New-York tribune., 1899-10-02
ENJOYS MEET OTIS TO-DAY.
ANOTHER CONFERENCE on THE PRO
POSAL FOR PEACE
FILIPINO GENERALS VIEWS OF THE SIT
UATIoN-sAYs INSURGENTS CAN MAIN
TAIN CONFLICT INDEFINIrELY.

UATIoN-SAYs INSURGENTS CAN MAIN
TAIN CONFLICT INDEFINITELY.
Manila. oct. 1.-Aguinaldo's third attempt -
shift his difficulties into the field Of diplomacy Is
n repetition Of the other two endeavors to OBJ
tain some sort of recognition Of his so-called
government
The Filipino envoys had an hours conference
with General Otis this morning They brought
from Asuinaldo a message that he desired
peace. and wished to send a civilian govern
mental commission TO discuss the question
General Otis replied that it was impossible for
him 10 recognize Agunaldo's government in
that way
They presented a letter from Aguinaldo, as
president II the Republic" which was largely
a repetition Of his recent appeals for recog-
milton. General Otis informed them that while
he was willing to correspond with Aguinaldo az
general of the insurgent forces he must posi-
lively decline to recognize him a president
Of a civil government.
ANOTHER CONFERENCE TO-DAY.
Another conference will be held tomorrow.
The Filipinos Will remain two or three days.
Their movements are unrestricted, but they are
under the constant watch of Captain Johnston,
OF the 10Th Infantry. To-day they visited the
hospitals and distributed money among the
wounded Fhipinos, after which they made calls
and received visitors at their hotel.
Natives in their Sunday clothing thronged the
Plaza in front Of the hotel II day. stretching
their necks toward the windows for glimpse of
the snowy uniforms Of the ENJOYS. The assem-
hlage finally increased to a thousand people.
When the ENJOYS emerged for an afternoon
drive the natives removed their hats deferen-
italy. and a crowd in vehicles or on foot, fol-
lowed the carriage through the streets.
we desired peace, nut peace with independ
ence and honor said General Alejandrino to-
day He impresses one as dignihed and dispas-
sonate. and as a keen man Of the world. lie
was educated in Europe. and designed the re
markahle intrenchments from Manila 70 Tarlac.
While reticent concerning his mission. his con-
versation throws an interesting light upon the
Filipino view of the American attitude.
RESOURCES OF FILIPINOs.
How long can the Filipino army and people
withstand sixty thousand American troops?"
Fighting in our way, can maintain a state
Of war and the necessity for large army Of oc-
cupation Indefinitely You Americans are hold
Ing few miles around Manila, a narrow line of
railroad to Angeles and circle Of country
around San Fernando. But you are ignorant Of
the resources OF I.uzon. We hold the immense
rich. productive northern country from which 10
draw our people contribute the money and
food which maintain our army. and this is done
a minimum Of cost.
1T is an interesting question what the cost to
the American people Is Of maintaining the Amer
lean troops in the Philippines. We do not Of
course, know the amount. but it must be- exces-
sive. We perceive what an American soldier re-
quires in this climate ON the contrary a Fill
pino exists with a handful Of rice and pair Of
linen trousers We do not have to pay our sol
diers. and can practically hold UP their wages as
long as W. desire Even without our present
supply of arms and ammunition. we could keep
your army occupied for years.
NATIVES READY FOR PEACE.
with an expense that grows daily. how long
Will your people stand il? The Filipino people
do not wish to continue the fighting. We have
no army contractors. We have no business
men making profits from the maintenance or
our army There IS nothing in it for us, nor
ar our salaries large enough to keep us fight
ing for money and position"
Discussing the question Of a recognition by
the United States of the so-called Filipino Gov
eminent. General Alejandrlno said:
The freedom OF the American prisoners who
have lust been turned over 70 you was decreed
by the Filipino Congress. Your Government
has accepted them. It will doubtless accept
any others that our Government may free.
He inquired concerning the percentage OF SICK
American troops. and when informed said he
considered 1t small.
He asked a number Of questions indicating
hope of anti-mperalist action by the United
states Congress. and inquired what would De
the effect upon the National policy If Congress
should declare itself opposed to the prosecution
OF the war and whether anti-imperaAst sehu-
ment was growing in the United states.
He also made several inquiries regarding the
nature and effect Of Joint resolution OF Con
gress.