The Portland daily press., 1899-01-07

absolutely under the orders Of Admiral
Dewey they permitted to return to Ma
Mia
He stated that on April "a after another
conferences, he agreed, on behalf Of
Dewey, to allow two of the insurgents
delegation to accompany the feet to
Manila, he going with them. Later be
prevailed ON Admiral Dewey to allow
Aguinaldo to go. Referring to ARuinal-
dos organization OF a government. he
said II was an absolutely necessary step
TO maintain control over this natives. In
conclusion be said: II wish to put my
self on record as stating that the insur-
gent government OF the Philippine Islands
cannot be dealt with as though they we're
North American Indians, willing to be
removed from one reservation to another
at the whim Of their masters. IL the
United States decides not to retain the
Philippine islands its 10, 600 COO people
will demand Independence and the at
tempt Of any foreign nation to obtain
territory or coaling stations will be re-
sisted with the same spirit with which
they fought the Spsniards. -
The correspondence shows that Mr..
Wildman was warned not to mike pledges
or discuss policy with Aguinaido and he
replied that he made him no pledges and
exacted from him bat two. viz: 10 obey
uuquestionably the commander of the
United States forces in the Philippine
islands and to conduct his warfare on
civilized lines.
"Aeuinaldo," wrote Wildmen, "hsss
written me by every opportunity and l
believe he has been frank with me both
regarding bis actions and his motives.
do not doubt that he would like to be
President of the Philippine republic and
there may be small ooterie of his native
advisers who entertain like ambition.
but am perfectly certain that the great
-. - l. l. III Ill lNn
wealthy and eduaoied silipinos have but
one desire-to become citizens of the
United States. AS for tho mass OF the
natives, they would be content under any
rule save that of the Friars."
Consul General Pratt, stationed at
81 gapore, in n letter to the department
detailed bis last interview With gulDaldo,
saying that he enJoined upon the Philip
pine leader the necessity under the Com
modore's direction, of assuming absolute
control over his forces in the Philippines,
since no excess on their part would be
tolerated py the United States, the Presi-
dent having declared that hostilities with
spain were to be carried on In strict con-
formity with the principles of civilized
warfare MIR. Pratt stated that TO this
injunction Aguinsldo gave his full as
sent. air. Pratt also stated that Agntnal-
do expressed the hope that "the United
States would assume protection over the
Philippines for at least long enough TO
allow the Inhabitants to establish gov
ernment of their own, In the organization
of which he would desire American ad-
vice and assistance.
Assistant Secretary Moore, In memo
randum to the Secretary said: Mr..
Pratt was Instructed that 1t was proper
for him 30 obtain the unconditional as
sistance of General Aguinaldo but not to
make any political pledges.
WuaA yt.,N 4 frxA Nv
tary Day, said This government has
known the Philippine insurgents only as
disoontented subjects of Spain, and Is not
acquai ied with their purposes. The
United States in entering upon the occu .
patton of the Islands, as a result of its
military operations In that quarter win
do so In the exercise of rights which the
state of war confeFs and win expert from
the inhabitants without regardz to their
former attitude toward the spanish gov
ernmeat, that obedience which will be
lawfully due ffom them"