Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-08-28
FREELAND, PA, AUGUST 20, 1899.
The Word of the Nation.

united states against spain, tnefe was
q rebellion in progress in the Philip
pines as well as in Cuba. The revolt of
the Katipunan or League had broken
out in August 1896. In 1897 it had
come to an apparent end by the alleged
treaty of Bi-ac-na-bato, and in Decem-
Der, 1897, Aguinaldo and other leaders
had gone to Hong Kong. But the
terms Of that treaty as to amnesty, and,
IT is alleged, in other respects also, were
not carried out by Spain, and in March,
1898, the rebellion broke out afresh in
the territory north of Manila, and on
April in Cebu. On April 90 war was
declared by the United States.
The American consul-general at Hong
Kong-Mr. r. Wildman-accepted the
honorary position of treasurer Of the
fund Of the Patriotic League of Filipinos.
Mr.. Spencer Pratt, the American con-
sul-general at Singapore, held a confer
ence with Aguinaldo on the night OF
April "a. A provisional agreement was
arranged between them, wherein it was
stipulated, among other things, that the
independence of the Filiipinos should be
recognized, that federal republic
should be established under American
protection, and that Philippine ports
should be open to the world. 1t was
further stipulated that the agreement
should be subject to confirmation by
telegraph by the president and Admiral
Dewey.
Mr.. Pratt sent Aguinaldo to Consul
Wildman at Hong Kong so that he
might be put into communication with
Admiral Dewey. This was done, and
the admiral, before sailing for Manila,
gave orders that Aguinaldo should
follow on an American vessel.
A proclamation was thereupon issued
on behalf of the Filipinos that they
should give their aid to the Americans.
On April 27 the American fleet left Mrs
bay, on May l was fought the naval
battle of Manila, on May 10 the United
States despatch boat Mccullough, acting
under Admiral Dewey's orders, arrived
at Manila with Aguinaldo and twelve
other insurgent leaders.
At this time the insurgents occupied
and collected taxes in several provinces
of Luzon. Their forces are said to
have numbered 10000. Admiral Dewey
gave them two field pieces. 500 rifles,
and 100000 rounds of ammunition.
After the naval battle the insurgents,
still with n view of cooperating with
the Americans, gradually invested
Manila. No United States troops other
than marines were then in the Philip
pines. The first expedition under
General Anderson sailed from San
Francisco May 25, and arrived at
Manila June 30. Other expeditions
were dispatched in quick succession, SO
that before the end OF the year the
fifteenth had landed at Manila and the
American forces reached the total of
SAB officers and 2O,47s men. BY Fcbru-
airy four more expeditions were upon
the water with 154 officers and 5, sec
men, and February 4, on the eve of the
ratification Of the treaty transferring
the sovereignty of the islands to the
United States, hostilites broke out
between the insurgents and the Ameri-
cans.
1t does not appear whether the agree
ment with Aguinaldo was ever affirmed
by the government at Washington.
Neither does it seem to have been dis
n nol nit hN ha = 10
admiral. 1t has never to this day been
officially denied. 1t was, in fact, con.
frmed by Admiral Dewey's action in
bringing Aguinado to Manila and
giving arms and encouragement to his
forces. Aguinaldo, on the other hand
carried out his part of the agreement in
good faith, and the Filipino proclama.
tions that were issued on the basis Of
the agreement were allowed to remain
uncorrected.
One Of the earliest Of these is suflt.
GENTLY interesting to quote in part. II
was sent over by Agunado in advance
of the American fleet to prepare the
Filipinos for its arrival:
bOu pdUTlOJS' DlNlHc IIONlutuCc II
about to place independence within oul
reach, in manner most acceptable to a
free and independent people.
The Americans, not from mercenary
motives, but for the sake of humanity
in response to the woes of the persecut-
cd, have thought fit to extend their
protecting arm to our beloved country,
now that they have been obliged to
sever their relations with Spain on ac.
count of the tyranny practised in Cuba,
to the great prejudice of the large
commercial interests which the Ameri-
cans have there. An American squad
ron is at this moment preparing to sail
for the Philippines. We, your brothers,
fear you may be induced to fire on the
Americans. No, brothers, never make
this mistake. Rather blow out your