The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1899-12-09

OF this government which made thetr errand
pre-emdnently one Of peace and friendship.
ambition Of q few leaders Of the Filippinos
had created a situation full OF embarrassments
10 them m.d eso': The clear and impartial pre-
iiminary report Of the commissioners. which
I transmit herewith. gives SO lucid and com
tionary movement that the story need not be
here repeated.
of the rebel leader that he wa
promised independence by any Of
hcer of the United states i'm rela-
ton for his assistance has no fOun-
dalton in fact and is categOrically
denied by the cry w%itnesnes who
were called to prove 1t.
The most insurgent leader hoped for when
he came back to Manila was the liberation
OF the islands from the Spanish control, which
they had been laboring for years without sue
cess to throw of. The prompt accomplishment
of this work by the American army and navy
gave him other ideas. and ambitions and In
sidious suggestions from various quarters per-
verted the purposes and intentions with
which he had taken up arms: No sooner had
our army captured Manila than the Filipino
picion and hostility which the utmost efforts
of our officers and troops were unable 70 dis-
ance were taken as a proof OF cowardice.
The aggressions of the Filipinos continually
increased until finally, Just DC, before the ,o e,nn g
vote upon the treaty. an attack; evidently
prepared in advance, was made all along the
American lines. which resulted In a temporary.
destructive and sanguinary repulse OF the IN
surgents. -
Ten days later an order of the insurgent
government was issued to its adhereats VINO
had remained in Manila, of which Gen: OTIS
justly observes that '.for barbarous intent II is
5 o:cIock on the night of the 18th Of Febru-
airy the territorial militia shall come TO-
gether in the streets OF San Pedro, armsd with
their bolos, with guns and ammunition when
convenient; that Filipino families alone shall
be respected; but that all other individuals
minated without any compassion. after the
determination of the army of occupation anu
adds: Brothers. we must avenge ou,se ,hes
we NAV take our revenge for the infamies
and trcacheries which they have committed
A copy of this fell. by good fortune, into
the hands of o';r officers, ana they wefs yhinh
was actually attempte on the night OF rep.
%, a week later than IVES originally coslte"a-
plated. A considerable number OF armed ~,
surgents entered the city by waterways anu
swamps. and. in concert with contcaeraeeSS . y,
side, attempted to destroy Manila by hr and tbs
were kept in check during the night, anu ehe
next day driven out OF the CITY Will "a-'
loss. .e.,r,
which confronted our commissioners on their
arrival in Manila. They had come WIN .he
hope and intention and Ms Of G c9.ope pais Il e Ma.n
ing peace and order in the archipelago and
the largest measure OF self-government COM
patible with the true welfare of the people.
What They Actually Found
can best be set forth in their own words;
..Deplorable as war is. the one IN which we
are now engaged was unavoidable by US. We
were attacked by a bold, adventurous ana en-
thusiastic army. No alternative was LETT 70
us, except ignominious retreat. 1t Is not TO
be conceived that any American would nave
sanctioned the surrender of Manila to the in,
surgents. Our obligations to other nations and
to the friendly Filipinos and our nag de-
manded that force should be met by force.
Whatever the future of the Philippines may
be, there is no course open to US now except
gents are reduced to submission. The COM
miesion is of the opinion that there mas peen
no time since the destruction of the Spanish
squadron by Admiral Dewey when It was pos
sible to Withdraw our forces from the islands.
either with honor to ourselves or with safety
to the Inhabitants"
The course thus clearly Indicated
has been unfiinchlinEly pursued.
The rebellion must be put down.
Civil government cannot be thor
Ouxllly established until order In
restored.
With a devotion and CALAMITY worthy of
it's most brilliant history, the army. ably and
loyalty assisted by the navy, has carried on
this unwelcome but most righteous campaign.
which richly deserved success. The noble self
sacrifice with which our soldiers and sailors
avail themselves of their right to return home
as long as they were needed at the front
forms one of the brightest pages In our an
nails. Although their operations have been
somewhat interrupted and checked by a rainy
season of unusual violence and duration, they
have. gained ground steadily in every dlrec-
ton and now look forward confidently to a
speedy completion Of their task.