Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-12-06
OPENING OF POSSIBILITIES.
Ambitions of Filipino Leaders Blamed
with the Rupture--The Filipino Call to
Arms

Ambitions of Filipino Leaders Blamed
with the Rupture-The Filipino Call to
Arms.
But before their arrival at Manila the
sinister ambition of few leaders OF the
Filipinos had created a situation full of ,
enbarrassments for us and most grievous
in its Consequences 10 themselves. The
clear and impartial preliminary report OF
the commissioners. which transmit here
with. gives so lucid and comprehensive q
history OF the present insurrectionary
movement that the story need not be here
repeated. 1t is enough to say that the
claim of the rebel leader that he was pro-
missed independence by an officer Of tho
United States In return for his assistance
has no foundation In fact. and Is catego-
really denied by the very witnesses who
were
CALLED TO PROVE 1T.
The most the insurgent leader hoped for
when he came back TO Manila was the lib-
Grafton of the islands from the Spanish
control, which they had been laboring for
years without success TO throw Off.
The prompt accomplishment OF this work
by the American army and navy gave him
other ideas and ambitions, and insidious
suggestions from various quarters pervert-
ed the purposes and intentions with which
no had taken up arms. No sooner had cur
army captured Manila than the Filipino
forces began to assume an attitude ~ sus-
picion and hostility which the utmost ef-
forts OF our officers and troops were una
bic to dlsarm or modify. Their Kindness
and forbearance were taken as a proof OF
cowardice The aggressions OF tho F1li-
pinos continually increased until finally.
just before the time set by the Senate oe
the United States for vote upon the trca-
~, an attack evidently prepared In adj
vance, was made all along the American
lines, which resulted In terrific destructive
and sanguinsry repulse Of tho insurgents
TEN DAYS LATER
an order Of the nsurgent government was
issued TO it's adhere1rts who had remained
in Manila, in which General Otis justly Oh
serves that FLOR barbarous intent Il IL
unequalcd In modern times. IL directs
that at eight O'Clock on the night Of tho
18th OF February. the territorial militia
shall come together in the streets Of San
Pedro. armed with their belos with gins
and ammunition where convenient; that
Filipino families only shall be respected.
but that all other Individuals OF whatever
race they may be- shall be exterminated
without any compassion after the exter-
mination of the army Of occupation" and
adds: Brothers. VIC must avenge our
selves on the Americans and exterminata
them. that we may take our revenge for
the imfarnies ard treacheries which they
have committed upon US. Have no COM
passion upon them; attack with vigor" A
copy of this fell by good fortune. into tho
hands Of our officers and they were ahls
to take measures 10 control the rising.
which was actually attempted on the nsght
Of February 22ud. a week later than was
originally contemplated. Considerable num-
bes Of armed insurgents entered the city
by waterways and sg7mPss ard in concert
with confederates inside attempted to de-
stroy Manila by fire. They were kept IN
check during the night and the next day
driven out Of the city With heavy loss