The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-01-07
WILLIAMS DECEIVED.
American Consul at Manila Seems to
Have Misunderstood the Filipinos.

American Consul at Manila Seems to
Have Misunderstood the Filipinos.
Washington, Jan. THE correspon-
dence published officially in connection
with the peace treaty contains much of
interest from Consul Williams, who was
stationed at Manila, prior to the war.
He was in constant communication with
Aguinaldo for some time after the bat
tie of Manila bay and his letters throw
much light upon the relations with the
Philippine chieftan.
As early as February % last, Mr.. Will
Nams wrote:
THE governor general, who is anna
bic and popular. having resigned, wished
credit for a pacification and certain
rebel leaders were given a cash bride of
81, CSC, 900 to consent to public deporta-
ton to China. This bribe and depOrta-
ton he adds, ''only multiplied claim
ants and famed the fires of discon-
tent
On March IL, he complained that let
terS and kilograms were tampered with,
He speaks of the influence of the
church as the greatest bar to progress
IN the islands. Mr.. Williams also stated
that every leisure hour was devoted to
the inspections OF the forts, arsenals and
battleships in and about Manila even
ut that early day and that ne was send
ing information thus derived to Com
Tnodore Dewey, who with his fleet was
then at Hong Kong. Spies were so thick
that he did not dare copy his dispatches
in office books. Mr. Williams left Ma
Mia on April %. He was a witness of
Dewey's vict1vy and on May u resumed
his reports from Cavite His first dis
patch of that date begins with assur-
ance of the friendliness of the Philip
pine natives to our country and to me
as its representative. Scores of times -
he continues, 81 have heard hopes ex-
pressed that either the United States or
Great Britain would acquire these is
lands
-Aguina1do told me today he writes
on June 16. that his friends all hoped
that the Philippines would be held as a.
colony of the United States" This was
only four days after the first formation
of a provisional government by the ma
tives. Mr.. Williams says he was invited
TO be present when this government
was organized by the FilipinOS but that
he declined. For this he afterwards re-
ceived note of approval from He state
department.
On August he wrote:
1t has been my study to keep on
pleasant terms with AguinaIdo for ulti-
mate objects. Admiral Dewey says
have planted the seeds of cordial CO.
operation My agreement with Aguin-
aldo has been that the conditions of
government by the United States in the
Philippines would be vastly better for
him and his people in honor, advance
ment and profit than could exist under
any plan fixed by himself and FiIiDinos
I have traveFSed the entire ground of
government with him in counsel and he
has called his officials from Is provinces
TO meet for their discussion. all stated
as friendly but unofficial on my part -
On September ). Mr.. Williams ca bled !:
To-day delegations from 4 600 Vizayas
soldiers and also representing southern
business interests came to me pledging
loyalty to a constitution. Several in
surgent leaders likewise. Spain can not
control. If We evacua5e anarchy rules -