St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1899-11-08

Washington, Nov. 7.-There Is an
optimistic feeling in army circles re-
garding the Wheaton expedition 10
Dagupan, which in connection with
I,awton and MacArthur's forces, aims TO
hem in Agunaldo's army and capture
him. This plan Of campaign was men
toned several weeks ago, but the de-
partment had aimed to keep all knowl-
edge Of the expedition from reaching the
public and the insurgents until now
when the movement Is we'll under way
and the junction about to be made.
It is Of course possible and even prob
able that the insurgents will slip out of
the American hands, just as they have
done so often before. But if Aguinaldo
escapes to the north he will be getting
into what Is at best only neutral terri
tory, and little farther north the peo-
pie will openly antagoniZe him. This
step is, on the Americans part the grand
maneuver of their whole campaign, ana
army officials here believe that even IL
Aguinaldo himself gets away, his army
will either be beaten so decisively or so
scattered to the hills as to make his fur
Their stand impossible.
No campaign can be carried on by
either side in the interior, and when the
insurgents once are driven into that in
terror the Americans hope that the sup
port Of this insurgent army will prove
such burden upon the Inhabitants that
1t will not be tolerated. If the Tagals
become involved in a quarrel among
themselves the war will soon be over.
| A Manila dispatch announces that the
| first autonomous government of the
| Filipinos was established at Bacolo, in
the island of Negroes, yesterday. Cen
eral Smith, governor Of the Island of
| Negroes, administered the oath of office
| to the judge of the supreme court, who in
turn swore in the governor, three judges,
10 councilmen, the auditor and the Sec
rotary Of the interior. The natives Of
the entire island attended the ceremony.
The officers from Iloilo were also present.
Three days feasting, in celebration Of
the new government and the first an
niversary of the surrender Of the Span
iards to the Negroes revolutionists, ended
with ball i'll the government house last
night. American flags were displayed
in the village. The celebration con-
sisted Of horse racing and other sports,
music, religious functions and an illumi-
nation The ball last night attracted
the wives of the wealthy planters, and
there was as great display of rich cos
tunes and costly jewels as would be
seen at a similar affair in America OF
Europe.
Elections were held Oct. 2, the number
of votes cast being 524S. There were
40 candidates for the various offices
Senior Melecio Severino was elected gov
ernor receiving 1906 votes. Senol
Jaime received 1871 votes. Suffrage wa!
determined by property qualification
and ability to read and write.
, Colonel Miner welcomed the officials
on behalf of the United States. In tn
course Of his remarks he said Negro
leads in the van of civil government il
the Philippines. Your honor lies il
) adding a new star to freedoms flag"
: General Smith, during speech whic
he delivered, said: Your future prom
4 ises as brightly as Japan's. who, today
= is recognized as among the civilized ma
e lions of the world"
j Senior Severino, in replying, said tina
e the best thing for the future Of Negro
e was the continuance of close relation
d with the United States.
S General Smith then announced tn
: granting of freedom to the polite;
: prisoners in commemoration of tt
s event.
General Hughes, in command at 1lol
n telephoned a congratulatory speeeo
e over the eastern cable, from that place.
r General Smith, in an interview, r.
II marked that it was of the utmost in
lie portance that the Filipinos should
: taught to recognize the sovereignty
d, the United States. The gravest DANCE
l. he said threatening a peaceful admit
s, istration was intrigue among the insul
lie politicians, and he declared that Il
J. United States government must f
l. years keep control of the Filipinos in
III der to prevent such conditions from e
e. listing.
st A recently organized Tevolutiona
pc movement has been discovered in mort
lis ern Negroes. and the leaders have be
pc forced TO withdraw to Panay. A numb
d. of bandits, under the leadership
st Papa Issio, q religious charlatan, ha
t. been driven into the mountains, but
he is expected that they will give me
es trouble. A force of $50 native soldie
&c armed with Springfield rifles, are he
90 ing the Americans. and are found to
valuable as scouts.
General Lawton's operations have be
ed temporarily suspended, owing to hea
n rains. The country around Cabanatu
III, Is flooded. The river, however, has
hit, gun falling rapidly, and probably
ed country in that section will soon resuI
he it's normal condition.
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