Washington sentinel., 1899-05-06
American Ignorance OF Filipino
Affairs.

A. H. Meyers writes from Shanghai:
No one here can understand why the
American public are so thoroughly
ignorant Of the true state of affairs; why
so many gross misrepresentation have
been made. This papers coming out
here from the United States contain all
kinds Of vague rumours as to expedi-
tiOns OF arms sent to the Philippines,
and statements that the Germans are
assisting the Filipinos. The bald headed
statement is made that large expedi.
ton OF arms intended for the FiliDinos
was coniscaied in Hong kong in Decem
Der by the British Government. This
information was cabled to the State
Department by COnsul-General Wild
man. have made inquiries, and can
assure you that a cablegram addressed
to the Colonial Secretary Of HOngkong
will elicit the information that there is
no truth whatever in Ibe statement.
have had the privilege OF meeting the
leaders of the Filipino Junta in Hong.
kong. and have learned for a positive
fact that the only arms in their possess
sion are forty two rifles presented by
Admiral Dewey and the arms and
ammunition presented by Admiral
Dewey which were found in the Arsenal
at Cavite. Besides these they have
1893 rifles with 2co,ooo rounds OF
ammunition that were sent over to the
Tulo Ia k.,
Widman. bought with their money in
May; and ga rifles, two Maxim guns and
500, 600 rounds Of ammunition for
rifles that were contracted Tor with
them in June by an American. This
latter contract was made with the
full knowledge OF the American officials,
aad in fact the details we're closed in
the Office OF the Consul General at
Hong Hong, ROunsevelle WIldman.
This American, a prominent merchant
here, has been closely connected with
the Filipinos from the start of the war;
and although he shipped this one lot Of
arms, it was done with the consent Of
the American officials. and it was gen
orally recognized at that time to be OF
considerable benefit to the Americans.
This same gentleman has advised the
Fllipinos on many oil their difficulties,
and has been responsible for the settle
ment ofmany questions that have arisen;
and the quiet submission OF the Filipinos
to the many insults and abuses they
were compelled to submit to is to a
great extent solely due to his counsel
and influence, He has advised them
that the American people as a whole
sympsthized with the weak and op-
pressed, but that unfortunately for their
cause, their case was not known to the
American public; and he tried to impress
upon them that if they left their cause in
the hands Of the American people that
it could only have one result t-liberty
and freedom, the same as every citizen
enjoyed IN the United States. He was
responsible for the sending Of Agoncillo
to Washington to explain everything to
the American people, not to demand,
but to beg Of them for justice; he induced
them to send a later commission to
strengthen AgoncilIo; to establish a
bureau in Hong Kong; to make use o
the press; aud 70 beg of the American
people, through their Government, tc
instruct their officials IN the Philippines
to treat them less harshlY.
Aguinsldo has often said to this same
gentleman, II have every confidence il
the ultimate justice aud fairness Of tn,
American people. recognize a
unfortunately they know very little o
me or my people; but what fear is tina
out OF the thousands of men under M
command that some of them, being
aggravated, will turn about, FIRE a gun
and then the mine will be exploded. Blu
Il your people lmesning the Americans
will only help me just a little am sur,
that there will be peace able settlemen
with Justice to all. Consul Genera
Wildnlan knew OF this gentleman
work in the interest Of peace, and yet h
was responsible ior the sending to tn
United States OF different articles assert
ing that this party was supplying arm
and, ammunition to the Filipinos, and a
grave an injustice has been done to thi
| gentleman as TO the FtlipinOs them
selves.