The times., 1899-07-19

a certainty. Others were owners Of large
estates. rented out in small tracts to hun
dreds of the common people who had fled
from their homes aud left the land deserted
and unproductive. They had practically
given all their revenues for the support OF
the revolutionary government. expecting
10 get II all back again many-fold when the
Government should come completely into
their hands; and the successes of the
Americans had cut off those revenues and
threatened to still further reduce them.
and they began to see that they were en-
gagged in financially disastrous enter
prise
When the Filipino ConSress met at San
Isidro on May .. this element was in the
majority among It's members. and the re-
suit was the appointment of a committee
OF seven to open negotiations with General
Jus Tor peace, on the basis OF the procia-
nation issued by the American Commis-
sioners.
Although Aguinaldo has been the nomi-
mai head OF the insurrectiol, he has never
| been as fiery and radical as most OF his
generals and some of his cabinet such as
Luna. the Secretary Of War. or Mabini. the
Secretary OF State. He has been diplo-
matte and crafty. and has leaned at all
times toward the faction developing the
most strength. At this particular time he
TOOK somewhat neutral position appar-
emily not daring to side with either faction,
and gave his assent to the conclusion OF
peace. provided certain terms were given
and the army was satisfied.
Somewhat previous to this. however. the
active direction of military affairs hai been
| taken out of his hands. and Luna. as Sec
retary of War. had made himself chief OF
the forces in the field and practically die
tator, with the army at his back. As sool
as the peace committee was appointed by
the Filipino Congress, Luna took active
steps, IN the genuine Filipino way. TO con-
serve his own interests. He concentrated
the army at Tarlac, q strong position on
the railroad some twenty miles from San
Fernando, the extreme point of our ad-
vance. and then took active measures To
get into his possession this congressional
commission. Two OF them he captured and
eeheaded; three OF them Joined forces with
him, and the other two made lucky es-
cape TO Manila and thus saved their heads.
Then General Luna began peace nsgotia-
tions on his own account, but, apparently
from their nature, they were only for pro-
curing delay until the rainy season had
completely paralyzed the active operations
of the American Army, and given him time
to organize the Government anew. with
himself as dictator. These were the ne
gotiations that were opened up through
General Lawton at San Isidro. during the
fast ten days OF May which have Just ended,
with no progress toward peace having been
made.
The only hope for peace lies in the fac
tional quarrels of the insurgent leaders.
Their habit of deceit and treachery renders
it as impossible to deal honestly and sin
cerely with each other as to do so with
US. and mutual distrust and suspicion
necessarily prevail. IL is this which has
been counted upon from the first, by all
persons familiar with the Filipino eharac-
ter and history. to bring about the final
termination OF the insurreetion, which
could not be accomplished by arms against
an undivided and loyal people. That these
forces are at work bringing about this re-
suit. these facts amply show.
As l write there has just been received
information which seems to be upon re-
liable authority, but 1t is not yet confirmed,
that Luna has himself met death at
the hands of the assassin at San Isidro- II
this be true it will hasten the coming Of
the end, because Luna is by far the most
forceful and influential Of the radical fac
ton. However, it does not seem possible
to conclude peace negotiations with any
leader or set of leaders Of a certain fac
ton. Each little general has his district
and his following, and each will probably
have to be negotiated with separately and
it may be that for months after the war
has been practically closed the insurgents
in some of the provinces viii resist Amer
ican authority over the people, and raise
revenues by forced contributions for their
support. To subdue these chiefs in the ou.-
lying districts. in which they Will oper-
ate will be the most pleasant task Of
the regular troops, now taking the place
of the volunteers who have so calamity
defeated the organized forces of the Fill
pino government.