The Indianapolis journal., 1899-01-29
FELIPE AGONCILLO.
A Shrevd, Cultivated Filipino Who
StiII shows Snvage Traits.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 2S.-Felipe Agon-
clio, the special agent of General Aguin-
aldo, is a shrewd, cultivated man, who is
all the more adroit and dangerous because
he has had the advantage of the drill and
veneer of the schools. 1t must not be for
gotten that this Malay emissary, although
a polished and well-educated parsonage, is
the representative of a race that until re-
Gently belonged, and even yet belongs, to
that branch of humanity that Europeans
consider uncivilized. Smooth of exterior,
yet prick his skin and the Filipino is still
savage.
Spanish dominion in the Philippines has
never been able to 'civilize' the native
Filipinos. Agoncillo while presenting all
the outward seeming of a gentleman can
not really be blamed if he inherits the in
stincts Of the Malay race with which he is
one in blood. He is lawyer of Manila and
is a most trusted friend of Aguinaldo, the
rebel leader. For long time he had been
the repository of that leaders hopes, am
bitions and fears 1t is said that Agoncillo
was a sharer in the 100000 paid to Aguin-
aldo by the Spanish government in con-
sideration of the [atters abandonment of
the rebellion.
Agoncillo, physically, bears all the marks
of his Malay origin He is of small but
compact frame and has the appearance of
being able to stand much fatigue, either
mental or physical, in case his reserve of
vitality should be called upon. He is suave
in manner, as are all Orentals, and under
a seeming quietude there dWells d firm,
quick and most impulsive nature that is, to
civilized man, a complete surprise when
1t shows Itself. In one word Agoncillo is
calculated to offer to the untraVeled and
unsusplclouS American one of those sur
priSing transformation scenes that are
known in the United States only in theaters.
For an American in New York or Chicago,
for example, Aguinaldos agent, or spy, as
he now appears to be, would seem a plain,
honest, unequivocal man with the best in
tereStS of his country at heart, deSirOuS of
being a friend Of the new and big power
that has come into the Philippines The
American could hardly believe that he could
mediate a stroke against such a powerful
government as that of the United States.
But that is where precisely AgoncilloS 8
college man as he is, he suffers under the
delusiOn that the rebel Filipinos can whip
America. There he discloses the shrewd-
ness of the fox without the natural in
Stinct of that animal that warns him
against danger or against a tremendously
more powerful enemy.
When AgOncillo came to Washington he
was treated with all the kindness and con-
sideration he deserved. and probably more.
1t is said that he pretends to be ignorant
OF the English language, but that in reality
he understands the tongue perfectly well. He
has been interviewed several times with the
aid of an Interpreter, and if it be true that
he understands English it is probable he
will hear many things that will not be
grateful to his ears.
One characteristic shown by Agoncillo
since his arrival in this country is peculiar
ly savage. He has evinced a childish love
of gay clothes and highly colored neckties
which, while amusing to many who will not
regard the Filipino rebels with the same
seriousness given them by the Spaniards.
has been proof positive to thoughtful per-
sons that he was not to be taken in good
faith. Whatever may be the outcome of
the present snarl in which Agoncillo finds
himself. it is certain that few will longer
feel disposed to humor him as they would
a child. Savage or civilized. Agoncillo must
stand or fall with his deserts