Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-07

Ing az Aguinaldo's forces, and one re-
port stated that he did not have more
than 1000 men with him at Bayam
bang. Gen. Otis expressed the opinion
that the disintegration OF Aguinaldo's
men meant that they were getting tired
of war, and predicted the surrender of
large number of bands in a short
time. Some of the military experts
fear Gen. Otis is over-sanguine on this
point, and that the disintegration may
mean the beginning OF prolonged
guerrilla warfare.
MANILA, November s. 11:15 p. NJ
At Bacolor in the island of Negros, the
first autonomous government of the
Filipinos was established to-day. Gen.
Smith, governor of the island of Negros,
administered the oath Of office to the
judge of the supreme court, who in turn
swore in the governor, three judges,
twelve councilmen, the auditor and the
secretary of the interior. The natives
of the entire island attended the cere-
mony. The officers from Iloilo. were
also present. Three days feasting will
follow in celebration of the new gov
eminent and the first anniversary OF
the surrender of the Spaniards to the
Negros revolutionists, ending with a
ball in the government house tonight.
American flags are displayed in the viii
| lage. The celebration consisted Of
horse racing and other soprts, music,
religious functions and an illumination
The ball attracted the wives of the
wealthy planters and there was a great
| display of rich costumes and costly
jewels as would be seen at similar af-
fair in America or Europe.
Elections were held October .. the
number Of votes cast being 5,246. There
were forty candidates for the various
Offices. Melecio Reverino was elected
governor, receiving 1905 votes. Senior
Gaime received 1,277. Suffrage was de-
termined by property qualification and
ability to read and write.
COL Miner welcomed the officials on
behalf of the United States. In the
course of his remarks he said:
"Negros leads in the van of civil
government in the Philippines. Your
honor lies in adding a new star to
freedoms flag"
Gen. Smith during a speech which
he delivered. said:
Your future promises as brightly as
Japans. who to-day is recognized AS
among the civilized nations of the world. !"
Senior Reverino in replying, said that
the best thing for the future of Negroes
was the continuance of close relations
with the United States. Gen. Smith then
announced the granting of freedom to
the political prisoners in commemoration
of the event.
Gen Hughes, in command at Toilo, tele-
phoned congratulatory speech over the
eastern cable from that place.
Gen. Smith. in an interview, remarked
that it was Of the utmost importance that
the FiEpinos should be taught to recognize
the sovereignty of the United States The
gravest danger. he added threatening a
peaceful administration is intrigue among
the insular politicians, and he declared
that the United States government must
for years keep control of the Fiipinos in
order to prevent such conditions from ex-
listing.
The members of the Sixth infantry.
which is divided into thirty garrisons
throughout the island of Negros, are I'M
dergong great hardships.
A recently organized revolutionary
movement has been discovered In northern
Negros and the leaders have been forced
to withdraw to Panay. A number of ban
dts, under the leadership of Papa Issio,
religious charlatan, have been driven
into the mountains, but it rs expected that
they will give more trouble. A force of
$50 native soldiers, armed with Springfield
rifles. are helping the Americans, and are
found to be valuable as scouts.
Gem Lawton's operations have been tenn
porarily suspended owing to heavy rains
The country around Cabanatuan is flooded
The river. however, has begun falling rap
idly and probably the country in that sec
ton will soon resume its normal eonGi-
ton.