Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-10-02
WOULD SEND CIVIL COMMISSION
OTIS REFUSES TO EXTEND
so MUCH RECOGNITION.
Greatest Difference Shown Toward
Filipino ENJOYS by People OF
ManiIa-Gcneral Alejnndrino
Says FiIipinos Can Hold
Out Indefinitely.

MANILA. Oct 1-Aguinaldo's third at
tempt to shift his difficulties into the field
of diplomacy is repetition of the other
one or two with an impossible endeaVor 10
obtain some sort Of recognition OF his So
called government.
The Filipino envoys had an hours con-
ference with General Otis this morning
They brought from Aguinaldo a message
that he desired peace and wished TO SEND
civilian governmental commission to dis
cuss the question. General Otis replied
that it was impossible for him to recog-
nize Aguinaldo's government in that way.
They presented letter from Aguinaldo
as president of the republic" which was
largely repetition of his recent appeals
for recognition. General Otis informed
them that. While he was willing to cor
respond with Aguinaldo as general of the
insurgent forces, he must positively de-
cline to recognize him as president Of the
civil government.
Another conference will be held to-mor-
row. The Filipfnos will remain two or
three days Their movements are unre-
stricted, but they are under constant chap
eronage of Capthin Johnson of the Fif-
teenth infantry. To-day they visited the
hospitals and distributed money among the
wounded Filipinos. after which they made
calls and received visitors at their hotel.
Natives in their Sunday clothing thronged
the plaza in front of the hotel all day.
stretching their necks toward the windows
for glimpse of the Snowy uniform of the
ENJOYS. The asserblage finally increased
TO a thousand people. When the ENJOYS
emerged for an afternoon drive. the natives
removed their hats deferentially, and a
crowd, in vehicles or on foot. followed the
carriage through the streets.
I'VE desire peace, but peace with inde
pendence and honor" said General Alejan-
drino to-day, while conversing with a rep
| resentative of the Associated Press. He i'm
presses one as dignifed and dispassionate
and a keen man of the world. He was
educated in Europe and designed the re-
| markable intrenchments from Manila to
| Tarlac. While reticent concerning his mis-
| sion, his conversation throws an interesting
| light on the Filipino view of the American
| attitude.
How long can the Filipino army and
people withstand 5000 American troops?"
asked the representative of the Associated
Press.
Fighting in our way, We can maintain
state of war and the necessity of a
| large ARMY of occupation indefinitely. You
| Americans are holding few miles around
| Manila, a narrow line Of railroad TO An
| geles and circle of country around San
|
/ resources of Luzon. We hold the i'm
mense, rich, productive northern country
from which to draw. Our people contribute
the money and food which maintain our
| army, and this is done at minimum cost.
| 1T is an interesting question what the
| cost to the American people is of maintain
| ing the american troops in the Philippines.
| We do not. OF course. know the amount,
| but IL must be excessive. We perceive
| what an American soldier requires in this
| climate. On the other hand. a Filipino
exists with handful OF rice and a par
| of linen trousers. We do not have to pay
| our soldiers, and can practically hold up
| their wages as long as We desire. Even
with our present supply OF arms and am
rnunition. We could keep your army oc-
with an expense that grows daily, how
| long will your people stand IL? The Fill
! pino people do not wish to continue the
hghting- We have no army contractors.
| We have no business men making profits
from the maintenance of our army. There
| Is nothing in IL for US, nor are our salaries
large enough TO keep US fighting for money
and position"
Discussing the question of recognition
by the United States of the so-cailed Fill
pinO government, General AIejandrino said:
The freedom Of the American prisoners
| who have just been turned over TO you
was decreed By the Filipino congress. Your
| government has accepted them. II will
doubtless accept any others that our gov
| errnent may free"
He inquired concerning the percentage
Of sick American troops, and when in-
| formed said he considered II small. He
asked a number Of questions indicating a
hope OF anti-iuperialist action by the
United States congress, and inquired what
would be the effect on the national policy
II congress should declare Itself opposed
er antI-imperialIst sentiment was growing
in the United States. Several Inquiries
he made also regarding the nature and ef-
feet Of a Joint resolution of congress.