion and its effect upon the people of the
Philippines.
No Prospects for His Capture.
Unless he surrenders voluntarily there
are said tt be no prospects Of Aguinaldo's
falling into the hands of the American
troops in the immediate future Men who
have been watching the pursuit of the in
surgents and their elusive tactics express
the fear that the willy Filipino has again
slipped through the skilfully drawn meshes
which were thought certain to hold him
tight.
Although it is possible that Gen. Young
or one of the other division officers may
yet catch up with him. the chances are
strong that he has escaped into the noun
tains with a small portion of his demoraliz-
ed army. Should Aguinaldo succeed In get
ting to the other side of the mountains ne
would have the advantage Of a wide stretch
of country within which to continue his
Fabian tactics of evasiveness and wear out
and discourage a largely superior invading
army for some time to come. In order to
avoid any sucn contingency, the American
forces will press forward and allow the in
surgent leader no rest AMI SO compel him
to abandon the struggle.