The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-12
FROM FILIPINos' STANDPOINT
Story of the Fighting the
Americans the Aggressors.

Story of the Fighting-Declare the
Americans the Aggressors.
London, Feb. 1.-THE European Fil-
ipino Junta received today a long tele-
gram from Agoncillo, the agent of
Aguinaldo, dated from Montreal, and
declaring that he left Washington in
consequence of "a telegram which he
received on February 4th from Aguin-
aldo, urging him to cable to Malolos the
result of the vote of the United States
Senate on the peace treaty. Aguinaldo,
il appears, added:
1T is of the most urgent Importance
that we should at once be acquainted
with the decision, as we are negotiating
with General Otis and the vote will
yitally affect the negotiations.
Agoncillo further declares that as he
was closely shadowed by the American
authorities, to despatch this telegram
would have been impossible, and he
therefore proceeded to British territory
Agoncillo also says he was persuaded
the treaty would not be ratified, and
points out that 1.-The three votes by
which it was passed were only obtained
at the last moment and as the result Of
the outbreak of hostilities."
The agent of Aguinaldo again express
ed his conviction that the outbreak was
provoked by the Americans for this
very purpose"
The telegram concludes:
The Filipinos were anxious to main
tain friendship with the Americans and
had formally decided never to be the
aggressors.
Several dispatches have also been re-
ceived here from Filipino sources. dated
from Manila, via Hong Kong. and Civ
ing the rebel version of the outbreak of
hostilities A Filipino despatch dated
from Manila, February 7th says:
"On Sunday a force of Americans at
tackled simultaneously Calcoolan and
Santa Mesa. Two American warships
were off Malabon and Malate and a
smaller gunboat was in the Pasig River
to protect the American flank.
For several days previously the Am
orleans had been endeavoring to pro
yoke hostilities and peace was maintain
ed only by the rigorous orders of Aguin-
aldo who was negotiating with General
Otis for an honorable understanding.
The American attack was unexpected.
The ships destroyed all the villages be-
tween the shore and the Pasig River,
within an area between Malate, Pa
ranaque, San Pedro and Mocati.
Crossing the river, the Americans
advanced to San Juan del Monte, cap
turing the water works after a severe
fight. They then proceeded to Singal-
on, establishing themselves on the river
dam. They tore up a mile of the rails
of the Caloocan-Malolos line ana cut
the telegraph in order to stop commun-
ication with Aguinaldo.
The Filipino forces engaged only
numbered seven thousand including one
thousand Ygorotes. Acting upon in
structions from Malolos, the Filipinos
remained strictly on the defensive and
finally retired in good order without any
loss of arms, artillery or ammunition.
Two old Krupps of an obsolete pattern,
mounted on the fortress of San Antonio,
were captured. The fighting was very
stubborn and lasted continually from
Saturday TO Tuesday.
''Genefal Indignation has been oeca-
stoned by the treachery Of the Amer-
can officials. Filipinos believe that the
Yankee Administration is only favored
by a minority of Americans, and only
abstain from taking the offensive in Or
der to show their gratitude to the
American nation for helping them to
get rid of Spanish rule. Hence they
will only fight when attacked, and their
future action depends upon the decision
of the United States.
| "Agunaldo declared that the real enc
mics of the peace are the American Of
| fcals in the Philippine Islands.
'''rhe Filipino loss to date is 1.05o
! killed and wounded, including 600 Ygo-
rotes who were barbarously moved
| lo.r .h1.x, tho Araanriaans SnNr