Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-05-17

left there, was hopeful. Both Gen. Otis |
and Admiral Dewey were confident of the |
result, and considered it matter of short |
time. The American people do not appre- |
ciate the influence that has kept the Filipi |
nos fighting. 1t is purely and solely the |
agitation that is being waged in the United
States. There has not been speech made
in either house of congress, or any other
matter OF prominence concerning the Phil
ippines that does not become known to
Aguinaldo and his soldiers. As soon as
anything detrimental to the aggressive pol
icy is published, it is Immediately cabled
to Hong Kong, where it is received by
members Of the Philippine junts, and with
in two days it is in the hands OF Aguinaldo
and his officers"
Regarding the action Of Edward Akin
son OF Boston and his followers, Mr.. Bar
rett said: 1.-The attitude of Mr.. Akin
son has fallen completely flat among the
American soldiers. The first paper that
was issued in Boston when received by
troops in Manila was greeted with jeers
and scorn, and the remark was freely
expressed that it was shame that any
thipg so un-Amercan could be perpetrated.
The followers of Mr.. Atkinson, including
Mr.. Bryan and several senators opposed
to expansion, cry against the loss OF life
in the Philippines. They are themselves
to blame for the increase in loss of life,
because they encourage the Filipinos to
fight by their seditious utterances. 1t is
no exaggeration to say that if there is any
influence to keep the natives from surren-
dering it is from such Americans and their
sentiment, which the insurgents evidently
hope will become SO strong that the troops
will be called home"
''Wbat is the attitude of the volunteer
troopsp" was asked. 81 have Investigated
that matter thoroughly and found to my
great satisfaction that there is not par
ticle of anxiety for relief have talked
with hundreds of representative men in al
the volunteer regiments, and did not get 9
single answer otherwise. The volunteer
regiments include those from Pennsylvania
Minnesota, Oregon, California, Kansas
Montana and Washington, and it is tn
same whether on garrison duty or on tn
, lines. Their sentiment is expressed by on
of the soldiers, who said: we are anxiou
to 60 home, but only on condition that tn
prosecution of the war will not be EN-
barrassed and on condition that the reg
, ulars will arrive and take our places
, 1.-THE non-combatant natives cut no fig
ure in the general result of the war. Th
wealthy merchants are remaining quiet an
neutral, but are watching an opportunit
to side with one or the other, as will be.
meet their financial ends. think that
the rebellion in Luzon is crushed the back
bone of the entire war will be broker
We will have little trouble with the othe
I islands, and they will quickly come unde
: the American flag. The natives seem
:, prefer the government Of the United State
u to any other power"
;. "What about Admiral Dewey" was
y question put to Mr.. Barrett, and he smile
q as he answered: 'We all have the grea
:, est love and respect for the admiral, an
not the Americans alone, but the Filipin,
5 themselves respect him. They, natural,
' fear him as we'll. At the present day
# holds position of strength and power tn
no other American has ever held before
the civilized world. He has always Urea
! ed the army with respect and regard, ar
a has been the first to grant praise where
It considered it was due. All men are trea
ed by him with equal courtesy from IL
. commanding officers to the poorest work
l. in the field. He is as unassuming today
0 before he came into such prominence.
1 is true that his health is impaired, but it
not true that he is sick. Any officer wi
takes the responsibility that he has, and
y the climate OF the Philippines, cannot. stan
If the strain without feeling it, to a more
e less degree"